Why iPhone USB Tethering Connects but Internet Doesn't Work on Ubuntu?
Do you find yourself confused when your iPhone successfully connects via USB tethering on your Windows computer but not on your Ubuntu-based laptop? This guide will help you understand the root cause and provide detailed troubleshooting steps to get your internet working smoothly on Ubuntu.
Understanding the USB Tethering Process
Connecting your iPhone to a computer via USB is a straightforward process to share internet connectivity. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up USB tethering:
Connect the USB cable to your computer's USB port. Ensure the cable is the correct type for your device (USB-C to lightning or USB-A to lightning).
Connect the mini-USB (lightning) side of the cable to your iPhone.
Open the settings on your iPhone. Scroll down and locate More or More Networks (the name can vary depending on the device model).
Click on Tethering Portable Hotspot and then toggle USB Tethering.
On your Ubuntu machine, you should see a notification alerting you to the connection. This is your cue to proceed with the next steps.
The Issue: Internet Not Working on Ubuntu
Despite the implementation of USB tethering, you may still experience difficulties when trying to access the internet. This can be due to several factors, such as drivers, network configuration, and system settings.
Driver and Package Installations
Ubuntu does not come pre-installed with Apple's USB tethering drivers, which is why the iPhone might work on Windows but not on Ubuntu. To resolve this, follow these steps:
Update your system to ensure all packages are up-to-date:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade
Use the sys-ropes package to manage system hardware dependencies:
sudo passwd # Set password
sudo sys-ropes install --all
Install specific drivers that support Apple devices:
sudo apt install libimobiledevice-utils
Network Settings and Configuration
To further ensure that your network settings are correctly configured, follow these steps:
Open your terminal and enter:
nmcli c add type gsm ifname interface-name con-name connection-name apn apn auto optional ipv6 configuration
Replace interface-name, connection-name, and apn with the appropriate values for your network.
Set the default connection to your new one using:
nmcli connection set connection-name default yes
Troubleshooting Tips and Additional Checks
Here are some additional checks and troubleshooting tips to get you back online:
Check your network settings and ensure that the correct connection is selected.
Restart both your phone and your computer to refresh the connection.
Review your firewall settings to ensure they are not blocking the connection.
Check for any recent updates or changes to your system that could be affecting the tethering connection.
By following this guide, you should be able to resolve the internet connection issue on Ubuntu with your iPhone's USB tethering. If you continue to experience problems, it might be worth checking forums or seeking support from experienced users or professionals.