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How to Enable or Disable Personal Hotspot?

The Enable/Disable Personal Hotspot remote actions allow IT administrators to remotely control cellular data tethering on managed iOS devices, providing a secure alternative to risky public Wi-Fi networks.

What is Personal Hotspot?

A Personal Hotspot is a smartphone or tablet feature that shares cellular data with other devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. It ensures secure internet connectivity for employees on the move, bypassing insecure public access points.

Security: Offers a private, encrypted connection superior to public Wi-Fi.
Versatility: Supports multiple connection methods including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB.
Administrative Control: MDM enables or restricts tethering to manage data usage and security posture.

Prerequisites

Feature	Requirement
Platform	Managed iOS or iPadOS devices.
Carrier Support	A cellular plan that supports tethering/Personal Hotspot.
Hardware	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB cable (depending on connection method).

Step-by-Step Guide: MDM Remote Actions

Administrators can toggle the hotspot state instantaneously from the Hexnode UEM portal.

1. How to Enable Personal Hotspot

Log in to the Hexnode portal.
Navigate to Manage > Devices.
Select the target iOS device.
Navigate to Actions > Network and select Enable Personal Hotspot.
Click Continue in the confirmation pop-up.

2. How to Disable Personal Hotspot

Log in to the Hexnode portal.
Navigate to Manage > Devices.
Select the target device.
Navigate to Actions > Network and select Disable Personal Hotspot.
Click Continue to stop data sharing.

Once enabled via MDM, the connection must be established using one of the following methods:

A. Wi-Fi Tethering

Host Device: Navigate to Settings > Personal Hotspot (or Cellular > Personal Hotspot). Toggle Allow others to join to ON.
Client Device: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, select the host’s device name, and enter the password provided on the host screen.

B. Bluetooth Tethering

Supported for Mac and PC. For connecting other iOS devices, Wi-Fi is recommended.

Host Device: Enable Personal Hotspot and turn Bluetooth ON in Settings.
Client (macOS): Go to System Preferences > Bluetooth, pair the device, then use the Bluetooth menu bar icon to select Connect to Network.
Client (Windows): Right-click the Bluetooth icon in the Notification area > Join a Personal Area Network. Right-click the iOS device and select Connect using > Access Point.

C. USB Tethering

Requires the latest version of iTunes on the computer.

macOS: Connect via USB. Navigate to System Preferences > Network, select the iOS device, click the gear icon, and select Make Service Active. Uncheck Disable unless needed and click Apply.
Windows: Connect via USB and select Trust on the iOS device if prompted.

Troubleshooting Guides

Problem	Resolution
Personal Hotspot option is hidden	Contact the cellular carrier to verify if the current data plan supports tethering.
MDM action remains pending	Ensure the device has an active internet connection to receive the remote command.
USB connection fails on Windows	Update iTunes to the latest version and ensure the computer is “Trusted” by the iOS device.
Bluetooth pairing fails	Verify the code appearing on both devices matches and click Pair on both simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a limit to how many devices can connect to a Personal Hotspot?

The maximum number of simultaneous connections depends on the specific cellular carrier and the device hardware model.

What is the range of a Personal Hotspot connection?

Range varies by method: USB has the most limited range (cable length), Bluetooth reaches a couple dozen feet, and Wi-Fi offers the longest range.

Why is Personal Hotspot missing from iOS Settings?

If the option is not visible, it usually indicates that the cellular carrier has not enabled it for the current plan. Users should contact their service provider for assistance.