Chrome OS Instant Tethering now supports 15 more Chromebooks and 30 more Android smartphones


Chromebooks are known for being lightweight and easy to use. This makes Chrome OS devices perfect for on-the-go computing. While we already carry smartphones that can connect to the internet at all times, most people don’t want a separate data plan for their laptop. Chrome OS has made this easy with a feature called Instant Tethering, but it has been limited to Google’s own Chromebooks and phones. Now, Google is bringing the feature to more devices.

Instant Tethering is now possible on an additional 15 Chrome OS devices and more than 30 Android phones (full list below). The feature makes it very easy to tether to your phone on the go. When your Chromebook doesn’t have an internet connection, it will automatically (once setup) create a connection to your phone. Tethering is automatically disconnected after more than 10 minutes of inactivity, so you don’t have to worry about running up your data bill.

To use Instant Tethering, you need to have a compatible device and be signed in to the same Google account on both devices. You will see a notification appear when your Chromebook is not connected to the internet. Select “Connect” and tethering will begin. Select “Disconnect” from the notification to end tethering. Google says they plan on bringing the feature to even more devices in the future.