Where to find your hotspot password depends on your device type

Your hotspot password is stored in your device's settings, not in a separate app or account. The exact location changes based on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, Windows computer, or Mac. The password you see in settings is the one other people enter when they connect to your hotspot — if you've never changed it, it's the one your device created automatically when you first turned the hotspot on.

You don't need to contact your phone carrier or internet provider to see this password. It lives entirely on your device. If you've forgotten it, you can reset it to a new one from the same settings menu where you find it.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot to see your password in plain text.
  • On Android, open Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot and Tethering, then tap your hotspot name to view or change the password.
  • On Windows, open Settings > Network and Internet > Mobile Hotspot and scroll to "Related settings" to find your network password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > General > Sharing, select Internet Sharing, and check the Wi-Fi password field.
  • If you don't remember setting a password, your device created one automatically — it's usually printed on a sticker on the device itself or in the original paperwork.

Finding your password on iPhone

Open the Settings app and tap Personal Hotspot. If you don't see this option, your phone plan may not include hotspot, or you may need to contact your carrier to turn it on. Once you're in Personal Hotspot, look for the line that says Wi-Fi Password. The password appears in plain text — you can read it directly or tap it to copy it to your clipboard.

If the Personal Hotspot toggle is off, turn it on first. Your phone will generate a password automatically if one doesn't already exist. The password stays the same each time you turn the hotspot on and off, unless you manually change it by tapping "Change Password" in that same menu.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet (some phones say Connections). Tap Hotspot and Tethering or Mobile Hotspot, depending on your phone brand. You should see your hotspot network name listed — it's usually something like "AndroidAP" or your phone's name. Tap on that network name to open its details.

The password field appears on this screen. On most Android phones, you'll see it in plain text, though some versions hide it behind a show/hide toggle. If you want to change the password, tap the password field and enter a new one, then save your changes. The new password takes effect the next time someone tries to connect.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet. On the left side, click Mobile Hotspot. Scroll down to the section labeled Related settings and click Wi-Fi. This opens your Wi-Fi settings page. Look for your hotspot network name in the list of networks, right-click it, and select Properties.

A window opens showing your network details. Click the Security tab. Your password appears in the Network security key field — it's hidden by default, but you can check the box next to "Show characters" to see it in plain text. Write it down or copy it before you close this window.

Finding your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu and open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Go to General, then click Sharing in the left sidebar. Look for Internet Sharing in the list on the right. Click it once to select it, but don't turn it on yet if it's already off.

Below the Internet Sharing option, you'll see a field labeled Wi-Fi Options or Wi-Fi Password. Click that button or field to see your current password. If you want to change it, you can type a new password here. Your Mac will use this new password the next time the hotspot is active.

What to do if you can't find the password field

If you've looked in the right settings menu and the password field is blank or missing, your hotspot may not be turned on. Go back and make sure the hotspot toggle is switched to On. On some devices, the password field only appears once the hotspot is active.

If the hotspot is on but you still see no password, your carrier may not have turned on hotspot for your account. Contact your phone carrier's customer service and ask them to turn on hotspot tethering. They can usually do this in minutes. Once it's turned on, go back to your settings — your device will have created a password automatically.

On older devices, the password might be printed on a sticker on the back of your phone or in the box it came in. Check there before assuming the password is lost.

Resetting your password to something easier to remember

You can change your hotspot password anytime from the same settings menu where you view it. On iPhone, tap "Change Password" in Personal Hotspot settings. On Android, tap the password field and type a new one. On Windows and Mac, edit the password field directly and save your changes.

When you create a new password, keep it at least 8 characters long — most devices won't accept shorter ones. Use a mix of letters and numbers if you can, since that makes it harder for someone to guess. The new password takes effect when ready on most devices, so anyone currently connected will be disconnected and will need to re-enter the new password to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 internet sharing. Your lock screen password protects your phone itself. You can change one without affecting the other.

What if I've never set a hotspot password and don't see one in settings?

Your device created one automatically when you first turned on the hotspot. Check the original box your phone came in — the default password is often printed there. If you can't find it, you can reset it by going to the hotspot settings and choosing "Change Password" or "Reset Password," depending on your device.

Can someone see my hotspot password if they're connected to it?

No. Once someone enters your password and connects, they can't see the password itself from their device. They would need access to your phone's settings to view it. However, they can share the password with others if they remember it.

Why does my hotspot password keep changing on its own?

It shouldn't. If your password changes without you changing it, check whether someone else with access to your phone's settings has modified it. Some carrier apps can reset your hotspot settings, so review any recent app updates or carrier messages. If you're still unsure, change it to a new password you create yourself.

Do I need to change my hotspot password regularly?

Only if you think someone has learned it or if you've shared it with someone you no longer want connected. There's no security reason to change it on a schedule. A strong password — at least 8 characters with letters and numbers — is enough for most situations.