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User profile for user: oriana871
oriana871 Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

iphone tethering self-assigned isp caused by switch between computers

Hi,


I have an iMac and a Macbook Pro. Whenever I connect my iphone to the iMac, and then later connect it to my MacBook, I get the dreaded self-assigned isp. iphone is always connected to either computer via usb. This issue is solely caused by switching between computers. It's the iMac that changes something on the phone that causes the problem on my MacBook. I can't go through this every time!!


What is causing my phone to have a self-assigned isp on the MacBook after being connected to my iMac?


Sometimes I manage to fix it by just switching things off and on, on both my phone and MacBook: Cellular data, airplane mode, WiFi on, WiFi off. But it's painful and I never know what truly works. I need to find a fast, easy solution.


Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Posted on Aug 22, 2022 7:39 PM

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User profile for user: Raicya
Raicya
User level: Level 10
209,019 points

Posted on Aug 22, 2022 11:16 PM

Use Private Wi-Fi addresses, see Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch

Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch - Apple Support


For the router settings see -> Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support


An example of how to add the iPhone:

If you use Private Wi-Fi addresses then you can assign the iPhone a MAC address & a Private IP address.

Log in to the router, add your iPhone NAME + iPhone MAC address  + private IP address.

Your iPhone MAC address is: go to Settings -> General -> About -> the Wi-Fi address (note this address).

Assign a private IP address to the iPhone, for example 192.168.x.xxx or 169.254.x.xxx. 

This depends on the router & other iDevices that have already been added.

What is important, check the list and the last xxx must be different from the iDevices that have already been added.


Then you add all your devices in the same way.

Here also a Windows OS PC, TV, Printer & Android phone are added.


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User profile for user: Raicya
Raicya
User level: Level 10
209,019 points

Aug 22, 2022 11:16 PM in response to oriana871

Use Private Wi-Fi addresses, see Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch

Use private Wi-Fi addresses on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch - Apple Support


For the router settings see -> Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points

Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points - Apple Support


An example of how to add the iPhone:

If you use Private Wi-Fi addresses then you can assign the iPhone a MAC address & a Private IP address.

Log in to the router, add your iPhone NAME + iPhone MAC address  + private IP address.

Your iPhone MAC address is: go to Settings -> General -> About -> the Wi-Fi address (note this address).

Assign a private IP address to the iPhone, for example 192.168.x.xxx or 169.254.x.xxx. 

This depends on the router & other iDevices that have already been added.

What is important, check the list and the last xxx must be different from the iDevices that have already been added.


Then you add all your devices in the same way.

Here also a Windows OS PC, TV, Printer & Android phone are added.


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User profile for user: oriana871
oriana871 Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Aug 25, 2022 3:29 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Hi,


The reason I'm not always using Wi-Fi is because I only have wireless internet at my location and the plans are very expensive with quite limited bandwidth, so I use the data on my phone sometimes to avoid overcharges on my wireless internet plan.


The issue I was having has nothing to do with the carrier.


Also ATM my router isn't working....


Found a solution. After disconnecting from the iMac, I power down my phone and restart, connect to the MacBook, and it works like a dream.


Thanks for your feedback.

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User profile for user: Jan Hedlund
Jan Hedlund
User level: Level 7
23,401 points

Aug 23, 2022 2:32 AM in response to oriana871

>iphone is always connected to either computer via usb


Hi,


Is there a reason for not using a Wi-Fi connection between the computer(s) and the Personal Hotspot?


How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If Personal Hotspot is not working on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support

Share your internet connection from iPhone – Apple Support (UK)


Details about the use of an iPhone as a personal hotspot are controlled by the mobile network provider (carrier).

An iPhone Personal Hotspot is not a normal router for local networking and/or printer sharing. If necessary, you may want to consider a separate, dedicated mobile broadband (4G/5G) router.

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iphone tethering self-assigned isp caused by switch between computers

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