Personal Hotspot Not Working After iOS 18 Update? Here’s the Fix

Your iPhone’s Personal Hotspot is a lifesaver for getting internet on the go, but it can suddenly stop working after a software update like iOS 18. If your hotspot is missing, won’t turn on, keeps disconnecting, or can’t be found by other devices, you’re not alone.

This is a common problem, and the solution is usually simpler than you think. Follow this step-by-step troubleshooting guide to get your hotspot back online quickly.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Start with these simple solutions—they resolve the majority of hotspot issues.

1. Check the Personal Hotspot Toggle

It sounds obvious, but the update might have reset the setting.

Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
Make sure the “Allow Others to Join” toggle is switched on (green).
If you don’t see the Personal Hotspot option at all, contact your carrier to ensure the feature is enabled on your plan.

2. Restart Your iPhone and the Connecting Device

A simple restart can clear temporary software glitches on both your iPhone and the device you’re trying to connect (laptop, tablet, etc.).

To restart your iPhone: Press and hold the Side button and a Volume button, then slide to power off.

3. Toggle Airplane Mode

This quickly resets all your device’s wireless radios.

Swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center.
Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on (it will turn orange).
Wait 15 seconds, then tap it again to turn it off.

4. Update Your iOS

Apple frequently releases patches for bugs introduced in major updates.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Install any available updates.

Intermediate Troubleshooting

If the quick fixes don’t work, the issue might be with your network configuration.

5. Check for a Carrier Settings Update

Your mobile carrier releases small updates to improve compatibility with new iOS versions.

Go to Settings > General > About.
If a carrier update is available, a pop-up will appear. Follow the prompts to install it.

6. Toggle Cellular Data

This refreshes your connection to your carrier’s network.

Go to Settings > Cellular.
Turn the Cellular Data toggle off.
Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

Advanced Solutions for Stubborn Problems

If you’ve reached this point, the following steps will address deeper software issues.

7. Reset Network Settings

This is the most effective fix for persistent hotspot problems. Please note: This will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN settings.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Reset.
Select Reset Network Settings.

You will need to re-join your Wi-Fi networks after this is complete.

8. For Dual SIM Users: Check Your Default Line

If you use two phone lines, your iPhone uses one for hotspot data. Ensure it’s set correctly.

Go to Settings > Cellular.
Tap the line you want to use for the hotspot.
Ensure “Turn On This Line” and “Cellular Data” are enabled for that line.
You can also tap Cellular Data at the top and select which line to use as the default.

Final Checklist and Next Steps

If you’ve tried all the steps above and your hotspot still isn’t working, here’s what to do:

Contact Your Carrier: Confirm that your mobile plan includes hotspot/tethering and that there are no outages in your area.
Contact Apple Support: There may be a rare hardware issue or a deeper software problem that requires professional diagnostics.

By following this structured approach, you can efficiently solve the problem and get back to sharing your iPhone’s internet connection seamlessly.