iPhone hotspot · Connect guide
How to turn on hotspot on iPhone
Sources checked · how we check
Apple calls the iPhone's hotspot Personal Hotspot. It shares your cellular data with other devices over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a cable. It needs setting up once, then it's a single switch.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Personal Hotspot isn't available with every carrier, and fees may apply. How many devices can join depends on your carrier and iPhone model.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices and keep them within 30 feet (10 metres) of each other.
- Personal Hotspot shares cellular data only; it can't re-share a Wi-Fi network your iPhone has joined.
Source: Apple iPhone User Guide: share your internet connection
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
Set it up the first time
Settings → Cellular → Set Up Personal Hotspot
- Open Settings, tap Cellular, then tap Set Up Personal Hotspot.
- Follow the onscreen instructions, which include setting the hotspot password.
If Cellular Data is on but there's no Set Up Personal Hotspot option, contact your carrier about adding it to your plan.
Source: Apple iPhone User Guide: share your internet connection
Turn Personal Hotspot on or off
Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Join
- Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot.
- Turn on Allow Others to Join. Turn it off to stop sharing.
Source: Apple: connect to the Personal Hotspot of an iPhone or iPad
Change the hotspot name or password
Name: Settings → General → About → Name · Password: Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot → Wi-Fi password
- The hotspot uses your iPhone's name. To change it, go to Settings → General → About and tap Name.
- To change the password, go to Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot and tap Wi-Fi password.
Source: Apple iPhone User Guide: share your internet connection
Connect your other Apple devices without a password
Same Apple Account → Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on → choose the iPhone
- Sign in to the same Apple Account on both devices and turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- On a Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and choose the iPhone. On an iPad or another iPhone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and tap it.
Family members can join too: set up Family Sharing in Personal Hotspot settings.
Source: Apple: use Instant Hotspot to connect to your Personal Hotspot
When an older device can't join
Settings → Personal Hotspot → Maximize Compatibility
- Turn on Maximize Compatibility in Personal Hotspot settings.
- It may reduce performance for connected devices, so turn it off again if you don't need it.
Source: Apple iPhone User Guide: share your internet connection
If it still won't connect
Check Allow Others to Join is on, restart both devices and update iOS. If it still fails, reset network settings: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset Network Settings. That also clears saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.
Source: Apple: if Personal Hotspot is not working on iPhone or iPad
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no Personal Hotspot option on my iPhone?
Your plan may not include it. If Cellular Data is on but Set Up Personal Hotspot doesn't appear, Apple says to contact your carrier.
How do I see how much data my hotspot uses?
Personal Hotspot uses cellular data. Check usage in Settings → Cellular.
How do I rename my iPhone hotspot?
Rename the iPhone itself in Settings → General → About → Name. The hotspot uses the same name.