Change your hotspot password through your phone's settings

The steps differ slightly by phone type, but both Android and iPhone let you change the password directly in Settings without calling your carrier. You do not need a computer or special software — everything happens on the phone itself. The new password takes effect when ready, and any devices currently connected will lose access until they enter the new password.

On an iPhone, open Settings, tap Personal Hotspot, then tap Wi-Fi Password. Delete the current password and type a new one. Make sure it is at least 8 characters long — shorter passwords may not save. Tap Done when finished. On an Android phone, open Settings, tap Network & Internet (or Mobile Hotspot, depending on your manufacturer), then Hotspot, then tap the gear icon next to your hotspot name. Look for Wi-Fi Password or Security, and change the password there. The exact menu names vary by Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other brands, but the principle is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users change the hotspot password in Settings > Personal Hotspot > Wi-Fi Password, and Android users find it in Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot settings.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and takes effect when ready on all connected devices.
  • Any device currently using your hotspot will disconnect and must re-enter the new password to reconnect.
  • If you cannot find the hotspot settings on Android, search your phone's Settings app for "hotspot" or "tethering" — menu locations vary by manufacturer.

Why you might want to change your hotspot password

You should change your password if someone has been using your hotspot without permission, if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you suspect the password has been seen by someone you do not trust. Changing the password when ready disconnects that person and prevents them from reconnecting with the old code.

You may also want to change it periodically as a routine security practice, especially if your phone has been in public places or if many people have had the password at different times. A new password means you start fresh with a known list of who has access.

What to do if you forgot your current hotspot password

If you do not remember the password you set, you can view it in the same settings menu where you change it. On iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Wi-Fi Password and the current password will be visible there. On Android, open the hotspot settings and look for Wi-Fi Password or Security — the current password is usually shown in plain text or behind a "show password" toggle.

If you cannot find the password in settings, you can straightforward set a new one. There is no recovery process or carrier approval needed — you just create a new password and it replaces the old one when ready.

Choosing a strong hotspot password

A strong password is harder for someone to guess or crack, which matters because your hotspot gives access to your phone's data connection. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if your phone allows it. Avoid common words, birthdays, or sequences like 12345. A random combination like "Tr0pic#Mango92" is much stronger than "password123" or "mybirthday."

Your phone will enforce a minimum length — usually 8 characters — but longer is better. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the one built into your phone's operating system, you can generate and store a complex password without having to remember it yourself.

Reconnecting devices after you change the password

When you change your hotspot password, every device that was connected will be kicked off. To reconnect, the person using that device needs to open their Wi-Fi settings, find your hotspot network name, and enter the new password. They will not be able to use the old password — it will straightforward fail to connect.

If someone has a device that was previously connected and you have not told them the new password, they will see your hotspot in their available networks but will not be able to join it. This is the intended behavior and is how you prevent unwanted access.

Hotspot password versus network name

Your hotspot has two separate settings: the network name (also called SSID) and the password. The network name is what people see when they look for Wi-Fi networks — it is usually something like "iPhone 12" or "AndroidPhone." The password is what they type in to connect. You can change either one independently.

Changing the network name does not affect the password, and changing the password does not affect the network name. If you want to hide your hotspot from appearing in Wi-Fi lists, that is a separate setting called "Hide Network" or "Broadcast SSID," but hiding it does not add security — someone can still connect if they know the network name and password.

Troubleshooting if the password will not change

If you enter a new password but it does not save, the most common reason is that it is too short. Your phone requires at least 8 characters. Try a longer password with a mix of letters and numbers. If that does not work, restart your phone and try again — sometimes the settings app needs a fresh start.

If your hotspot is turned off, you may not be able to change the password in some phones. Turn the hotspot on first, then go to the password settings. If you are still stuck, check whether your carrier has placed restrictions on your account — some business plans or parental control settings can lock hotspot features, though this is rare. Restarting your phone usually resolves temporary glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to contact my carrier to change my hotspot password?

No. The password is stored on your phone, not on your carrier's network. You change it entirely through your phone's settings. Your carrier does not need to know and does not need to approve the change.

Will changing my hotspot password affect my regular Wi-Fi or internet service?

No. Your hotspot password is separate from your home Wi-Fi password and your cellular service. Changing one does not touch the others. Only devices trying to connect to your phone's hotspot will be affected.

Can I change my hotspot password from a computer?

No. You must change it from the phone itself using the Settings app. There is no way to change it remotely or from another device. If you do not have access to your phone, you cannot change the password until you do.

What happens to devices that are currently connected when I change the password?

They will be disconnected when ready and will not be able to reconnect unless they enter the new password. They will see your hotspot in their available networks, but the old password will no longer work.

Is there a default hotspot password I can reset to?

No. There is no factory default or reset password for your hotspot. If you forget the password you set, you can view it in your phone's settings, or you can straightforward create a new password. There is no recovery code or backup password.