How to Fix Personal Hotspot Problems After an iOS 27 Update

If Personal Hotspot stops working after an update, do not assume the update caused the problem. Start with Apple's connection checks: confirm that Personal Hotspot is on, restart both devices, and check that the carrier and plan support the feature.

Reconnect in the right order

1. On the iPhone providing the connection, open Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn on Allow Others to Join.
2. Restart the iPhone providing the hotspot and the device that needs to connect.
3. On the connecting device, turn Wi-Fi off and back on, select the correct iPhone network, and re-enter the password if prompted.

Try the compatibility setting

For the eligible iPhone and iPad models listed by Apple, turn on Maximize Compatibility in Settings > Personal Hotspot and test the connection again. Apple notes that this can reduce internet performance and Wi-Fi security for connected devices, so treat it as a compatibility check.

Escalate after the basic checks

Install the latest available iOS update before a more disruptive step. If the hotspot still fails, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and choose Reset Network Settings. This resets saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, VPN settings, and APN settings. If Personal Hotspot is missing or cannot be turned on, ask the carrier to confirm plan support.