Where your hotspot password lives depends on your device type

Your hotspot password is stored in the settings of whatever device is broadcasting the signal — usually your phone, tablet, or dedicated hotspot device. The exact location changes based on whether you're using Android, iPhone, or a standalone hotspot. The password itself was either set by you when you first turned on the hotspot, or it was generated automatically by the device and you may never have seen it written down.

The fastest way to find it is to open the hotspot settings on the device that's creating the network. You don't need to restart anything or read anything. The password is already there; you just need to know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • On an iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot to see the Wi-Fi password in plain text.
  • On Android, the location varies by manufacturer — Samsung uses Settings > Mobile Hotspot, while Google Pixel uses Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot.
  • If you've forgotten the password you set, you can reset it to a new one from the same settings menu.
  • Some devices show the password only while the hotspot is actively turned on, so toggle it on before searching.

Finding the password on iPhone

Open Settings on the iPhone that's running the hotspot. Scroll down and tap Personal Hotspot. If you don't see this option, make sure the hotspot is turned on — you can toggle it from the same menu. Once Personal Hotspot is open, look for the line that says Wi-Fi Password. The password appears in plain text right there. You can tap it to copy it, or write it down to share with someone else.

If the Wi-Fi Password field is blank or missing, the hotspot may not be active yet. Toggle Personal Hotspot off and back on, then return to Settings to check again. Once the hotspot is broadcasting, the password will appear.

Finding the password on Android

The steps vary depending on which Android phone you have, because different manufacturers organize their settings differently. On a Samsung phone, go to Settings > Mobile Hotspot (or Tethering and Portable Hotspot, depending on your model). You'll see the network name and password listed on that screen. On a Google Pixel, go to Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot and then tap the network name to see the password.

On other Android brands — OnePlus, Motorola, Nokia — the path is usually Settings > Network > Hotspot or Tethering, but the exact wording shifts between versions. If you can't find it in those locations, search your Settings app for "hotspot" and the search will jump you to the right menu. Make sure the hotspot is turned on before you look; some phones hide the password until the hotspot is active.

Finding the password on a dedicated hotspot device

If you're using a standalone hotspot device — like a Verizon Jetpack, AT&T Nighthawk, or similar — the password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Check there first. If the sticker is worn or missing, you can reset the device to its factory password by holding the reset button for several seconds, which will restore the original password printed on the label.

Some dedicated hotspots also have a small screen on the front that displays the network name and password. Press the power or menu button to cycle through the information screens. If you've changed the password since you got the device and can't remember the new one, consult the device manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions on resetting it.

What to do if you've forgotten the password you set

If you created a custom password and can no longer remember it, you can create a new one from the same settings menu where you found the old one. On iPhone, tap Wi-Fi Password and then tap Change Password. On Android, the option is usually labeled Set Password or Edit next to the password field. Enter a new password — most devices require at least 8 characters — and save it.

Once you've set a new password, it takes effect when ready. Anyone currently connected to the old hotspot will stay connected, but new devices will need the new password to join. Tell anyone who regularly uses your hotspot about the change so they can update their saved networks.

Why the password might not be visible

Some phones hide the password behind a "show password" toggle for security reasons. If you see a checkbox or eye icon next to the password field, tap it to reveal the full password instead of dots or asterisks. On older Android phones, you may need to scroll down within the hotspot settings to see the password field at all.

If the hotspot is off, some devices don't display the password until you turn it on. This is a privacy feature — the password only appears when the network is actually broadcasting. Toggle the hotspot on, wait a few seconds for it to fully set up, then check the settings again.

Sharing the password safely with others

Once you have the password, you can share it by typing it out, writing it down, or — on newer iPhones — using the built-in sharing feature. On iPhone 13 and later, when someone tries to connect to your hotspot, you can approve the connection directly from your phone without them needing to type the password. This is faster and more find than texting the password.

If you're sharing the password with someone in person, you can also generate a QR code on some Android phones that they can scan to connect automatically. Check your hotspot settings for a QR code option. For remote sharing, typing or texting the password is the standard approach — just make sure you're sending it through a private message, not a public post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my hotspot password if I'm not the phone owner?

No. The password is stored in the device owner's settings and requires access to that phone or device to view. If you need to connect to someone else's hotspot, ask them for the password directly — they can find it using the steps above and share it with you.

What if my phone doesn't show a Personal Hotspot option?

Your phone plan may not include hotspot capability, or your carrier may have disabled it. Contact your carrier to confirm hotspot is included in your plan. If it is, restart your phone and check Settings again. On some older phones, the feature is called "Tethering" instead of "Hotspot".

Does resetting my hotspot password disconnect people who are already using it?

No. People currently connected will stay connected. They'll only be disconnected if you turn off the hotspot entirely. The new password only applies to new devices trying to join the network.

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

No. Your hotspot password is separate and only controls who can connect to your Wi-Fi network. Your phone's lock screen password protects access to the phone itself. You can change one without affecting the other.

Why does my hotspot password keep changing on its own?

Some phones regenerate the hotspot password automatically if you restart the device or toggle the hotspot off and back on. If this is happening, check your phone's hotspot settings for an option to keep the password fixed. On most phones, the password stays the same unless you manually change it.