Where your hotspot password lives depends on your device type

Your hotspot password is stored in your phone's settings, not in a separate app or email. The exact location changes based on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or tablet. You do not need to contact your carrier or visit a store — the password is already on your device and you can view it right now.

The password you set when you first turned on your hotspot is the one that appears in your settings. If you have never set one, your device created a default password automatically. Either way, the steps below will show you where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • On an iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot to see your Wi-Fi password in plain text.
  • On Android, open Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot and Tethering to find the password field.
  • If you forgot which password you set, you can change it to a new one from the same settings screen.
  • Your hotspot password is different from your phone's lock code and your carrier account password.
  • Once you find the password, you can share it with other devices so they can connect to your hotspot.

Finding your password on iPhone

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap Personal Hotspot near the top of the menu. You will see a field labeled Wi-Fi Password with a string of characters underneath it. That string is your hotspot password — the one other devices need to enter to connect to your phone's internet.

If the password field is blank or grayed out, your Personal Hotspot is turned off. Tap the toggle at the top of the screen to turn it on, and the password will appear. The password is generated by Apple and includes a mix of letters and numbers. You can tap on the password field to copy it, or write it down to share with others.

Finding your password on Android

Open the Settings app and look for Network and Internet or Connections — the exact wording varies by phone maker. Tap that option, then look for Hotspot and Tethering or Mobile Hotspot. Tap Wi-Fi Hotspot or Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot.

You will see a section labeled Password or Network Password. The password appears as a series of characters, often dots or asterisks for security. Tap on that field and the full password will display. Some Android phones let you tap an eye icon to show or hide the password. Write down the password or use your phone's share feature to send it to another device.

What to do if you cannot find the password field

If you are looking at the hotspot settings but the password is not visible, your hotspot is likely turned off. Look for a toggle or switch at the top of the hotspot settings screen and turn it on. Once the hotspot is active, the password field will appear.

On some older Android phones, the password field may be hidden under an Advanced or More Options menu. Tap that section to expand it. If you still do not see a password field after turning the hotspot on, your device may not support password-protected hotspots — some older models use open networks instead. In that case, other devices can see your hotspot name but do not need a password to connect.

Changing your hotspot password

If you want to use a different password than the one your device created, you can change it from the same settings screen. On iPhone, tap the Wi-Fi Password field and select Edit. Type a new password of at least 8 characters and tap Done. On Android, tap the password field, clear it, and type a new one.

Once you change the password, any devices already connected to your hotspot will stay connected. Devices that are not yet connected will need the new password to join. Tell anyone who uses your hotspot about the change so they can update their saved networks.

Understanding what your hotspot password protects

Your hotspot password prevents strangers from connecting to your phone's internet without permission. When someone enters the correct password, their device joins your hotspot and uses your phone's data plan to browse the web, stream video, or send messages. Without the password, they cannot connect.

This password is separate from your phone's lock code (the PIN or face unlock you use to unlock your phone) and separate from your carrier account password (the one you use to log into your carrier's website or app). Sharing your hotspot password does not give anyone access to your phone itself or your carrier account.

Sharing your password with other devices

Once you have found your password, you can share it with laptops, tablets, or other phones. On the device you want to connect, open the Wi-Fi network list and look for your phone's hotspot name. Tap it and enter the password when prompted. The device will remember the password and reconnect automatically the next time your hotspot is on.

If you want to share the password without typing it out loud or writing it down, some phones let you use a QR code. On iPhone, go back to Settings > Personal Hotspot and look for a QR code option. On some Android phones, you can generate a QR code from the hotspot settings. Other devices can scan the QR code with their camera app to join your hotspot without typing the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my hotspot password if I do not remember setting one?

Yes. If you have never changed your hotspot password, your phone created a default one automatically. Go to your hotspot settings and the default password will be displayed. You can use that password as-is or change it to something you prefer.

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

Make sure your hotspot is turned on — the password field only appears when the hotspot is active. If it is on and you still do not see a password field, restart your phone and check again. On very old devices, the hotspot feature may not support passwords.

Is my hotspot password the same as my Wi-Fi password at home?

No. Your hotspot password is only for your phone's personal hotspot. Your home Wi-Fi password is separate and stored in your router. They are not connected to each other.

Can I use the same password for my hotspot as my phone lock code?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Your lock code protects your phone itself. Your hotspot password only protects your internet connection. Using different passwords means if someone learns one, they cannot use it to access the other.

What happens if I change my hotspot password?

Devices already connected stay connected. Devices not yet connected will need the new password to join. Anyone who had the old password written down will need the new one to reconnect later.