I love the original iPhone, but it’s lack of 3G mobile speed can be a big problem when out and about. There is a workaround.
I’ve been using my original iPhone indoors recently on WiFi for tweeting and emailing. There is just something about them that I can’t leave alone – it’s more than just a love of old tech, they are fantastically designed and still very useable for certain tasks.
But when I go outside, the lack of 3G mobile data speeds bothers me. It’s good for emails and tweeting, but surfing and Facebook is a no-no. Also, I have a pay-as-you-go SIM with no credit in my original iPhone, so using it outside is also not possible.
But there is a workaround solution. This workaround requires another phone – but it could mean you get 3G or 4G speeds on your 2007 iPhone.
Personal Hotspot
For this I used an iPhone 4s, but it will work with other iPhones – and Android handsets too – and if your handset has 4G, then you could get some very fast speeds. The instructions provided here are using iOS 7, but iOS 8 should be just the same.
Simply go to Settings > Personal Hotspot. Here you will see a switch and a code. Turn on the switch, and you are good to go. You might be asked about Bluetooth/WiFi and USB. I picked the top option.
Keep a note of the Wi-Fi Password and go to your original iPhone. Go in to Settings > Wi-Fi and find your other phone’s hotspot network in the list – mine is called ‘Simon iPhone’.
When prompted enter the Wi-Fi Password, and you are good to go. You original iPhone will be connected via WiFi.
One bonus of this is that others can use your mobile hotspot too, so if you are out with a bunch of friends who are struggling to get a signal, they can piggy-back off your connection. Once set up, anyone with a WiFi capable device and your password can use it. It also means if you have an iPod touch or iPad with WiFi only, this is a great work around.
However, I should point out that this kind of ‘tethering’ might not be allowed by your network or may not be included in your inclusive data allowance, so please check first.
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