Tethering is something that all newer iPhones devices support, allowing users to turn their iPhones into instant hotspots. But sometimes iPhone tethering stops working suddenly, causing both frustration and inconvenience.

In this post, we’ll show you how to fix the issue on both Mac computers and Windows.

Step 1: Ensure iPhone is up to date

Every model of the iPhone from iPhone 3GS onwards support tethering. If you have an older model, tethering won’t work.

If your iPhone supports tethering but this feature is not working or has suddenly stopped working, first give these simple steps a try before moving on to the other solutions in the post.

• Restart your iPhone
• Ensure the latest iOS update is installed
• Reset the iPhone Network

If the issue still persists, move on to the next step

Step 2: Ensure the Hotspot is switched on

If the hotspot feature is turned off, tethering won’t work. Follow these steps to ensure this feature is turned on.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Go to your iPhone’s Settings
• Choose Settings or Cellular (depending on the version of iPhone you use)
• Choose Personal Hotspot
• Now, slide Personal Hotspot slider to turn it on

Step 3: Check the Computer Settings (This is for Mac Users)

It is possible computer settings might be configured improperly to accept new connections. The following steps should fix majority of iPhone USB-related connection issues.

• Ensure iTunes is up to date
• Connect your iPhone to Mac using a USB cable (Select trust the device in case you receive a prompt)
• Open iTunes. Ensure the device is visible (use another cable in case it is not visible)
• Choose System Preferences
• Choose Network
• Choose iPhone USB (in case it isn’t present, add it by selecting the + sign)
• Click Settings and then Make Service Active
• Finally, click Apply

Step 4 – Check the Computer Settings (This is for Windows Users)

It is possible computer settings might be configured improperly to accept new connections. By following these steps, you should be able to fix majority of iPhone USB-related connection issues.

• Ensure iTunes is up to date
• Connect your iPhone to the Windows computer using a USB cable
• Open iTunes and ensure the device is visible (use another cable in case it is not visible)
• In the Start Search box, type settings. Click Settings in the search results
• Choose Network & Internet
• You will see a Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device. Enable it
• Now your devices are tethered

In case you still can’t tether the iPhone, then follow these advanced troubleshooting steps:

Launch the Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can successfully diagnose most of the common network issues. You can launch this troubleshooter by following these steps:

• In the Windows Start Search box, type settings and then click Settings in the search results
• Go to Network and Internet
• Choose Status
• Choose Network Troubleshooter
• Follow on-screen prompts

Deactivate the Firewall temporarily

Occasionally, firewalls can cause tethering problems when they block incoming connections. We recommend you check the firewall’s documentation to turn off the firewall temporarily and then try tethering the iPhone again.

Ensure that you re-enable your firewall with an exemption for the iPhone in case the tethering issue is fixed. Permanently turning off the firewall could pose a security risk, exposing your system to malware attacks.

Step 5 – Update the USB drivers

Sometimes, Window’s Network Troubleshooter fails to identify a network issue. Old USB drivers could at times lead to iPhone tethering issues.

If none of the above solutions have worked for you, we recommend you update your USB drivers. The easiest way to do so is by using a reliable driver update software such as DriverUpdater. With just a few clicks, it can update the USB drivers and other outdated device drivers.

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

• You can update device drivers automatically
• The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
• The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
• Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

Start Download