How to Change iPhone Hotspot Password

Changing your iPhone’s hotspot password is a quick way to keep your personal network secure, especially if you’ve shared it with someone and no longer want them to connect. It also lets you set a password that’s easier for you to remember. Before you start, make sure you know your iPhone’s passcode (the one you use to unlock the phone) because you may be asked to enter it. Also, have the new password you want to use in mind—it must be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols.

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone (any model running iOS 13 or later)
Your iPhone passcode (to confirm changes if prompted)
A new password idea (minimum 8 characters)

Step-by-Step

Open Settings – Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen. This is the app that contains all your iPhone’s system settings.
Go to Personal Hotspot – Scroll down and tap “Personal Hotspot.” On some iOS versions, it may be under “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” first, but you’ll find it there. The exact menu name can vary slightly by iOS version.
Tap the Wi-Fi Password field – You’ll see a row labeled “Wi-Fi Password” with the current password hidden behind dots. Tap it. You might be asked to enter your iPhone’s passcode to proceed.
Enter your new password and tap Done – Type your new password (at least 8 characters). It can be letters, numbers, and symbols. When you’re finished, tap “Done” in the top-right corner. The change saves immediately.

After you change it, any device that was previously connected to your hotspot will be disconnected. You’ll need to reconnect them using the new password.

Common Mistakes

Using a password shorter than 8 characters – iOS requires a minimum of 8 characters. If you try to use fewer, the Done button may be grayed out or you’ll get an error.
Not tapping Done – If you just type the new password and then back out of the screen without tapping Done, the change won’t save. Always tap Done.
Confusing the hotspot password with your Wi-Fi network password – The hotspot password is separate from your home Wi-Fi password. Make sure you’re editing the right one.
Forgetting that devices will disconnect – After you change it, all connected devices drop off. You have to re-enter the password on each one.

Tips

Use a passphrase – Instead of a short random code, use a phrase like “SunnyDay2024!” – it’s easier to remember and still secure.
Write it down – Store the new password in your notes app or a password manager so you don’t forget it.
Check your data usage – If you’re changing the password because someone was leeching your data, also check Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot to see which devices have connected.
Keep it simple for guests – If you share your hotspot often, choose a password that’s easy to type on other devices, like all numbers.

Troubleshooting

I can’t find Personal Hotspot in Settings. If you don’t see it, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and look for “Personal Hotspot” there. If it’s still missing, your carrier may not support it, or it might be turned off. Contact your carrier to enable it.

I tap the Wi-Fi Password field but nothing happens. Make sure you’re not in Low Power Mode, which can sometimes disable editing. Also, try restarting your iPhone and then going back to Settings > Personal Hotspot.

I entered a new password but it won’t save. Ensure the password is at least 8 characters. If it is, try turning Personal Hotspot off and on again, then repeat the steps.

My devices can’t connect after the change. On the device you’re connecting from, go to Wi-Fi settings, forget the old hotspot network, then search for it again and enter the new password. Sometimes the old password is cached.

I forgot my current hotspot password. You can’t view it directly, but you can just set a new one using the steps above. If you’re asked for your iPhone passcode and you’ve forgotten that, you’ll need to reset your iPhone via a computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a password with spaces?

Yes, iOS allows spaces in the hotspot password, but some older devices may have trouble with them. It’s safer to avoid spaces for compatibility.

Does changing the hotspot password affect my home Wi-Fi?

No, the hotspot password is separate from your home Wi-Fi network password. Changing one does not affect the other.

Can I set a password that’s just numbers?

Yes, as long as it’s at least 8 digits long. A numeric password is easier to type on devices like smart TVs or game consoles.

Will changing the password stop someone from using my hotspot?

Yes, once you change it, any device that was connected will be disconnected and will need the new password to join again. If someone doesn’t know the new password, they can’t connect.

Do I need to restart my iPhone after changing the password?

No, the change takes effect immediately. You don’t need to restart, but if you encounter issues, a restart can help.

Can I change the hotspot password from a computer?

No, you can only change it directly on the iPhone in Settings. There’s no remote way to do it from a computer.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.