If your hotspot is not showing up on another device's Wi‑Fi list, the single most common reason is that the hotspot feature itself is turned off or not broadcasting. On an iPhone, open Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn on Allow Others to Join; on an Android phone, go to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi‑Fi hotspot and turn the switch on.
Why your hotspot is not showing up
The most frequent cause of a hotspot not showing up is that the hotspot feature is simply switched off or set to hidden. On both iPhone and Android, the hotspot must be actively turned on and set to be discoverable. If the feature is off, other devices cannot see the network at all. The fix is immediate: locate the hotspot setting on your phone and enable it.
Many hotspots have a limit on the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously. If the maximum device limit has been reached, your hotspot may not be visible to other devices.
Some devices may have the option to hide the hotspot network. If you have intentionally hidden your hotspot network, other devices will not be able to detect it.
In some cases, hardware problems with your hotspot device can prevent it from being detected by other devices.
Turn on your iPhone hotspot and make it visible
- Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot.
- Turn on Allow Others to Join. The Wi‑Fi network name and password are shown on this screen.
- If Personal Hotspot does not appear in Settings, go to Settings > Cellular and confirm that Cellular Data is on. Then verify that your wireless carrier has enabled hotspot service and that your plan supports it.
- Stay on the Personal Hotspot screen while the other device connects; the network name and password are displayed there.
Turn on your Android hotspot and make it visible
- Turn on the Wi‑Fi hotspot switch. The hotspot name and password appear on this screen.
- If the Hotspot tile is missing from your Quick Settings pull-down shade, tap the Edit (pencil) icon and drag the Hotspot tile into your active tiles for one‑tap access.
Check device compatibility and range
Personal Hotspot requires an iPhone or iPad (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model) with an active carrier plan that supports hotspot service. It cannot share a Wi‑Fi network; it only shares the cellular internet connection. Both devices must have Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth turned on and be within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other. 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), turn on Maximize Compatibility in Personal Hotspot settings to improve connections with older devices.
Restart, update, and reset network settings
- Restart both devices, the phone providing the hotspot and the device trying to connect.
- Install the latest update, update iOS/iPadOS or Android to the newest version available.
- Reset network settings (iPhone only, as a last resort): Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears saved Wi‑Fi networks and Bluetooth connections but does not delete personal data.
If after trying all the troubleshooting steps your hotspot is still not showing up, try using a different device as a hotspot and check if it is visible to other devices. If the alternate device's hotspot is visible, it may indicate an issue with your original device.
When your carrier or plan is the problem
If the hotspot option is dimmed or missing entirely, the wireless carrier has not enabled hotspot on your account or your current plan does not support it. This applies to both iPhone and Android. Contact your carrier to confirm that your plan includes hotspot service and that it is active on your line. Until the carrier enables it, the hotspot feature will remain unavailable regardless of device settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my hotspot name?
On iPhone, the hotspot name and password appear on the Personal Hotspot screen when Allow Others to Join is turned on. The name is usually your device name unless you have changed it.
Why is my hotspot grayed out?
A grayed-out personal hotspot option means your wireless carrier has not enabled hotspot on your plan or your device does not support it. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular to confirm Cellular Data is on, then contact your carrier. On Android, verify your plan supports tethering and that the feature is not restricted by the carrier.
Can I share a Wi‑Fi network through my hotspot?
No. Personal Hotspot shares only the cellular internet connection from your iPhone or iPad (Wi‑Fi + Cellular). It cannot rebroadcast a Wi‑Fi network that your phone is already connected to.
How many devices can connect to my hotspot?
Apple and Google do not publish a fixed universal limit; the number depends on your device model and carrier plan. Check your carrier’s documentation or your device’s hotspot settings for the current connected-device count.
Why is my hotspot connection slow?
Slow hotspot speeds are usually caused by a weak cellular signal, network congestion, or too many connected devices. Move to an area with better coverage, reduce the number of connected devices, and check your data plan for any speed caps.
Do I need a special plan to use a hotspot?
Yes. Most carriers require a plan that includes hotspot or tethering service. If the hotspot option is missing or grayed out, contact your carrier to confirm that your plan supports it and that the feature is enabled on your account.
Can I use my mobile hotspot for gaming?
Yes, you can use your mobile hotspot for gaming. However, several factors can affect the gaming experience: Check your mobile data plan to ensure it provides sufficient bandwidth for online gaming. Consider the latency or ping times experienced with your hotspot connection. Ensure your mobile data signal is strong for a stable connection. Limit the number of devices connected to your hotspot to prioritize gaming performance. Monitor your data usage to avoid exceeding your plan's limits.
For the wider topic, see hotspot basics and troubleshooting.
