How to Connect an iPhone to Wi-Fi Using Another iPhone: 3 Working Methods

I don't have access to my router, but I need to connect it urgently. iPhone to the Internet? Modern iPhone (starting with model 12 and newer, as well as some previous versions with the current iOS) support the function modem mode — mobile internet sharing via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. This method is useful when there's no landline network, when your provider is down, or when you're on the road, but it's important to consider potential limitations: your carrier may block sharing without an additional option, and intensive use will quickly drain the battery of your primary device.

In this article we will look at All possible ways to connect an iPhone to Wi-Fi via another iPhone, including setup via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and even USB (for older models). You will learn how to avoid common mistakes, why the connection may be interrupted, and what to do if iOS doesn't see the network being shared. We'll also compare the data transfer speeds in each mode and provide security recommendations.

1. Preparation: What to check before setting up

Before you start sharing the Internet, make sure that both iPhone meet the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Donor smartphone model (the one that distributes the Internet): iPhone 5 and newer. On iPhone 4S and older the modem function only works USB.
• 🔄 iOS version: not lower iOS 8 (For Bluetooth-connections) or iOS 12 (For Wi-Fi with a password). Optimally - iOS 15+.
• 📶 Mobile network: The donor smartphone must have active data transmission (3G/4G/5G). Check that Settings → Cellular the parameter is enabled Cellular data.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Sharing your internet connection quickly drains your battery. It's recommended to have at least 50% battery on both devices.

Important! If you use eSIM or two physical SIM cards, make sure that the Internet is distributed from the line on which mobile data is enabled. iOS 13+ You can select the primary line for the modem in Settings → Personal Hotspot → Cellular Data.

⚠️ Please note: Mobile operators may block internet access or limit the speed of tethering. For example, MTS And Beeline Sometimes additional options are required. Check the terms in your personal account or with your operator.

Method 1: Sharing Wi-Fi from iPhone to iPhone (Fastest)

This is the most popular and simplest method, as it does not require additional cables. The data transfer rate here is higher than Bluetooth, but lower than USBSuitable for iPhone 6 and newer with iOS 12+.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On donor smartphone (which distributes the Internet) open Settings → Tethering.
2. Activate the slider Allow others.
3. In the section Connecting via Wi-Fi click on Wi-Fi password and create a secure code (at least 8 characters). Memorize it or write it down.
4. On second iPhone go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
5. In the list of networks, find the name of the donor smartphone (for example, iPhone (Your name)) and connect by entering the password.

After successful connection, the status bar of the second iPhone an icon will appear Wi-Fi, and on the screen of the donor smartphone there is a blue stripe with the inscription Modem mode: 1 connection.

Features of the method:

• 🔗 Supports up to 5 devices simultaneously (depending on the model iPhone).
• 📉 Speed ​​is limited by capabilities Wi-Fi-module. For example, on iPhone 12 maximum speed - up to 300 Mbps, and on iPhone 15 Pro — to 1 Gbps (with the support of Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔋 Battery consumption: ~10–15% per hour on the donor smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: If the Internet does not work after connecting, check if it is turned on on the second iPhone mode Saving traffic (Settings → Cellular → Data Options). It can block background data transfer.

3. Method 2: Connecting via Bluetooth (budget option)

This method uses less battery power than Wi-Fi, but the data transfer rate is lower - up to 10–15 MbpsSuitable for messaging, email, or web browsing, but not for streaming video or downloading large files.

How to set up:

1. On both iPhones turn on Bluetooth (Settings → Bluetooth or through Control center).
2. On donor smartphone go to Settings → Tethering and turn it on Allow others.
3. On second iPhone V Settings → Bluetooth Find the name of the donor smartphone and tap on it to pair.
4. Once connected, a notification will appear on the second device. Personal hotspot — confirm the connection.

In the status bar of the second iPhone an icon will appear Bluetooth with a chain (🔗), and on the donor smartphone's screen there is a blue bar with the number of connections.

When to choose Bluetooth:

• 🔋 If the battery charge is running low and there is no outlet.
• 📶 If the mobile network signal is weak, and Wi-Fi constantly breaks off.
• 🔒 If you need to hide Internet distribution from strangers (unlike Wi-Fi, Bluetooth- the network is not visible to other devices).

4. Method 3: Connecting via USB (for older models or maximum speed)

This method is relevant for iPhone 5/5S/SE (1st generation), where is the distribution Wi-Fi It may be unstable. It's also suitable if you need maximum data transfer speed (for example, for downloading large files).

What you will need:

• ⚡ Cable Lightning–USB (or USB-C–USB-C For iPhone 15).
• 💻 Computer (Mac or Windows) or adapter Lightning–USB OTG (for direct connection between smartphones).

Instructions for connecting via a computer:

1. Connect donor smartphone to the computer via cable.
2. On iPhone in the section Settings → Tethering turn on Allow others and select USB only.
3. On the computer in Network connections (Windows) or System Preferences → Network (Mac) a new connection will appear - use it to access the Internet.
4. Now connect second iPhone to the same computer through Wi-Fi or USB and share the Internet from your PC (via General access on Mac or Mobile hotspot on Windows).

