Secret Codes guide
Personal Hotspot on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid ยท ยท 3 min read
Quick answer
Share your cellular connection with other devices. Personal Hotspot shares cellular data over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. It has to be enabled on your plan โ if the row is missing from Settings entirely, your carrier has not provisioned tethering on your line. Most US plans cap hotspot data at a lower speed once you pass a monthly threshold.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test ยท Free on the App StoreDownload free โ| What it does | Share your cellular connection with other devices. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
| Type | iOS setting |
Share your cellular connection with other devices. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Personal Hotspot?
Personal Hotspot shares cellular data over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. It has to be enabled on your plan โ if the row is missing from Settings entirely, your carrier has not provisioned tethering on your line.
Most US plans cap hotspot data at a lower speed once you pass a monthly threshold.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Personal Hotspot.
- Turn Allow Others to Join on.
- Tap Wi-Fi Password to set your own password.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | Requires tethering on your plan. All four major carriers support it, usually with a monthly high-speed allowance. |
Related network and signal
- Data Roaming
- Force A Network Re-Registration
- Low Data Mode
- Review Cellular Data Usage
- Reset Network Settings
- Check For A Carrier Settings Update
See all network and signal or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line.
Frequently asked questions
What is Personal Hotspot on iPhone?
Share your cellular connection with other devices. Personal Hotspot shares cellular data over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. It has to be enabled on your plan โ if the row is missing from Settings entirely, your carrier has not provisioned tethering on your line.
What else should I know about Personal Hotspot?
Most US plans cap hotspot data at a lower speed once you pass a monthly threshold.
What are the steps for Personal Hotspot?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Personal Hotspot. 3. Turn Allow Others to Join on. 4. Tap Wi-Fi Password to set your own password.
Where do I find Personal Hotspot?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Personal Hotspot?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Personal Hotspot work on?
It is published for any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular. Requires tethering on your plan. All four major carriers support it, usually with a monthly high-speed allowance.
Does Personal Hotspot work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Personal Hotspot work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Personal Hotspot does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Personal Hotspot?
Data Roaming. Control data use on partner and foreign networks.
What else is in this category?
Force A Network Re-Registration. The fastest fix for a line that has dropped off the network.
Can I find Personal Hotspot in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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