IPhone/Mac hotspot connection issue

By Mert Ozer, 26 February, 2025

Forum
macOS and Mac Apps

I keep having to reconnect to my iPhone’s Wi-Fi repeatedly because it deactivates itself automatically, even when my laptop isn’t in sleep mode. Both devices are on the same Apple account, and I don’t have this issue with any other Wi-Fi network. Any suggestions? I don't have any issue when connected; the connection works as expected. It’s so weird because the hotspot never disables itself, but my MacBook keeps disconnecting. Also, I keep getting the same notification asking if I’d like to connect to my phone’s hotspot.

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Comments

By Brian on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 08:43

Hi,

What model iPhone and Mac computer are you using, and what are their OS versions?

Thanks in advance.

By Mert Ozer on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 11:43

Not that I think it makes any difference but Macbook pro 14 m4 pro and iPhone 15 pro max

By Michael Hansen on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 12:43

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Hi Mert,

My experience with Hotspot on the iPhone is that if the connection goes idle for a time, or if no device is connected (like a device going into Sleep mode), Hotspot will turn off. I am guessing that this is a power-saving feature. Toggling the Hotspot off and back on again on the phone should allow you to get reconnected.

By Lee on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 12:43

I agree it automatically disconnects. Wish there was a toggle to keep it on however, as sometimes when outside because my glasses have not been used for say 10 minutes or whatever the time is I have to connect again. A pain it is.

By jim pickens on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 12:43

I’ve never actually seen this, I’ve used my phone as a primary router for like two years, it was kind of painful but I never actually saw issues with disconnecting, try with a wire I guess?

By Brian on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 12:43

I was asking because, if you had an older/outdated iPhone model for example, or you had an older/outdated computer, you may have issues with connectivity due to hardware and/or software conflicts. As you seem to have quite new equipment, this does not seem to be the case. As has been mentioned before, the iPhone hotspot can be a little finicky. What I have found works best for me is the following:
1. Make sure your iPhone screen does not lock until you have already established a connection. Even then, keep the personal hotspot screen up rather than minimizing to the home screen.
2. Connecting with a cable, is more stable than doing it wirelessly.
3. Optionally, you could turn on screen curtain, set your iPhone to never lock, and connect your hotspot via a cable. This would ensure that your hotspot stays active. Just remember to reset the screen lock time out when you're done with hotspot.