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.
