To set up hotspot on Verizon, turn on the built-in mobile hotspot feature in your phone’s settings, there’s no separate Verizon app or website required. The exact menu path depends on whether you use an iPhone or an Android device, but you must first confirm your plan includes mobile hotspot data.
Before you set up a hotspot on Verizon
Verizon says hotspot use depends on having a compatible device and a plan that includes mobile hotspot capabilities. Many smartphones and tablets have the feature built into their Settings or App menu, but the name varies by platform, including Personal Hotspot on iPhone and Portable Wi‑Fi Hotspot on some Google Nexus devices. Verizon's plan information says the wireless device must stay on a compatible plan. Verizon's plan information page says compatibility matters by device and plan, and that an incompatible SIM swap can affect service. Log in to My Verizon to review your plan details and confirm that mobile hotspot is included before you spend time looking for the settings.
How to set up a Verizon hotspot on iPhone
Verizon’s support pages say iPhone users should open the Settings app and tap Personal Hotspot. On some iOS devices, the option appears under Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot instead.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Personal Hotspot, or go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot if you don’t see it on the main menu.
- Toggle Personal Hotspot on. The switch may be labeled “Allow Others to Join” after you enable it.
- Note the Wi‑Fi password shown on the screen, other devices will need it to connect.
How to set up a Verizon hotspot on Android
Android devices use different menu names depending on the manufacturer. Verizon says Google Pixel phones follow one path, while Samsung phones use another, and some other Android devices may label the feature Mobile Hotspot, Hotspot & Tethering, or Portable Wi‑Fi Hotspot.
Google Pixel
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering.
- Tap Wi‑Fi hotspot and toggle it on.
Samsung
- Open Settings.
- Go to Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Tap Mobile Hotspot and toggle it on.
Configuring your Verizon hotspot name and password
Once the hotspot is on, your phone generates a Wi‑Fi password that other devices must enter to connect. You can change the network name and password to something you’ll recognize, and you should make sure WPA2 encryption is enabled if it isn’t already the default.
Connecting devices to your Verizon hotspot
Verizon says connected devices usually join by selecting the phone's device name and entering that password.
- On the other device, open Wi‑Fi settings.
- Select your hotspot’s name from the list of available networks.
- Enter the Wi‑Fi password displayed on your phone.
- Wait for the device to connect and confirm you have internet access.
Troubleshooting Verizon hotspot problems
If your hotspot won’t connect or devices keep dropping, start with the basics. Verizon’s guidance points to a few common fixes:
- Check that your phone has a strong cellular signal, hotspot uses the same connection as your data.
- Restart your phone and try enabling the hotspot again.
- Verify your plan includes hotspot data by logging into My Verizon.
- Check for software updates on your phone, since outdated software can break hotspot features.
- Contact Verizon customer support if the hotspot still won’t work.
Verizon’s English support pages do not list a universal hotspot data limit for all plans. The Spanish plan-information page notes that after exceeding 30 GB/month of mobile hotspot data on 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G, or 4G LTE, speeds drop to up to 3 Mbps on 5G Ultra Wideband and 600 Kbps on 5G or 4G LTE for the rest of the billing cycle, but that limit is not stated in the English pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t I see Personal Hotspot in my iPhone settings?
If Personal Hotspot is missing, your plan may not include mobile hotspot data, or the carrier settings may need an update. Check My Verizon to confirm your plan supports hotspot, then restart your iPhone and look again under Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
Can I get personal hotspot on my Verizon plan?
You can get personal hotspot only if your current plan includes mobile hotspot capabilities. Log into My Verizon to see whether hotspot data is part of your plan, and if not, you may need to switch to a plan that includes it.
Does using my Verizon hotspot use my regular data?
Yes, hotspot usage draws from the mobile hotspot data allowance in your plan, which is separate from your phone’s regular data on many plans. Check My Verizon to see how much hotspot data you have left.
Why is my Verizon hotspot slow?
Slow hotspot speeds usually come from a weak cellular signal, network congestion, or exceeding your plan’s high-speed hotspot data allowance. Move to a location with better signal and check My Verizon for your data usage.
How many devices can connect to my Verizon hotspot?
The number of devices depends on your phone model and plan. Verizon’s support pages don’t list a single limit for all devices, so check your phone’s hotspot settings for a connected-device limit or contact Verizon support for your specific plan.
