Chrome OS Instant Tethering now available on 15 more Chromebooks and 31 Android phones

Google introduced Instant Tethering in 2017 to let Chrome OS devices automatically share an Android phone’s cellular connection. Initially limited to Google devices, it’s now available on 15 additional Chromebooks and 31 Android phones.

Instant Tethering is now part of the “Better Together” initiative introduced with Chrome OS 71, seeking to improve the experience of owning a Chromebook and Android phone. Once paired, your Chromebook can be unlocked by that mobile device when it’s nearby, or send and receive Messages through the web.

Another key feature is automating the multi-step process of sharing your phone’s internet connectivity with a Chromebook. Users no longer have to manually create and turn on a Wi-Fi hotspot, and then enter those network credentials.

Network strength and phone battery life appear in Chrome OS settings so that users don’t have to manually check. Meanwhile, after 10 minutes of no Chromebook activity, Instant Tethering will automatically disconnect from your laptop and turn off the phone’s network to save data and power.

Users last month began spotting the expanded availability with Google, confirming today that Instant Tethering is available on 15 Chromebooks in addition to the Pixelbook and Pixel Slate. Chrome OS 71 and above is required:

On the mobile side, a Pixel or Nexus phone is no longer needed with 31 devices running Android Nougat and above now supported:

Google plans to add Instant Tethering to even more devices in the coming months as it works to improve the integration between Android and Chrome OS.