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This allows your phone to be lifeline to your computer, giving it internet access

This allows your phone to be lifeline to your computer, giving it internet access

Vote: (26 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: June Fabrics Technology

Version: 5.32

Works under: Android

Also available for Mac Windows

Vote:

Program license

(26 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

June Fabrics Technology

5.32

Works under:

Also available for

Android

Mac Windows

Pros

  • Lets you use your Android device as a wireless modem to share your mobile data connection.
  • Has features that get around carrier blocks on tethering.
  • App is constantly updated and improved by developers.
  • Doesn't require rooting to use all functions.

Cons

  • Certain functions aren't compatible with devices sold through some mobile providers.
  • Tether usage hiding function may prevent some websites from working correctly.

PdaNet is a utility that allows you to use your smartphone as a portable wireless modem. This lets you use your mobile Internet connection on other devices, such as a desktop or laptop PC, as well as some tablets. PdaNet can be used with the majority of wireless networks, but is particularly useful if your mobile service is with a company that doesn't allow tethering or requires that you pay for a more expensive data plan if you want to use the Internet on a device other than your phone.

Having the ability to use your mobile Internet connection on another device can come in handy in a variety of situations. If you travel a lot, you can use it to access the Internet on a laptop when you're in a spot that doesn't have a reliable WiFi network. Many people have found it very useful if they move and need to wait a week or two before they have Internet service in their new home, as it lets them have Internet access on a device other than their smartphone.

If you use PdaNet to access the Internet through your mobile data connection, you should keep in mind that any data transferred will be deducted from your plan if it isn't unlimited. As using the Internet on a PC tends to transfer more data than on a mobile, you may want to consider upgrading to a plan with a higher data allotment if you do so regularly. Although the app is more commonly used with mobile data connections, you can also use it when your phone is connected to a WiFi network. This is very useful if you have an older PC without a built-in WiFi card, as you can piggyback off your phone's connection.

PdaNet has been constantly updated over the years by its development team. The latest version comes with many improvements and more functions. You can now connect a Windows or Mac computer to your phone by USB data cable, Bluetooth or create a WiFi hotspot. There is also a "hide tether usage" function, which gets around tethering blocks imposed by some providers. You can also enable using Google DNS servers instead of those of your provider. Unlike some competing apps, PdaNet doesn't require a rooted Android device to work.

The app comes in two parts, one for your Android device and the other one for computers running Windows or macOS. The software will automatically install drivers if needed the first time you use it.

Even though PdaNet is compatible with a vast number of Android devices and mobile service providers, there are still some limitations. For example, WiFi mode can't be used with smartphones provided by certain phone companies, but USB mode should work fine. Some of the functions that disguise your PC as a mobile device to get around carrier restrictions may affect the functionality of a few online services, most notably Netflix.

Pros

  • Lets you use your Android device as a wireless modem to share your mobile data connection.
  • Has features that get around carrier blocks on tethering.
  • App is constantly updated and improved by developers.
  • Doesn't require rooting to use all functions.

Cons

  • Certain functions aren't compatible with devices sold through some mobile providers.
  • Tether usage hiding function may prevent some websites from working correctly.