Reverse Tethering iPad over USB

I have enabled internet sharing on my Mac from 'Ethernet 1' to 'iPad USB'. How can I select this internet connection on my iPad -- I cannot see any way to establish an internet connection.

iPad Air 2, iPadOS 14

Posted on Dec 6, 2020 9:52 PM

12 replies

Dec 7, 2020 11:21 AM in response to Community User

cdornan wrote:

Thanks very much for the workarounds but these do not apply because my iPad is connected to my Mac via the USB cable.

It would be nice if someone from Apple would explain how to do this if it is possible, or otherwise if they have any plans to restore the ability of iPad to receive a network connection over USB from a Mac that is sharing the network over the USB.

Otherwise I suggest they remove the macOs option of sharing the network to 'iPad USB'. It is quite confusing and liable to burn large amounts of the time of users trying, in vain, to do this.


The issue is not with your Mac - but is instead the capabilities of iOS/iPadOS. iPad is designed to natively connect to Ethernet networks over WiFi; other wired network connections require additional hardware.


If your computer can create/host a WiFi network, you can connect your iPad via WiFi.

Dec 7, 2020 10:40 AM in response to Community User

If you need to connect your iPad to a wired network, where WiFi is not available, you’ll need to use an appropriate Ethernet Adapter.


You don’t mention your model of iPad. If your iPad has a USB-C port, there are many available hubs that provide a wired Ethernet connection. If your iPad instead uses a Lightning port, you’ll need a Lightning to Ethernet Adapter - such as that manufactured by Belkin:


Belkin Ethernet + Power Adapter with Lightning Connector

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/HMJU2ZM/A

Dec 7, 2020 10:24 AM in response to LotusPilot

While you may well be right, it does seem weird that MacOS offers to share its internet over iPad USB yet the iPad on the other end of the USB cannot make any use of the shared internet connection it is being offered.


I am sure I have seen old articles describing how to do this with iTunes...

Dec 7, 2020 11:03 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks very much for the workarounds but these do not apply because my iPad is connected to my Mac via the USB cable.


It would be nice if someone from Apple would explain how to do this if it is possible, or otherwise if they have any plans to restore the ability of iPad to receive a network connection over USB from a Mac that is sharing the network over the USB.


Otherwise I suggest they remove the macOs option of sharing the network to 'iPad USB'. It is quite confusing and liable to burn large amounts of the time of users trying, in vain, to do this.

Dec 7, 2020 11:21 AM in response to KiltedTim

I agree it is extremely unlikely that Apple will respond here but every other user forum that I have used does have support staff available to help with technical queries like this.


The network connection could be shared over WiFi -- but only if WiFi is an option.


An anser to the original question would still be useful.

Dec 7, 2020 10:17 AM in response to Community User

To my knowledge, what you are attempting is not supported by iOS/iPadOS. A Cellular iPad or iPhone, with an active Cellular connection, can provide a wired hotspot connection for other devices - but the reverse is not possible over a USB connection.


If using an appropriate Ethernet Adapter with an iPad/iPhone, it is possible to connect to a wired ethernet network.

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Reverse Tethering iPad over USB

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