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Can I use my iPhone’s personal hotspot to provide data to the AIR³?

YES.

This guide helps you connect your AIR³ to an iPhone’s Personal Hotspot via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Follow these steps to ensure compatibility and troubleshoot issues.

1. Set Up the iPhone Hotspot
Enable Hotspot:
Open Settings > Personal Hotspot (or Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot).
Toggle Allow Others to Join ON.
Note the Wi-Fi password displayed.
Enable Compatibility Mode:
Turn ON Maximize Compatibility to use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and WPA2 security (most AIR³s connect better to 2.4 GHz than 5 GHz, and WPA3 can cause issues).
Simplify iPhone Name:
Go to Settings > General > About > Name.
Set a simple name (e.g., “Hotspot4AIR3”) using only letters and numbers, avoiding emojis, accents, or special characters like apostrophes.
Keep Hotspot Active:
Leave the Personal Hotspot screen open on the iPhone until the AIR³ connects to ensure the hotspot remains discoverable.
Check Carrier and iOS Settings:
Ensure your carrier allows hotspot usage (contact them if the hotspot option is grayed out).
Update iOS to the latest version (Settings > General > Software Update) to fix known hotspot bugs.

2. Connect from the AIR³
Access Wi-Fi Settings:
Open Settings > Wi-Fi on your AIR³.
Find the Hotspot:
Look for the iPhone’s hotspot name (SSID) in the Wi-Fi list.
If it doesn’t appear, tap Refresh or select Add Network to manually enter the SSID (exact iPhone name).
– Enter Password:
Select the hotspot, enter the password from the iPhone, and connect.
Verify Connection:
Check for a Wi-Fi icon in the status bar and test internet access (e.g., open a browser).
Enable Auto-Reconnect (if available):
In Wi-Fi settings, enable “Auto-connect” for the hotspot to avoid manual reconnection.

3. Troubleshoot Connection Issues If the AIR³ fails to connect or detect the hotspot, try these fixes:
Wi-Fi Band Issue: Confirm Maximize Compatibility is ON in iPhone’s hotspot settings (forces 2.4 GHz, which AIR³s reliably detect).
SSID Not Visible:
Ensure the iPhone’s hotspot screen is open.
Rename the iPhone to a simpler name (e.g., “iPhoneHotspot”).
On the Android, manually add the network (enter the exact SSID and password).
Low Power Mode: On the iPhone, disable Low Power Mode (Settings > Battery) as it may disrupt hotspot functionality.
Interference or Range:
Move the iPhone and tablet closer (within 50 cm).
Avoid Wi-Fi interference from other devices (e.g., microwaves, Bluetooth gadgets).
Carrier Restrictions: Verify with your carrier that hotspot functionality is enabled on your plan.
Bluetooth Tethering as Backup:
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it ON.
On Android: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, pair with the iPhone (accept pairing prompts on both devices).
On iPhone: Enable Personal Hotspot and confirm Bluetooth tethering is active.
On Android: In Bluetooth settings, tap the paired iPhone and enable Internet Access.
Test internet access on the tablet.

4. Summary
Always enable Maximize Compatibility on the iPhone for 2.4 GHz and WPA2.
Use a simple iPhone name (letters/numbers only, e.g., “Hotspot4AIR3”).
Keep the iPhone’s Personal Hotspot screen open during initial connection.
If Wi-Fi fails, try Bluetooth tethering as a reliable alternative.
Contact your carrier if the hotspot option is unavailable or restricted.

Additional Recommendations
Check for iOS-Specific Bugs:
Some iOS versions (e.g., iOS 15/16) had hotspot bugs affecting Android compatibility. Ensure the iPhone is updated to the latest iOS.

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