Personal Hotspot missing on your iPhone? Here’s what to try
⚡ Fast fix
- Make sure Cellular Data is on. Without it, Personal Hotspot doesn't work.
- Some devices won't recognize Personal Hotspot. Adjusting their settings may fix this issue.
- Stick with simple resolutions first. Avoid resetting network settings until you try other options.
- It may not be an issue that's in your control. Some cellular carriers and plans don't support Personal Hotspot.
When Personal Hotspot disappears from an iPhone®, it always seems to happen right when another device needs Wi-Fi the most. You open Settings expecting to switch it on, and the option you’ve used before is suddenly nowhere to be found.
At Asurion, our experts know their way around the settings and connections that keep Apple® devices talking to each other. Here’s what to try when Personal Hotspot goes missing—and how to get it back without changing more than you need to.
Why is Personal Hotspot not showing on my iPhone?
Some reasons why Personal Hotspot may not show on your iPhone include:
- No carrier or cellular plan support: Some carriers don't allow Personal Hotspot, and some cell phone plans may not, either.
- Incorrect settings: If the hotspot or cellular settings aren't configured correctly, it can cause the Personal Hotspot not to work.
- Outdated iOS: Older versions of iOS can conflict with Personal Hotspot use.
- Temporary glitches: A hardware or software glitch can interfere with Personal Hotspot.
These issues are separate from a hotspot that works but isn't detectable by other devices, such as laptops or tablets.
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How to fix Personal Hotspot not showing on iPhone
When your iPhone hotspot is not showing up, there are some simple fixes you can try in order from first to last.
Check your cellular plan and Personal Hotspot settings
Make sure Cellular Data is enabled on your phone. Open Settings and tap Cellular. Enable the slider to turn it on.
Verify that Personal Hotspot can recognize your device, too. Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot > Allow Others to Join.
If you don't see the Personal Hotspot option on your iPhone, check with your carrier to make sure it supports the feature on your plan.
Restart your iPhone and the other device
Restarting your iPhone and the device you want to connect gets rid of temporary glitches. After the restart, turn Personal Hotspot on to see if the other device identifies it.
Update iOS and carrier settings
Make sure you have the latest updates for your iPhone. Take these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- Download and install any available updates.
Another trick to try? Enabling Maximum Compatibility. This feature is available on iPhone 12 and later, and supports slower, 2.4 GHz frequencies that older devices may use. To turn it on, open Settings. Tap Personal Hotspot and enable the Maximum Compatibility switch.
You can also check for recent carrier updates that may affect compatibility. Take these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > About. Wait to see if a Carrier Settings Update Available pop-up appears.
- Tap Update.
Reset your iPhone's network settings
Clearing your phone's network settings re-establishes a baseline for any Wi-Fi networks and VPNs you use. To reset your iPhone's network settings, take these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
After resetting your network settings, you'll need to re-enter any Wi-Fi passwords that you use.
What to do if other devices can't find your iPhone hotspot
If your iPhone hotspot is not showing up on your computer, tablet, or other phone, try these fixes:
- Keep the Personal Hotspot screen open instead of closing it. Wait to see if an option to connect appears on your other device.
- Verify that the Enable Others to Join option is turned on.
- Test the hotspot with another phone, tablet, or computer. If the hotspot works with another device, there's a conflict with the one you're trying to use.
Sometimes, outdated software on a connected device can prevent you from using your iPhone as a mobile hotspot. Make sure it has the latest updates before trying the connection again.
When to contact your carrier
You'll want to contact your wireless provider if the connection issue seems related to your plan or cellular service. They can tell you whether your coverage includes hotspot support.
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FAQ
Why can't other devices see my iPhone hotspot?
Make sure you've enabled Cellular Data on your iPhone and that Wi-Fi is switched on for your secondary device.
Why is the Personal Hotspot option missing from Settings?
Some carriers and phone plans don't support Personal Hotspot. Check with your provider to see if it's a blocked feature.
Why is Personal Hotspot not showing on my iPhone?
Incorrect settings can cause this to happen. Enable the Allow Others to Join option and turn on Cellular Data to see if that fixes the issue.
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