To minimize latency during USB tethering, start by using a premium USB cable that supports rapid data transfer. Steer clear of third-party or counterfeit cables that only support power delivery. Choose cables rated USB 3.1 or USB 3.2 as they deliver superior data throughput.

Bypass any intermediaries and connect directly rather than through a USB hub. Hubs introduce processing delays due to multiple device contention and voltage drop. In cases where direct connection isn't feasible, select a powered USB 3.0 hub.

Regularly update your smartphone’s software and install the latest driver releases, specifically the drivers handling data transmission. Outdated drivers can hinder performance by creating bottlenecks in data handling. Visit your phone and computer manufacturer’s official site to obtain the latest firmware and drivers.

Close all non-essential background applications on both your phone and computer. Background apps consume bandwidth, reducing overall transfer speed. Turn off background downloads and stop streaming platforms during tethering sessions.

Set your phone’s network mode to LTE or 5G if your device has access, and 3G fallback. Even over USB tethering, the original mobile network speed dictates performance. Improved signal quality cuts down delays and enhances response time.

Disable any active VPNs or proxies on your computer unless critically required. These add extra routing hops that increase latency. If you rely on a proxy, run a quick diagnostic without proxies to see if speeds increase.

Switch to maximum performance mode to ensure uninterrupted data transfer rates. Via Power Options, choose "High Performance" from the power scheme. In System Preferences, disable Low Power Mode.

Finally, avoid tethering during peak usage hours if possible. Network congestion from other users can elevate ping times, regardless of your hardware quality. For consistent low-latency performance, run critical transfers late at night or early morning.