How to Connect to Wi-Fi on Another iPhone: 3 Proven Methods

Are you in a situation where you don't have a router at hand, but you urgently need internet? Or your main iPhone No internet connection, but a friend or colleague has it? Share the internet from one iPhone to another in literally a couple of minutes—and you don't need any additional devices. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods: from classic distribution through modem mode to hidden functions iOS, which few people know about.

It is important to understand that the connection method depends on the version iOS, models iPhone and even from your mobile operator. For example, some plans block internet tethering, and on older devices (up to iPhone 6s) support may be missing Wi-Fi 5 GHzWe've taken all the nuances into account and compiled instructions that work for you. iOS 15–17 (including beta versions). If you have an older firmware, check for the possibility of updating in Settings → General → Software Update.

Spoiler: the most reliable way is Wi-Fi tethering, but it drains the battery quickly. If you need to save battery, it's better to use Bluetooth or USB cableFor those who frequently encounter this problem, we've prepared a comparison table of methods based on speed, stability, and energy consumption.

1. Sharing Wi-Fi via modem mode (the most popular method)

This method works on everyone iPhone starting from iPhone 5 (subject to up-to-date firmware). The idea is simple: one device becomes an access point, and the second connects to it like a regular router. Connection speed depends on support. 4G/5G your operator and model iPhone. For example, iPhone 12 and newer ones are supported 5G, which gives a speed increase of up to 1–2 Gbps (under ideal conditions).

To enable tethering:

• 📱 Open Settings on iPhone, which will distribute the Internet.
• 🔄 Go to Modem mode (in some versions iOS this item is called Modem or Personal hotspot).
• 🔒 Turn on the slider Allow others (or Modem mode).
• 🔐 Create a strong password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters) to protect your access point from unauthorized connections.

Now on the second iPhone:

• 🔍 Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 📡 Find the name of the access point in the list (it matches the name of the first iPhone).
• 🔑 Enter the password you set earlier.

If the connection does not occur, check:

• ✅ On the first iPhone included mobile Internet (Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data).
• ✅ No tariff restrictions (some operators block data sharing or charge an additional fee for it).
• ✅ The devices are no more than 10–15 meters from each other (the limit of Wi-Fi in modem mode).

⚠️ Note: If the internet is slow after connecting, try changing the Wi-Fi band. To do this, Settings → Tethering click on Max. compatibility and select 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHzThe latter is faster, but has a worse effect on walls.

2. Connect via Bluetooth (saves battery life)

If you don't need maximum speed and it's more important to save battery power, use BluetoothThis method consumes energy in 2-3 times slowerthan Wi-Fi, but the connection speed is limited 1–3 Mbps (enough for instant messaging and email, but not for high-quality video). Suitable for iPhone 6 and newer.

Instructions:

1. On the first iPhone (which distributes the Internet) turn on Modem mode (as in the previous method).
2. Activate Bluetooth V Control center (swipe down from the top right corner of the screen).
3. On the second iPhone open Settings → Bluetooth and find the first device in the list.
4. Confirm pairing on both phones (you may be asked to enter a code).

After connecting, next to the name of the first iPhone on the list Bluetooth an icon will appear 🔵→📱 — this means the internet is being shared successfully. If the icon is missing, reboot. Bluetooth on both devices or try pairing again.

3. Connection via USB cable (maximum speed and stability)

This is the most reliable method, but it requires Lightning cable (or USB-C For iPhone 15) and a computer as an intermediary. The data transfer speed here is limited only by the capabilities of your plan - up to 300 Mbps on 4G+ and before 1 Gbps on 5G. In addition, the second iPhone will charge up during use, which is important during long trips.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect the first one iPhone (with mobile Internet) to Mac or PC via cable.
2. On iPhone Confirm trust to this computer (a pop-up window will appear).
3. Turn on Modem mode in the settings.
4. On your computer, check that a new network connection has appeared (on Mac - V System Preferences → Network, on Windows - V Control Panel → Network Connections).
5. Connect the second one iPhone to the same computer (via another port or hub).
6. On the second iPhone turn on Internet access sharing V Settings → General → Tethering (if used Mac).

