The situation when there is only one smartphone with an active data package at hand, and a second device requires access to the network, is found everywhere. Owners of the Apple ecosystem are often faced with the need to share traffic with devices based on Android. This issue arises especially acutely when using operator SIM cards MTS, since the settings of tariffs and APN profiles sometimes require additional attention.
Despite the fact that both devices run on different operating systems, the Internet distribution mechanism is standardized and easy to implement. You don't need to install third-party applications or perform complex manipulations with codes. However, there are a number of nuances regarding the correct display of the network name and the stability of the connection when changing network generations.
In this guide, we will examine in detail the process of activating the modem mode on the iPhone, setting up parameters for MTS subscribers and the procedure for connecting to the network from an Android smartphone. Typical errors and ways to eliminate them will also be discussed if the client device does not receive an IP address.
Activating modem mode on iPhone
The first step is to check the availability of the Internet distribution function in the settings of your device. Apple has integrated this option deeply into the system, making it accessible from any menu as long as you have an active SIM card. First, make sure that you have a working SIM card inserted into your iPhone MTS and the device is registered on the network.
Go to the main system settings. You need to find the section responsible for data transfer. It is usually located in the top menu block or in the second section of the list. If you are using iOS 14 or later, the interface will look like this: select Cellular communications, and then find the subsection Modem mode. In some firmware versions, this item may be placed in the main menu as a separate icon.
Modem Mode can be turned off by default. You need to move the switch to the active position. Immediately after turning on, the system will generate a password for connection, which will be displayed on the screen. This password can be changed to a more convenient one if the standard combination of characters seems too complex for you to enter on a third-party device.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Modem Mode" item is not in the menu, or it is gray and inactive, the problem may be that there is no cellular data profile. For MTS subscribers, the profile is usually loaded automatically, but if it fails, manual APN configuration is required.
After activating the function, a blue or green indication will appear in the status bar (at the top of the screen), indicating that the access point is working. The number of connected devices will also be displayed next to the icon. Now your iPhone is ready to broadcast an Internet signal.
Configuring APN settings for the MTS operator
The most common reason why an Android device connects to the iPhone's Wi-Fi network, but does not gain access to the Internet, is incorrect access point (APN) settings. The operator MTS requires specifying specific parameters for correct routing of traffic during distribution.
You need to go deeper into the modem settings menu. Inside the section Modem Mode find the item Cellular Network Settings or Cellular Data Network. Here you will see fields to fill out. Make sure that the following values are specified in the "Modem Mode" (or Personal Hotspot) section:
- 📡 APN: internet.mts.ru
- 👤 Username: mts
- 🔑 Password: mts
Pay attention to the case of letters. Although modern systems often ignore case in these fields, it is MTS recommended to enter data in lower case, as indicated above. It is not necessary to fill in the "MMSC" and "MMS proxy" fields if your goal is only to distribute the Internet, but their presence may affect the operation of multimedia messages on the iPhone itself.
☑️ Checking APN settings
After entering the data, be sure to restart the iPhone. This is a critical step because changes to cellular network profiles only take effect after the device radio is restarted. Without a reboot, Android can see the network, but data packets will be lost at the operator's gateway.
Why are the settings reset?
Sometimes after updating iOS, APN settings may be reset to default or disappear. This is due to Apple's security policies and carrier profile updates. In this case, the data entry procedure will have to be repeated.
Connecting an Android smartphone to the iPhone network
Now let's move on to the device that will receive the signal. Take your smartphone on the base Android and unlock it. The connection process is no different from connecting to any other wireless network, but there are a few things you should pay attention to to ensure stability.
Turn on the Wi-Fi module in the notification shade or in settings. Start searching for available networks. Your network name (SSID) defaults to the name of your iPhone, which is set in General -> About this device -> Name. If you have not changed the phone name, it will sound like “iPhone (Your Name).”
Click on the network name and enter the password that you saw on the iPhone screen in the modem mode section. After successful authentication, the Wi-Fi icon in the Android status bar will change to show an active connection. In some shells (for example, MIUI or OneUI), a small key or arrow icon may appear next to the Wi-Fi icon, indicating the presence of the Internet.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Range frequencies | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz for longer range |
| Protection protocol | WPA2 Personal | Leave unchanged |
| Channel | Auto | Auto |
| Max. clients | Depends on the model | No more than 3-4 devices |
If the connection was successful, try opening any web page in a browser on Android. If the page loads, it means that the iPhone-Android-MTS combination is working correctly. Otherwise, check if the Data Saver mode is enabled on Android, which may block background data transfer.
Solving problems with network visibility and connection
Sometimes it happens that an Android smartphone simply does not see the network created by the iPhone. This may be due to the operating characteristics of wireless modules or privacy settings. First of all, make sure that the iPhone screen is turned on and is on the tethering mode settings page. In some cases, iOS hides the network to save power if the device is locked.
