This article describes how to pair your bluetooth enabled laptop to your iPhone so the laptop can access the Internet via the iPhones Internet Tethering feature anywhere you have cell service.
A few quick notes before we start:
- This article was tested using Windows Vista and Windows 7
- The Bluetooth device used was a generic USB Bluetooth adapter purchased online at DealExtreme for $1.98 (including shipping!)
- Not all Cell providers allow tethering, the iPhone feature is controlled by the provider. If it is disabled call your provider to see if they will enable it for your phone!
- You can tether using your sync cable, too.
- Your PC can use data much quicker than your phone, and use the Intenret in the background (updates, etc.) Make sure you disable it when not needed.
- Under Settings -> General -> Usage, your iPhone keeps track of the Tethering Data usage.
PART 1
Step 1: Insert your bluetooth device. Windows should automatically install drivers for it.
Step 2: On your iPhone go to Settings -> General -> Bluetooth Make sure Bluetooth is on. Do not leave this screen, your iPhone is only ‘discoverable’ by your PC while on this page.
Step 3: On the PC Right-Click on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray and select ‘Add a Device‘. (’Add a Bluetooth Device’ in Vista)
Step 4: In Vista you’ll have to check a box that your device is ready and hit Next. In Windows 7 the following screen will appear after searching and finding your phone…
Step 5: On the above screen, click the Phone and click next. Windows 7 will pop up the screen below with an automatically created pairing number, and your iPhone will automatically open a keyboard to enter the number. Enter this number into your phone quickly, or it will timeout and you will have to restart the process.
Once the number is entered on the iPhone, Windows will show you that it was successful.
In Vista, the above steps are similar, you’ll just be asked to choose the pairing key method. Choose the first option, ‘Choose a passkey for me’, and the steps are the same.
Part ONE is complete. Your iPhone and PC are now ready to talk. Part TWO will now create a network connection between the two so you can use your iPhones internet connection.
PART 2
Step 1: On your iPhone, go into Settings -> General -> Network -> Internet Tethering and turn it on. (This option is only available on iPhone OS 3.0 and above.
You do not have to leave it on this screen. As long as it in on it will kick in when you perform the following steps.
Step 2: On the PC right-click on your bluetooth icon in your system tray and select ‘Join a Peronal Area Network‘
Step 3: The following screen should appear with your iPhone showing…
Right-click on your phone and select Connect Using -> Access point (In Vista just click the connect button). A message should appear that the connection was successful.
Your PC is now connected to the Internet though your phone via Bluetooth. It may take 20 seconds or so for the connection to be established. Once it is, any Internet app should now work!
Your iPhone will always show when your Tethering is active…
Step 4: IMPORTANT Disconnect the connection when you are done using it. You can do it from the iPhone by turning OFF Internet Tethering, or on the PC by right-clicking your phone in the above image and choosing ‘Disconnect‘ (In Vista just click the disconnect button).
Your iPhone and PC will remember that it has been paired, so all you should have to do is Part 2 Step 2 and 3 in the future (provided your iPhone has Bluetooth and Internet Tethering on), so you won’t even have to pull your phone out of your pocket.
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