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How to Share Your Internet Connection on a Mac via Wi-Fi

Get all of your devices online with a single Ethernet cord

By Melanie Uy Melanie Uy Writer Queens College Harvard University Extension School Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years' experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 12, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless

What to Know

Open System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing.In the Share your connection from drop-down list, pick your internet source, such as Ethernet.In the left pane, select Internet Sharing. When the Sharing prompt displays, click Start. This article explains how to use your Mac as a sort of Wi-Fi hotspot or access point for your phone and tablet to connect to. You can share the connection with even non-Mac computers and mobile devices through your Mac.

How to Share a Mac Internet Connection

This process shares your internet connection with your other computers and mobile devices, so you need an Ethernet network adapter and a wireless adapter on your Mac. You can use a wireless USB adapter to add Wi-Fi capabilities to your Mac. Follow these instructions to share your Mac internet connection: Open System Preferences and choose Sharing. Select Internet Sharing from the list on the left. Use the drop-down menu next to Share your connection from to pick your internet source, such as Ethernet to share a wired connection. Below that, choose how other devices will connect to your Mac. In the left pane, put a check in the box next to Internet Sharing. When you see the prompt about sharing your Mac's internet connection, click Start. Read any "warning" prompts if you get them, and click through with an OK if you agree to them.

Tips on Sharing Internet From a Mac

If you're using AirPort, enable wireless encryption by clicking on the AirPort Options button and checking the option to allow encryption. Although it only uses the inferior WEP protocol, the WEP encryption (choose 128-bit key length) is better than nothing. You can change the channel to minimize conflicts with other networks and also choose a unique name for your system. If your host Mac computer goes to sleep or shuts down, any connected clients will be disconnected, and no new clients will be able to find the connection until the computer turns on again. Stop sharing your internet connection by removing the check in the box next to Internet Sharing at Step 5. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Find the IP Address on a Mac How to Connect to a Server How to Share Internet Access Share an Internet Connection in Windows How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista Connecting a PC to a Wireless Home Network How to Connect Chromecast to Hotel Wi-Fi How to Connect Your Roku to Wi-Fi How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-2-5 on Any Device How to Fix a Missing AirPlay Icon on iPhone and Mac How to Fix it When Chromebook Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Reset Network Settings on Mac How to Find a Wi-Fi Password on an iPhone How to Fix It When Discovery Plus Is Not Working How to Tether Your Laptop's Internet to Your Phone How to Turn Your PC Into a Router Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies