iOS 7.1 Causing Issues With Personal Hotspots

[zorinlynx]

Why the hell is this so complicated anyway?

If the phone has IP connectivity (internet access), Hotspot should work. PERIOD.

All that "Personal hotspot" does is turn the phone into a NAT router and wireless access point. It NAT and forwards packets from a private network through the cellular connection.

Why would a different APN be needed? If the phone can do data on its own, there's no reason why it shouldn't work in hotspot mode. This all sounds like Apple taking something which should be simple and making it a LOT more complicated than it needs to be.

I was sharing system's internet connections with local networks back in 1995, using Linux on a 486. This is a SOLVED PROBLEM. Get your **** together, Apple+carriers!!!

 

[maximini]

Users on AT&T MVNOs that don't have "official" support like StraightTalk or AIO have become collateral damage as a result of this "crackdown."

Even though these carriers allow and support MMS for their users, their carrier profiles only configure data, not MMS settings. The backdoor method that some have used to make APN changes to enable MMS has been closed by 7.1, so this affects more than hotspot users, "legal" or not.

Between Apple and the carriers, both can claim the other is at fault, and leave users in the lurch.

Correct. Here's a thread where this related issue with APN settings no longer sticking when doing a SIM swap on MVNOs is being discussed: https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=18903127#post18903127. I have so far put the blame on a Carrier update that came with 7.1 on my iPhone but if it is Apple it's even more disappointing!!! Would surely make me reconsider staying with Apple down the road as I can no longer use the phone as a full-featured smart phone!

 

[2010mini]

*** READ THIS ****


I just love how everyone says they have ZERO issues with the hotspot. When I bought a iPhone 5 my hotspot never seemed to work. I spent countless hours on the phone with Apple and did many tests. I took a total of 3 iphones and a few ipads with me. While moving the hotspots failed numerous times while droid products maintained there connection. I recorded this sent it to the apple engineer after a few months I was given a choice a full refund on my devices OR apple store money & a FREE new Ipod. The only way they would agree to these terms is if I signed a form basically saying I would not sue them.

I am on the Iphone 5s and I still have the same issues and all devices have a hotspot issue. This is hardware not software.

Yes the hotspot works while being stationary. But if you go out and travel FORGET it you are going to have a TON of connection issues. I average about 25,000 miles on the road. I chase tornado's throughout tornado alley.

I chase in Oklahoma,Kansas,Texas, Nebraska, New Mexico etc . I take my Iphone and Ipad with me and I am constantly getting unstable connections with BOTH devices while my chase partner never misses a beat with his droid tablet and phone hotspot.

I love the Iphone and Ipad I am not a droid user and really never want to switch it just sucks that apple can't get this feature right. I don't care what firmware your on this started since the Iphone 5 and is still a problem it has to be hardware. Also why would apple have me sign forms saying I wouldn't take legal action regarding the open case issue ?


I wish Mac Rumors would do a story on this it needs to be looked at. I am not sure if it has to do with certain cell towers but I am plagued with this issue almost everywhere I go along with anyone else in my SUV with apple products.


SSID will drop off and disappear and my macbook pro loses connection. Turn hotspot of then back on NOTHING. Reset network settings phone reboots hotspot works again same process over and over it's retarded.

I haven even done a USB connection which does work better but still has issues. I am using Verizon. I even went and bought a Mifi and did a side by side test the mifi never went down the Apple products timed out and lost SSID while driving down the highway.

Here's a thread I created in 2013

https://discussions.apple.com/message/25062130?ac_cid=op123456#25062130

I use my verizon ipad 4 hotspot in my car all the time and I have notice connection issues.

 

[Schtumple]

iPhone 5 on Three.

Mine no longer works over USB* but will run over WiFi, haven't checked bluetooth.

*It shows up as self assigned IP address on my Mac.

 

[DimitriMissinne]

No problem

Just tried it and no problem over here. WiFi test only though...

- Belgium
- Unlocked iPhone 5S
- Proximus network (non-Apple partner)

 

[bawbac]

Or this is essentially by design, as mentioned in a reply earlier, and the testing actually was done and was just fine given that it's working as designed.

I love it when engineers use the phrase "as designed" to test to specifications but allow the design to fail in use case scenarios, which they believe is normal and ACCEPTABLE.

 

[C DM]

I love it when engineers use the phrase "as designed" to test to specifications but allow the design to fail in use case scenarios, which they believe is normal and ACCEPTABLE.

Meaning what exactly in this case, for example?

----------

Why the hell is this so complicated anyway?

If the phone has IP connectivity (internet access), Hotspot should work. PERIOD.

All that "Personal hotspot" does is turn the phone into a NAT router and wireless access point. It NAT and forwards packets from a private network through the cellular connection.

Why would a different APN be needed? If the phone can do data on its own, there's no reason why it shouldn't work in hotspot mode. This all sounds like Apple taking something which should be simple and making it a LOT more complicated than it needs to be.

I was sharing system's internet connections with local networks back in 1995, using Linux on a 486. This is a SOLVED PROBLEM. Get your **** together, Apple+carriers!!!

APN isn't needed normally, generally it seems when people try to get around something. It seems that Apple just made it harder/impossible to get around something when it's not supposed to be supported (given that beyond the technical aspect of when and how a hotspot can be used there's also a business side of it too when it comes to carriers).

 

[B4U]

My personal hotspot works fine but my wife's one has had issues for a while now.

That's what she said.

No issues for me and I use personal hotspot every day.

Oh dear...the first 2 comments stuck in my head when I was reading the last one...

 

[odedia]

iOS 7.1 causes 4-5 hard resets per day for me.

iPhone 4S. Fixed a lot of issues, created brand new ones...

