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How to Connect iPhone to VirtualBox

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Updated on: February 11, 2026
Time to read: 5 minutes

If you need to interact with iOS virtually, you require an iPhone VirtualBox connection. Developers and testers working on iOS-based projects can use this solution instead of the native USB passthrough method, which has several drawbacks. For example, the traditional method requires direct physical access to the host machine and is prone to USB compatibility issues.

Remote iPhone access in VirtualBox is possible with dedicated, flexible software such as USB Network Gate. This tool effectively shares USB devices over a network. With this approach, you can connect an iPhone to VirtualBox even without a physical connection between the iPhone and the virtual machine.

Below, we explain how to use both the native Virtual box solution and alternative software like USB Network Gate to establish VirtualBox iOS remote connection.

Table of Contents
Note: The information contained in this article remains relevant up to the latest version of VirtualBox (version 7.1.6, released in March 2025), sustaining compatibility for USB passthrough features for iPhone connections.

Native Method to Redirect iPhone to VirtualBox

VirtualBox has a built-in USB passthrough feature that allows you to connect an iPhone to a virtual machine. However, this feature has several limitations:

  • Limited to one VM use: You cannot share the device across multiple VMs simultaneously.
  • Works only through physical USB connection: The iPhone VM connection works only if the device is directly plugged into the host machine.
  • Prone to driver issues: Since physical connection is required, some USB controllers may now work correctly due to missing or incorrect USB driver installation.
Note: 


• The iPhone can only be connected to one virtual machine at a time.

• Select USB 3.0 (xHCI) in the VM settings for optimal VirtualBox USB passthrough iPhone connection.

• Restart VirtualBox or check if the USB ports are intact or clean if VirtualBox cannot read or detect the iPhone.

• Starting from iPhone 7, Apple has implemented restrictions that may prevent these devices from being recognized in VirtualBox VMs. Users with newer iPhone models might encounter compatibility challenges.

Before connecting your iPhone, you need to complete a few setup steps:

Step 1: If VirtualBox is not installed on your device, download the installer from the official website and complete the installation.

Step 2: Download and install the Extension Pack. This pack enables USB 2.0 and 3.0 support that is often required for iPhone connectivity.

To download the Extension pack:

  • Visit the official VirtualBox website.
  • Open VirtualBox, go to File → Preferences → Extensions, and add the downloaded file.


If you are using Ubuntu, run the command sudo usermod -aG vboxusers <username> and reboot your system.

Step 3: In the VM settings, configure the USB controller. Make sure to pick USB 3.0 (xHCI) for optimal speed, or USB 2.0 (EHCI) if your port does not support USB 3.0.

Connecting the iPhone to VirtualBox

Once VirtualBox is configured, follow these steps to establish the iPhone virtual machine connection:

Step 1: Launch the virtual machine.

Step 2: After the VM has fully booted, connect your iPhone to the USB port on the host computer.

Step 3: In VirtualBox, go to Devices → USB → [Your iPhone].

The iPhone should now be mounted in the guest OS and appear in Device Manager.

Troubleshooting: VirtualBox USB Driver Conflict

A common issue when you share or unshare a USB device is a crash of the VBoxUSBMon.sys driver, which may cause a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).

Here are some effective workarounds for this issue:

  1. Temporarily disable the conflicting driver (VBoxUSBMon.sys).
  2. If the issue persists, consider using an alternative virtualization platform such as VMware or Hyper-V.

USB Network Gate for iPhone Redirection to VirtualBox

For a reliable and hassle-free way to access your iPhone through a VirtualBox virtual machine, you may opt for a specialized USB-sharing software with virtual USB passthrough capabilities. Unlike the native VirtualBox USB passthrough, this type of software allows you to establish a remote connection without the need for cables or physical USB ports.

USB Network Gate is one of the leading solutions for VirtualBox iPhone remote connections. With this tool, you can redirect an Phone, iPad or any other USB device to virtually any VM. It works perfectly well with VirtualBox, VMWare, and Hyper-V.

Why Use USB Network Gate for VirtualBox iPhone Remote Connection

  • Top-notch stability and reliability: This software can establish a safe and secure connection at all times with minimal setup required.
  • High transfer speed: Connect your iPhone to the VM with no noticeable delays or lags.
  • Easy-to-use platform: Just a few clicks, and your iPhone becomes accessible from the guest OS.
  • Cross-platform support: USB Network Gate has dedicated versions available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Versatility: USB Network Gate lets you redirect devices to VMs running on any major hypervisor.
  • Enhanced security: Benefit from advanced communication encryption that protects your data from any unauthorized access.

How to Access iPhone in VirtualBox Using USB Network Gate

Follow the steps below to establish a remote VirtualBox and iPhone connection without physical limitations.

Step 1: Install USB Network Gate on the host machine where your iPhone is physically connected.

Step 2: Launch the app and locate your iPhone in the device list.

Step 3: Click “Share” so the host machine enables remote access.

Step 4: Install USB Network Gate on the VirtualBox guest OS.

Step 5: In the VM, open the application, navigate to the “Remote Devices” tab, and find your shared iPhone.

Step 6: Click “Connect.” Your iPhone will now appear in the VM as if it were plugged in directly.