unable to share wifi internet connection from MacBook to iPhone using usb-c cable

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Level 1

8 points

unable to share wifi internet connection from MacBook to iPhone using usb-c cable

Hi,

Occasionally, I (and I know many others) need to share a wifi connection from a single device (due to authenticated or secured 1 device login wifi) to our other apple devices like iPhone(14Pro), iPad, etc.

Seemingly this should be able to be done using the usb-c cable from my MacBook Pro 14" 2023 model.

Yet I've tried multiple times and checked all my settings and this simple feature seems to not work.

No I really don't want to keep swippy swappying my wifi connection between devices, when seemingly I could simply keep my MBP connected to wifi, and plug in my iPhone to it, and the MBP feed internet to the Iphone14. Life would be simple.

I mean it works the other way around when I hotspot.

It should work the reverse when the iPhone is in airplane mode, and has the USB-C connected to the MBP.

(and honestly, I really know this worked on both my old MBP 2015 model (A1502) and my MBP 2022 (2251) models. Is this an apple silicon issue?

MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Aug 16, 2024 5:29 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 17, 2024 7:09 AM in response to the_natrix

In the specific case where you connect a USB cord to your iPhone, the list does indeed grow by adding a USB connection to share your Mac's internet with the iPhone over USB. I stand corrected on that specific point.

If the USB cord is not in place and your iPhone already a Trusted device, USB does to appear.

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Overall, the Internet Sharing feature is absolutely NOT trivial. When you enable that Sharing on your Mac, your Mac must create an additional software-based Router to deal with the added complexity of connecting an additional subnet to its internet connection, and issues additional local IP address to support that use.

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Answer 2

Aug 16, 2024 6:37 PM in response to the_natrix

USB is a local peripheral interface.

USB is not suitable and not supported for File Sharing.

USB is not suitable and not supported for Network Sharing.

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Answer 3

the_natrix Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 16, 2024 6:14 PM in response to the_natrix

one more thing. if I can't share the wifi from my MBP to the iPhone via usb. why can't I do the reverse? Connect the iPhone to wifi, and share that connection via USB to the MBP? sure works that way with cellular on. And seemingly should not matter since it's taking a wireless signal (cell or wifi) and feeds it through usb.

i mean, this should have worked in 2015.... its nearly 2025, and we still can't do this simple thing?

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Answer 4

Ozzie1910

Level 4

3,222 points

Aug 16, 2024 6:45 PM in response to the_natrix

You can’t share internet from a MacBook to an iPhone but you can share internet from iPhone turning on personal hotspot from iPhone and in the WiFi settings you can see the iPhone and connect it from your Mac using móvil data from iPhone

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Answer 5

the_natrix Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 17, 2024 2:40 AM in response to Ozzie1910

Ozzie1910,

I've provided images of the internet sharing and content sharing menus.

IF you can't share internet via USB (obviously false since I can use my phone as a hotspot through USB)

AND

If I cannot share internet via USB, why does it even show up as a permitted connection in the menus?

The menu CLEARLY states share internet FROM MacBook to iPhone via USB, and is switched on.

Why would this be a possible configuration since 2017 if it is not meant to be done?

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Answer 6

the_natrix Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 17, 2024 2:41 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant,

This is clearly just omg, incorrect. since the iPhone can do it in reverse.

Secondly, I've provided images of the menus for configuring this, and it shows it is a permitted configuration.

So either something is not working correctly. OR they need to revamp the menus.

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Answer 7

the_natrix Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 17, 2024 2:47 AM in response to Ozzie1910

I think you are wrong.

The menu shows internet from wifi to USB iPhone is a PERMITTED connection.

Explain, if this is not a permitted connection, why is is allowed to be configured as such?

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unable to share wifi internet connection from MacBook to iPhone using usb-c cable

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