Ethernet via Bluetooth

Why is “Ethernet” showing when iPad is connected to iPhone? Also, Bluetooth PAN and Bluetooth PAN-NAP are showing when clicking “Ethernet. What do these terms mean and what functionality does this create?


iPad Air, 16

Posted on Nov 5, 2022 8:22 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 7, 2022 10:13 AM

Hello CamSN,


It sounds like you may be attempting to connect your iPad to the Personal Hotspot of your iPhone using Bluetooth. Bluetooth PAN stands for Bluetooth Personal Area Network, and Bluetooth PAN-NAP stands for Bluetooth Personal Area Network - Network Access Point. Those are the protocols used to create the direct, ad hoc wireless connection between your devices without of the need for a router or other intermediary hardware. In some instances that connection could be classified as a virtualized Ethernet connection despite the actual connection being wireless.


If that connection isn't working as expected, the recommendations from this resource may be helpful: If Personal Hotspot is not working on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support


Should you run into any difficulties with those steps, don't hesitate to let us know. We'll go from there.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 7, 2022 10:13 AM in response to CamSN

Hello CamSN,


It sounds like you may be attempting to connect your iPad to the Personal Hotspot of your iPhone using Bluetooth. Bluetooth PAN stands for Bluetooth Personal Area Network, and Bluetooth PAN-NAP stands for Bluetooth Personal Area Network - Network Access Point. Those are the protocols used to create the direct, ad hoc wireless connection between your devices without of the need for a router or other intermediary hardware. In some instances that connection could be classified as a virtualized Ethernet connection despite the actual connection being wireless.


If that connection isn't working as expected, the recommendations from this resource may be helpful: If Personal Hotspot is not working on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support


Should you run into any difficulties with those steps, don't hesitate to let us know. We'll go from there.

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Ethernet via Bluetooth

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