Connect your iPhone or iPad with a cable

Browse via cable and minimise radiation.

Cable connections are not supported by iOS 15.0 and 15.1. Cable connections work again starting with iOS 15.2.

This capability appears to be present in all Apple mobile products with Lightning connectors and iOS 9 or later. We have tested this with the iPad mini 2 and the iPhone 5 and later models. As the iPad 4 has a Lightning connector and is contemporary with the iPhone 5, it should work from that model onwards (not tested). With other manufacturers of mobile phones and tablets, cable connection is not something that can be taken for granted.

Mobile phone to adapter via network cable to router that handles the connection to fixed broadband.

The adapter solves connection problems

Ethernet-kabel med RJ45-kontakt — The cable is an Ethernet cable, and the ends of this 'patch cord' have RJ45 connectors.

Ethernet connectors (also known as RJ45) and Lightning connectors look completely different. The electrical signals that pass through them also differ. A Lightning-to-Ethernet adapter is required to enable connection and translation between the two types of connector.

Lightning or USB C

Två små stickkontakter. Lightning och USB C.

Since 2023, all new iPhones and iPads have come with USB-C connectors. The image shows a Lightning connector on the left and a USB-C connector on the right.

Lightning till USB 3 kameraadapter USB till Ethernet adapter — **Old Apple stuff**
Just in case you happen to find any of these in your desk drawer...

Otherwise, skip to Modern stuff
All Apple originals. The USB to Ethernet adapter is connected to the Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter which connects to the phone. There is also a Lightning to USB camera adapter that does not have the number 3 in the name and does not have a Lightning connector for the charging cable. This adapter cannot be used in this combination because the Ethernet adapter draws too much power for an Iphone. A charger has to be connected to the camera adapter 3. This Apple-branded adapter was discontinued in 2019. Apple still sells the Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter (2025), but it requires an original Apple USB A to Ethernet adapter.

**Modern stuff**
The Ethernet adapter on the left has a Lightning connector and a long cable that connects to the phone, which is very convenient. The one in the middle has a Lightning connector for charging while you surf the web. A USB-C version of this one is also available, as well as extension cables if you only want one long cable connecting the adapter to your phone or tablet. The adapter on the right has a USB-C connector and Gigabit Ethernet, making it ten times faster than the other two. However, it draws so much power that it gets noticeably warm. Most people don't really need fast Gigabit Ethernet all the way to their device.

To charge or not to charge?

Should you charge your mobile phone or tablet while using them? Are the batteries fully charged at the start? iPads last a long time without needing to be charged. However, the iPhone has much less battery capacity and needs to be charged more often. Gaming drains the battery.

Settings

The phone or tablet will not connect to the cable voluntarily. You must force it by turning off mobile data and Wi-Fi. When prompted later to turn on Wi-Fi or Mobile data, press OK and the system will give up, allowing you to access the internet via the cable. If you don't activate Airplane mode, you can still use the phone for texting and phone calls while surfing the web via the cable.

Control centre showing wireless on and off.. — 1. Control Centre icons. In the image on the left, all the wireless features are turned on. In the image on the right, mobile data, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are all off. It is still possible to make calls and send text messages. Open Control Centre by swiping your finger from the bottom of the screen or from the top right corner. If you turn off mobile data, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in Control Centre, they will turn on again automatically at a later time. To turn them off completely, go to Settings.

The Settings icon — 2. The settings icon can be found on the home screen.

Airplane mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth all off. — These are the settings when Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Mobile Data are all turned off. Ethernet appears when an Ethernet adapter is connected, but no network cable needs to be connected to the adapter.

If you want to turn off all wireless contact with the outside world, Airplane Mode should be on. All other wireless functions should be off.

Airplane mode icon in yellow indicate 'on' — This is what it looks like in the Control Centre.

Settings. Airplane mode ON. — And here in Settings.

If you turn off all wireless internet connections and then try to access the internet, your phone may prompt you to fix the 'problem'. If so, simply select 'OK'.

Dialogue box — Every request to activate wireless communication is answered with "OK."

PS

switch off the Wi-Fi on your router

The screenshots were captured using iOS 15.8 and an iPhone SE (1st generation).