Tethering to iOS devices

[Mike_B]

The instructions are clear that for iOS devices (iPhones or iPads), you cannot use a hardwire tether. However, on my old camera body (Canon 6D), I was able to do just that using a mini USB OTG to Lightning cable. At the time I hadn't read all the tethering instructions, I was just trying out stuff and to my surprise it worked with the Canon 6D. I thought I would try my luck with the Canon R6 Mark ii, but no success. Tethering with a USB-C from the R6 to my iMac works great, but can't get the camera to be recognized on iPhone or iPad. Anyone know why a Canon 6D would work and not a Canon R6M2?

[Catherine]

USB tethering has been working for a lot time, ever since Apple allowed it in iOS 13 (I think).
R6M2 should work just the same, did you check that Wi-Fi/Bluetooth is disabled in the camera? Does iOS itself detect it?

[Mike_B]

Thank you Catherine. Yes, I have tried disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the camera without success. Your question "Does iOS itself detect it?" led me to hooking up to my iPhone and try the Canon Camera Connect app. That also did not work. Reading the Troubleshooting info on the Canon Connect app says that operation has been tested with a specific cable (Anker 514 Lightning to USB-C 0.9m cable for cameras). Doing a little more research would suggest that indeed a specific cable is needed for mirrorless cameras. I've ordered one and will give it a try.

[Catherine]

You do need a Lightning OTG adapter, but other than that any cable should work (as long as it's not defective). How were you connecting previously?

[Mike_B]

I had a Lightning to USB-male A. I have a USB-female OTG to USB C adapter. The hope was that this would allow me to go USB C into camera, then Lightning into iPhone or iPad.

[Catherine]

No, you definitely need a Lightning OTG adapter. The OTG part must go directly into the tablet/phone, otherwise it doesn't work. Maybe the cable you ordered also has the OTG function, then it will also work.

[Mike_B]

I got the Anker 514 Lightning to USB-C cable (for camera) today [this is the cable recommended by Canon]. Plugged it into the Canon R6 M2 USB plug, lightning into the iPad. Turned on the camera and opened Helicon Remote ... instant camera recognition. Works great. Just for information, in the very very small print on the box that the cable came in it says "Supports data transfer between camera and iOS devices. The Camera should be MFi certified and support data output to iOS devices via USB-C port."

One more detail for others trying to use R6 M2 ... make sure to go into the menu and set "Choose USB connection app" to "Photo Import/Remote Control"
This is found on page 5 of the "wrench" menu, last item.

[Catherine]

Thank you very much for the information, this is very useful, and knowing about the remote control mode is important. Happy to hear it's working now!
Have you also checked that taking a photo works?