How to Fix iPhone Hotspot Keeps Disconnecting on Windows and Mac

Quick Tips

•  To fix any glitch and re-establish the connection, rename your hotspot name and password.
• Low power mode or data mode can also lead to frequent disconnection of the hotspot connection. Turn the settings off and try again.
• When nothing else works reset the network settings on your iPhone for a fresh and stable start.

Why Does My iPhone Hotspot Keeps Disconnecting

Before we show you step-by-step instructions to fix the hotspot issue on your iPhone, let’s quickly go over some of the possible reasons behind such behavior.

• Network connection – An unstable speed or incorrect network settings can impact hotspot functionality. And while not often, an active data saver mode can also lead to hotspot disconnecting issues.
• Physical barriers – Your iPhone is far away, or there is a barrier between the phone and the device you are trying to connect. There could also be an issue when the iPhone is near Electromagnetic devices like a microwave.
• Inactivity – Your iPhone disconnects the hotspot after 90 seconds of inactivity on the connected device.
• Carrier issues – You may run out of mobile data on your active carrier plan.

Basic Fixes To iPhone Hotspot Keeps Disconnecting

• Check Data Usage – Check the personal hotspot data usage from the Settings > Mobile Data / Cellular Data menu. If it exceeds your monthly data limit, purchase another data plan. You can read our dedicated post to limit cellular data usage on an iPhone.
• Disable low data mode – To reduce mobile data usage, iOS can disable background tasks such as automatic updates, background tasks, hotspots, and more. Disable the setting and see if the connection stays stable.
• Disable power saver mode – The setting may suspend background activities like downloads, mail fetch, hotspot connection, etc. until you can fully charge your phone.
• Keep iPhone plugged in – Similar to the above situation, the idea is to avoid low battery and disruption in your hotspot connection.
• Update iOS – An outdated iOS version can be the main culprit behind the iPhone hotspot keeps disconnecting issue. Try updating to fix it.

Fix 1. Change the Hotspot Name and Password

The idea is to re-establish the hotspot connection between your devices. So, change your iPhone hotspot and password and try again.

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone. Head to General → About → Name menu.

Step 2: Tap the x mark beside the name and rename the phone (that reflects in the hotspot name).

Step 3: Head back to Settings. This time open Personal Hotspot.

Step 4: Select Wi-Fi Password and enter a new one.

Fix 2. Temporary Disable Auto Lock

When your iPhone auto-locks after a set time, the system may disconnect the hotspot on the device. You should extend or disable auto-lock time from Settings.

Step 1: Launch Settings and navigate to Display & Brightness.

Step 2: Select Auto-Lock and increase screen time out.

Fix 3. Disable Maximize Compatibility

The maximize compatibility option reduces internet performance for devices connected to your iPhone hotspot.

Step 1: Head to iPhone Settings and open Personal Hotspot.

Step 2: Disable the Maximize Compatibility toggle.

Fix 4. Reconnect iPhone Hotspot

You can remove the current saved network on your Mac or Windows and try connecting your iPhone hotspot again.

Mac

Step 1: Click the Apple icon from the menu bar and select System Settings.

Step 2: Select Wi-Fi and find your iPhone hotspot under the Known Networks menu. Click the three-dot menu beside it and select ‘Forget This Network‘.

Windows

Step 1: Head to Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys. Select Network & internet from the sidebar.

Step 2: Open Wi-Fi and head to Manage known networks.

Step 3: Click Forget beside your iPhone hotspot and try connecting it again.

Fix 5. Update Carrier Settings

Your local carrier regularly releases new updates to improve network connection and data speeds. These updates are automatically installed over the air. But in some cases, you might need to update carrier settings manually.

Step 1: Open the Settings app. Go to the General → About.

Step 2: Here, scroll down to SIM details.

Step 3: Check the Network Provider version. Tap it to fetch the latest version.

Fix 6. Disable Limit IP Address Tracking

While iCloud Private Relay is designed to keep your browsing private from prying eyes, it may sometimes interfere with hotspot capabilities. So if your iPhone hotspot keeps disconnecting, temporarily disable iCloud Private Relay for the Wi-Fi network.

To do so, go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap i next to your Wi-Fi → toggle off Limit IP Address Tracking.

Fix 7. Reset Network Settings

Incorrect network settings on your iPhone lead to frequent hotspot disconnection on a Windows laptop.

Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Open the General menu. Scroll down to Transfer or Reset at the bottom.

Step 3: Select Reset and tap Reset Network Settings.

You can check our dedicated post to learn the implications of resetting network settings on iPhone and Android. If the trick doesn’t work, reset all settings from the same menu.