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To tether an iPhone to a laptop, turn on Personal Hotspot and connect over Wi-Fi, a USB cable, or Bluetooth. The hotspot shares the iPhone’s cellular internet connection; it cannot relay a Wi-Fi network the iPhone is already using. Your carrier plan must support Personal Hotspot, and fees or connection limits may apply.
Before you connect
- On the iPhone, make sure Cellular Data is on and your carrier plan includes Personal Hotspot. Availability, fees, and the number of devices allowed can vary by carrier and iPhone model. If Cellular Data is on but the Personal Hotspot option is missing, ask your carrier whether the feature is enabled on your plan. See Apple’s Personal Hotspot setup guide.
- Open Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn on Allow Others to Join. Depending on iOS version and setup, Personal Hotspot may instead be found under Settings > Cellular.
- Keep the iPhone and laptop nearby. Apple’s setup guidance recommends enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and keeping devices within 10 metres (30 feet).
- Personal Hotspot uses mobile data. Check usage under Settings > Cellular and review your plan terms if you need to avoid extra charges.
Choose a connection method
| Method | What you need | Typical setup |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | The iPhone hotspot name and password, unless eligible Apple devices connect automatically | Select the iPhone in the laptop’s Wi-Fi menu |
| USB | A data-capable cable that fits both devices; Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows | Connect the cable and approve trust prompts if shown |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth enabled on both devices; Windows setup follows the PC maker’s instructions | Pair or select the iPhone, then configure the network connection |
Apple does not publish a universal speed, reliability, or battery-life ranking for these methods. Wi-Fi is the straightforward wireless option; USB is useful when you want a cable connection, and Bluetooth is another wireless route.
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Connect over Wi-Fi
- On the iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot (or the Personal Hotspot option under Cellular) and turn on Allow Others to Join.
- On the laptop, open its Wi-Fi settings and choose the network named after your iPhone. The hotspot name matches the iPhone’s device name.
- If asked, enter the password shown in Settings > Personal Hotspot.
Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account may connect without entering the password. Instant Hotspot or Auto-Join can also simplify connecting eligible Apple devices; see Apple’s Instant Hotspot guidance.
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Connect with a USB cable
- Turn on Personal Hotspot on the iPhone.
- Connect the iPhone to the laptop with its included cable or another data-capable cable that matches the ports on both devices.
- If the iPhone asks whether to trust the computer, tap Trust This Computer. If a Mac asks whether to allow the accessory to connect, choose Allow.
- On Windows, install Apple Devices or iTunes to use USB hotspot connectivity.
To stop sharing, unplug the cable or turn off Allow Others to Join. If Personal Hotspot remains enabled, a computer may reconnect when the iPhone is plugged in for charging.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Apple 60W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable (1 m): Fast and Convenient Charging
- DESIGNED BY APPLE — Ideal for charging, syncing, and transferring data between USB-C devices, this 1-meter charge cable is made with a woven design and has USB-C connectors on both ends.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING — Supports charging of up to 60 watts and transfers data at USB 2 rates. Pair the USB-C Charge Cable with a compatible USB-C power adapter to conveniently charge your devices from a wall outlet and even take advantage of the fast-charging feature on select iPhone models.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX — Apple USB-C Woven Charge Cable only. Power adapter sold separately.
- CABLE LENGTH — 1 meter (3 feet).
Connect over Bluetooth
On a Mac
- Turn on Bluetooth on both the iPhone and Mac, and enable Personal Hotspot on the iPhone.
- On the Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth.
- On the iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and leave that screen open while the Mac discovers and selects the iPhone.
On a Windows laptop
Turn on Bluetooth on the iPhone and laptop, enable Personal Hotspot, then follow your computer manufacturer’s directions for creating a Bluetooth network connection. The Windows setup steps can differ by PC maker.
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Best Value
USB to USB C Cable, USB A to USB C Cable 3FT+6FT for iPhone 18 Charger Cord | 2-Pack Car Carplay Charging Cord for Apple iPhone 18/Duo/17/E/Air/16/15/Pro/Plus/Pro Max for iPad, Carplay Type C Fast Wire
- 【2Pack USB A to USB C Charging Cable】Cord current output of up to 3A, allows you to enjoy high-speed data transfer up to 480 Mbps, whether at home, in the office or on the go, this charging cable can meet all your daily charging needs.
- 【Durable USB to C Cable – 15000+ Bend Lifespan】Crafted from high-quality TPE material, just like the original charging cable — smooth, flexible, and soft to the touch. It resists tangling and is built to withstand over 15,000 bends for long-lasting performance without cracking or fraying.
- 【3FT + 6FT USBC to USB Cable Set】Built-in smart chip, fully supports iOS version, and multiple charging protections ensure that your devices are protected from over-current, over-voltage, over-heating and short-circuit. two lengths allow you to choose the one that suits your needs, eliminating any length-related concerns.
