Can't Create Wi-Fi Hotspot from Macbook Pro when connected to Wi-Fi (Part 2)

Hello everyone. I'm following on this discussion: Can't Create Wi-Fi Hotspot from Macbook M… - Apple Community


Essentially, I live in a hotel residence year round and the WiFi is captive portal, ie there is a basic auto popup to click and connect (no pw). Once connected, it stays connected in perpetuity. I was recently gifted an Amazon Echo for my birthday and, according to the Echo website, it cannot connect to captive portal WiFi.


I am hoping to thus turn my Macbook into a router that will enable me to connect the Echo to WiFi. Most answers in the previously linked thread were dismissive ("why would you ever need to do that"). Hoping someone can provide a workaround or if not possible, an app or solution that is software-based.


Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Jan 11, 2025 4:39 AM

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Posted on Jan 11, 2025 5:57 AM

As described in the thread you referenced, the Mac cannot be used to share wi-fi to any other device when it itself is connected to a wi-fi network. Sharing can only be done when the Mac is connected by Ethernet cable internet access. Share the internet connection on Mac with other network users - Apple Support


In your circumstance, one potential workaround would be to subscribe to a satellite internet service, connecting the Mac to that service's router with an Ethernet cable, and then commence to share that connection via wi-fi.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 11, 2025 5:57 AM in response to dfjalex

As described in the thread you referenced, the Mac cannot be used to share wi-fi to any other device when it itself is connected to a wi-fi network. Sharing can only be done when the Mac is connected by Ethernet cable internet access. Share the internet connection on Mac with other network users - Apple Support


In your circumstance, one potential workaround would be to subscribe to a satellite internet service, connecting the Mac to that service's router with an Ethernet cable, and then commence to share that connection via wi-fi.

Jan 11, 2025 6:39 AM in response to dfjalex

readers have also posted that they would like an Additional Wi-Fi interface for their Mac.


Unfortunately, there was a mass-extinction event when the Mac said no more 32-bit apps after Mojave. There are no wi-fi adapters that work with a Mac.


As the discussion continued, solutions further afield were suggested. Here is one that survived:


Add an Ethernet adapter to your Mac. To your new Ethernet adapter, add a stand-alone ethernet-to-Wi-Fi adapter of any description. if you don't need performance, this one might suffice:


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1203432-REG/iogear_gwu637_ethernet_2_wifi_universal_wireless_adapter.html



it does require a power brick or USB cable for Power:



.

Jan 11, 2025 6:12 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Thanks for the replies. After a convo with GPT, I can understand Apple's rational in not having this built in (though it is technically possible to do with one WiFi antenna), so it would be nice to give users the option. That said an iPhone-as-hotspot option feels suboptimal since I may want to use my iPhone at home as well, so I bought a travel router.

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Can't Create Wi-Fi Hotspot from Macbook Pro when connected to Wi-Fi (Part 2)

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