Use iPhone 6 as a modem for your computer. How to use an iPhone as a modem
As soon as users were able to access the Internet from mobile devices using the GPRS protocol from any telecom operator, unprecedented freedom of action and movement appeared. Today, to work remotely, it is enough to have a laptop and a mobile phone with a stable reception signal. Paired with a laptop, it becomes a workstation that just needs to be configured.
Apart from this, nothing is required. Using your iPhone as a modem is very convenient. But in 2007, the iPhone did not yet have GPRS mode. Using it as a modem became possible with the release of the fourth version of iOS firmware. This was in 2010.
Of course, today many Wi-Fi access points are installed everywhere, but if the laptop does not see the network, then fortunately it is possible to use a mobile phone to use the Internet.
The first method is to configure using USB
In the 4th iOS firmware it is possible to activate the modem mode. To do this, you need to connect your iPhone to your PC via a standard USB cable or via Bluetooth, if one device sees the other. This article will discuss how to connect an iPhone as a modem for the Mac OS operating system.
In general, the process is similar for the Windows operating system. So in any case it will not take much time and effort. The best way is to connect using a regular cable. Here there will be no question whether the phone can see the computer. The advantages are obvious: the user will not need to configure Bluetooth, the Internet connection speed will not be low, and the phone’s battery will not lose charge.
So, step one is to connect your iPhone to your computer and go to the settings menu. In the “basic->network” item you need to enable “cellular data transfer”. It is now recommended to configure your cellular data settings, these are determined by each individual mobile operator. It's in the cellular data menu. After this check, return to the menu item called “Network” and enter “modem mode”.
Here you need to turn it on, and in the window that pops up, select the connection type “USB only”. At this moment, a flashing blue bar will appear on the top of the mobile phone display, which confirms that the modem mode is activated. The computer and phone were configured and now it is automatically connected to the Internet. When the wi-fi module in the computer does not connect to the iPhone network, this is the best way out of the situation.
Connecting iPhone via Bluetooth
The second connection method, as already mentioned, is via Bluetooth. This method is a little more complicated, but overall it's quite simple. With the phone you need to do everything that was described for the method of connecting to the network via a USB cable. But only until the modem mode is turned on.
In the second method, you need to select the connection type via Bluetooth in the window that appears. After this, you can proceed to the settings of the Mac OS operating system. There are times when the iPhone does not see the computer, then you need to understand the firmware version in more detail. To do this, open the tab called “network” in the “system settings” section.
Next, on the left display, select the “Bluetooth PAN” menu item and find a new device to connect. If the phone can be seen by the computer, then there are a few things left to configure. Go ahead. The next step is to compare the firmware version numbers on your phone and your personal computer. Now you can click the “continue” and “connect” buttons - and the Internet connection is ready for use.
The “Bluetooth PAN” item will be green and will be at the top of the connection list on the phone. In addition, the already familiar blue strip with the caption “modem mode” will appear on the device’s display. What is especially very convenient is that the iPhone will remain connected all this time as long as the Internet connection is working.
The phone will receive both calls and short SMS messages. True, while you are talking on the phone, the Internet connection will be temporarily interrupted. But after you hang up, it will be restored automatically. No need to reconfigure. Thus, we talked about two ways to connect an iPhone as a modem to a computer.
Each user sees advantages and disadvantages for his own situation. You can choose the one you consider optimal for your specific case. We recommend making sure there is sufficient traffic.
After all, when accessing the network through a computer, much more is used than when using the Internet from an iPhone. There is more than one type of application on istore that “sees” how much traffic you have left - it’s easy to control.
Can be used as a modem Iphone, it meets certain system requirements and uses the operator's cellular service.
How to use iPhone as a modem
The first step is to make sure that cellular data is turned on and that you have Internet access.
Then open the settings and look there.
It happens that this function is not specified as a separate item in the settings in some versions of iOS. Then it is necessary go to “cellular communications” and find modem mode there.
If the required item is not there, then you need to register settings for the modem on one's own.
Select “cellular data network” and find the modem mode there. The same data (APN, username and password) is entered here as in the Internet settings. We reboot the phone and the modem mode appears in the settings as a separate item.
There are three ways to use your iPhone as a modem
Connect via Wi-Fi
The easiest way. You must enable modem mode and set a password, which will be entered by the person who is about to connect to your device. We find the network by the name of the device and enter the password.
If you did everything correctly, your phone will start distributing Wi-Fi, a person who knows the password will be able to access it, and on the phone at the top of the screen you will see the number of connected devices.
Connection via USB cable
In order to access the Internet from a PC using a USB cable, you need to connect your iPhone to the computer, it is best to do this using the original cable, other cables may make an incorrect connection or not make it at all, then the message will appear on the phone screen that this accessory is not supported.
When you insert the cable into the computer, the question “Trust this computer?” will appear on the phone screen; answer positively so that the connection is established. Required on Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7 Apple iTunes must be installed(can be downloaded for free from the official website), otherwise the connection will not appear.
Then, in network connections, find your IPhone and connect, the password is set in the phone.
