Why doesn't my iPad have internet when tethered to iPhone?

Question

Why doesn't my iPad have internet when tethered to iPhone?

iPad 1
1. 2021 (9th gen)
2. ipadOS v16.6
3. AppleID = "xyz"
iPhone
1. SE 2021
2. iOS v16.5.1
3. AppleID = "xyz"
iPad 2
1. Air 2
2. ipadOS v15.7.8
3. AppleID = "abc"

iPads do not have internet when tethered to an iPhone (same AppleID on both devices). Any attempt to navigate to a website in a browser results in an error page stating there is no connectivity. Going back into the wifi settings page on the iPad reveals a never-ending spinning circle next to the network name.

I connected the iPad to my phone's hotspot (Pixel 5) and it had internet access as expected. I'm not an iPhone user so I don't know what to troubleshoot next. Things that I've tried so far include:

toggle wifi on both devices
power cycle both devices
forget the network on iPad
toggle "low data mode" in iPad connection details
connect devices via Bluetooth before testing the hotspot
disable Bluetooth on both devices before testing the hotspot
connect different iPad (iPad 2) via tethering
reset Network Settings on both iPad & iPhone

Posted on Aug 23, 2023 12:59 PM

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Answer 1

ZintainUSA

Level 5

6,513 points

Aug 23, 2023 1:43 PM in response to m0o0o0o0o0o0o

You may want to confirm with your cellular provider and make sure that they give you the option of using Hotspot for your devices. That being said, usually the option isn’t available to turn it on if you don’t have it, so I would make sure that they have everything setup correctly for you, and work with them. They are going to be the ones that are going to be able to help you with this question.

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Answer 2

Aug 23, 2023 2:07 PM in response to ZintainUSA

I did have the provider enable hotspot functionality. I had to do so before attempting any of this since the option was not available before.

Can you elaborate on how the provider's configuration would prevent tethered devices from having connectivity? I ask because their support is minimal and I will likely have a very uphill battle getting them to troubleshoot anything without knowing details of what they need to test/change. Also, can you explain more about what makes you certain that it is a problem with the carrier and not with the iPhone? I'm asking sincerely since I want to understand the issue as thoroughly as I can and rule things out methodically.

Thanks!

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Why doesn't my iPad have internet when tethered to iPhone?

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