O2

If you want to use your laptop when you're out and about, Internet Tethering lets you connect your iPhone to your computer and use it as a modem so you can get on the internet, a bit like mobile broadband. Internet Tethering doesn't work with 2G iPhones.

How it works

First you'll need one of our iPhone Internet Tethering Bolt Ons. They give you a bundle of data and unlimited Wi-Fi from our partner's hotspots BT Openzone, so that you can minimise the amount of data you need to use via Internet Tethering on your iPhone.

To use Wi-Fi on your laptop, you should make sure you switch off Internet Tethering on your iPhone and connect your laptop directly to the Wi-Fi hotspot.

Internet Tethering doesn't work with 2G iPhones.

Internet Tethering is not available for 2G Original iPhone. You can:

• Buy a standalone Pay & Go or Pay Monthly Mobile Broadband
• Or, you can upgrade to a new iPhone Pay Monthly contract with iPhone 3G or 3GS and an Internet Tethering Bolt On when you are eligible for an upgrade according to your airtime agreement.

You will first need to update to the lastest version of iPhone software and purchase one of our Internet Tethering Bolt Ons. Also check that you have iTunes version 8.2 or later installed on your iPhone if Internet Tethering via USB.

Please note that you can use Internet Tethering with iPhone 2G.

Internet Tethering is only available on Pay Monthly iPhone tariffs. If you want to transfer your tariff, you'll maintain your existing contract length and you can then add Internet Tethering functionality. Click on the link below to change.

Transfer to an iPhone tariff

If you've already set up Internet Tethering, go to:

Tethering with USB:

• Settings
• General
• Network
• Internet Tethering

Tethering with WiFi Personal Hotspot (Only available on iOS4 and above):

To tether via WiFi Personal Hot spot on iOS 4 and above:

Settings

Personal Hotspot

Slide the Internet Tethering switch across to 'off'. If you do not switch this 'off', every time you connect to your Desktop/Laptop via USB or within Bluetooth range it will automatically tether to your iPhone to the internet without any prompts.

You can only use Internet Tethering on your iPhone if you've got one of our Internet Tethering Bolt Ons on your account.

No. you will receive free unlimited WiFi via BT Openzone to use on your computer. This is separate from the data bundle you can use via the O2 cellular network on your computer when Internet tethered to your iPhone.

Please note that you do not use the iPhone to connect to the WiFi. The connection is made directly from your computer to the WiFi hotspot.

Ensure that the Internet Tethering option is disabled by going to:

• Settings
• General
• Network
• Cellular Data Network
• Internet Tethering
• Slide off

This will avoid your iPhone tethering through the cellular data connection when you connect your iPhone to your computer to sync with iTunes or just to charge your iPhone battery.

The usage experience can differ based on the connection you are using.

2G/EDGE Connection

You will be able to receive and send SMS/MMS without losing connection however data speed can slow down.
Data connection will be lost if a call is made.
Incoming calls will be diverted to voicemail if you are actually transferring data on your computer at the time the call comes in. If you're Internet tethering but not actually transferring data then incoming calls can be received. You will need to reconnect the Internet tethering connection after the call.

3G Connection

You will be able to receive and send SMS/MMS without losing connection however data speed can slow down.
Simultaneous voice calls and data is possible when on the 3G network so your Internet tethering remains connected if a call is made/received.

Wi-Fi

If you're using Wi-Fi on your computer then your iPhone and computer are not actually connected, so this has no impact on iPhone usage at all. All services will work as normal.