USB tethering

How to tether your Sony over USB to your phone

Turn your phone into the tether: connect your Sony over USB and CloudTether uploads every full-resolution shot to the cloud the instant you press the shutter — no laptop, no card reader.

By the CloudTether team · Updated

Step by step

  1. 1

    Set your Sony to tether mode

    Connect over USB with the camera in PC Remote mode for a stable, high-speed tether.

  2. 2

    Connect the camera to your phone

    Plug the camera into your phone with a USB-C cable (or the right adapter). CloudTether detects it and opens a session.

  3. 3

    Pick a destination and shoot

    Choose where photos should go — Dropbox, Google Drive, a client gallery, an FTP server — and start shooting. Every full-resolution frame uploads as you fire the shutter.

CloudTether Connect a camera screen with the USB cable option and Sony in the brand list
Plug in and the camera connects by itself.
CloudTether Send its shots to sheet after a camera connects over USB, with a test shot delivered to Dropbox and Google Drive
When the camera connects, pick where its shots go and take a test shot.

Sony USB settings in detail

Sony needs one setting before it will tether: the USB connection mode must be PC Remote (Remote Shooting on newer menus). On older menus it's MENU → Setup → USB Connection → PC Remote; on the α7 IV generation it's MENU → Setup → USB → USB Connection Mode → Remote Shooting, plus Remote Shoot Function → On in the Network menu. The ZV-E10 defaults to USB streaming (webcam), which won't tether.

Disconnect any smartphone connection first, and set Still Img. Save Dest. to PC+Camera so the card keeps a copy. Full-frame Alphas have USB-C; the α6400, α6600 and ZV-E10 use Micro-USB, which needs a Micro-USB to USB-C cable.

Sony cameras

Sony α7 IVSony α7 IVSony α7R VSony α7R VSony α1Sony α1Sony α9 IIISony α9 IIISony ZV-E10Sony ZV-E10Sony α7 IIISony α7 IIISony α7CSony α7CSony α7C IISony α7C II

Sony USB not working?

FAQ

Can I tether my Sony over USB without a computer?

Yes. CloudTether tethers your Sony to your phone over USB and uploads every shot to the cloud — no laptop, no card reader, no desktop tethering software.

Is USB faster than Wi-Fi for tethering my Sony?

Generally yes — USB is the fastest, most reliable link, which is why it's preferred for studio and high-volume work. Sony also supports Wi-Fi tethering if you'd rather go cable-free.

Which Sony cameras can tether over USB?

Most modern Sony mirrorless and DSLR bodies support USB tethering. See the Sony hub for your specific model.

Where your Sony photos can go

Deliver every shot to Dropbox, Google Drive, a client gallery, an FTP server and more — live as you shoot.

Destinations Sony over Wi-Fi