If your Mac has a wired connection to the Internet, and there is no Wi-Fi network available, you can use your Mac as a Wi-Fi network to connect other devices like iPhones, iPads, laptops and game devices. By using Internet Sharing in System Preferences, you can create a network and set a name and password to allow access. This comes in handy in situations where you need to connect Wi-Fi-only devices, but no Wi-Fi is available.
Comments: 3 Responses to “Turn Your Mac Into a Wi-Fi Network”
Lawrence
6 years ago
WiFi routers are cheap and easy to set up. Using your Mac as your router allows few options and configurations. There is no compelling reason to use a Mac as a WiFi router when the better solution is economical and easier.
Lawrence: Here are some examples. I once checked into a hotel that had ethernet to each room, but no Wi-Fi. Odd. I hooked my MacBook to the ethernet, set up a Wi-Fi network like this, and then my whole family could use their iPhones and iPads. I have a relative who has one Mac and DSL, and a wired connection, no Wi-Fi. He doesn't need it. But when I needed it once, I was able to use his Mac as a Wi-Fi router so I could connect too. Another: Wi-Fi router breaks, you could use this to provide temporary connections to devices until a replacement arrives.
Emmanuel SCERRI
6 years ago
Thanks a million Gary. Very useful indeed. Here is why ... don't have a landline but a fast 4g all inclusive plan with unlimited data that I use everywhere I go, here in Switzerland. It comes out much cheaper. However, every once in a while I need to update or download a large app on my iPhone and it will not let me do it (very strange) unless I'm connected to a wifi network (which I didn't have until tonight). Backing up my iPhone was also impossible. THANKS!
WiFi routers are cheap and easy to set up. Using your Mac as your router allows few options and configurations. There is no compelling reason to use a Mac as a WiFi router when the better solution is economical and easier.
Lawrence: Here are some examples. I once checked into a hotel that had ethernet to each room, but no Wi-Fi. Odd. I hooked my MacBook to the ethernet, set up a Wi-Fi network like this, and then my whole family could use their iPhones and iPads. I have a relative who has one Mac and DSL, and a wired connection, no Wi-Fi. He doesn't need it. But when I needed it once, I was able to use his Mac as a Wi-Fi router so I could connect too. Another: Wi-Fi router breaks, you could use this to provide temporary connections to devices until a replacement arrives.
Thanks a million Gary. Very useful indeed. Here is why ... don't have a landline but a fast 4g all inclusive plan with unlimited data that I use everywhere I go, here in Switzerland. It comes out much cheaper. However, every once in a while I need to update or download a large app on my iPhone and it will not let me do it (very strange) unless I'm connected to a wifi network (which I didn't have until tonight). Backing up my iPhone was also impossible. THANKS!