iPhone 12 Can't Pick Up Router Ethernet via Lightning Adapter

[trevor25220]

I have a Virgin Media router, connected via an unpowered, RJ45-to-Lightning adapter to my iPhone 12 ProMax (purchased in Colombia but set to English UK). Prefer a Wi-Fi-free Internet connection to eliminate RFs. A green light illuminates on the RJ45-to-Lightning adapter.

The phone and router normally work perfectly. There is no 'Ethernet' setting on the iPhone (as some tutorials claim) between Wi-Fi & Bluetooth setting buttons. I have tried Airplane Mode both on and off (tutorial says to leave on). Wi-Fi & cellular data are switched off. Yet my Safari browser is completely dead: no Internet connection is detected.

Is there an alternative method of activating or adjusting the ethernet setting on my iPhone? What could be wrong? Thanks in advance.

 

[MacInWin]

Why the concern about RF? The iPhone is constantly sending out RF as part of the cell service, the router is sending out RF as a connection spot, plus there are probably dozens of other devices in your area sending out signals, looking to connect. The signals from the router to the iPhone are very weak and there is no reason not to use the WiFi.

 

[trevor25220]

Thanks for your reply. Some are more electrosensitive than others; I sleep better with my home wi-fi off. Plus, ethernet should convey better speeds and stability via a cable. Tower blocks might detect 50-100 wifi sources, plus electrical fields, so are not a very healthy environment in which to live.

I managed to get online by re-setting network settings to default and going to Google via Safari. I suspect AirBnB hosts would be reluctant to supply their router-admin password to guests, in case they forget to turn the wifi back on when leaving?! In that case, I would have to smother the router with wifi shielding, such as nickel-silver fabric.

 

[trevor25220]

Why the concern about RF? The iPhone is constantly sending out RF as part of the cell service, the router is sending out RF as a connection spot, plus there are probably dozens of other devices in your area sending out signals, looking to connect. The signals from the router to the iPhone are very weak and there is no reason not to use the WiFi.

 

[MacInWin]

I suspect AirBnB hosts would be reluctant to supply their router-admin password to guests, in case they forget to turn the wifi back on when leaving?! In that case, I would have to smother the router with wifi shielding, such as nickel-silver fabric.

Not sure what ABnB has to do with your router, but if you are afraid of WiFi in a rental, just unplug it from the wall. As a good guest, just remember to plug it back in before you depart. But be aware that you are literally surrounded by other RF signals. For example, any "smart" appliance is constantly using RF to communicate, or attempt to communicate. Smart TV? Smart refrigerator? Oven? Your car? Phone? Printer? Alarm system? Fire detectors? Your neighbor's stuff? Even the Ethernet cables radiate RF, albeit relatively weakly. The reality of 21st century living is that no matter where you go, you are awash in RF signals, as we all are.

And I would strongly recommend against any "smother" technique on a router. Covering it with a cloth, no matter how thin, is a fire hazard as it needs air for cooling. Frankly, the fire risk is higher than leaving it uncovered and taking the RF risk.

Glad you got it working, though. Nice to know it can be done, although the utility of it is pretty limited.

 

[trevor25220]

Appreciate the fire warning. Routers don't get very warm but I could try fabric on one side only, and switch AirBnB routers off when not in use, as I was already doing. Unfortunately, this is not possible in hotels, with their communal floor-routers.

AirBnB hosts invariably leave their router wi-fi on. Some might have an accessible wi-fi on-off switch but one can't bank on it.

Dr Mercola advised using wired Internet and devices over 20 years ago and I have endeavoured to follow his dictum. Having an ethernet-wired phone means I can update and message 24/7 without RF signals. Those from other sources are really weak, according to the 1/d^2 energy rule.

 

[trevor25220]

The only inconvenience of this ethernet-cable / wi-fi-free method is that I have to reset all iPhone settings, in order to get online; possibly every time!