Connection via Bluetooth
If you want to use your phone as a Bluetooth modem, you first need to add the device (pair) in Windows. Bluetooth, of course, must be turned on both on the iPhone and on the computer or laptop.
Right-click the Bluetooth icon in the notification area and select “Add a Bluetooth device.”
Then create a pair. A secret code will appear on the screen of the phone and computer; if it matches, you need to confirm it, then the devices will connect via Bluetooth.
After the pair has been successfully created, you need to connect to the Internet via the iPhone hotspot. To do this, go to the “devices and printers” menu on the computer, find the iPhone we need there, right-click and connect.
The message “Modem mode” will appear on the phone, which indicates that the connection is correct. To carry out these operations, you may need a current version of iTunes; if your version is outdated, you need to reinstall it. While the Internet is being distributed, the phone remains connected and has the ability to receive SMS messages and incoming calls. During a conversation, the Internet connection is interrupted and automatically restored after it ends.
But you need to remember two things: when working in modem mode, the device discharges much faster, so after finishing work you need to turn off the “Modem Mode” function, and you distribute your mobile traffic, do not overdo it, unless you have unlimited Internet, of course. Tariffing is carried out based on the amount of information downloaded and transmitted, which will quickly bring your balance to zero.
Enjoy your use.
Every smartphone owner without it is like having no hands. It has long served not only as a means of communication, but also as a full-fledged multimedia center. Your iPhone can not only receive an Internet signal, but also successfully serve as a modem. You just need to activate the distribution mode. After this, the iPhone can be used as a mobile universal hotspot.
Connection algorithm
Before the first setup, it is advisable to update iOS to the latest version; if, in addition to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB will be used to connect a computer, it is also recommended to update iTunes.
So, in order to enable it as a modem on your iPhone, select Settings in the main menu. From there, go to “Modem Mode.” If the “Modem Mode” line does not appear in the iPhone menu, then most likely your mobile operator does not support this service, or your current tariff plan simply does not allow you to use it.
For many, after updating iOS, the necessary service disappears. Therefore, we offer another way to help solve the problem - go through the sub-item located above in the same menu - “Cellular Communications”. From it - enter cellular data, and enter in the fields: " APN"- internet, in " Username" and "Password"- same gdata.
Then, to protect the network, set a secure code of eight numbers, letters or symbols as an access password. It must be entered into the person who will use your modem. Three types of connections will be available: via wireless Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and also via a USB cable.
When connecting to the created point, the top status line on the smartphone turns blue. It displays the activation of the iPhone as an Internet “distributor”. Information about the number of connected devices is also displayed. Keep in mind that a large number of connections (up to three) may be limited by your operator. Additional charges may also apply.
When you disconnect all devices connected to the modem via Wi-Fi, the distribution automatically stops and the point turns off.
Please note that when connecting an iPhone with an activated modem to a PC, it starts distributing traffic to the computer by default.
Therefore, to avoid unexpected expenses, you should disable this service.
Connection problems
Now let's look at the main types of problems.
First of all, to use the modem function, you must make sure that your local service provider supports this mode and that all paired devices meet the established system requirements.
Thus, according to information from the Apple technical support website, in Russia such a service is officially provided by the following operators: 
Also, the most obvious causes of problems: not activated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on any of the gadgets used or lack of Internet connection on the distributing smartphone itself - just launch a browser to check.
If the paired devices do not see each other, try turning off Wi-Fi on both (Bluetooth or pulling out the USB cable) and restart the connection again. You can try all available methods to make sure that at least one of them works and rule out external network problems.
If this does not help, you will have to reset the created modem connection settings. To do this, perform the following procedure on the distributing iPhone: go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings. After this, repeat the above procedure.
It is completely normal for modem distribution to automatically turn off 90 seconds after disconnecting the paired device - this helps to save battery power. To resume distribution, you will need to manually re-enable the modem using the previously specified method.
Surely many iPhone users know that it can be used as a modem. This can be done via USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. However, not every owner of an iPhone smartphone knows how to properly enable modem mode on their gadget and use it to access the network in Windows or Mac OS X.
It is worth noting that in our country few people use this function. This may be due to the fact that telecom operators may specifically block the ability of multiple devices to access the Internet through one. If you can’t start modem mode on your Apple device, then you should contact your telecom operator for detailed information.
To launch this mode on your iPhone, you need to go to “Settings”, where you select “Cellular”. Here you need to make sure that in the “Cellular Data” section, data exchange over the mobile network is activated. If it is disabled, then this mode will not be visible in the parameters.
If everything is in order, then you need to click on “Modem Mode” and activate it. If Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are disabled, you will be prompted to activate them. This will allow you to use it not only via a USB cable, but also via Bluetooth. In addition, it is possible to create your own password for the wireless network that the iPhone will distribute. This will be useful if the device is used as an access point.
Using iPhone as a modem in Windows
The Windows operating system is installed on most existing PCs in the world, so the first thing you should consider is using the iPhone as a modem for it. Executing this process is not much different depending on the version of Windows and iOS.
USB connection
To be able to use your iPhone as a modem using a USB cable in the latest versions of Windows, you need to install iTunnes. You can download it from the official resource, and for free. If you don't install iTunes, then the connection is impossible.
