Being without internet at critical times is a nightmare. The solution, however, is literally in your pocket: sharing your cell phone's internet using a USB cable, like the charger.

Three methods

Both Android smartphones and iPhones have a tool that allows you to share your phone's internet connection with other devices. The methods for turning your phone into a modem are via WiFi, Bluetooth or USB connection. Of these, the safest of all is USB, because there is no connection accessible to strangers via radio, and it is also the fastest, without interference from the environment. In addition, it saves battery – in fact, it charges, since the USB port will power the phone. The disadvantage, besides requiring proximity and a cable, is that it only works with one device.

On android

• On your phone, go to Settings;
• Then tap on Connections;
• Scroll down until you find the Wi-Fi Hotspot and Tethering option (or Tethering, depending on your device) and tap on it;
• Three options should appear: Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth tethering, and USB tethering. Enable the option that works best for you;
• If you choose USB, connect your cell phone to the computer using the appropriate cable;
• In Windows 10, the option to use the USB connection will appear automatically, but if it does not appear, just click on Network and choose the option to connect with USB.

Google has a support page for users to ask questions and resolve issues with the option of using an Android phone as a router, which can be accessed here.

Using iOS

• On your iPhone, go to Settings;
• Right at the beginning, you will be able to see the cell phone's internet connection options and the Personal Access item. If it is not available, it is possibly because mobile data is disabled, just enable it and the option will appear;
• Tap Personal Hotspot, then turn on the option;
• Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable;
• In Windows 10, the option to use the USB connection will appear automatically, but if it does not appear, just click on Network and choose the option to connect with USB.

A Apple also has its support page for questions and problems with Personal Access, accessed here.

And that's it. This way your cell phone shares the internet via USB.

Image: Blackzheep/Shutterstock