Where is the iPhone's Wi-Fi hotspot: A complete guide with pictures

You are trying to share the Internet from your iPhone on a laptop, tablet, or other smartphone, but you can't find where to turn on the hotspot Wi-FiThis feature isn't as hidden as it seems, but its location varies depending on the version. iOS and device models. In this article, we won't just show you where to find the settings, but also explain why the access point may not appear in the menu, how to properly configure it for maximum speed and stability, and what to do if devices won't connect.

It is important to understand that distributing the Internet through access point (or hotspot) on iPhone The feature works differently depending on your mobile plan. Some carriers block this feature or charge additional fees. We'll tell you how to check your plan's restrictions and bypass them if possible. You'll also learn how to save battery life during extended mobile use. Wi-Fi and why it is sometimes better to use Bluetooth or USB instead of a wireless network.

Where to find the access point on iPhone: the path in the settings

On most models iPhone (from iPhone 6 to iPhone 16) the access point is in the same place, but with slight variations depending on the version iOSHere is a universal way:

1. Open the app "Settings"** (gear icon).
2. Go to the section Cellular communications (or Mobile data on some models).
3. Tap on the item Modem mode (in older versions iOS — Access point).
4. Activate the slider Allow others (or Modem mode).

If you have iOS 17 or newer, the path may be slightly different:

• 📱 Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot (For iPhone 12 and newer).
• 🔄 On some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) the item can be called Personal hotspot.
• 🔍 If you can't find the section, use search by settings (swipe down on the main settings screen and type "access point").

On iPhone With iOS 16 and the older the path is even simpler:

Settings → Tethering

But there's a catch: if your carrier blocks this feature, this option may not be available at all. We'll cover this in the next section.

Why the hotspot isn't in the settings: 5 reasons and solutions

Do you know exactly where the access point should be, but it's not there? This is a common problem, and here are the main causes:

If your carrier blocks a hotspot, but your plan states it's allowed, contact support and request an unblocking. According to Russian law (Article 10 of the Federal Law "On Communications"), the carrier is obligated to provide all services as advertised.

⚠️ Attention: On some corporate plans, the hotspot may be disabled due to company policy. Please check with your IT department.

How to bypass operator blocking?

If your carrier is blocking the hotspot, but you have an unlimited data plan, try:

1. Insert the SIM card into another phone and share Wi-Fi from it.

2. Use a USB cable for distribution (not all operators block this method).

3. Connect via Bluetooth (uses less battery, but is slower).

4. Install third-party software (for example, PDANet), but this requires jailbreaking and may void the warranty.

How to set up an access point: password, network name, and security type

Once you've enabled the hotspot, you need to configure it correctly to avoid connection issues. By default, iPhone generates a random password, but it can be changed:

1. Go to Settings → Tethering.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi password.
3. Enter a new password (minimum 8 characters, letters and numbers are recommended).
4. Click Ready.

You can also change the network name (SSID), but only on iPhone With iOS 17 and newer:

• 🔑 Password: The default is a random combination of 8 characters. Change it to something memorable, but not too simple (e.g. iPhone1234 instead of 12345678).
• 📶 Network Name (SSID): Default is "[your name]'s iPhone". Can be changed in Settings → General → About → Name (this will change the name for Bluetooth, and for Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Security type: Always WPA3 (on older models - WPA2). Do not change it manually!

If you are distributing the Internet on Windows- laptop and it doesn't connect, try:

• 🖥️ Disable VPN on a laptop.
• 🔄 Reboot iPhone and a laptop.
• 📡 Manually add a network on a laptop (enter the name and password manually).

⚠️ Attention: If you change the hotspot password, all connected devices will be disconnected and must reconnect.

USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi: Which Internet Sharing Method Should You Choose?

Access point on iPhone can work not only through Wi-Fi, but also through USB or BluetoothWhich method is better?

To enable distribution through USB:

1. Connect iPhone to the computer via cable.
2. Turn on Modem mode in the settings.
3. On your computer, select Connection via USB (on Windows (You may need to install drivers).

For Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. Match them (on iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth).
3. Turn on Modem mode and select connection via Bluetooth.

USB — the most stable and fastest method, but requires a cable. Wi-Fi convenient for multiple devices, but drains the battery. Bluetooth slow but economical.

How many devices can I connect to an iPhone hotspot?

Officially Apple states that the access point iPhone You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneouslyHowever, in practice this number depends on:

• 📶 iPhone models: New models (iPhone 13/14/15) cope with the load better than the old ones (iPhone 6/7).
• 📡 Connection type: Through USB You can only connect 1 device through Wi-Fi — up to 5, through Bluetooth — usually 1-2.
• 🔋 Battery charge: When connecting 3+ devices iPhone will be discharged in 1-1.5 hours.
• 🌐 Operator tariff: Some tariffs limit the number of connected devices (for example, Tele2 can only allow 1 device).

