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Question

Can't connect laptop to iPhone hotspot via USB

Mar 20, 2016 11:32AM PDT

I'm trying to fix a computer problem for my parents. My mom recently picked up a used HP EliteBook 8470p laptop. My parents live in a rural area with not-so-great internet service, so they rely on my mom's iPhone 5C's personal hotspot for internet access. With their desktop PC, we've always plugged the iPhone into the USB port and connected the computer to the mobile network that way. But for some reason, the new laptop isn't connecting when we try and do this via USB. When we turn on the personal hotspot for wireless WiFi connection, the laptop recognizes it and connects. But for some reason with the direct USB connection, it won't work. Any ideas on how to fix this issue?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Usb
Mar 20, 2016 1:58PM PDT
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RE usb
Mar 20, 2016 2:30PM PDT

The USB ports aren't the problem. The ports recognize the phone itself, and even present an autoplay option to explore folders, photos etc. Other devices including flash drives and a wireless mouse have been used without issue. But when we turn on the hotspot, the connection doesn't appear.

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I'm unclear on the question.
Mar 21, 2016 7:47AM PDT

I wonder if you expected internet access over the USB cable.