Where your hotspot password lives depends on your device type

Your hotspot password is stored in your device's settings, not in a separate app or online account. On Android phones, it's in Settings under Network & Internet or Tethering. On iPhones, it's in Settings under Personal Hotspot. Windows and Mac computers that create hotspots store the password in network settings. The exact path changes slightly between manufacturers and operating system versions, but the password never leaves your device — you won't find it in email, in your carrier's app, or anywhere online.

If you've forgotten the password, you can reset it to something new right from the same settings menu. This doesn't require calling your carrier or visiting a store. The new password takes effect when ready, and any devices currently connected will drop off and need the new password to reconnect.

Key Takeaways

  • Android hotspot passwords are in Settings under Network & Internet, then Hotspot or Tethering, then Personal Hotspot.
  • iPhone hotspot passwords are in Settings under Personal Hotspot, and you can see the password by tapping the Wi-Fi password field.
  • You can change your hotspot password anytime from the same settings menu without contacting your carrier.
  • If you change the password, all devices currently using your hotspot will disconnect and need the new password to reconnect.

Finding your password on Android

Open Settings and look for Network & Internet or Connections (the name varies by manufacturer). Tap Hotspot, Tethering, or Personal Hotspot — Samsung calls it Mobile Hotspot, while Google Pixel uses Personal Hotspot. Once you're in that menu, you'll see the network name (SSID) and the password listed below it. Some phones show the password as dots by default; tap the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual characters.

If you don't see a password field, your hotspot may not be turned on yet. Toggle the hotspot on first, then return to the same menu. The password will appear once the hotspot is active. Write down the password or take a screenshot before you leave the settings menu, since you'll need it to connect other devices.

Finding your password on iPhone

Go to Settings and tap Personal Hotspot. You'll see a Wi-Fi password field with a string of characters. Tap directly on the password to select it, then tap Copy. You can now paste it into a note or share it with someone else. Unlike Android, iPhones don't always display the password as readable text on the main screen, but tapping the field reveals it.

If Personal Hotspot doesn't appear in your Settings menu, your carrier plan may not include tethering, or you may need to contact them to add it. Once it's enabled, the password field will show up. The password stays the same until you manually change it, so you only need to find it once unless you decide to reset it.

Finding your password on Windows

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then Mobile Hotspot. You'll see the network name and password displayed on this screen. If you're using an older version of Windows 10, the path may be Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot instead. The password appears in plain text, so you can read it directly or take a screenshot.

Windows hotspots created on a laptop or desktop work the same way as phone hotspots — other devices connect to your computer's Wi-Fi network using the password shown in settings. If you don't see the Mobile Hotspot option, your device may not support creating a hotspot, or you may need to check that your internet connection is active first.

Finding your password on Mac

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen and look for Personal Hotspot or when ready Hotspot. If you've set up a personal hotspot on your Mac, the password is stored in System Preferences under Network. Go to System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs), click Network, then look for the hotspot connection. The password field will show the current password, though it may be hidden as dots — click the eye icon to reveal it.

Macs running newer versions of macOS may handle hotspots differently depending on whether you're sharing an internet connection from an iPhone or creating a hotspot from the Mac itself. Check your specific macOS version's documentation if the path doesn't match, or use Spotlight search to find "Personal Hotspot" settings directly.

Changing your hotspot password

You can change your hotspot password anytime from the same settings menu where you found it. On Android, open the hotspot settings and look for an Edit, Pencil, or Three-Dot Menu button. Tap it and select Change Password or Edit Network. Enter a new password — most devices require at least 8 characters — and save. On iPhone, tap Edit next to the Wi-Fi password field, type a new password, and tap Done.

Windows and Mac follow the same pattern: open the hotspot settings, find the password field, and look for an Edit or Change option. The new password takes effect when ready. Any devices currently connected to your hotspot will lose the connection and will need to forget the old network and reconnect using the new password. This is useful if you want to stop sharing your hotspot with someone without turning it off entirely.

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

If the password field is missing or grayed out, your hotspot may not be turned on. Go back to the main hotspot setting and toggle it on, then return to the password section. If it still doesn't appear, your device may not support hotspot creation, or your carrier may not have enabled tethering on your plan. Contact your carrier to confirm that hotspot or tethering is included in your service.

On some older devices, the hotspot feature may be called Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot, USB Tethering, or Bluetooth Tethering instead of Personal Hotspot. Search your device's settings for "hotspot" or "tethering" to find the right menu. If you're still stuck, check your device manufacturer's support page for your specific model and operating system version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my hotspot password if I forgot it?

Yes. Go to the same settings menu where the password is normally displayed, and it will be there. If you can't access your device, you'll need to reset the password from another device or contact your carrier. Resetting the password creates a new one when ready.

What happens if I change my hotspot password?

All devices currently connected to your hotspot will disconnect. They'll need to forget the old network and reconnect using the new password. Your hotspot itself stays on — only the password changes.

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

No. Your hotspot password is separate from your home Wi-Fi password. They're stored in different places and can be completely different. Changing one doesn't affect the other.

Can someone else see my hotspot password if I share my device?

Yes, if they have access to your settings menu, they can see the password. On iPhones, they'd need to tap the password field. On Android, they'd need to open the hotspot settings. Keep your device locked if you want to keep the password private.

Do I need my carrier's permission to change my hotspot password?

No. Your hotspot password is controlled entirely by your device. You can change it as often as you want without contacting your carrier. The carrier only controls whether hotspot is turned on or off for your account.