Need to connect your laptop or another device to the internet but don’t have access to Wi-Fi? Your iPhone can solve the problem by sharing its mobile data connection through Personal Hotspot.
Once enabled, other devices can connect to your iPhone just like they would connect to a regular Wi-Fi network.
Here’s how to turn your iPhone into a Personal Hotspot and connect other devices.
What Is Personal Hotspot on iPhone?
Personal Hotspot allows your iPhone to share its cellular data connection with other devices.
You can connect another iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows PC, or compatible device using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable.
Keep in mind that using Personal Hotspot consumes your mobile data, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your data usage.
How to Turn On Personal Hotspot on Your iPhone
1. Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Open Personal Hotspot
Tap Personal Hotspot.
Depending on your iPhone or carrier settings, you may also find it by going to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Personal Hotspot.
3. Turn On “Allow Others to Join”
Tap Allow Others to Join to turn on your Personal Hotspot.
Your iPhone will now make its cellular connection available to other devices.
If you haven’t set up Personal Hotspot before, follow any instructions that appear on the screen.
4. Check Your Wi-Fi Password
Under Personal Hotspot, you’ll see the Wi-Fi Password.
This is the password another device will need when connecting to your iPhone’s hotspot.
You can tap Wi-Fi Password if you want to change it. Apple recommends using a password of at least eight characters.
How to Connect Another Device to Your iPhone Hotspot
Connect Using Wi-Fi
On the device you want to connect:
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Open its Wi-Fi settings.
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Look for your iPhone’s name in the list of available networks.
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Tap your iPhone.
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Enter the Personal Hotspot password.
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Wait for the device to connect.
Your iPhone’s hotspot name is normally the same as the name of your iPhone.
Once connected, the other device can use your iPhone’s cellular internet connection.
Connect Using USB
You can also share your iPhone’s connection with a computer using a USB cable.
Connect your iPhone to the computer with the cable, then make sure Allow Others to Join is enabled under Personal Hotspot.
If you’re using a Windows PC, Apple says you may need the latest Apple Devices or iTunes for Windows installed.
USB tethering can be useful when you want a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Connect Using Bluetooth
You can also connect a Mac or Windows PC through Bluetooth.
Turn on Personal Hotspot on your iPhone, then enable Bluetooth on both devices and pair them through the computer’s Bluetooth settings.
For most people, however, Wi-Fi is the simplest way to connect.
How to Stop Sharing Your iPhone’s Internet
When you’re finished using the hotspot, go back to:
Settings > Personal Hotspot
Then turn off Allow Others to Join.
Turning it off when you don’t need it can help prevent other devices from using your mobile data. Apple also recommends disabling Personal Hotspot when it isn’t needed to avoid unnecessary data charges.
What If Personal Hotspot Isn’t Showing?
If you can’t find Personal Hotspot or the option is unavailable, first make sure Cellular Data is turned on.
If the option is still unavailable, your mobile carrier or plan may not support Personal Hotspot. Apple recommends contacting your carrier in that situation.
You can also try:
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Restarting your iPhone and the device you’re trying to connect.
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Installing the latest available iOS update.
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Turning Wi-Fi off and back on on the connecting device.
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Turning on Maximise Compatibility in Personal Hotspot settings if you’re having trouble connecting.
Does Personal Hotspot Use Mobile Data?
Yes. Personal Hotspot shares your iPhone’s cellular data connection, so everything the connected device does online uses your mobile data allowance.
This means activities such as streaming videos, downloading large files, or updating software can consume a significant amount of data.
Turning your iPhone into a Personal Hotspot is a convenient way to get another device online when regular Wi-Fi isn’t available.
Just open Settings > Personal Hotspot, turn on Allow Others to Join, and connect your other device using the displayed Wi-Fi password.
If you use the feature regularly, remember that the connected devices are using your iPhone’s mobile data, so keep an eye on your data allowance.
Meanwhile, check this guide to read about 5 Hidden iPhone Features You Probably Don't Know About