Change Your iPhone Hotspot Name in Three Steps

To change your iPhone hotspot name, open Settings, tap Personal Hotspot, then tap the field that shows your current hotspot name and type a new one. The name you enter will appear to other devices when they search for available networks to join. You can change it back anytime using the same method.

Your hotspot name — also called the SSID — is what other people see when they look for your iPhone's wireless network. By default, Apple sets it to "[Your Name]'s iPhone", but you can customize it to anything you want, up to 32 characters. The change takes effect when ready, and any devices already connected will stay connected.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Personal Hotspot, then tap the name field to edit your hotspot's network name.
  • Your hotspot name can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and most symbols.
  • The change happens right away, and devices already using your hotspot will not disconnect.
  • If you forget what you named it, you can check the Personal Hotspot screen in Settings anytime.

Step-by-Step: Finding and Editing Your Hotspot Name

Start by unlocking your iPhone and opening the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Personal Hotspot — it usually sits between Bluetooth and VPN in the menu, though the exact position can vary depending on your iOS version.

Once you are in Personal Hotspot, you will see a toggle switch at the top. Below that is a field showing your current hotspot name in gray text. Tap directly on that name field. A keyboard will appear, and the current name will be highlighted. Delete it and type your new name, then tap Done or the return key to save.

If you do not see Personal Hotspot in Settings, your iPhone model may not support it, or it may be hidden. Check that you are running a recent version of iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Older iPhone models (iPhone 5 and earlier) do not have Personal Hotspot.

What Hotspot Names Work Best

You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks in your hotspot name. Avoid characters that might confuse other devices, such as quotation marks or backslashes, as some older phones may not display them correctly. A straightforward name like "MyPhone WiFi" or "Home Network" works on every device.

Keep your hotspot name descriptive enough that you recognize it, but not so specific that it reveals personal information to strangers nearby. For example, "iPhone" is too generic if you are in a crowded area, but "Sarah's iPhone" is fine if you do not mind people knowing your name. If you share your hotspot with family or coworkers, a neutral name like "Guest Network" or "Office WiFi" is clearer than a personal one.

Turning Your Hotspot On and Off

Changing your hotspot name does not turn the hotspot on automatically. In the Personal Hotspot settings screen, you will see a toggle switch at the very top labeled "Personal Hotspot". Tap it to turn the hotspot on. When it is on, the switch will be green and you will see "On" next to it.

When your hotspot is on, other devices can see your network name and connect to it if they have your WiFi password. You can see the password on the same Personal Hotspot screen — it is labeled "WiFi Password" and is usually a random string of letters and numbers. You can tap it to copy it, or tap the eye icon to show or hide it.

Why Your Hotspot Name Might Not Change

If you typed a new name but it reverted to the old one, the most common reason is that you did not tap Done or press return to confirm the change. Make sure the keyboard has closed and you are back at the Personal Hotspot screen before assuming the change did not work.

Another reason could be that your iPhone is still processing the change. Wait a few seconds after tapping Done, then scroll away from Personal Hotspot and back to it to refresh the screen. If the name still has not changed, try turning your hotspot off and back on using the toggle switch at the top of the screen.

If you are still having trouble, restart your iPhone by holding down the power button and sliding to power off, waiting 10 seconds, then holding the power button again until the Apple logo appears. Once it restarts, go back to Personal Hotspot and try changing the name again.

Changing Your Hotspot Password

Your hotspot password is separate from your hotspot name. To change it, open Settings, tap Personal Hotspot, and look for the "WiFi Password" field. Tap on it and you can edit the password the same way you edit the name — tap the field, delete the old password, type a new one, and tap Done.

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and symbols. A strong password uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters plus numbers, like "MyPhone2024". Once you change the password, any devices already connected will stay connected, but new devices will need the new password to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use special characters in my hotspot name?

Most letters, numbers, spaces, and common symbols like hyphens and underscores work fine. Avoid quotation marks, backslashes, and other unusual characters, as older devices may not display them correctly. Stick to straightforward names if you are unsure.

Will changing my hotspot name disconnect devices already using it?

No. Devices that are already connected will stay connected even after you change the name. Only new devices trying to connect will see the new name and need to search for it.

What if I cannot find Personal Hotspot in my Settings?

Check that your iPhone model supports Personal Hotspot — iPhone 5s and newer do. If you have an older model, this feature is not available. Also make sure you are running a recent iOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Can I change my hotspot name from another device?

No. You must change it directly on your iPhone using the Settings app. Other devices can only connect to the hotspot, not edit its settings.

How often can I change my hotspot name?

You can change it as many times as you want, whenever you want. There is no limit on how often you edit it. The change takes effect when ready.