Staying connected is essential, and sometimes you need to share your internet connection with other devices. Whether you are on Windows, Android, or iPhone, features like mobile hotspot and hotspot settings make internet connection sharing quick and secure.
In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to share network connection, including mobile hotspot setup, hotspot settings configuration, and Windows’ Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) feature.
What Is Internet Connection Sharing?
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is a feature that lets one device with an active internet connection act as a host, allowing other devices to connect and use that connection.
Examples of share network connection include:
- Turning your PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Using your smartphone as a mobile hotspot for your laptop.
- Sharing internet through Ethernet or Bluetooth.
This is especially useful when you don’t have access to a traditional Wi-Fi router.
How Do I Share My Internet Connection on Windows?
Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in mobile hotspot feature that makes sharing your internet connection easily possible.
Step 1: Open Hotspot Settings
- Select Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.
- Under Share my internet connection from, choose Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Cellular.
Step 2: Configure Hotspot Settings
- Click Edit to change your network name (SSID) and password.
- Turn on the Mobile Hotspot toggle.
Step 3: Connect Other Devices
- On another device, go to Wi-Fi settings.
- Select your Windows hotspot.
- Enter the password and connect.
For wired devices, you can share your internet connection via Ethernet by bridging connections in Control Panel.
Windows 10 Internet Connection Sharing (Detailed Guide)
In Windows 10, you can share an internet connection by turning your PC into a mobile hotspot.
It doesn’t matter whether you are using a laptop or desktop — the process is the same. Windows allows you to use a hotspot without any complex setup.
Steps for Windows 10 Internet Connection Sharing
- Open Settings by clicking the Windows button.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Click on Mobile hotspot from the left pane.
- Turn ON the hotspot toggle. (Your PC must already be connected to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular data — otherwise the option won’t work.)
- Under Share my Internet connection from, choose which internet source to share.
- Change your network name and password if needed.
Now your PC is ready to connect up to 8 devices at the same time. Simple and easy.
Troubleshooting: Windows 10 Internet Connection Sharing Not Working
To get the best experience when you share your internet connection with other devices:
If the Windows 10 internet connection sharing is not working or the hotspot option doesn’t appear, try the following:
- Update Windows to the latest version.
- Ensure your PC has an active connection (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular).
- Restart your system and retry.
You can also turn a PC into a hotspot via Command Prompt or third-party software, but the built-in feature is the simplest and most reliable.
Tips for Better Hotspot Performance
- Use a strong password to secure your network and internet sharing.
- Limit connected devices to avoid slow speeds.
- Plug in your host device to prevent battery drain.
- Switch to 5 GHz band in hotspot settings for faster speeds.
How Do I Share My Internet Connection on Android?
Android devices offer simple hotspot settings for internet sharing.
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & tethering.
- Tap Wi-Fi Hotspot.
- Turn it on, then set your network name, password, and band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
- Other devices can now connect to your mobile hotspot.
How Do I Share Internet Connection on iPhone?
iPhone users can quickly create a personal hotspot.
- Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot.
- Enable Allow Others to Join.
- Share your Wi-Fi password with friends or other devices.
When Should I Use Internet Connection Sharing?
- While traveling – Share one hotel Wi-Fi connection.
- Working remotely – Connect your laptop using a phone’s mobile hotspot.
- During outages – Use ICS as an emergency backup.
- No router available – Turn your PC into a hotspot.
How do I share my internet connection with other devices on Windows?
Use the Mobile Hotspot feature in Windows settings. You can share over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet.
What is the difference between mobile hotspot and internet connection sharing?
A mobile hotspot is a feature on your phone or PC that creates a temporary Wi-Fi network. Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is the broader term that includes sharing via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth.
Can I share my network connection without Wi-Fi?
Yes. On Windows, you can use Ethernet or Bluetooth tethering. On phones, USB tethering works without Wi-Fi.
Is hotspot safe to use?
Yes, as long as you use a strong password in hotspot settings and limit who can connect.
Can I share my internet connection on Windows without third-party apps?
Absolutely. Windows has a built-in share your internet connection easily feature under Network & Internet settings.
Whether on Windows, Android, or iPhone, internet connection sharing is a must-know feature. By configuring your hotspot settings properly, you can create a secure mobile hotspot and share your internet connection with other devices at any time.
Next time someone asks, “Can you share your network connection?”, you’ll know exactly how to do it.
Must Read: How to Check Windows Version
Internet Speed Meter for Windows 10