If the Internet does not appear, check:

• 🔌 The cable is working properly and supports data transfer (some cheap cables are only for charging).
• 🖥️ Internet sharing is enabled on your computer (on Mac: System Preferences → Sharing → Internet Sharing).
• 📱 On the first iPhone V Modem mode option enabled USB only (if available).

⚠️ Attention: When connecting via Windows driver installation may be required Apple Mobile Device USB DriverIf you don't have it, download it. iTunes (even if you don’t use it) – the driver is installed along with the program.

4. Alternative methods: Instant Hotspot and Family Sharing

If both iPhone tied to one Apple ID (or are in Family Sharing), you can use the function Instant HotspotIt automatically detects access points from other devices. Apple and connects without entering a password. Works on iOS 8.1 and newer, but requires:

• 🔄 Included Bluetooth And Wi-Fi on both devices.
• 📱 Devices must be within range 10 meters from each other.
• 🔒 On the first iPhone V Settings → [Your name] → Family Sharing Internet sharing must be allowed.

How does this work:

1. On the second iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. The name of the first network will appear in the list of available networks. iPhone with a note Personal hotspot.
3. Tap the name and the connection will occur automatically.

Instant Hotspot uses technology Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to save battery power compared to the classic modem mode. However, the connection speed will be lower 10–20%, than with manual connection.

Why isn't Instant Hotspot working?

For this feature to work, both devices must be signed in to iCloud and have location services enabled. Also, make sure "Allow Others to Share" is enabled on the first iPhone in "Settings → Personal Hotspot → Family Sharing."

5. Solving common problems

Even with the correct settings, the connection may not work. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the network settings on both devices:

1. Open Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone.
2. Select Reset → Reset network settings.
3. Confirm the action (you will be asked to enter your password).

⚠️ Note: Resetting your network will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings. You'll need to reconnect to all known networks afterward.

6. Tips for security and traffic saving

Internet distribution with iPhone — convenient, but not always secure. Here's how to protect your data and save mobile data:

• 🔐 Use complex passwords for the access point (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• 📵 Disable tethering when not needed to prevent unauthorized connections.
• 📊 Monitor your traffic usage in Settings → Cellular → Statistics.
• 🛡️ Turn on VPN on the device that distributes the Internet, if you connect to public networks.

To restrict access to distribution:

1. Go to Settings → Tethering.
2. Click on Wi-Fi password and set a complex combination.
3. Enable the option Max. compatibility, if you want to limit the connection to devices only Apple.

If you frequently share internet, consider signing up for an unlimited plan or a package with more data. For example, some carriers offer "Unlimited distribution" (but they are usually more expensive than standard packages).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting via iPhone

Is it possible to share internet from iPhone to Android?

Yes, but you need to use it for that. Wi-Fi or BluetoothConnection via USB possible only with a computer as an intermediary. Android- select an access point on your device iPhone in the Wi-Fi list and enter the password.

Why doesn't the internet work on the second iPhone when sharing via USB?

Most likely, the computer is not set up for sharing. Mac check System Preferences → Sharing → Internet SharingOn . Windows open Control Panel → Network Connections, find the USB connection, right-click and select Properties → Access, then allow other users to use the connection.

How many devices can I connect to an iPhone hotspot?

Officially - until 5 devices at the same time (depending on the model). However, in practice, already at 3-4 connections The speed drops noticeably. For stable operation, it is recommended to share the internet to no more than 2 devices.

How do I find out who is connected to my hotspot?

IN iOS There's no built-in tool for viewing connected devices. But you can:

• Change the access point password (all devices will be disconnected).
• Use third party apps like Fing (scans the network for devices).

Is it possible to share internet from an iPhone without a SIM card?

No, to use mobile internet tethering you need an active SIM card with a supporting data plan. However, if you have access to Wi-Fi (for example, in a cafe), you can connect to this network on the first iPhone and distribute it through Modem mode (but this violates the rules of many public networks).