How to Tether a Laptop to an iPhone

by Matt Skaggs
Tethering to your iPhone gives you Internet access anywhere with 3G signal.

Tethering to your iPhone gives you Internet access anywhere with 3G signal.

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Many people use the Internet all the time now, but sometimes there's no Wi-Fi or Ethernet receptacles available. Tethering to a cell phone can be a huge convenience then. If you need to get online, your iPhone is one way to connect your laptop to the Internet. As of January 31, 2011, the iPhone is only available for AT&T customers, but when Verizon begins to offer the iPhone in February 2011, tethering will also be available for customers with qualifying plans.

Turn on Tethering

Step 1

Tap "Settings" from the home screen of your iPhone.

Step 2

Tap "General," then "Network," then "Internet Tethering."

Step 3

Touch the "Internet Tethering" option to turn tethering on.

Step 4

Press the "Home" button to go back to the home screen.

Tethering to a Mac

Step 1

Connect your iPhone to your Mac laptop.

Step 2

Reset your computer if it prompts you to do so. Otherwise continue.

Step 3

Click the "OK" button on the New Interface Detected window if it displays.

Step 4

Click "Apply" on the Network window, which should display automatically.

Step 5

Wait and keep an eye on your iPhone's home screen. You should see "Internet Tethering" at the top of the screen when the connection is finalized. Your Mac is now tethered to your iPhone.

Tethering to a PC

Step 1

Connect your iPhone to your PC laptop.

Step 2

Restart the laptop if it prompts you to do so. Otherwise continue.

Step 3

Wait for your PC to communicate with your iPhone. You should see the network icon in the lower-right of your screen change to indicate that it is establishing a network connection.

Step 4

Check your iPhone's home screen. You should see "Internet Tethering" at the top of the screen when the connection is finalized. Your PC laptop is now tethered to your iPhone.

Tip

  • You should probably turn off Internet tethering on your iPhone whenever you're not using it. This keeps you from accidentally using data when you don't want to.

About the Author

A self-professed nerd who can't get enough of geeky gadgets, technology blogs and product reviews, Matt Skaggs began writing professionally in 2010. His work has appeared on various websites. In 2008 Skaggs graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images