How can I share a Windows laptop’s Ethernet connection with an Android phone over Wi‑Fi?

Since the laptop is online through Ethernet, the intended setup is valid: the laptop acts as a small router, sharing its wired connection over Wi‑Fi. The phone does not need to connect to the home router directly. If iPhone works but Android does not, compare the Android device’s DNS, proxy, VPN, and private DNS settings, and disable any active VPN or manually configured proxy while testing.

A corporate firewall or endpoint security product on the laptop could also allow the laptop itself online while blocking traffic forwarded through Internet Connection Sharing. Check whether the machine is managed or has third-party firewall rules, and test with the relevant security policy temporarily relaxed if permitted.

First, make sure Windows Internet Connection Sharing is using the Ethernet adapter as the source and the Mobile Hotspot adapter as the shared connection. Windows can switch the selected adapter after a restart or after network changes. Re-select the Ethernet connection for the hotspot, save the setting, then disconnect and reconnect the phone.

Check the Android phone’s Private DNS setting and temporarily set it to Off or Automatic before reconnecting. A DNS configuration can make the phone appear connected while it cannot resolve or reach internet addresses. Also forget the hotspot network on the phone and join it again after changing the setting.