Connect to the Internet using Instant Hotspot

Your Mac can automatically use the personal hotspot on your iPhone or iPad to connect to the Internet when your Mac and iOS device are within range of each other.

To use your device’s personal hotspot, your Mac must have OS X Yosemite (v10.10) or later, and you must have an iPhone or iPad (cellular model) with iOS 8 or later and Personal Hotspot turned on (go to Settings > Personal Hotspot).

  1. Make sure your iOS device and your Mac are signed into 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 cellular signal.

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

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