Where to find your hotspot password on Android

On Android, your hotspot password lives in the Settings app under the mobile hotspot or tethering section. Open Settings, then look for "Network & internet" or "Connections" — the exact name depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. Tap "Mobile hotspot" or "Hotspot and tethering", then select "Mobile hotspot" again to see the active hotspot details.

The password appears on this screen, usually labeled "Password" or "Network password". Some phones show it as a string of numbers and letters; others display it alongside the network name. If you do not see a password field, your hotspot may be set to an open network with no password, which means anyone nearby can connect. You can change this by tapping "Configure" or "Set up hotspot" and creating a new password before sharing your connection.

On Samsung phones specifically, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile hotspot and tethering > Mobile hotspot, then tap the gear icon to view or edit the password. On Google Pixel phones, the path is Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot and tethering > Hotspot, and the password shows directly on that screen.

Where to find your hotspot password on iPhone

On iPhone, your hotspot password is in Settings > Personal Hotspot. Tap "Personal Hotspot" and look for the "Wi-Fi Password" field — this is the password other devices need to connect to your hotspot. The password appears in plain text on this screen, and you can copy it or write it down to share with others.

If you do not see a Personal Hotspot option, your carrier may not support it, or you may need to add a cellular plan that includes tethering. Some carriers charge an extra fee or require a specific plan tier to use Personal Hotspot. Check with your carrier if the option is missing entirely.

The password on iPhone is set automatically when you first turn on Personal Hotspot, but you can change it at any time by tapping "Wi-Fi Password" and entering a new one. Apple generates a strong password by default, but you can replace it with something easier to remember if you prefer.

Key Takeaways

  • On Android, open Settings, find Mobile hotspot or Hotspot and tethering, and the password displays on the main hotspot screen.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and look for the Wi-Fi Password field to see your current password.
  • If no password appears, your hotspot may be set to an open network, and you should create one before sharing your connection with others.
  • You can change your hotspot password at any time through the same settings screen where you view it.
  • Some carriers require a specific plan or charge a fee to use mobile hotspot, so check your plan if the feature is not available.

What to do if you forgot your password

If you cannot remember your hotspot password, the fastest way to recover it is to check the settings screen where it is stored — the password is always visible there in plain text. Go back to the hotspot settings on your phone (Settings > Mobile hotspot on Android or Settings > Personal Hotspot on iPhone) and read the password directly from the screen.

If you want to use a different password instead, you can create a new one right there in the same settings screen. On Android, tap "Configure" or the gear icon next to your hotspot name, then enter a new password. On iPhone, tap "Wi-Fi Password" and type a new one. The change takes effect when ready, and any devices already connected will be disconnected and need the new password to reconnect.

How to change your hotspot password

Changing your hotspot password is useful if you want to prevent someone from connecting, if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you want a password that is easier to remember. The process takes less than a minute on any phone.

On Android, open Settings > Mobile hotspot, tap the gear icon or "Configure", and look for the password field. Delete the current password and type a new one, then save the changes. On iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot, tap "Wi-Fi Password", delete the current password, and type a new one. Both phones require the new password to be at least 8 characters long.

After you change the password, any device currently connected to your hotspot will be disconnected. Those devices will need to "forget" the old network and reconnect using the new password. To do this on their end, they should go to their Wi-Fi settings, find your hotspot network name, tap "Forget", then reconnect and enter the new password.

Why you might not see a password option

Some phones and carriers do not display a password field in the hotspot settings, which usually means your hotspot is set to use an open network with no security. This is rare on newer phones but can happen if your carrier or phone manufacturer has limited hotspot features. An open hotspot means anyone within range can connect without a password, which is a security risk.

If your hotspot settings do not show a password field, look for an option to "Set up hotspot", "Configure hotspot", or "Edit hotspot settings". Tapping this option usually opens a full setup screen where you can create a password and choose a network name. If no such option exists, contact your carrier to confirm that mobile hotspot is included in your plan and that your phone supports it.

How to share your hotspot password safely

When you need to give someone your hotspot password, avoid typing it out loud or writing it on paper if possible. Instead, use your phone's built-in sharing features. On iPhone, open Settings > Personal Hotspot and look for an option to share the password via AirDrop or a QR code — this lets nearby devices connect without you having to say the password aloud. On Android, some phones offer a QR code option in the hotspot settings that other Android devices can scan to connect automatically.

If you must share the password verbally or in writing, use a method that does not leave a permanent record. Avoid texting the password or posting it online, since these create a record that could be accessed later. If you share the password with someone and later want to prevent them from connecting, straightforward change your hotspot password in the settings — this will disconnect them and require them to ask for the new password if they want to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my hotspot password if I did not set it myself?

Yes. The password is always visible in the hotspot settings on your phone, regardless of who set it up. Go to Settings > Mobile hotspot on Android or Settings > Personal Hotspot on iPhone, and the password displays on the screen. If you want to change it to something you prefer, you can do that in the same place.

What if my hotspot password is not showing up in settings?

This usually means your hotspot is set to an open network with no password, or your phone does not support password-protected hotspots. Look for a "Configure" or "Set up" button in your hotspot settings to create a password. If none appears, contact your carrier to confirm mobile hotspot is included in your plan.

Do I need to restart my phone after changing the hotspot password?

No. The new password takes effect when ready after you save it in settings. Devices already connected will be disconnected, but you do not need to restart your phone. Those devices just need to reconnect using the new password.

Can someone connect to my hotspot if they know my password?

Yes. Your hotspot password is the only thing protecting your connection, so anyone who knows it can connect. If you suspect someone is using your hotspot without permission, change the password in settings — this will disconnect them and require them to ask for the new password.