iPad Air 2 & iPhone 6 Personal Hotspot

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Paul1977

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#154290 23-Oct-2014 14:46

So, my new iPad Air 2 can see my iPhone 6 personal hotspot, even thought the hotspot is not turned on. In addition I can then connect to it without entering the key.

Is this a feature?

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JarrodM

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#1160726 23-Oct-2014 14:51

yes new on iOS 8.1. automatic hotspot also happens for any macs you have.

tdgeek

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#1160728 23-Oct-2014 14:52

I recall there is a function called Instant Hotspot, its probably that. I think that covers the "in owner" devices so that it just works. If you wanted an outsider to access your hotspot, you would use Persnal Hotspot. Thats what I recall reading recently

khull

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#1160729 23-Oct-2014 14:53

I had that while on 8.0 but since updating to 8.0.2 and then 8.1 it has disappeared and have to manually unlock both devices to connect. too much of a pain so I usually just use my cellular on the iPad

tdgeek

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#1160738 23-Oct-2014 14:55

"If you’re out of Wi-Fi range, your iPad or Mac can connect to your phone’s personal hotspot when your iPhone is close by.* With the new Instant Hotspot feature, you’ll see the name of your iPhone in the list of Wi-Fi networks in Settings on your iPad, and in the Wi-Fi menu on your Mac. Just select it and you’re connected. And when you’re not using your phone’s network, your devices intelligently disconnect to save battery life."

The key is "your" devices, not anyone elses

Paul1977

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#1160763 23-Oct-2014 15:20

That's pretty cool. Probably should have done my research first, as I probably wouldn't have bothered with the cellular model had I known!

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dickytim

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#1161008 23-Oct-2014 21:28

Paul1977: That's pretty cool. Probably should have done my research first, as I probably wouldn't have bothered with the cellular model had I known!

For me the GPS chip in the 4G version is a must so regardless of if I have a sim card in it (which I do) I would always go for the cellular version.

If the ipad could use the iphone's gps chip and use it as a hot spot that would be quite cool. As it stands I get a free connection for both of my ipads with my Mobile plan now so it isn't a big deal :)

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tdgeek

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#1161039 23-Oct-2014 22:17

dickytim:
Paul1977: That's pretty cool. Probably should have done my research first, as I probably wouldn't have bothered with the cellular model had I known!

For me the GPS chip in the 4G version is a must so regardless of if I have a sim card in it (which I do) I would always go for the cellular version.

If the ipad could use the iphone's gps chip and use it as a hot spot that would be quite cool. As it stands I get a free connection for both of my ipads with my Mobile plan now so it isn't a big deal :)

I agree. iPads aren't cheap, and I hardly ever need cellular, but I always get a cellular iPad . Nice to have it if needed.