The Instant Tethering feature rolling out to Pixel, Nexus devices running Android 7.1.1 Nougat

After being marked last month, the Instant Tethering feature is all set to roll out entirely to Pixel and also selected Nexus smartphones running Android 7.1.1 Nougat or above officially. Gaining popularity, the feature fundamentally allows users to pair two devices (with same Google account logged in) and shares one device's cellular connection (host) with the other in case of no Internet connection.

Well, the devices that can use this Instant Tethering feature to act as hosts for other devices include Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P running Android 7.1. And on the other hand, the devices that can use the shared data connection provided with this feature include Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, and Nexus 9 running Android 6.0 and up.

Play Services version 10.2.98 or later is necessary to support this feature but a server-side component is also needed for it to work, points out 9To5Google in its report. Additionally, the shared link can be used without the hassle of entering the password.

In order to switch on the feature, users need to head to Settings > Google > Instant Tethering and tap on 'Provide data connection' option to start sharing their Internet connection. After which, the users will get a notification that says "Wi-Fi hotspot available". Just a tap and users can choose to connect and start using the data connection.

Particularly beneficial for tablets that does not have a cellular connection, Instant Tethering feature remains to be seen if the search giant will eventually roll out the trait to devices other than Nexus and Pixel or it will stay exclusive.