How to Fix iPhone 16 Personal Hotspot Not Working After iOS 26.1 Update

iPhone 16 Personal Hotspot Not Working After iOS 26.1 Update usually means the cellular data profile did not refresh correctly, the hotspot feature stopped broadcasting properly, or connected devices are stuck using an outdated hotspot session.

For related help, also see How to Fix iPhone 16 WiFi Keeps Disconnecting After iOS 26.1 Update, How to Fix iPhone 16 Wi-Fi Calling Not Working After iOS 26.1 Update, How to Fix iPhone 16 CarPlay Not Working After iOS 26.1 Update, and the iPhone 16 hub.

Method 1: Toggle cellular data and Personal Hotspot

This forces the iPhone to rebuild the hotspot session with the carrier network.

1. Open Settings and turn Cellular Data off, then back on.
2. Open Personal Hotspot and toggle Allow Others to Join off and back on.
3. Try connecting another device again.

Method 2: Restart both the iPhone and the client device

A fresh restart clears stale Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairing data left behind after the update.

1. Restart the iPhone 16.
2. Restart the laptop, tablet, or other device trying to join the hotspot.
3. Reconnect using the hotspot password shown on the iPhone.

Method 3: Check carrier support and APN settings

Some carriers require hotspot support on the line, and update-related APN changes can break tethering.

1. Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network if your carrier exposes APN settings.
2. Verify the hotspot APN is correct or ask your carrier for the proper values.
3. Make sure your plan still includes Personal Hotspot.

Method 4: Reset network settings

This clears bad Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN, and hotspot configuration without removing your apps or photos.

1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
2. Tap Reset Network Settings.
3. Turn Personal Hotspot back on and test again.

Method 5: Install carrier settings and iOS updates

Hotspot failures often disappear after a newer carrier bundle or minor iOS fix is installed.

1. Open Settings > General > About.
2. Install any carrier settings update prompt.
3. Check for a newer iOS build and install it if available.

If Personal Hotspot is still not working after all of the steps above, visit the main iPhone 16 page for more connectivity fixes.