Is it possible to connect two iPhones via hotspot without cell service?

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Level 1

30 points

Is it possible to connect two iPhones via hotspot without cell service?

Is it usable to connect to my iPhone 16 Pro Max's mobile hotspot if I don't have cellular signal on my phone?

I'm going to be recording some video on my iPhone 16 PM using an app called BlackMagic. I'd like to use an old iPhone 15 as a remote control, however the 2 phones must either be on the same wifi network or the 15 must connect to the 16's mobile hotspot.

I'm going to be in an area with no wifi and no cellular signal. I don't need external data, but would still like to connect the 2 devices.

Note that BlueTooth and NFC connections aren't supported by the BlackMagic app. My only other option is a cable, which I'd rather not do.

Thanks

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jun 1, 2025 3:05 AM

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Answer 1

phkc070408 Author

Level 1

30 points

Jun 6, 2025 9:35 AM in response to phkc070408

So you won't be able to connect these two iPhones using Wi-Fi, unless, maybe, you're going to be using them in some location where you could bring your own Wi-Fi router and plug it into a wall outlet. Then maybe you could have the iPhones communicate through the router even if the router had no connection to the Internet / WAN.

You hit the nail on the head!!!

I used an old Mifi that no longer has cellular service. Even without cellular data, it created a network for both devices to talk to each other on.

Thanks!!!!!!

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Answer 2

Jun 1, 2025 3:38 PM in response to phkc070408

What I'm seeing in searches suggests that an iPhone can join a Wi-Fi ad-hoc network – if some other device has already created one – but that there is no way for you, as user, to make the iPhone create one.

So you won't be able to connect these two iPhones using Wi-Fi, unless, maybe, you're going to be using them in some location where you could bring your own Wi-Fi router and plug it into a wall outlet. Then maybe you could have the iPhones communicate through the router even if the router had no connection to the Internet / WAN.

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