To find your hotspot, you need to locate the built-in feature on your own phone or computer that shares its cellular or internet connection with other devices over Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or cable.
Find your hotspot on iPhone or iPad
On an iPhone or iPad (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model with an activated carrier plan that includes Personal Hotspot service), open the Settings app and tap Personal Hotspot. On some devices, you may instead go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot. Turn on Allow Others to Join. If needed, tap Wi‑Fi Password to set a password of at least eight characters.
If Personal Hotspot is dimmed or missing, turn on Cellular Data in Settings > Cellular and confirm that your carrier has enabled Personal Hotspot and your plan supports it. If Personal Hotspot is not visible, Apple also documents Settings > Cellular > Set Up Personal Hotspot.
Find your hotspot on Android
Open the Settings app, then tap Network & internet and Hotspot & tethering. If you do not find Hotspot there, tap Edit in Quick Settings and drag Hotspot into the Quick Settings panel. Availability depends on your device and carrier.
Find your hotspot on Windows
Open Settings, select Network & internet, then Mobile hotspot.
Extra features for Apple devices
Instant Hotspot
With Instant Hotspot, nearby Apple devices can connect to your Personal Hotspot without entering the password. The devices must have Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth turned on and be within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other. Apple says the devices must meet the minimum system requirements for Instant Hotspot.
Maximize Compatibility
On iPhone 12 or later, iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation or later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation or later), and iPad mini (6th generation), you can turn on Maximize Compatibility to improve connection reliability for older devices.
What to remember when using your hotspot
An iPhone cannot share a Wi‑Fi network it is connected to, it uses only its cellular data connection for the hotspot. The Personal Hotspot password must be at least eight characters long. For more on hotspot basics and troubleshooting, consult your device manufacturer’s support pages for Mobile Hotspot Basics and Troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using a hotspot use my cellular data?
Yes. Any data consumed by devices connected to your hotspot counts against your cellular data plan, just like data used directly on your phone.
Can I connect multiple devices to my hotspot at once?
Most devices allow multiple connections, but the exact number depends on your device model and carrier. Check your device’s specifications or your carrier’s plan details for limits.
Why is my hotspot option grayed out on iPhone?
This usually means your carrier plan does not support Personal Hotspot, or Cellular Data is turned off. Go to Settings > Cellular to verify data is on, and contact your carrier to confirm hotspot support.
Will my hotspot work while I’m on a phone call?
On most modern smartphones, yes. However, data speeds may slow down during a call depending on your network technology (e.g., 4G vs. 5G) and carrier.
Can I use a USB cable instead of Wi‑Fi for tethering?
Yes. On Android, the Hotspot & tethering menu includes USB tethering. On iPhone, you can connect via USB to a computer and it will share the connection automatically when Personal Hotspot is on.
Related reading: How To See Who Is Connected To Your Hotspot and How To Get Personal Hotspot.
