Use Your iPhone to Transform Your ASUS Router into a 4G/5G Hotspot

This discusses further a previous discussion in 2022 here in discussions.apple.com about tethering an iPhone to the USB port on a router. 

Some Asus routers have USB A (USB 2.0) and/or USB C (USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2) ports that support physical tethering with some current iPhone models. 

Not all Asus USB routers, however, have the up to date firmware needed. 

ASUS states currently (19 Feb 2024) as follows: 

Plug & Share: Use Your iPhone to Transform Your ASUS Router into a 4G/5G Hotspot. 

This feature is available for specific 802.11ax models with certain firmware versions:

  (1) Firmware between 3.0.0.4.388.23000 and 3.0.0.4.388.29999

  (2) Any version beyond 3.0.0.4.388.31900

  (3) Any version beyond 3.0.0.4.386.69019

  Please make sure the firmware version of your ASUS router is up to date.

NB 

1. Some Asus routers have a USB A (USB 2.0) port and a USB C (USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2) port. 
2. Most USB routers, including ASUS, do not support cabling printers, 3G/4G/5G dongles, or mobile phones to the USB port.