Your iPhone 7 creates a random password for Personal Hotspot, which is secure but hard to type or remember. You can change it to something of your own at any time. Anyone already connected will be dropped and will need the new password to reconnect.
Quick Answer
Open Settings, tap Personal Hotspot, tap Wi-Fi Password, delete the old password, type a new one of at least eight characters, and tap Done.
How to Change the Personal Hotspot Password
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Personal Hotspot. On some iOS versions it sits under Cellular.
- Tap Wi-Fi Password.
- Tap the x to clear the current password and type a new one with at least eight characters.
- Tap Done, then reconnect your other devices using the new password.
Hotspot Password Tips
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Use at least 8 characters | iOS will not accept shorter passwords |
| Mix letters and numbers | Harder for strangers to guess |
| Avoid personal details | Names and birthdays are easy to guess |
| Change it if shared widely | Removes access for old devices |
Troubleshooting
- The Done button is greyed out: the password is shorter than eight characters.
- Devices will not reconnect: forget the network on each device and join again with the new password.
- To rename the network too, see how to change the hotspot name on iPhone.
- For other ways to share your connection, read how to share an iPhone internet connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing the password cost anything?
No, but using Personal Hotspot at all may depend on your carrier plan.
Can I see the current password?
Yes. It is shown next to Wi-Fi Password on the Personal Hotspot screen.
Do devices on my Apple ID need the password?
Usually not. Devices signed in to the same account can use Instant Hotspot without typing it.
Summary
- Open Settings, Personal Hotspot.
- Tap Wi-Fi Password.
- Enter a new password of eight or more characters.
- Tap Done and reconnect devices.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.