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10 Tech How-To

Find Mobile Hotspot Password on Android & iPhone

Guide 10-32901 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you where to find the password for your own mobile hotspot on both Android and iPhone, so you can connect a laptop, tablet, or friend’s phone. You’ll need your phone unlocked and, for Android, the specific settings menu may vary slightly by manufacturer.

What You’ll Need

  • Your Android or iPhone with the hotspot feature enabled
  • Phone passcode or biometric unlock (Face ID, fingerprint)

Step-by-Step

On iPhone (iOS 16 or later)

  1. Open the Settings app (gear icon).
  2. Tap Personal Hotspot (on older iOS versions, it may be under Cellular > Personal Hotspot).
  3. Tap Wi-Fi Password.
  4. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  5. The password is now visible. Tap and hold the text to copy it, or just read it aloud.

On Android (Stock Android / Pixel)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Network & internet (or Connections on Samsung).
  3. Tap Hotspot & tethering (on Samsung: Mobile Hotspot and Tethering).
  4. Tap Wi-Fi hotspot (or Mobile Hotspot).
  5. The password is displayed under Password or Network password. On some phones, you may need to tap an eye icon to reveal it.
  6. To copy it, tap the copy icon (two overlapping squares) next to the password field.

On Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
  4. Tap Mobile Hotspot.
  5. The password is shown under Password. Tap the eye icon to view it if hidden.

Common Mistakes

  • Looking in the wrong menu: On iPhones, the hotspot password is NOT in Wi-Fi settings; it’s in the Personal Hotspot menu. On Android, it’s under “Hotspot & tethering,” not under regular Wi-Fi settings.
  • Not authenticating on iPhone: iOS hides the password behind Face ID/Touch ID/passcode. If you don’t authenticate, you won’t see the characters.
  • Confusing the hotspot password with your Wi-Fi network password: These are different. The hotspot password is for the network your phone creates, not your home router.
  • Assuming the default password is still active: If you changed it previously, the default (often printed in the hotspot settings) won’t work.

Tips

  • Change it to something memorable: In the same hotspot settings, you can tap the password field and type a new one. Choose a strong but easy-to-type password (at least 8 characters).
  • Use QR code on Android: Many Android phones show a QR code in the hotspot settings. A friend can scan it with their camera to join without typing the password.
  • Keep the hotspot on while sharing: If you’re telling someone the password, keep the hotspot screen open so you don’t accidentally turn it off.
  • Copy and paste: Instead of typing the password on the other device, copy it from the phone and send it via a secure message or use AirDrop (iPhone) or Nearby Share (Android).

Troubleshooting

Password field is grayed out or not visible on iPhone: Make sure Personal Hotspot is turned on. If not, toggle it on. If it’s still grayed out, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network and check if the APN settings are correct (contact your carrier for these).

Can’t see password on Android: Some manufacturers (like older Huawei or Xiaomi) hide the password behind a “Show password” checkbox. Look for a checkbox or an eye icon. If you still can’t find it, try tapping on the password field itself.

Password shows but doesn’t work: Restart the hotspot (toggle it off and on). Also, make sure you’re entering the password exactly, including any uppercase/lowercase letters and special characters.

Forgot the password and can’t find it: On Android, you can reset the hotspot settings by going to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > Set up Wi-Fi hotspot and change the password. On iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Wi-Fi Password and set a new one.

Other devices can’t connect even with correct password: Check that the hotspot is actually on and that the device is within range. Also, ensure that your phone’s data connection is active (hotspot uses cellular data).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hotspot password the same as my phone’s lock screen password?

No, they are separate. The hotspot password is only for joining the Wi-Fi network your phone creates.

Can I see the hotspot password on my iPhone without Face ID?

No, iOS requires authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode) to view the password for security reasons.

How do I find the default hotspot password on Android?

It’s usually shown in the hotspot settings. If you never changed it, it might be a random string like “12345678” or a model-specific code. Check the settings screen.

Why does my iPhone not show the Personal Hotspot option?

This can happen if your carrier doesn’t support tethering, or if the feature is disabled. Contact your carrier to enable it, or check Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network for APN settings.

Can I connect to my own hotspot from my other devices?

Yes, you can. Just treat it like any other Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

What if I changed my hotspot password and forgot it?

You can reset it by going into the hotspot settings and creating a new password. On iPhone, tap “Wi-Fi Password” and enter a new one. On Android, tap the password field and type a new one.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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