How to Reverse Tether Your PC’s Internet Connection to Android

Ever found yourself with a solid internet connection on your PC but no Wi-Fi or mobile data for your Android device? Maybe you’re in a hotel, your Wi-Fi’s acting up, or your data plan’s run out. Whatever the reason, reverse tethering lets you share your PC’s internet connection with your Android phone or tablet.

Here’s exactly how you do it, the easiest ways possible.

What is Reverse Tethering?

Normal tethering shares your phone’s internet with your PC. Reverse tethering flips that: your PC provides the internet, and your Android device connects through it.

Method 1: Share Internet via USB Cable

This is the most reliable way and doesn’t require rooting your device.

What You’ll Need:

A Windows PC (works best)
A USB cable
Your Android phone or tablet

Steps:

1. Connect Your Android Device to PC via USB

Plug your device into your PC using the USB cable.

2. Enable USB Debugging on Android

Go to:

Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options.
Go back to Settings > Developer Options > turn on USB Debugging.

3. Download and Install Reverse Tethering Tools

The easiest tool is Gnirehtet by Genymobile.

Download Gnirehtet for Windows: Gnirehtet Releases
Extract the ZIP file somewhere easy to find.

4. Run Gnirehtet

Open the extracted folder.
Double-click gnirehtet-run.cmd (or run it in Command Prompt).
Grant permission on your Android device when prompted.

5. That’s It—You’re Online!

Your Android device should now be using your PC’s internet connection.

Method 2: Share Internet via Wi-Fi Hotspot (SoftAP)

If your PC is connected to the internet via Ethernet (wired), you can turn your PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Windows 10/11:

Go to:
Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot.
Turn On
Share my Internet connection with other devices.
Configure Network Name and Password, then connect your Android device via Wi-Fi.

Method 3: Third-Party Apps (Root May Be Required)

Apps like Reverse Tethering NoRoot Free or PDANet+ can sometimes work, but results vary and you might run into compatibility issues.

Reverse Tethering NoRoot Free uses a combination of PC software and an app.
PDANet+ works with both USB and Wi-Fi but may have some limitations.

Note: Most users will get the best results with Gnirehtet (Method 1) or Windows’ Mobile Hotspot (Method 2).

Troubleshooting Tips

Make sure your USB drivers are installed.
If Gnirehtet can’t detect your device, check that USB Debugging is on.
Some security software may block hotspot features—disable temporarily if you run into issues.
If using Wi-Fi hotspot, make sure your PC’s firewall isn’t blocking connections.

Final Thoughts

Reverse tethering isn’t something you need every day, but when you do, it’s a lifesaver. Whether you’re traveling, saving data, or just need a workaround, the steps above should get your Android device online using your PC’s connection in no time.

Have questions or run into a problem? Drop a comment below!

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Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!