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macOS Catalina 10.15
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Table of Contents

Use an iPhone or iPad to connect to the internet

Your Mac can use the personal hotspot on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular model) to connect to the internet when your Mac and the device are within range of each other.

Before you try to connect, make sure your iOS or iPadOS device has its personal hotspot turned on (to check, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot on your device).

Note: This feature may not be available with all carriers. Additional fees may apply. Contact your carrier for more information.

Connect using Wi-Fi

  1. Make sure your iOS or iPadOS device and your Mac are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.

  2. On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi status icon in the menu bar, then choose your iPhone or iPad.

    After you connect to the personal hotspot on your iPhone or iPad, you can use the Wi-Fi status menu to check your device’s battery status and the strength of its mobile signal.

When you’re not using using the hotspot, your devices automatically disconnect to save battery life.

Connect using USB

  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac with the USB cable that came with your device.

  2. If you see an alert on your iPhone or iPad that says “Trust This Computer?” tap Trust.

To view the USB connection status on your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click Network, then select iPhone USB in the list on the left. You can also select or deselect the “Disable unless needed” tickbox.

See alsoShow Wi-Fi status in the menu bar on MacApple Support article: How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPadApple Support article: If Personal Hotspot is not working on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
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