If you need to connect more devices, consider:

• 🔄 Using a router: Connect iPhone to the router via USB (if the router supports USB-tethering).
• 📶 Repeater mode: Some routers (eg. TP-Link) can repeat the access point signal iPhone.
• 💻 Software solution: On Windows you can create a virtual one Wi-Fi-router via command line.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting 4-5 devices, the internet speed on each device may drop by 2-3 times. For stable operation, do not connect more than 3 devices simultaneously.

How to save battery life when sharing Wi-Fi

Distribution Wi-Fi With iPhone — is one of the most energy-consuming functions. The battery can drain in 1-2 hours if left unchecked. Here's how to extend the battery life:

• 🔌 Connect the charger: Even if iPhone discharges, connect to the outlet or power bank will allow the distribution to continue.
• 📴 Disable unnecessary features:
  • 📍 Settings → Privacy → Location Services (disable for unnecessary applications).
  • 🔍 Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock (set to 30 seconds).
  • 📶 Settings → Cellular → Data Mode (select Standard instead of Max. compatibility).
• ❄️ Cool down your iPhone: If the device overheats, it will automatically reduce its performance, which may interrupt distribution.
• 🔄 Use USB or Bluetooth: These methods use less energy than Wi-Fi.

If you're sharing internet on the road, take the following with you:

• 🔋 Power bank capacity of 10,000 mAh (enough for 3-4 hours of distribution).
• 🔌 Car charger with support PD (fast charging).
• 📶 External antenna (if the signal is weak, this will reduce the load on the modem).

On iPhone 15 Pro and later, when using Wi-Fi in low-power mode (less than 20% battery), background app activity is automatically disabled, which can interrupt the internet connection on connected devices.

Common problems and their solutions

Even if you've set everything up correctly, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

If iPhone writes "Unable to activate access point"**, try:

1. Restart your device.
2. Remove and reinsert the SIM card.
3. Reset network settings: Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset → Reset network settings.
4. Update iOS to the latest version.

If the problem persists, check if your carrier is blocking the feature. For example, Yota And Tinkoff Mobile sometimes require additional activation of the modem mode.

⚠️ Attention: On an iPhone with dual SIM cards (eSIM + physical SIM), hotspot can only work with the primary SIM card. Check which SIM card is active for data.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from an iPhone without a SIM card?

No, to share internet via a hotspot, you need an active SIM card with mobile internet connection. However, you can share Wi-Fi from the connected one iPhone to other devices, if you iPhone connected to another network (for example, via Wi-Fi in a cafe or Ethernet-adapter). To do this, turn on Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others and select Max. compatibility.

Why doesn't my iPhone share internet with my MacBook?

Most often the problem is in the settings MacBook:

1. Open System Preferences → Network.
2. Remove the current connection to iPhone (click "-" at the bottom of the list).
3. Please reconnect by entering the password manually.
4. If it doesn't help, reset your network settings. MacBook.

Also check if it is blocking Firewall (System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall).

How much traffic is used when distributing Wi-Fi?

Traffic consumption depends on the actions on connected devices:

• 📱 Social networks, instant messengers: ~50-100 MB/hour.
• 🎵 Music (Spotify, Apple Music): ~70-150 MB/hour.
• 🎬 Video (YouTube, 720p): ~500-700 MB/hour.
• 🎮 Online games: ~100-300 MB/hour.
• 💻 Updating OS or programs: from 1 GB and above.

To control consumption, turn on Settings → Cellular → Statistics and monitor traffic in real time.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from iPhone to Android?

Yes, but sometimes there are connection problems. If Android- the device does not connect:

1. On Android Forget the network iPhone (Settings → Wi-Fi → [tap on the network] → Delete).
2. On iPhone change your password to a simpler one (for example, 12345678), connect, then return a complex password.
3. Check if it is blocking VPN or Firewall on Android connection.
4. If used Miui (Xiaomi), Redmi or POCO - disable Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Auto-connect to open networks.

How to share internet from iPhone to Smart TV?

Majority Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony) can connect to the access point iPhone, but there are nuances:

• 📺 On Samsung TV go to Settings → Network → Wireless Network and select the network iPhone.
• 🔍 If your TV doesn't see the network, check if it supports it 5 GHz (some iPhone are handing out Wi-Fi only in this range). Force it on 2.4 GHz in the access point settings (if there is such an option).
• 🔄 If the internet on your TV is slow, connect it iPhone to the router via Ethernet-adapter (for example, Lightning to Ethernet) and distribute Wi-Fi from him.