After downloading everything you need and activating the modem mode on your mobile device, you just need to connect your smartphone via a cable to your PC. When you connect to a PC for the first time, a prompt may pop up on the iPhone screen asking you to confirm trust in this PC. Here you need to click “Yes”, otherwise nothing will work.
After a few seconds, a new network connection with the network name Apple Mobile Device Ethernet will appear on your PC. After this, the Internet should appear. To view the connection status, right-click on the connection icon in the system tray and select “Network and Sharing Center”. Next, you need to click “Change adapter parameters”, where a list of existing connections will be displayed.
Wi-Fi distribution from iPhone
If Wi-Fi is running on your smartphone when modem mode is activated, then you can
use the device as an access point. In this case, you can simply connect to a wireless network with the name iPhone and a password, which can be set or seen in the modem mode settings on your smartphone. Basically, the connection is made correctly and you can immediately access the Internet on your PC.
iPhone modem mode via Bluetooth
If you want to use your smartphone as a modem via BT, then you first need to add the gadget to Windows. In this case, Bluetooth must be running on both the PC and the smartphone. You can add a gadget using various methods.
You can right-click on the BT icon in the system tray and select “Add Bluetooth device”. In addition, it is possible to do this through the control panel, where you should click on “Devices and Printers”, and in the new window click “Add devices”.
In the “top ten” you need to go to “Settings”, where you should select “Devices”, and then click Bluetooth, after which the search for the gadget will start. After identifying the phone, regardless of the adding option, you need to click on the icon with it and click “Link” or “Next”.
At this time, a proposal to organize a connection will appear on the device’s display, where you need to click “Create a pair.” A window will appear on the PC screen indicating the correspondence of the codes. Here you need to click “Yes”. You must do this first on your smartphone and then on your PC.
After these manipulations, you need to go to network connections on your PC and specify a Bluetooth connection. This can also be done using the Win+R combination, where you should write ncpa.cpl and click OK. If the connection has already been created, then no action can be taken.
Then at the top you need to click “View Bluetooth network devices”. As a result, a window will appear where the smartphone will be displayed. You need to right-click on it and specify “Connect via”, and then click “Access Point”. After this, you should have access to the Internet.
Using iPhone in modem mode on Mac OS X
If you connect your iPhone as a modem to your Mac computer, then the process is simplified several times. If Wi-Fi is used, then you just need to connect to the iPhone's access point with the password that is specified in the gadget's modem mode parameters. It is worth noting that the access code may not be used, but for this, the computer and smartphone must have the same iCloud account.
If you need to use your smartphone via USB, then you just need to connect the phone to the computer and everything will work right away, but for this you need to start modem mode. If nothing happens, then you should go to the OS X settings and specify the network. Then you need to select “USB on iPhone”, where you need to uncheck “Disable if you don’t need it”.
Only in the case of Buetooth you need to do several manipulations. In this case, you need to go to the Mac settings, where you need to select “Network”, and then Bluetooth Pan. Then you need to click “Set up a Bluetooth device” and find your smartphone. Once the connection is established, the Internet will appear on the PC.
In general, these are all possible options for using the iPhone as a modem. If there is no modem mode in the smartphone settings, you need to check data transmission over the mobile network.
Using phones as a modem to access the Internet is increasingly becoming necessary. These are business trips and travel, holidays in country houses, etc., where providers do not have the opportunity to organize coverage. This is where mobile operators providing mobile Internet services come to the rescue.
There are several ways to use an iPhone as an access point (modem):
- Internet access by connecting a USB cable to a computer;
- Internet connection via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth phone.
The latter connection method became possible with the advent of iOS version 5. Thus, it became possible to use the iPhone as a full-fledged Wi-Fi router.
Setting up iPhone as a modem
There is nothing easier than setting up an iPhone to work in modem mode; for this you need:
- Go to “Settings” - click the “Modem Mode” tab.
- Change the switch to the “On” position (swipe right or left to change the value).
- In the fields that appear, create and type a password to gain access to the access point.
These are all the steps you need to do to use your iPhone as a modem. Note that there is no indication on the phone that it is operating in modem mode, but in this case the battery discharges very quickly. This connection procedure is suitable for both iPhone and iPad.
Connecting client devices to iPhone
To connect the client to the Internet via Wi-Fi to the iPhone, you must select the phone name from the available access points and enter the previously set password for access.
To connect your iPhone as a modem via USB;
- First of all, connect the cord to the phone and the corresponding USB port of the computer.
- Select “Control Panel” - “Network and Internet” - “View network status”. An active network connection should appear in the window that opens.
- If this does not happen, and the computer does not see the iPhone as a modem. Then you need to reboot and reconnect your iPhone.
It is worth noting that to connect an iPhone to a computer via USB, it requires iTunes version no lower than 10.5 to be installed on it.
To connect using Bluetooth, you need to activate these services on your phone and computer, respectively. On your iPhone, in the Bluetooth settings, click create a pair and enter the password that will appear on the computer. After the devices communicate with each other, you can use the Internet.