Question from Devon P.: Rick, I have Charter Internet, and I access it through a Belkin wireless router that the Wi-Fi has stopped working on. That’s fine for me because I only have one computer, and since it’s a desktop I just keep it plugged in to the router via an Ethernet cable.
The problem I have is I also need to connect my Samsung Galaxy S4 to the router via the Micro USB connector since there is no Wi-Fi available and there is no usable cell service out here in the boondocks where I live.
I can’t seem to get a straight answer as to whether I can do this or not, and I’d really appreciate it you could give me a yes or no (and if the answer is yes, the steps I need to take to do it). I’d like to avoid having to buy a new wireless router if I can.
Rick’s answer: Devon, the short answer to your question is yes, there are a couple of methods you could use to “tether” your Galaxy S4 to the Internet via a USB cable. But the long answer is you really shouldn’t. I know of several instances where folks have cobbled together a wired Internet connection to their smart phones, but in every instance the idea was quickly dropped due to a very bad user experience.
Smart phones were designed to connect to the Internet wirelessly via 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi, and that’s the way they work most smoothly and efficiently. I feel that I would be doing you a great disservice by trying to steer you down the wired “path”.
I strongly recommend just replacing your defective wireless router with a new one. You really don’t need the fastest router on the market. Just a $35 model from Walmart or Best Buy will do just fine. I know this isn’t exactly the kind of “yes” answer you were hoping for, but I honestly believe it’s the best answer.
Update from Devon: Thanks for the advice Rick. I trust your judgement so I’ll be heading to Best Buy in the morning to buy a new router.
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