A good thought is to connect your phone to Wi-Fi for your PC regularly.
A good thought is to connect your phone to Wi-Fi for your PC regularly.
It depends on the device and its capabilities. Using a spare phone as a USB Wi-Fi adapter or for USB tethering can be safe if it supports those functions and is properly managed. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure compatibility and avoid potential damage.
the phone's battery will wear down quicker, but it's generally fine.
As long as you have the appropriate internet plan (hotspots cost more), any problems should be avoided. However, your USB connection may still be restricted unless it uses Thunderbolt or high-speed USB 3.
They probably use it as a USB WiFi adapter for the computer, without needing an internet plan on the phone. It’s likely less reliable than a dedicated receiver because of the reasons mentioned earlier—most phones only support USB 2 and act as a secondary router, causing double-NAT issues. Given how inexpensive these adapters are, this setup makes sense only for a PC you rarely use and just need internet occasionally, making the cost not justified. If it’s something you rely on daily, a proper adapter is definitely worth the investment.
Select your data origin and technique—Wi-Fi or cellular data, wired connection or Bluetooth.