macOS Tahoe has got more tricks up its sleeve than what meets the eye. One of the lesser-known but pretty handy features that I have come across is the ability to auto-join an iPhone hotspot on your Mac. Save it for times when the Wi-Fi is unavailable and you want your video-streaming to continue to be in the top flight or your extensive browsing to remain in the fast lane without any unwanted interruptions due to the malfunctioning Wi-Fi. So, if you are ready to unlock this all-new feature, let’s get started!
- To begin, click on the Wi-Fi menu at the top right and choose Wi-Fi settings. Or, hit the Control Center icon at the upper right > Wi-Fi menu > Wi-Fi settings. Alternatively, you can also dive into the Wi-Fi section via the Apple menu at the top left > System Settings > Wi-Fi.

- After that, scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Then, click on the drop-down menu button next to “Ask to join hotspots” > choose Automatic, and you are all set.

- With the Auto-Join Hotspot activated, your Mac will automatically switch to your iPhone’s Hotspot when Wi-Fi is not available.
In what could be a cherry on the cake, the Auto-Join iPhone Hotspot feature also supports Family Sharing. That means you can set up your Mac to automatically connect to a family member’s Personal Hotspot, or allow their macOS device to automatically connect to yours. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is macOS Tahoe, and how is it different from earlier macOS versions?
macOS Tahoe is Apple’s latest operating system for Mac, designed with new productivity, performance, and security improvements. It builds on previous macOS versions by introducing features like better integration with iPhone, enhanced AI-powered tools, and system-level optimizations that improve speed and efficiency.
2. How do you check your Mac model?
To find out your Mac’s model, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select About This Mac. A window will appear showing your Mac’s name, model, and year. This information is helpful when checking compatibility with macOS updates like Tahoe or when seeking technical support.
3. What should I do before installing macOS Tahoe?
Before upgrading, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac with Time Machine or another backup method. Make sure you have enough free storage for the update, update your apps to their latest versions, and check that any critical software you use is compatible with macOS Tahoe. Doing this helps ensure a smooth installation without unexpected issues.