Apple provides several special features that iPhone owners enjoy when using other Apple products, such as the quick and easy tethering that is possible for Mac computers and iPad tablets. This allows uninterrupted internet use with a MacBook or iPad while traveling or during an outage, without the need to manually create a Wi-Fi hotspot. As long as the iPhone has a cellular connection, other Apple devices can share its internet.

Continuity is Apple’s name for the great integration of its various products. iPhone calls can be answered on an iPad tablet, Mac computer, or Apple Watch. An iPad can be used as a second screen for a Mac. An Apple Watch can unlock a Mac or an iPhone. Images, videos, and text can be copied on one device and pasted on another. There are so many automatic connections that Continuity acts as an extra incentive to stay within Apple’s ecosystem. It’s not a requirement or coercion, but rather an invitation to take advantage of the complete package that Apple can provide and the benefits are quite compelling.

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Since neither the MacBook Air nor MacBook Pro is available with cellular capability, either a wired connection or some sort of hotspot is needed when Wi-Fi isn’t available. The easiest solution is to use Apple’s Instant Hotspot, which is one of the nicest Continuity features for those that own a MacBook and an iPhone. It should be as simple as clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the Mac’s status menu in the top left of the screen. If the iPhone has an internet connection, it will appear in the list under the Personal Hotspot heading, above any other network choices. Selecting this option will automatically connect to the iPhone without the need for a password or any other setup.

Solving Instant Hotspot Issues

Using Instant Hotspot requires a Mac running OS X Yosemite or later and an iPhone or iPad with iOS 8.1 or later and a cellular connection to provide internet. iPad tablets originally ran iOS, so any version of iPadOS will also work. It’s important to remember that macOS is not designed for mobile internet in the way that iOS and iPadOS are, so data usage will be higher when using a MacBook or Mac desktop than when using an iPhone or iPad. For example, pages in Safari may be preloaded and background internet usage will not be constrained. The mobile device and the Mac need to be signed in with the same Apple ID for Continuity features to work.

If there is some reason Wi-Fi can’t be used or Instant Hotspot isn’t compatible with the devices available, a USB cable can be connected from the iPhone or iPad that has cellular capability to the Mac. An Apple USB cable is recommended and using the cable that came with one of the devices will provide the best results. After plugging in both ends, there may be a message on the mobile device asking whether to ‘Trust This Computer?’ which requires the user to tap ‘Trust’ in order to proceed with connecting to that device and sharing its internet connection. In most cases, Instant Hotspot allows effortless sharing of an iPhone’s or iPad’s internet connection with a Mac computer, thanks to Apple’s Continuity features.

Source: Apple

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About The Author


Alan Truly
(1137 Articles Published)

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Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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