[Solved] USB Tethering Greyed Out

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This guide explains why USB tethering is sometimes greyed out and how you can fix the issue. Please try all the solutions we have covered, and hopefully, you will be able to quickly fix the issue. If you can’t fix it even after following all the solutions, please use the comment box on this page.

Why Does USB Tethering Greyed Out Problem Occurs and How to Fix It?

The USB tethering option is always greyed out until the device detects a USB device. But sometimes, the device does not identify the other device, and you may end up seeing the option as greyed out even after plugging the USB. Reasons for not detecting a device can be a faulty USB cable, faulty port, a charge-only cable, software bugs, and more.

In the next section, we have covered all the solutions that can fix the tethering issue on your device. 

Solution 1: Try a different USB cable

Make sure you use a USB data cable; some USB cables are charge-only so they can’t be used for USB tethering. Keep in mind even some data USB cables do not allow USB tethering, so you need to find the one that does. 

Solution 2: Try a different USB port

Laptops and desktop computers have multiple USB ports; if you use a USB 2.0 port, try a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 and check if it fixes the issue. If you have a desktop computer, try connecting with one of the USB ports on the back of the CPU cabinet. 

Solution 3: Clean the charging and USB port

Sometimes dirt on the charging or USB port can be the reason behind the connectivity issue. Blow air in the charging port of your device and repeat the same for the USB port. In some instances, air will not be enough, so you may have to use a brush to gently clean the ports. 

Some device cases do not let the plug go all the way in, so please remove the case and try connecting your device. 

Solution 4: Remove the USB dock if you use it

If you are using a USB dock, try plugging in the USB without the dock.

Solution 5: Restart both devices

Sometimes restarting a device can fix issues like these; there will be no explanation about why it was happening, but it can sure fix it for some people.

Solution 6: Turn off ”Data saver” mode

When you try to enable tethering while Data saver is enabled, a message that says ”Can’t use Mobile Hotspot while Data saver is on” will appear on the screen. So if your device is on Data saver mode, turn it off because it will not let you use tethering when enabled.

Solution 7: Check for software updates on both devices

Check for software updates on your devices that you are using and install the updates if available. 

Read: How to Check for and Install Windows Updates

Read: How do I update my Android?

If you update your Android device and it still does not fix the issue, figure out what’s the name of the launcher your device is using and then follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Settings.
2. Apps.
3. Tap three dots on the top right.
4. Select System apps.
5. Find and tap on your Launcher app.
6. Go to Storage and then finally Clear Data and Clear Cache.

The steps can be different depending upon Android versions. 

Solution 8: Turn on developer options

Note: We have not tested this solution, but according to some users on a popular forum, this method seems to work in some instances.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap System > About phone > Software Information.
3. Keep tapping the Build number until it activates Developer Options.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap Developer Options.
5. Enable Developer Options by using the button on the top right.
6. Plugin the USB, select ”MTP” when asked, and hopefully, USB tethering option will be available. 

Solution 9: Factory reset your device

Factory resetting your device will wipe everything and change all the settings to default, so make sure you backup your data first. After the backup, you can try factory resetting and check if that fixes the issue.

What to Do if None of the Solutions Work?

The first thing you should do is figure out which device is causing the problem. For example, if you are trying to use your Android phone’s USB tethering on a Windows 10 computer, try connecting other Android device to the same computer; if it works, then your Android device could be the reason behind the problem.