Hotspot data is consumed whenever a connected device uses a smartphone's internet connection. USB, Bluetooth, and WiFi can be used to tether devices to a mobile phone for internet access. Transfering locally-stored files between a cell phone and laptop over USB will not consume hotspot data quota.

What's the difference between tethering and hotspot?

Difference between tethering and hotspot

Tethering requires high-speed connection while hotspot requires medium to high-speed internet connection. Tethering used less battery and is relatively cheaper as compared to hotspot while hotspot uses more battery. Hotspot uses a high amount of data as compared to tethering.

Does tethering use data or hotspot?

Mobile Hotspot tethering is the act of connecting your wireless device to your phone to share its Internet connection. In essence, the connecting device, typically a laptop or set-top box, uses the active data plan of the phone to connect to the Internet.