danbae
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Problem using iPhone internet sharing with USB cable

Using the iPhone as a mobile modem (internet sharing) for my laptop computer is very handy when in places with no wifi or the like. Using my iPhone 4 with iOS 5.0.1 and my MacBookPro under MacOS X 10.5.8 worked fine both with wireless connection between computer and iPhone and using the USB cable to connect them. Then I updated the iOS to 6.1.3 and later the MacOS to 10.6.8. After that, the USB cable connection could not be used for internet sharing via my iPhone. Under System Preferences -> Internet Sharing on my phone, the option "Connect via USB" still is there, but when connected, the phone doesn't show up under Network in my laptop's System Preferences. I prefer the cable connection since it is more stable than the wifi or bluetooth options and I can charge my phone at the same time. Does anyone know of a remedy?

iPhone 4, iOS 6.1.3

Posted on Nov 11, 2013 3:14 AM

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danbae

Q: Problem using iPhone internet sharing with USB cable

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  • by wjosten,

    wjosten wjosten Nov 11, 2013 3:35 AM in response to danbae
    Level 10 (94,634 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 11, 2013 3:35 AM in response to danbae

    Read here:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2756

  • by danbae,

    danbae danbae Nov 11, 2013 4:27 AM in response to wjosten
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 11, 2013 4:27 AM in response to wjosten
    1. Confirm that your iOS device, computer, and wireless plan all meet the system requirements for Personal Hotspot.
    2. Verify that Personal Hotspot is enabled by tapping Settings > General > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
    3. Verify the Internet connection on your iOS device by tapping Safari and loading a new webpage.
    4. If one connection type doesn't work, try another (for example, instead of connecting using Wi-Fi, try using USB or Bluetooth).
    5. Try disabling and reenabling Personal Hotspot from Settings > Personal Hotspot or Settings > General > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
    6. Install the latest version of iOS. Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
    7. Reset network settings by tapping Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
    8. If none of the previous steps resolves your issue, restore the iPhone.

    Did all of the above except step 6 (I don't wish to install iOS 7) and 8 (really? is this the only way?). Step 4 is not applicable: Wi-fi and BT work but I want USB to work as well, that's the whole point. Nothing helped, I will just have to re-enter all the endless wi-fi passwords...

    USB troubleshooting

     

    If you are using USB to connect your computer to Personal Hotspot and you are unable to get an Internet connection, check your computer's network settings. You may need to adjust your computer's network settings to disconnect and reconnect the USB Ethernet interface.

    Select your operating system for instructions:

    Mac OS X

    Open System Preferences > Network. Locate and select the Ethernet adapter listed, and then click the gear icon and choose Make Service Inactive. Then choose Make Service Active:

     

     

     

    Did that too. After inactivating and re-activating en(5), it said "Unknown state" in the laptop's Network Preferences. When I clicked "Apply", it changed to "Cable Unplugged". The cable was (of course) connected. I tried another cable, in case there was an internet-specific fault with my own cable (which works fine for charging and syncing). No luck. Back to square 1.

     

    D

  • by wjosten,

    wjosten wjosten Nov 11, 2013 4:32 AM in response to danbae
    Level 10 (94,634 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 11, 2013 4:32 AM in response to danbae

    Other than what's suggested in that support article, there's nothing more to suggest you do.

  • by r04aem9,

    r04aem9 r04aem9 Feb 18, 2014 10:52 AM in response to danbae
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 18, 2014 10:52 AM in response to danbae

    I have the same problem - did you ever get it sorted?

  • by danbae,

    danbae danbae Feb 18, 2014 10:59 AM in response to r04aem9
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 18, 2014 10:59 AM in response to r04aem9

    I haven't got around to trying step 6 or 8 yet.  I guess I should. The problem is still there.

     

    If you perform either of those procedures, please let me know the result. I will if I get there before you.

     

    Regards,

    Dan