If you have a Wi-Fi only iPad, or any internet capable device, you can easily use your iPhone's personal hotspot feature to get online.
Many carriers support the personal hotspot feature, as long as you've got a compatible data plan. Once you're connected to your iPhone, you can browse the web, send iMessages, download apps, and do anything you'd normally be able to do on your iPad while connected to Wi-Fi.
How to connect your iPad to an iPhone personal hotspot
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Personal Hotspot.
Tap on the toggle to turn Personal Hotspot On. Create a password for your personal hotspot in the password field. This prevents unauthorized users from using your iPhone's data.
- On your iPad, launch the Settings app.
Tap on Wi-Fi.
Join your iPhone's network like you would any other Wi-Fi network. The network name will be the name of your iPhone. Instead of Wi-Fi bars, you should see an interlink icon next to it, which makes it easier to pick out from other Wi-Fi networks.
Not only can you connect your iPad to your iPhone's personal hotspot, but any other device including a Mac, PC, or any other device that has Wi-Fi built in. Most carriers allow you to connect up to 10 devices at a time, but that may vary depending on what plan you have and who you have service through.
Just keep in mind that using tethering will cause you to go through your data plan faster. It can also drain your iPhone's battery significantly fast.
What about Instant Hotspot?
With Instant Hotspot, the Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) can provide Internet access to a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch without requiring you to enter the password on those devices. (Apple)
Instant Hotpot happens when:
Your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) has an activated carrier plan providing Personal Hotspot service.
Each device is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
Each device has Bluetooth turned on.
Each device has Wi-Fi turned on.
If you're asked for a password when connecting, then not all of the above steps have been met.
What do you think?
Do you use personal hotspot often? Does having the ability to connect your iPad kept you from purchasing a cellular iPad? Why or why not?
Let me know in the comments!
Updated July 2018: This article has been updated for the most recent version of iOS.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Nintendo recap: Direct rumors and Sega refuses to delay Sonic Frontiers
Rumors from several people within the games industry state that the Not-E3 Nintendo Direct will happen at the end of the month. We also go a hands-on experience with Sonic Frontiers, but it wasn't all good.

iOS 16 will help Brits explain why 30°C is too darn hot
Apple made iOS 16 available to developers earlier this month and we're still learning things about it. One of those things is built-in unit conversion including temperature, currency, distance, and more.

iOS gaming recap: Netflix games are leveling up
This week in the mobile gaming world was all about Netflix. The streaming service announced there would be a total of 50 Netflix games by the end of the year and showed some of them off.

Keep your HomeKit accessories safe and secure with the best HomeKit routers
Expand your home's Wi-Fi coverage and add an additional layer of security for your smart home accessories with the best HomeKit routers.