How to set up wifi hotspot on iphone

When you know how to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot on iPhone, you can share your cellular data with other devices. This feature is particularly useful if you're working on a commute with no Wi-Fi networks available, but you do have cellular signal — using a personal hotspot, you can share the data your iPhone is receiving with your laptop and stay connected. 

It's also a great way of sharing your data with friends and family on nearby devices if, for example, their carrier doesn't cover the area you're in or if they have no data left on their phone plan.

Sharing your data using a personal hotspot is incredibly easy to do on iPhone, and this guide is here to show you exactly how to do it. Read on to find out.


As well as our handy tutorials, we also have a wide range of expertly crafted buying guides to help you make the right purchase. So, if you're in the market for a new phone, make sure you read our round ups of the best phones, best iPhones and best cheap phones.


How to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot on iPhone

  1. Go to Settings 
  2. Tap Personal Hotspot
  3. Tap Wi-Fi Password 
  4. Set a password and tap Done
  5. Toggle Allow Others to Join

Read on to see detailed instructions for each step.


1. Open Settings, then go to Personal Hotspot.

How to set up wifi hotspot on iphone

(Image credit: Future)

2. The first thing to do is set a secure password, so nobody unauthorized can join your Wi-Fi network. Tap Wi-Fi Password.

(Image credit: Future)

3. Set a secure password in the text field. Then tap Done.

(Image credit: Future)

4. Toggle Allow Others to Join to on. Note that the name of your hotspot can be seen at the bottom of this page.

(Image credit: Future)

5. Keep the Personal Hotspot page open (your Network will only be visible to devices that are not signed in using your Apple ID when you have this page open). Now, on the device you want to connect, tap or click on the name of your hotspot network and connect using the password you've set.

(Image credit: Future)

On your lock screen, you will see a chain link icon when your hotspot is active and there is a device connected. On your unlocked iPhone, your clock in the top left will be highlighted green. Tap the green bar with your iPhone unlocked to go instantly to Personal Hotspot settings.

(Image credit: Future)

Now that you know how to enable a personal Wi-Fi hotspot on iPhone, why not check out our other Apple-themed guides, including how to change your Apple ID email address, how to enable Guided Access on iPhone, how to make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple store, how to block spam calls on iPhone, how to clear RAM on iPhone, how to enable Voice Isolation on iPhone and how to edit PDFs on iPhone and iPad. If you have an Android phone, check out how to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot on Android.

If you're stuck in a situation where you need a Wi-Fi connection, but can't get it anywhere else, chances are your smartphone can give you the boost you need. By setting up a hotspot through Wi-Fi or a USB cable, you can turn your phone into a source for internet that laptops, tablets, and other phones can use to get online.

It may sound complicated, but you can be connected with just a few taps. Most of the major carriers offer tethering services, though your ability to create a Wi-Fi hotspot depends on your service plan and data allowance.

One thing to keep in mind: Tethering eats up battery life in addition to data. Investing in a portable charger is a good idea if you intend to use hotspot mode frequently. If you're ready to tether, here's how to turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot.


Turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot For iPhone and iPad

How to Turn Your Phone Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot

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About Jason Cohen

Editor, Help & How To

How to set up wifi hotspot on iphone

As PCMag's editor of how to content, I have to cover a wide variety of topics and also make our stories accessible to everyday users. Considering my history as a technical writer, copywriter, and all-around freelancer covering baseball, comics, and more at various outlets, I am used to making myself into an expert.

Why can't I set up mobile hotspot on iPhone?

If you can't find or turn on Personal Hotspot, check that your wireless carrier enabled it and that your wireless plan supports it. Restart the iPhone or iPad that provides Personal Hotspot and the other device that needs to connect to Personal Hotspot. Make sure that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

How can I create a Wi

Sharing a connection this way is called tethering or using a hotspot. Some phones can share Wi-Fi connection by tethering..
On the other device, open that device's list of Wi-Fi options..
Pick your phone's hotspot name..
Enter your phone's hotspot password..
Click Connect..

Can I Hotspot my iPhone using Wi

You can connect to a Personal Hotspot using Wi-Fi, bluetooth or USB. And with iOS 13 or later, devices that are connected to a Personal Hotspot will stay connected, even if the screen is locked, so those devices will still receive notifications and messages.