iPhone to VMware: Сonnect iOS devices to VMware Workstation

Editorial Team Apr 26, 2025

Many professionals, such as IT administrators and mobile software developers, must connect iOS devices to VMware virtual environments. It can be challenging to establish a VMware iPhone connection. Users may face compatibility issues or must navigate the complexities of VMware USB passthrough for iPhone connectivity.

Fortunately, USB Network Gate (UNG) simplifies connecting an iPhone to VMware. The software provides consistent and reliable connectivity without the complex configuration necessary with VMware-specific tools. USB Network Gate streamlines the establishment of an iOS VMware connection, allowing you to concentrate on your work instead of troubleshooting technical issues.

Contents:

The USB Network Gate Solution: Connecting an iOS Device to VMware
Connect iPhone to VMware with Workspace ONE
Adding iPhone to Virtual Machine in vSphere Client
Bonus Tip: Troubleshooting If Your iPhone Isn’t Detected
Conclusion

The USB Network Gate Solution: Connecting iOS Device to VMware

Users typically face two challenges when connecting an iOS device to a VMware environment.

Compatibility - It can be challenging to find cross-platform software solutions that easily integrate with VMware. Some tools involve complex configuration or only support one operating system.
USB Passthrough Connectivity – Users may have problems with unreliable and inconsistent connections when implementing USB passthrough for VMware. These issues can impact workflows and affect productivity.

USB Network Gate is designed to eliminate these challenges and simplify sharing USB devices between local and remote computers. The cross-platform solution supports establishing stable and seamless iPhone to VMware connections on Windows, Linux, and macOS systems. USB Network Gate provides users with a secure platform for iOS device management with VMware virtual environments.

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Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting iPhone to VMware with USB Network Gate

The following simple steps demonstrate how USB Network Gate can connect an iPhone to a VMware VM.

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Step 1: Install USB Network Gate on the VMware Host

Download and install USB Network Gate on the physical computer hosting the VMware virtual environment. Use the proper version for your Windows, Linux, or macOS system. After installation, launch USB Network Gate and click "Share" to make a connected iPhone available to VMware VMs.

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Step 2: Install USB Network Gate on the VMware Client

Install USB Network Gate on the VMware virtual machine using the connected iPhone. Connect the iPhone to the host computer with a USB cable. USB Network Gate automatically detects the device and makes it available to the VM.

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Step 3: Enable USB Passthrough in VMware

Enable USB Passthrough in VMware settings to ensure the connected iPhone is passed from the host to the guest VM. You can now select the iPhone from within the VMware environment. The iPhone will have the same functionality as with a direct physical connection.

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Step 4: Access and Control Your iPhone in VMware

You can use the iPhone within VMware for any task, like application testing or file management. You will enjoy a smooth, secure, and reliable connection.

Why Choose USB Network Gate to Connect iPhone to VMware?

USB Network Gate offers users an ideal solution for connecting iPhones to VMware virtual environments with multiple benefits.

Simple setup - It can be difficult to set up VMware Workstation iPhone passthrough using the platform’s native tools. USB Network Gate provides a simpler and faster process that avoids complex configuration.
Cross-platform compatibility - USB Network Gate works seamlessly with VMware running on Windows, Linux, or macOS, so that you can virtualize an iPhone on VMware on all your systems.
Security - USB Network Gate encrypts all data transmission between the local machine and the VMware VM to protect privacy and security.
Reliability - USB Network Gate eliminates the dropped connections and instability plaguing some iPhone to VMware connectivity solutions.
Multi-device support - USB Network Gate supports many other USB devices besides iPhones or iPads. The tool offers flexibility for users who want to connect different USB peripherals to a VMware environment.

Connect iPhone to VMware with Workspace ONE

VMware Workspace ONE is a remote device management platform that utilizes VMware’s AirWatch MDM technology. Workspace ONE lets users automate administrative tasks to improve productivity.

The platform makes adding new devices to your network easy, remotely erasing and locking lost devices, enforcing advanced data protection, and performing many other administrative functions.

Step 1. Install VMware MDM software components

Users must install multiple software components on their devices to implement this solution. The following components are the most important ones to install.

