When you are traveling, operating the internet on a Mac or Windows laptop becomes challenging. That’s where a portable hotspot comes in handy. They act as a portable internet modem, providing you access to the internet anywhere. However many Apple users complained that their iPhone hotspots keep disconnecting.
When traveling, surfing the internet becomes a hassle, and on top of that, interrupting hotspots can be frustrating. There can be many reasons why your hotspot is not working properly. Low data mode, low power mode, bad carrier service, etc. may be the reasons your hotspot is not working. Are you also facing such an issue? Let’s see how you can solve it.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to fix your iPhone hotspot that keeps disconnecting.
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Why is your iPhone hotspot not working?
As mentioned above, there can be many reasons why your iPhone hotspot is not working. Before moving on to the solution part, it’s better to know the causes behind the issue. Here are some of the most common issues that may cause your hotspot to not work:
- Unstable mobile network: Issues with your iPhone’s network connection can affect the functionality of its hotspot.
- Low Data Mode: If your phone is in data saver mode, your iPhone hotspot may not work correctly.
- Interruption: Obstacles between your iPhone and the device you’re trying to connect can hinder the proper functioning of the hotspot.
- Inactivity: The hotspot on iPhones automatically disconnects after 90 seconds of inactivity on the connected device.
- Low Power Mode: If low power mode is enabled on your iPhone, it can result in your iPhone disconnecting the hotspot frequently.
How to fix the ‘iPhone Hotspot Keeps Disconnecting’ issue?
Now that we know some of the potential reasons behind the issue of your hotspot not working, let’s move on to the solution part. Here are some of the solutions that you can try to see if the problem is solved.
1. Disable Low data mode
When facing issues with a hotspot, the first thing you should do is disable the low data mode on your iPhone. Low Data Mode is a feature designed to restrict mobile data usage by discontinuing background tasks and features, such as hotspots and background-running apps. This feature is helpful for those who are running tight on internet data. Here’s how to disable low-data mode on an iPhone.
- On the iPhone, open the “Settings” app.
- In the Settings menu, tap on Mobile Data.
- Under the data plans section, select your SIM.
- On the next page, scroll down until you find the Low Data Mode option. Tap on it to disable it.
- After disabling it, restart your iPhone and see if the problem persists.
2. Disable low-power mode
If you have enabled the low power mode on your iPhone, then, to save battery, the system may limit the functionality of the hotspot. So, make sure that your low-power mode is disabled. Here’s how it’s done:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Battery.”
- Disable the “Low Power Mode.” After disabling it, restart your device and check if the issue is resolved.
3. Remove any obstacle
Avoid keeping your iPhone and the connected device too far apart. Make sure there’s no physical barrier, like a wall, between your iPhone and the connected device. This may be one of the reasons why your hotspot keeps disconnecting. Also, keep electromagnetic devices like microwaves away from your iPhone, as they can interfere with its wireless connectivity.
4. Check Data Usage
One of the reasons that your hotspot is not working is that your data may have been completely consumed. You can check the data that you have used by going through the below steps.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- In the settings menu, tap on “Mobile Data/Cellular.”
- Under the Mobile Data tab, check the current data that you have used. Make sure that the data is not completely consumed and that there’s still some left to use.
5. Extend Auto-Lock time
When you have set an auto-lock timer on your iPhone, the hotspot connection on the device may be interrupted after the screen is turned off. So, it’s better to keep the hotspot screen on. This may take some more battery than usual, but it ensures that your mobile hotspot works correctly. Here’s how to extend the auto-lock timer on an iPhone.
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Tap on Display & Brightness.
- Tap on Auto-Lock.
- From the given timings, choose a longer screen timeout period.
6. Disable Maximize Compatibility
If you have enabled the “Maximize Compatibility” option in your settings, there are chances that the internet performance of your connected devices may diminish. So, it’s better to disable the feature. Here’s how it’s done.
- Open the iPhone Settings app.
- Tap on the “Personal Hotspot” button.
- Turn off the Maximize Compatibility toggle switch.
- Restart your device and check if the issue is solved.
7. Reset Network Settings
If you have used all the above-mentioned methods and there’s no result, then resetting the network settings may help you. If you reset the network settings, all the previously connected Wi-Fi networks will get erased. Settings of VPN, proxy, and hotspot will get reset. This may fix the issue. Here’s how it’s done.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Head on to the General section.
- In the General menu, select the Reset option.
- Tap on “Reset Network Settings”. A prompt will appear asking you to confirm your decision. Tap “Yes”.
- Wait for the process to complete, and afterward, your connectivity problem should hopefully be resolved.
Conclusion
That’s how you can fix your hotspot issue on your iPhone. These are tried and tested methods that will fix the issue of hotspots that you are facing. In case none of the above methods fix the issue, then waste no more time and head to the service center of Apple. In case you have any issues with the steps of the above methods, feel free to comment down below.

Hi, I’m Adam Finley—just a tech fan who’s crazy about Apple stuff. I write about the cool things Apple’s up to and help out with problems on my websites. Ever had an issue with your Apple gear? I’ve got your back with easy fixes and step-by-step guides. I’m all about making tech simple and sharing the good vibes of using Apple devices.