 

[pika2000]

Hmm, more good reason that I keep a Nexus handy. Why do we need those "carrier settings," other than to allow carriers to control an iPhone (regardless if it's unlocked or not)?

 

[coolfactor]

Does Apple even have a test engineering team that conducts product validation, verification and use case scenarios of the features and usage of the iPhone or Apple products in general?

It's like the engineering development team is cocky and release stuff without any internal or external testing.
Let the user/consumer be the "testers."

Sure is easy to point fingers and blame, eh? Apple is a big target, but the fact remains that carriers play a role in this, too. Several people have stated here that the problem was resolved through a carrier update, and many others are not having the problem, so how can you conclude this is due to lack of Apple testing? Clearly it passed their tests and there's some edge cases that need to be included, such as T-Mobile et al issuing the updates properly.

 

[Tech198]

15-page thread, this must be serious.

So, what else is new.

 

[schmitt]

No problems on iPhone 5s iOS 7.1 32 GB Verizon Wireless. And I can't see any VZW iPhone 5/5s subscriber experiencing a problem due to the way Personal Hotspot is activated/enabled on VZW. Some carriers actually require the use of a different APN and that's different from the way VZW does it. I think people with problems either activated non-carrier-supported iPhones and are experiencing problems or restored their settings and data from a previously jailbroken iPhone.

Same as you. I haven't had a problem with the 'Personal Hotspot' feature on my Verizon iPhone 5s 16GB running iOS 7.1. I cancelled my COX Internet and use it every day at home and at work for my iPad Air. I've been using the 'Personal Hotspot' feature since the iPhone 4 went on sale on February 10, 2011. I've used it on my Verizon iPhone 4, 4S, 5, and continue using it on my iPhone 5s without any problems. My iPad Air Wi-Fi 16GB connects faster now, since updating to iOS 7.1.

 

[macs4nw]

My personal hotspot works fine but my wife's one has had issues for a while now.

My wife's personal hotspot works so well, it's sometimes keeping me awake, when I should be sleeping…..

 

[jwkay]

It's still working here in Norway with Ventelo. They are not an Apple partner. APN settings were not reset by the 7.1 update. (Tested over Wifi only.)

 

[Gav2k]

Sure is easy to point fingers and blame, eh? Apple is a big target, but the fact remains that carriers play a role in this, too. Several people have stated here that the problem was resolved through a carrier update, and many others are not having the problem, so how can you conclude this is due to lack of Apple testing? Clearly it passed their tests and there's some edge cases that need to be included, such as T-Mobile et al issuing the updates properly.

This is exactly the issue. Carriers knew to update there apn settings for 7.1. Hell 3 did, I updated to 7.1 and a new carrier file notification popped up straight after.

This is not apples fault it's the carriers not supporting a feature buy updating there own apn settings.

 

[scottgroovez]

If that's true then going to settings> general > about would prompt a carrier update on the phone thus resolving the issue if it is indeed a missing carrier update glitch.

My personal hotspot on iPhone 4 and 3 network stopped working after 7.1. Tried as suggested and it fixed the issue. Thanks!

 

[Gav2k]

My personal hotspot on iPhone 4 and 3 network stopped working after 7.1. Tried as suggested and it fixed the issue. Thanks!

Your welcome mate

 

[asharpgclef]

i haven't had a hot spot issue...but my bluetooth doesn't work in my car anymore. that's a real issue as i drive a stick shift and holding my phone while shifting is ill-advised

 

[roadbloc]

Nobody I know has had this issue.

 

[kenetic]

Not always good to have the latest and greatest. I still have iOS 6.

 

[pierino84]

No go for WIND and ip4 in Italy

I have a carrier unlocked iphone 4, and my provider is the Italian WIND.
It does not officially support the iphone, since there are no selling agreements between Apple and WIND.
Now, thanks to this article, I've just noticed that after the 7.1 update the personal hotspot apn will not be saved in the network settings.
This is really frustrating, since it has always been working well until the update.

 

[CrzyP]

iOS 7.1 Causing Issues With Personal Hotspots

iPhone 5s on 7.1 TMUS network. No problems tethering on wifi, bluetooth, or USB for me.

 

[BulkSlash]

I've been having problems tethering my iPad Air to my iPhone 5 over wifi on Three UK. I assumed it was Three's fault as they'd been sending me texts to say I'd used all my tethering allowance (despite it supposedly being all-you-can-eat).

It's since started working again, although I now seem to have a monthly tethering limit, which annoys me as they've not communicated any change in Ts&Cs to me about limits.

 

[jnpy!$4g3cwk]

Why the hell is this so complicated anyway?

If the phone has IP connectivity (internet access), Hotspot should work. PERIOD.

All that "Personal hotspot" does is turn the phone into a NAT router and wireless access point. It NAT and forwards packets from a private network through the cellular connection.

Why would a different APN be needed? If the phone can do data on its own, there's no reason why it shouldn't work in hotspot mode. This all sounds like Apple taking something which should be simple and making it a LOT more complicated than it needs to be.

I was sharing system's internet connections with local networks back in 1995, using Linux on a 486. This is a SOLVED PROBLEM. Get your **** together, Apple+carriers!!!

I don't think it is fair to accuse Apple per se. I have had no trouble on T-Mobile. Some carriers either prohibit, or, consider it an extra service to be paid for. The carriers still rule, at least in the U.S. I'm guessing that if overseas phones are having trouble, it is because they originated in the U.S.

For example, I have seen trouble multiple times with "factory unlocked" used phones that turned out to be of AT&T origin and had AT&T locks. In the U.S., AT&T is very particular about maintaining their privilege to unlock AT&T origin phones. For example.