- 【Compatible iPhone 18/17 Pro Max Car Charger Cable】Designed specifically for connecting the latest USB-C devices to CarPlay, fully compatible with iPhone Duo/18/17/16 full series, for iPad 10th generation, for iPad Pro 12.9 inches (3rd generation, 4th generation, 5th generation), for iPad Pro 11 inches (1st generation, 2nd generation, 3rd generation), for new iPad Mini 6th generation, for iPad Air 4th generation.
- 【Kind Tips & USB-C Cable】This product contains of 2pack charging cables. experience issues with CarPlay function, please try to reverse the usb c plug to try again.
Rank #4
Sale
Apple 240W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable (2 m): Fast and Convenient Charging
- DESIGNED BY APPLE — Ideal for charging, syncing, and transferring data between USB-C devices, this 2-meter charge cable is made with a woven design and has USB-C connectors on both ends.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING — Supports charging of up to 240 watts and transfers data at USB 2 rates. Pair the USB-C Charge Cable with a compatible USB-C power adapter to conveniently charge your devices from a wall outlet and even take advantage of the fast-charging feature on select iPhone and Mac models.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX — Apple USB-C Woven Charge Cable only. Power adapter sold separately.
- CABLE LENGTH — 2 meters (6 feet).
Rank #3
![USB C to Lightning Cable 3FT 2Pack [Apple MFi Certified] Fast Charging | Power Delivery USB C iPhone Cables Type C iPhone Charger Cord Compatible iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max X XS XR 8 7 6s Plus SE](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41WYxUBOFPL._SL160_.jpg)
USB C to Lightning Cable 3FT 2Pack [Apple MFi Certified] Fast Charging | Power Delivery USB C iPhone Cables Type C iPhone Charger Cord Compatible iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max X XS XR 8 7 6s Plus SE
- 【Power Delivery Fast Charging & SYNC】: USB-C to lightning cable supports high-speed power delivery fast Charging, can charge the iPhone 13 up to 50% in 30mins. They also support data transfer rate up to 480Mbps,which can easily transfer music, photos and files between iPhone and laptop or desktop computer in seconds.(Note:You need to use 20W or above USB-C Power Adapter to achieve Power Delivery Fast Charging.)
- 【MFi Certified Lightning Cable 2Pack】 MFi certified iPhone fast charging cable uses the newest C94 Lightning connector, which support quick charger for lightning device, C94 USB C to Lightning cord more stable, safe, faster than nomal iphone cable
- 【 Compatibility】: USB-C to iPhone cable supports PD Fast Charge 3A (max) for iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max/14 Plus/ iPhone 13/13 Pro/13 Pro Max/13mini/iPhone 12/12 Mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max/11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/XS Max/XS/XR/X/8 Plus/8 and iPad 8th iPad 2020, iPad Pro 12.9" gen1/ gen2/iPad Pro 10.5"/iPad Air3 10.5"/iPad mini5 7.9"; Note: You need a USB-C port wall charger to achieve fast charging. Note: You need a USB-C port wall charger to achieve fast charging.
- [Super Durability and Flexibility]:The iphone charging cables are made of top-rated material and coated with premium TPE, which last 4X longer than other iphone charger cord and proven to withstand over 25,000 bends in strict laboratory tests.
- [What You Can Get]: 2Pack 3ft New USB-C to Lightning Cables (White),lifetime replacement, and 24*7 friendly customer support service ensures that you have a pleasant shopping experience.
Rank #2
Anker USB C to USB C Cable, 60W Fast Charging Cable (2-Pack, 6 ft, Black) | For iPhone 18 / 17 Series, iPad mini 6, and More
- Durable Design: Reinforced nylon exterior and a robust core ensure this cable withstands up to 5,000 bends, outlasting other brands
- Fast Charging: Supports Power Delivery for up to 60W high-speed charging when paired with a USB-C charger
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with virtually all USB-C devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Transfer files quickly with 480Mbps data transfer speeds
- Included Accessories: Comes with a hook-and-loop cable tie for easy organization and a welcome guide for hassle-free setup
If the hotspot will not connect
- Personal Hotspot is missing: Confirm Cellular Data is enabled. If the hotspot option still does not appear, contact your carrier to check support and plan provisioning.
- The Wi-Fi network does not appear or the password fails: Confirm Personal Hotspot is on, select the network matching the iPhone’s device name, and check the current password in Settings > Personal Hotspot.
- USB does not work on a Mac: Update macOS, approve the trust prompt, and check whether the iPhone appears in Finder or iTunes. In Network settings, check that the iPhone USB service is present and active. Apple’s troubleshooting steps are at If Personal Hotspot is not working.
- A device has trouble joining the Wi-Fi hotspot: Maximize Compatibility, if available in Personal Hotspot settings, may help with compatibility. Apple cautions that enabling it may reduce performance and Wi-Fi security.
- A Mac Continuity feature is disrupted: Apple notes that VPN configurations that block local networking can interfere with some Continuity features.
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