iPhone USB Tethering Setup on macOS

This article walks you through how to tether your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable, so your Mac can share your iPhone's 4G/5G cellular connection.

What You'll Need

  • An iPhone with a data plan
  • USB cable
  • Speedify installed on your Mac

Let's Get Started

Step 1

Turn on your iPhone's Personal Hotspot. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, tap Personal Hotspot, and toggle the switch on.

iPhone Personal Hotspot toggle in Settings

Step 2

Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable. Your mac should recognize your iPhone right away. If a prompt appears asking whether you trust this computer, tap Trust on your iPhone.

Step 3 - macOS Monterey and Earlier

Open System Preferences on your Mac, then click Network. Select iPhone USB from the list on the left. If you don't see it, click the + button to add it.

If your Mac is already connected to a Wi-Fi network or another connection, your Personal Hotspot may not activate automatically. In that case, uncheck Disable unless needed under the Status section to keep the iPhone USB connection active.

macOS Network preferences showing iPhone USB connection

Step 5 - macOS Ventura and Later

Open System Preferences on your Mac, then click Network. Select your iPhone from the list, then click Details. Make sure the Disable Unless Needed toggle is turned off so your Mac stays connected through the USB connection.

macOS Ventura Network details showing Disable Unless Needed toggle

Did you know  - you can combine multiple internet connections at once on your Mac instead of just switching between them? That means your Wi-Fi network and your iPhone's 4G/5G cellular connection can work together for faster upload and download speeds and a more reliable connection. Learn how to do that with Speedify.