WIPERAPP requires an internet connection during startup to authenticate tokens and verify license availability. When a wired LAN connection is not available, mobile phones can be used to share internet access via USB tethering.
You can safely use an iPhone to share internet with WIPERAPP as long as Find My iPhone (FMIP) is enabled. When FMIP is on, the device will appear in the WIPERAPP interface, but if a wipe is triggered (even using WIPE ALL), WIPERAPP will display a WIPE ERROR for that iPhone. This built-in protection ensures the iPhone cannot be wiped accidentally while sharing the internet.
An Android phone can also be safely used for USB tethering, provided USB debugging is not enabled. When USB debugging is off, the Android device appears in WIPERAPP as unauthorized and is displayed in red. WIPERAPP cannot wipe unauthorized devices, making the internet-sharing phone safe during the wiping process.