Use Workspace ONE Access to add new access policy rules for your iOS devices

Workspace ONE Access (formerly VMware Identity Manager) - This component is a single sign-on (SSO) and access management service for the SaaS app store. It enables users to define app installation permissions based on device type, network range, and Active Directory group criteria.

The tool lets you define new access rules for iOS devices.

Workspace ONE UEM (formerly AirWatch) - The UEM platform streamlines iOS device management in VMware. It enables users to protect mobile data, manage native mobile apps, and ensure compliance with security standards through scheduled health checks on enrolled devices.

Workspace ONE UEM console has three tabs: Data loss prevention, Assigned Groups, and Authentification

The UEM user console provides management tabs for Data Loss Prevention, Assigned Groups, and Authentication.

VMware Unified Access Gateway - Remote users leverage the Gateway to access resources on the corporate network securely.

Step 2. Activate the AirWatch MDM Getting Started Wizard

The Getting Started Wizard offers users the easiest method of setting up the Workspace One platform. Use the following steps if the Wizard does not start automatically:

For any non-top-level Organization Group, go to Groups & Settings > Groups > Organization Groups > Organization Group Details.
Change your group to a customer-level one if needed.
Click Save.
Go to Groups & Settings > All Settings > System > Getting Started.
Enable the Getting Started Device Status, Getting Started Content Status, and Getting Started Application Status settings.
Click Save.

Step 3. Generate APNs Certificates

Valid Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) certificates are required to establish secure communication between MDM solutions and iOS devices. Use the following steps to generate APNs certificates.

Go to Groups & Settings > All Settings > Devices & Users > Apple > APNs for MDM.
Click the Go To Apple button to open a new browser tab with the Apple Push Certificates Portal.
Submit the AirWatch Certificate Request file in the PLIST format.
Click Next.
Enter your Apple ID and upload the PEM file of your AirWatch MDM certificate.
Select Save.

Now you can use the platform by following the Environment URL in your browser and providing authorized login credentials.

Adding iPhone to Virtual Machine in vSphere Client

The VMware vSphere Client is a graphical user interface providing access to the vCenter Server. The tool lets users access the vSphere workspace, object navigator, alarm, and task panels. The vSphere Client enables remote management of these functions. The VMware vSphere Client lets users connect an iPhone to a guest virtual machine.

Use the following steps to connect an iPhone with VMware vSphere.

Connect the iPhone to a computer running your desired operating system connected to the ESXi host.
Verify that the USB controller is installed.
Select the virtual machine in the vSphere Client inventory and click the USB icon.
Choose your iPhone from the “Connect to USB Devices” drop-down list.
The status message “Connecting” will be displayed.
The iPhone will be visible in the “USB Connections” drop-down menu when the connection is established.

VMware ESXi iPhone passthrough makes the iOS device accessible in the VM as long as the ESXi host is running and connected to the vSphere Client.

Bonus Tip: Troubleshooting If Your iPhone Isn’t Detected

Users can try these steps if the iPhone isn’t detected by VMware after connecting it with USB Network Gate.

Check physical connectivity - Verify the USB cable is not damaged and properly connected to the host computer and iPhone.
Restart USB Network Gate - Close and restart the software on the host and guest machines to reset the connection.
Verify VMware configuration - Ensure your VMware settings for USB passthrough are correct.
Reboot the systems - Reboot the host and virtual machines to reset the connection and resolve connectivity problems.
Update drivers - Update all hosts and VM drivers to resolve device detection issues.

If these steps do not resolve your problem, contact the USB Network Gate support team for further assistance.

Conclusion

USB Network Gate provides an efficient and reliable solution for connecting iPhones and other USB devices to VMware virtual machines. USB Network Gate ensures a reliable and secure connection with VMware Workstation, vSphere, or any other VMware environment.

The software removes the complexities of other solutions and gives IT professionals and app developers a simple method of connecting an iPhone to a VMware environment.
Our guide provides information on connecting your iPhone to VMware without connectivity issues.

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Information

Requirements

Requirements: OS: Windows 7 SP1/8/8.1/10/11; Windows Server 2008 R2/2012/2012 R2/2016/2019/2022
Architectures: x86, x64, ARM64, 9.26MB free space

Latest version

Latest version: v11.0.2697, Released 3 Mar, 2025 Release notes