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iPhone Hotspot not working – How to Fix It 2026 Guide

Why Choose Keith Thomas

20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.

• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.

Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.

• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.

On‑site iPhone Hotspot and Network Support in London and the South East UK

What this page covers

This guide explains the most common reasons why an iPhone Personal Hotspot is not working, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:

• iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max / iPhone Air

• iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max

• iPhone 15 / 15 Pro

• iPhone 14 / 14 Pro

• iPhone 13 / 13 Pro

• iPhone 12 / 12 Pro

• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

And all UK mobile networks including EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Sky Mobile, BT Mobile, Virgin Media O2 and Tesco Mobile.

The most common hotspot problems

These are the issues Keith Thomas sees most often during on‑site visits:

• iPhone hotspot not working

• iPhone hotspot not showing on other devices

• iPhone hotspot keeps disconnecting

• iPhone hotspot not working on Mac

• iPhone hotspot not working on Windows laptops

• iPhone hotspot not working after update

• iPhone hotspot not working after switching networks

• iPhone hotspot not working abroad

Quick checks you can do yourself

These steps solve around 50% of hotspot issues.

Check 1 – Restart the iPhone

Check 2 – Turn Airplane Mode off and on

Check 3 – Turn Personal Hotspot off and on

Check 4 – Check mobile data is working

Check 5 – Turn off Low Power Mode

iPhone hotspot not showing on other devices

This usually means:

• Hotspot not broadcasting

• Wi‑Fi interference

• Device not refreshing available networks

Try:

• Turning Personal Hotspot off and on

• Restarting the iPhone

• Restarting the device trying to connect

iPhone hotspot keeps disconnecting

This usually means:

• Weak mobile data signal

• Low Power Mode enabled

• Network timeout

Try:

• Turning off Low Power Mode

• Moving to an area with better signal

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone hotspot not working on Mac

This usually means:

• Mac not refreshing Wi‑Fi networks

• Apple Account continuity issue

• Mac network configuration issue

Try:

• Turning Wi‑Fi off and on on the Mac

• Restarting the Mac

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone hotspot not working on Windows laptops

This usually means:

• Windows Wi‑Fi driver issue

• Incorrect network security mode

• Device not refreshing available networks

Try:

• Restarting the Windows laptop

• Forgetting the hotspot network and reconnecting

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone hotspot not working after update

This usually means:

• Hotspot settings reset during update

• Network configuration issue

• Temporary iOS bug

Try:

• Turning Personal Hotspot off and on

• Restarting the iPhone

• Resetting network settings

iPhone hotspot not working after switching networks

This usually means:

• Hotspot not enabled on your new plan

• Porting delay (PAC code transfer)

• Incorrect APN settings

Try:

• Restarting the iPhone

• Turning Airplane Mode off and on

• Contacting your mobile provider

iPhone hotspot not working abroad

This usually means:

• Data roaming disabled

• Network not supporting tethering abroad

• Temporary roaming network issue

Try:

• Turning on Data Roaming

• Restarting the iPhone

• Selecting a different roaming network manually

When DIY stops working

You should get on‑site help if:

• Hotspot will not turn on at all

• Hotspot works on other phones but not your iPhone

• Hotspot stopped working after an update

• Hotspot disconnects constantly

These issues usually require:

• iPhone hotspot and network configuration repair

• Mobile provider diagnostics

• APN and carrier settings repair

• Apple Account and iCloud network checks

On‑Site iPhone Support – London & South East UK

If your iPhone hotspot is not working, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:

• Central London

• West, North, South and East London

• Surrey

• Berkshire

• Hampshire

• Wiltshire

Keith Thomas is an Apple Support Specialist in:

• iPhone hotspot and tethering issues

• Apple Account and iCloud network configuration

• Mobile network troubleshooting

• iPhone configuration and repair

Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK

If your iPhone hotspot is not working, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get everything working again.

Keith Thomas – Apple Support Specialist

Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days

Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7