How to set up your iPhone as a hotspot on Verizon

Need to get online but don’t have Wi-Fi nearby? With Verizon, you can use your iPhone as a mobile hotspot to share its data connection with your laptop, tablet, or another device. Setting it up only takes a few steps.

Here’s how to set up your iPhone as a hotspot on Verizon.

What to know before using your iPhone as a hotspot

• Check your plan. Most Verizon plans include hotspot data, but the amount can vary. You can review your allowance in the My Verizon app or your account online.
• Battery usage. Hotspots can drain your iPhone’s battery quickly. Keep a charger nearby if you’ll be using it for a while.
• Data usage. Devices connected to your hotspot use your Verizon data. Streaming video or downloading large files can use it up quickly.

How to set up a hotspot on your Verizon iPhone

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
2. Turn on Allow Others to Join.
3. Create or confirm your Wi-Fi password.
4. On the device you want to connect, select your iPhone’s hotspot name from the list of available Wi-Fi networks and enter the password.

Your iPhone should now share its Verizon data connection with the other device.

Managing your hotspot connection

• Change your password. Go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot > Wi-Fi Password.
• Monitor usage. In the My Verizon app, you can see how much hotspot data you’ve used.
• Turn it off when not in use. Go back to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot and switch off Allow Others to Join.

Troubleshooting hotspot issues on Verizon

If your iPhone hotspot isn’t working:

• Restart your iPhone.
• Turn Airplane Mode on, then off again.
• Check if hotspot data is included in your Verizon plan.
• Update your iPhone’s software: Settings > General > Software Update.
• Contact Verizon support at 611 or 1-800-922-0204 if the issue continues.

Need more tech help?

If you’d like extra assistance—like managing hotspot settings, monitoring data use, or connecting multiple devices—Verizon Tech Coach Experts can help. If you’re enrolled in an eligible device protection plan, use the live chat support or call 866-686-2479 for step-by-step guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up my iPhone as a hotspot on Verizon?

Go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot, turn on Allow Others to Join, and share the Wi-Fi password with your device.

Does my Verizon plan include hotspot data?

Most Verizon plans include hotspot data, but the amount can vary. Check in the My Verizon app or online.

Why isn’t my Verizon iPhone hotspot working?

Restart your phone, turn Airplane Mode on and off, check your plan’s hotspot allowance, or update your iPhone software.

Who can help me set up or troubleshoot my hotspot?

A Verizon Tech Coach Expert can guide you through setup, data management, and troubleshooting. If you’re enrolled in an eligible device protection plan, connect via live chat support or call 866-686-2479.