iPhone Hotspot Not Working? 10 Fixes

Quick Fix

iPhone hotspot not working? Toggle it off and on: Settings > Personal Hotspot > turn off, wait 10 seconds, turn back on. Also toggle Maximize Compatibility to On. Reset network settings if needed: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings. You’ll need to re-enter WiFi passwords.

Why Won’t iPhone Hotspot Work?

iPhone Personal Hotspot fails due to carrier restrictions, incorrect settings, software bugs, or compatibility issues with connecting devices. Some carriers require hotspot to be enabled on your plan, and some limit connections.

Method 1: Toggle Hotspot Off and On

Simple restart often fixes it.

1. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot
2. Turn Allow Others to Join off
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Turn it back on
5. Try connecting from other device

Method 2: Enable Maximize Compatibility

Helps older devices connect.

1. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot
2. Turn on Maximize Compatibility
3. This uses 2.4GHz instead of 5GHz
4. Better range and device support
5. Try connecting again

Method 3: Reset Network Settings

Clears all network configurations.

1. Go to Settings > General
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
3. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
4. Enter passcode
5. iPhone will restart
6. Re-enable hotspot

Method 4: Check Carrier Settings

Carrier may block hotspot.

1. Contact carrier to verify hotspot is included in plan
2. Check for carrier settings update: Settings > General > About
3. Install any available carrier update
4. Some plans require separate hotspot add-on

Method 5: Restart iPhone

Reboot clears software glitches.

1. Hold Side button + Volume (Face ID models)
2. Or hold Side button (Home button models)
3. Slide to power off
4. Wait 30 seconds
5. Turn back on and try hotspot

Method 6: Check Bluetooth Settings

Bluetooth helps device discovery.

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
2. Turn Bluetooth On
3. This helps devices find your hotspot
4. Keep it on while using hotspot

Method 7: Forget and Reconnect

On the connecting device.

1. On the device trying to connect
2. Forget the iPhone hotspot network
3. Restart that device
4. Search for WiFi networks again
5. Connect with hotspot password

Method 8: Change Hotspot Password

Complex passwords cause issues.

1. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot
2. Tap Wi-Fi Password
3. Enter a simple password (8+ characters)
4. Avoid special characters
5. Try connecting with new password

Method 9: Update iOS

Software updates fix bugs.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
2. Download and install if available
3. Restart iPhone after update
4. Try hotspot again

Method 10: Use USB or Bluetooth Instead

Alternative connection methods.

1. USB: Connect iPhone to computer with cable
2. Trust the computer when prompted
3. Computer should get internet via USB
4. Bluetooth: Pair devices via Bluetooth
5. Enable hotspot and connect via Bluetooth

FAQ

Why can’t I find the Personal Hotspot option?

If Personal Hotspot is missing, your carrier may not support it or it’s not on your plan. Contact your carrier to enable mobile hotspot. On some older iOS versions, go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.

Why does my hotspot keep disconnecting?

iPhone turns off hotspot when no devices are connected for a few minutes to save battery. Stay connected or keep the Personal Hotspot settings page open on iPhone to keep it discoverable.

How many devices can connect to iPhone hotspot?

iPhone supports up to 5 simultaneous connections. Performance decreases with more devices. Some carriers limit connected devices regardless of iPhone capability.