diff --git a/omatether.sh b/omatether.sh
index 9b65b4c..c536613 100755
--- a/omatether.sh
+++ b/omatether.sh
@@ -71,6 +71,21 @@ net_test() {
   curl -sf --interface "$iface" --max-time 5 -o /dev/null https://www.google.com
 }
 
+# Poll until the tether has an IP and working internet, or time out (arg:
+# seconds). First plug-in after a reboot can take 20-30s before iOS brings
+# the interface up and DHCP completes — a fixed short sleep reports false
+# "enable hotspot" advice.
+tether_wait() {
+  local deadline=$(( SECONDS + ${1:-45} )) iface
+  while (( SECONDS < deadline )); do
+    if iface=$(tether_iface) && [[ -n $(tether_ip "$iface") ]] && net_test "$iface"; then
+      return 0
+    fi
+    sleep 2
+  done
+  return 1
+}
+
 # usbmuxd drops devices that were plugged in before it started
 # ("device unconfigured") — a restart rescans the bus.
 revive_usbmuxd() {
@@ -382,14 +397,19 @@ tui_connect() {
     ok "Paired with $(phone_name)"
   fi
 
-  # Give networkd a moment to DHCP the freshly-authorised interface.
+  # Poll for the connection — first plug-in after a reboot can take 20-30s
+  # (functions exported so the gum spin child shell can run them).
   local iface=""
-  gum spin --title "Bringing the connection up…" -- sleep 4 || true
-  if iface=$(tether_iface) && [[ -n $(tether_ip "$iface") ]] && net_test "$iface"; then
-    ok "Connected — internet available through the phone ($iface)"
+  export -f tether_wait tether_iface tether_ip net_test
+  if gum spin --title "Bringing the connection up… (can take ~30s after a reboot)" -- \
+       bash -c 'tether_wait 45'; then
+    iface=$(tether_iface || true)
+    ok "Connected — internet available through the phone (${iface:-tether})"
   else
-    warn "Paired, but no connection yet. On the phone enable:"
-    say  "  Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Join: ON"
+    warn "Paired, but the phone hasn't offered a connection yet. Check:"
+    say  "  • Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Join: ON"
+    say  "  • Unlock the phone once (needed after a phone restart)"
+    say  "  • Still nothing? Unplug and replug the cable, then Connect again."
   fi
   pause
 }