Where to find your hotspot password on your phone
Your hotspot password is stored in your phone's settings, not in a separate app or account. The exact location depends on whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but both keep it in the Wi-Fi or hotspot settings menu. You do not need to contact your carrier — the password is yours to see and change whenever you want.
The password you are looking for is the one you created when you first turned on your hotspot, or the one your phone generated automatically. This is different from your phone's SIM PIN or your carrier account password. It is only used by devices that want to connect to your hotspot.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, open Settings, tap Personal Hotspot, and look for the Wi-Fi password shown on that screen.
- On Android, the location varies by manufacturer — Samsung uses Settings > Mobile Hotspot, while Google Pixel uses Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot.
- If you do not see a password field, your hotspot may not be turned on yet, or your phone may be set to show the password only when hotspot is active.
- You can change your hotspot password at any time from the same settings menu, and the change takes effect when ready.
Finding your password on iPhone
Open the Settings app and scroll down to find Personal Hotspot. Tap it. If you see a toggle that says "Personal Hotspot" at the top, make sure it is turned on (the switch should be green). Below that toggle, you will see a line that says Wi-Fi Password followed by a string of characters — that is your hotspot password.
If you do not see the Wi-Fi Password line, your Personal Hotspot may be turned off. Turn it on first, and the password field will appear. If you still do not see it after turning hotspot on, restart your phone and check again.
Finding your password on Android
The steps vary depending on your phone's manufacturer. On a Samsung phone, open Settings, scroll down to Connections, tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering, then tap Mobile Hotspot. You will see a field labeled Password with your current password displayed. On a Google Pixel, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, tap Hotspot and Tethering, then Hotspot. The password appears in a field labeled Password.
On other Android phones, the path is usually Settings > Network > Hotspot or Tethering, but the exact wording may differ. If you cannot find it in those locations, search your phone's Settings app for the word "hotspot" — most phones have a search function at the top of the Settings menu that will take you directly to the right page.
What to do if you cannot see the password
If the password field is blank or missing, your hotspot is likely turned off. Go back to the hotspot settings and turn it on. The password should appear once the hotspot is active. Some phones hide the password until the hotspot is actually running.
If the hotspot is on but you still cannot see the password, try restarting your phone. If that does not work, turn the hotspot off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. This resets the hotspot connection and usually makes the password visible again.
Changing your hotspot password
You can change your password from the same screen where you found it. On iPhone, tap the Wi-Fi Password field and type a new one. On Android, tap the Password field and type a new one. Your new password takes effect when ready — any devices currently connected will stay connected, but new devices will need the new password to join.
Choose a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters and numbers. Avoid using personal information like your name or birthday. Write down your new password somewhere safe until you are sure you will remember it.
Why you might need your hotspot password
You need your hotspot password whenever you want to connect a laptop, tablet, or another phone to your phone's internet connection. The device you are connecting will ask for the network name (called the SSID) and the password. The network name is usually your phone's name or model number, and you can see it on the same settings screen where you found the password.
If someone else wants to use your hotspot, you give them the password — not your phone itself. They will see your hotspot network name appear in their Wi-Fi list, select it, and enter the password you provide. You can disconnect them at any time by turning off your hotspot or changing the password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my hotspot password if I forgot it?
Yes. Go to your hotspot settings and look at the password field — it will show you the current password in plain text. You do not need to reset anything or contact your carrier. If the field is blank, turn your hotspot on first.
Is my hotspot password the same as my Wi-Fi password at home?
No. Your hotspot password is separate from any home Wi-Fi network you use. It is only for devices connecting to your phone's internet. Your home Wi-Fi password is stored in your router settings, not your phone.
What happens if someone else knows my hotspot password?
They can connect to your hotspot and use your phone's data. You can change your password at any time from the hotspot settings, and they will be disconnected. You can also turn off your hotspot entirely when you are not using it.
Do I need my carrier's permission to change my hotspot password?
No. Your hotspot password is controlled entirely by your phone. You can change it as often as you want without contacting your carrier or paying any fee.