To share your iPhone’s internet connection, turn on Personal Hotspot: open Settings > Personal Hotspot (or Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot) and turn on Allow Others to Join. Note the Wi-Fi Password shown there. On the other device, open its Wi-Fi settings, choose your iPhone’s name, and enter that password. The device then uses your iPhone’s cellular data.
Below you’ll learn how to connect over Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth, how to share automatically with family devices, and how to fix a hotspot that won’t work.
Before you start
- Your cellular plan must include hotspot (tethering). Some plans limit hotspot data or speed. Check with your carrier.
- Turn on Cellular Data in Settings > Cellular.
How to turn on Personal Hotspot
- Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot.
- Turn on Allow Others to Join.
- Tap Wi-Fi Password to see or change it. Use at least eight characters.
How to connect other devices
- Wi-Fi: On the other device, select your iPhone’s name (like “Alex’s iPhone”) in its Wi-Fi list and enter the password. Stay on the Personal Hotspot screen on your iPhone until it connects.
- USB: Connect your iPhone to a computer with a cable. Tap Trust if asked. On a Mac, it connects automatically. On Windows, you may need iTunes or the Apple Devices app installed for the drivers.
- Bluetooth: Pair your iPhone with the computer in Bluetooth settings, then choose to connect to the network from the computer.
Share with family and your own devices automatically
- Your other Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account can join without a password. Select your iPhone under Personal Hotspot in their Wi-Fi settings.
- For Family Sharing members, go to Personal Hotspot > Family Sharing and choose whether each person joins automatically or needs approval.
To set your own password, see how to change the Personal Hotspot password.
To stop joining networks instead, see how to turn off Wi-Fi on an iPhone.
Want a clearer network name? Learn how to change your iPhone hotspot name.
Troubleshooting
- Personal Hotspot is missing or grayed out: Your plan may not support it. Restart your iPhone, check Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network, and contact your carrier.
- Devices can’t find the hotspot: Stay on the Personal Hotspot screen, toggle Allow Others to Join off and on, and try Maximize Compatibility for older devices.
- Slow connection: Check your signal and whether your carrier slows hotspot speeds after a data limit.
- Hotspot turns off by itself: iPhone turns it off after a period with no connected devices. Reconnect when needed.
Frequently asked questions
How many devices can connect to an iPhone hotspot?
Several devices can connect at once, but speed and battery life drop as more join. The exact limit depends on your carrier and iPhone model.
Does Personal Hotspot use a lot of battery?
Yes. Plug in your iPhone for long sessions.
How do I see who’s connected?
Your iPhone shows a hotspot indicator in the status bar while devices are connected, but it doesn’t list their names. If you see devices you don’t recognize, change the Wi-Fi Password to disconnect everyone.
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.