It's also worth checking your privacy settings. In the Settings -> Privacy -> Location Services -> System Services section, make sure that the Network and Wireless Communicationsitem is enabled. Disabling this option may result in the Personal Hotspot feature no longer correctly announcing itself on air.
Maximum compatibility is another important switch that has appeared in new versions of iOS. If your Android device is an older model (manufactured before 2015-2016), it may not support the new security standards or 5 GHz frequencies. In the modem mode settings on your iPhone, turn on the "Maximum compatibility" toggle switch. This will switch the distribution to the 2.4 GHz band and change the encryption protocol to an older one, but understandable to older devices.
⚠️ Attention: Enabling the "Maximum compatibility" mode may reduce the maximum data transfer rate. Use this option only if older devices cannot connect to the network.
If the problem persists, try forgetting the network on Android (delete the connection profile) and searching again. Sometimes the network settings cache on Android stores outdated encryption settings that conflict with the current session on the iPhone.
MTS pricing features and limits
Using an iPhone as a router for other devices is technically called tethering (tethering). Telecom operators, including MTS, may charge this traffic differently depending on your specific data plan. On modern unlimited tariffs, Internet distribution is often included in the basic package, but with volume restrictions.
For example, in the Tariffishche or MTS Premium series tariffs, a certain gigabyte may be allocated specifically for distribution (for example, 3-5 GB per month), after which the speed for connected devices will be reduced to 64 or 128 kbps, or an additional fee will be charged for packages. On archived tariffs, distribution can be completely blocked or charged daily.
How does the operator determine that you are distributing the Internet? This is done by analyzing the TTL (Time To Live) parameter. When a data packet passes through your device (iPhone) to another (Android), the TTL value decreases by one. The deep traffic inspection (DPI) systems of the MTS operator see this change and identify the fact of distribution.
Check your tariff in the “My MTS” application. The “Services” section often contains information about the available amount of traffic for distribution. If the limit is exhausted, the speed will drop, even if the Internet flies on the iPhone itself.
It is also worth considering that some corporate tariffs or tariffs for tablets may have a ban on using a SIM card in smartphones or distributing traffic. In such cases, the connection may be blocked at the network level, despite the correct APN settings.
Alternative connection methods and saving energy
Wi-Fi is not the only way to transfer the Internet from iPhone to Android. If your wireless connection is unstable or you require maximum speed and minimum latency (ping), you can use a wired connection. To do this, you will need a Lightning-to-USB cable (or USB-C, depending on the iPhone model) and an OTG adapter for your Android smartphone.
Connect your iPhone with the cable to your Android device. The iPhone screen will ask you "Trust this computer?" Press Trust and enter the screen unlock password. On Android, a new connection type should appear in the network settings - USB modem. Activate it. This method provides the most stable communication channel and simultaneously charges the iPhone.
The third option is Bluetooth. It is the slowest, but also the most energy efficient for the iPhone. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair. On Android, in the Bluetooth settings, find the paired iPhone, click on the gear or settings menu and activate the item Internet access. The speed here will be low (no more than 1-2 Mbit/s), but this may be enough for messengers or navigation.
A wired connection via USB is the best choice for long sessions: it is more stable than Wi-Fi and allows you to save iPhone battery power by using power from an Android device (with OTG support).
⚠️ Attention: When using Bluetooth tethering, make sure that visibility is turned on on both devices. Pairing sometimes requires confirmation of the code on both screens.
Do not forget that modem mode significantly drains the iPhone's battery power, especially on 4G/LTE networks with an unstable signal. If you're planning a long session, keep your iPhone connected to a charger. Overheating of the case in this mode is normal, but at critical temperatures the system can automatically turn off the modem to protect the components.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does Android connect to the iPhone's Wi-Fi, but says "Without Internet access"?
Most likely, the problem is in the APN settings on the iPhone itself. Check that in the section Cellular data network -> Modem mode the data for MTS is registered: APN internet.mts.ru, login and password mts. Also try restarting both devices.
Is it possible to share the Internet if VPN is enabled on the iPhone?
Yes, you can. With an active VPN connection on the iPhone, all traffic passing through the Android hotspot will also be tunneled through the VPN. However, this can significantly reduce the connection speed and increase the ping.
How to change the network name so as not to show the name of your phone?
Go to Settings -> General -> About this device -> Name. Change the name to anything else (for example, "Hotspot_MTS"). The network will then air under a new name. It is not necessary to reconnect devices, but old network profiles may require deletion.
How many devices can you connect to the iPhone at the same time?
Technically, iOS allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously via Wi-Fi. Via USB, only one device can be connected. If there are a large number of clients, the Internet speed on each of them will be divided proportionally.
Does MTS charge an additional fee for Internet distribution?
It depends on your tariff. At many modern archival and some current tariffs, distribution may be paid or limited in volume. Check the terms of your tariff plan in your personal account of the My MTS application.