iPhone Personal Hotspot Greyed Out - How to Fix

Summary

If the Personal Hotspot option on your iPhone is greyed out, this is usually caused by a network settings issue, a |missing configuration, or a restriction on the device. This guide will walk you through the most effective steps to resolve it.

Applies to

• Apple iPhone (all models)
• iOS devices with mobile data capability

Symptoms

• Personal Hotspot option is greyed out in Settings
• Unable to enable hotspot or tethering
• Hotspot menu not accessible

Resolution

1. Check Mobile Data is Enabled

Personal Hotspot requires mobile data to be active.

• Go to Settings → Mobile Data
• Ensure Mobile Data is switched ON

2. Check APN Settings (Most Common Fix)

If the hotspot is unavailable, the APN settings may be missing.

• Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Network
• Scroll to the Personal Hotspot section
• If blank, enter your network’s APN details

• APN: Internet
• Username: Leave blank
• Password:  Leave blank

Tip: In most cases, the hotspot APN should match the mobile data APN.

3. Refresh Network Connection

Resetting connections can restore the option.

• Toggle Mobile Data OFF → ON
• Turn Airplane Mode ON → OFF
• Restart your iPhone

4. Check for Restrictions

Hotspot may be disabled by device restrictions.

• Go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
• Check allowed settings and ensure hotspot is not restricted

If this is a work device, Mobile Device Management (MDM) may block hotspot usage.

5. Update Carrier Settings

Carrier updates can restore missing features.

• Go to Settings → General → About
• Install any available Carrier Settings Update

6. Reset Network Settings

This is one of the most effective fixes.

• Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset
• Tap Reset Network Settings

This will remove saved WiFi networks and passwords.

7. Check SIM and Plan

• Remove and reinsert your SIM card
• Test with another SIM if available

Some mobile plans do not include hotspot/tethering.

8. Update iOS

Ensure your device is running the latest software.

• Go to Settings → General → Software Update

If the Issue Persists

If the Personal Hotspot option is still greyed out after completing the steps above, please visit the IQ Store, which can check over the device - Apple Premium Reseller – iQ Guernsey