To connect directly between two iPhones without a computer, you will need an adapter. Lightning–USB OTG and cable Lightning–USBHowever, this method is unstable on iOS 14+ due to restrictions Apple.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting via Windows driver installation may be required Apple Mobile Device USB DriverDownload it from the official website. Apple or through iTunes.

5. Typical problems and their solutions

Even with proper setup, the connection may not work. Let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

5.1. iPhone doesn't see the shared Wi-Fi network

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Modem mode is disabled: check the settings on the donor smartphone (Settings → Tethering).
• 📵 Weak mobile network signal: Move to an area with better coverage or switch to Bluetooth.
• 🔒 Operator restrictionsSome plans block internet tethering. Check the terms in your personal account.
• 🔧 iOS crash: Restart both devices or reset network settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset → Reset network settings).

5.2. There is a connection, but the Internet does not work

If the icon Wi-Fi or Bluetooth active, but pages don't load:

• 🌐 Check if they are enabled Cellular data on the donor smartphone.
• 🔄 Restart your tethering mode: turn it off and then back on again Allow others.
• 📱 Update iOS on both devices (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
• 🔒 Make sure that on the second iPhone not included VPN or Limit IP Tracking (Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network).

5.3. Constant connection breaks

If the connection is interrupted every few minutes:

• 📶 Check the stability of your mobile network: there may be a problem with your operator.
• 🔋 Connect the donor smartphone to a charger if the battery is low iOS may limit Internet distribution.
• 🔄 Switch from Wi-Fi on Bluetooth (or vice versa) - sometimes it helps.
• 📱 Reset network settings on both devices.

What to do if nothing helps?

If all the above methods didn't work, try:

1. Temporarily disable iCloud Private Relay (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Private Relay).

2. Install on the donor smartphone APN-manual operator settings (parameters can be found on the provider’s website).

3. Reset all settings on the donor smartphone (Settings → General → Move or reset → Reset → Reset all settings).

6. Security: How to protect your connection

Internet distribution with iPhone may be vulnerable to attackers, especially if you use Wi-Fi in a public place. Follow these recommendations to minimize risks:

• 🔐 Complex password: Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols (eg. k7#pL9!mQ2). Avoid simple sequences like 12345678.
• 🔄 Disable tetheringwhen it's not needed. This will save battery power and prevent unauthorized connections.
• 📱 Limit the number of devices: V Settings → Tethering You can see a list of connected gadgets and disable unknown ones.
• 🛡️ Use a VPN on the second iPhoneif you are transmitting confidential data (for example, logging into online banking).

If you frequently share internet in cafes, airports, or other public places, consider using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi - this will reduce the risk of connecting third-party devices.

7. Comparison with other Internet distribution methods

Besides using the second one iPhoneThere are other ways to connect to the internet without a router. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

If you frequently need to share internet, consider purchasing portable 4G router (For example, Huawei E5577 or TP-Link M7350). It consumes less energy than iPhone, and allows you to connect up to 10-15 devices simultaneously.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share internet from iPhone to Android?

Yes, the algorithm is the same: turn on Modem mode on iPhone, and on Android-connect the device to the distributed one Wi-Fi-networks or through BluetoothThe restrictions are the same: check your operator's tariff and connection stability.

Why isn't Wi-Fi hotspot working on my iPhone 13?

IN iPhone 13 (and newer) there's a bug where tethering may be disabled when the screen is locked. Solutions:

1. Update iOS to the latest version.
2. Turn it off Low power mode.
3. Reset network settings (Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset → Reset network settings).

How much traffic is used when sharing the Internet?

Traffic consumption depends on the actions on the second device:

• 📧 Checking email/messengers: ~50–100 MB/hour.
• 🎵 Streaming Music: ~70–150 MB/hour.
• 🎬 Video in 720p: ~1–1.5 GB/hour.
• 🎮 Online games: ~100–300 MB/hour.

You can track your consumption in Settings → Cellular → Statistics (on the donor smartphone).

Is it possible to share internet from an iPhone to a Smart TV?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 📺 Smart TV must support connection to Wi-Fi-smartphone networks.
• 🔌 Some models (for example, Samsung or LG) may not see the distributed network due to restrictions iOS.
• 🎬 For streaming videos in 4K speed Wi-Fi- the modem may not be enough.

Alternative: Connect iPhone To TV through HDMI-adapter and use Screen Mirroring.

How to increase the speed of distributed Wi-Fi?

If the internet is slow:

• 📶 Switch to the network 4G or 5G (if supported).
• 🔄 Turn off background app refresh on the second iPhone.
• 📱 Check if it is turned on Low data consumption mode on the donor smartphone.
• 🔌 Connect the donor smartphone to a charger - if the battery is low iOS may limit speed.