Laptops and iPhones can work together to create an Internet connection.
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Sometimes you may need to connect to the Internet from a laptop or other device without having a viable Internet source available. Fortunately for those with an iPhone, you can use its Bluetooth setting to enable what Apple calls a "Personal Hotspot." A Personal Hotspot acts much like any wireless hotspot, except that it originates from your iPhone rather than a router. IPhones are able to connect as long as an appropriate data plan is working.
Step 1
Check your iPhone to determine whether Personal Hotspot is enabled. To do so, click "Settings," then "General," then "Network," and finally "Personal Hotspot." Set the Personal Hotspot setting to "On."
Step 2
Determine whether your computer or other device is compatible with the technology. If using an Apple, it must have Bluetooth 2.0 capability and Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later. A PC requires Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later, Windows Vista or Windows 7. If using an iOS device, iOS 4.3 or later will connect to the iPhone or Internet.
Step 3
Turn on the Bluetooth setting on both devices. While on the iPhone, a prompt will appear asking whether you wish to turn on Bluetooth or use Wi-Fi and USB only. Tap "Turn on Bluetooth."
Step 4
Create a password for your Personal Hotspot. According to Apple's support concerning Personal Hotspots, you cannot bypass this feature, but must use a password. The connection should automatically begin after you enter the password.
Step 5
Refer to Apple's "Troubleshooting Personal Hotspots" help page if the connection does not automatically begin. The page first runs users through "Basic Troubleshooting" steps, confirming that all devices are appropriately connected. If the connection still does not begin, click "Bluetooth Troubleshooting," which provides screenshots of an iPhone going through the connection process.
References
Photo Credits
- Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
