Where to find the hotspot password setting

The hotspot password lives in your phone's settings, not in a separate app or website. On most phones, you reach it by opening Settings, finding the Hotspot or Tethering section, and looking for an option called "Hotspot Password," "Wi-Fi Password," or sometimes just "Password." The exact wording and location shift between Android and iPhone, and between phone makers, but the principle is the same: you are changing the password that other devices see when they search for your hotspot network.

Your phone generates a default password when you first turn on hotspot — usually a random string of letters and numbers. This password is what someone else types into their device to connect to your internet. Changing it means the old password stops working when ready, and anyone currently connected will lose their connection.

Key Takeaways

  • The hotspot password setting is in your phone's Settings app under Hotspot, Tethering, or Personal Hotspot, not in a separate program.
  • You can set any password you want as long as it meets your phone's minimum length requirement, usually 8 characters.
  • Changing the password disconnects anyone currently using your hotspot and makes the old password invalid when ready.
  • If you forget the new password, you can return to Settings and view it again — it does not need to be memorized.

Steps to change the password on iPhone

Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot. If you do not see Personal Hotspot in the main Settings menu, tap Cellular first, then look for Personal Hotspot there. Once you are in the Personal Hotspot screen, you will see a field labeled "Wi-Fi Password." Tap that field and delete the current password, then type in a new one.

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and some symbols — avoid spaces and special characters like @ or &, as some devices have trouble connecting when those are present. After you type the new password, tap Done or straightforward exit the screen. The change takes effect when ready. Anyone who was connected will be disconnected, and they will need the new password to reconnect.

Steps to change the password on Android

The path varies slightly depending on your phone maker. On most Android phones, open Settings, then search for "hotspot" using the search bar at the top. Tap Personal Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot — the exact name depends on your manufacturer. You should see a screen with your hotspot name and password listed.

Tap the password field or look for an edit button next to it. Delete the current password and enter a new one. Most Android phones require at least 8 characters. After you save the change, exit the screen. The new password is active right away, and anyone using your hotspot will be disconnected and unable to reconnect with the old password.

If you cannot find the hotspot settings through search, try Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot, or Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot. The exact path depends on whether you have a Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or another brand.

What happens when you change the password

The moment you save a new password, your phone stops accepting connections from anyone using the old password. If someone is actively using your hotspot when you change it, their connection will drop. They will see a message saying the network password is incorrect, and they will need to "forget" the network on their device and reconnect using the new password.

You do not need to turn hotspot off and back on for the change to take effect. The new password is live as soon as you save it. If you change your mind or made a typo, you can go back into Settings and change it again at any time.

Choosing a password that is straightforward to remember

Since you will be giving this password to other people, consider something you can say out loud without confusion. Avoid passwords that look similar when spoken — for example, the number 0 and the letter O sound the same, as do 1 and I, and 5 and S. A password like "Coffee2024Blue" is easier to communicate than "Kx9mP2qL8vN."

You do not have to memorize the password. If you forget it, you can always return to Settings and view it again. This makes it safe to use a longer, more random password if you prefer security over memorability.

Troubleshooting if the password will not change

If you enter a new password but it does not seem to save, check that your password is at least 8 characters long. Some phones will silently reject a password that is too short without showing an error message. Also confirm that you tapped Done, Save, or the equivalent button — straightforward typing the password and exiting the screen may not save the change.

If your phone shows an error message, restart your phone and try again. If the hotspot feature itself is not working, turn hotspot off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on before attempting to change the password. On rare occasions, a phone software update can reset hotspot settings to default — if you recently updated your phone and the password seems to have reverted, you may need to set a new one.

Why you might want to change your hotspot password regularly

If you have shared your hotspot password with someone who no longer needs access — a houseguest who left, a coworker on a temporary project, or a friend you helped out — changing the password removes their access without having to ask them to disconnect. It also prevents someone from connecting to your hotspot without your knowledge if they learned the password at some point.

You do not need to change it frequently for security reasons if you live alone or trust everyone who has the password. But if your hotspot is used by multiple people or in public settings, changing it every few months is a reasonable practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see who is connected to my hotspot?

Yes. On iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and look for a list of connected devices. On Android, the location varies by brand, but usually Settings > Mobile Hotspot or Hotspot shows connected devices. The list displays the device name and sometimes the time it connected, but not the person's identity — you have to recognize the device name yourself.

What if I forget the new password right after changing it?

Go back to Settings and view the password again. It is displayed in the same place where you changed it. You do not have to reset anything or contact your phone company — the password is stored on your phone and you can check it anytime.

Will changing the password affect my regular internet connection?

No. The hotspot password is separate from your phone's cellular data or Wi-Fi connection. Changing it only affects devices that connect to your phone's hotspot. Your phone's own internet access is not interrupted.

Can I use special characters like ! or # in the password?

Some phones allow special characters, but many devices that connect to your hotspot have trouble with them. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens or underscores to avoid connection problems. If you try a special character and someone cannot connect, remove it and try again.

Does changing the hotspot password use up my data?

No. Changing the password is a setting stored on your phone and does not consume any data. The change happens locally on your device.