Network and connectivity
Auto-Join Hotspot
Most people call this automatically using your other device's hotspot.
When no Wi-Fi is available, your iPhone can join a Personal Hotspot from another device signed into the same Apple Account.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 13 and later
- Settings
- Wi-Fi
- Auto-Join Hotspot
What it does
Options are Never, Ask to Join, or Automatic. Automatic can quietly consume cellular data from the other device, which is why many people set it to Ask.
What changes
When it is on
The device joins a nearby hotspot without asking.
When it is off
You connect manually when you want to.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Seamless connection when you move out of Wi-Fi range.
Good reasons to turn it off
- Stops unexpected use of a limited data plan.
- Ask to Join gives the convenience without the surprise.
Battery
Costs you something
Privacy
No real change
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
Costs you something
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: Ask to Join.
Questions people actually ask
- Why is my iPad using my phone's data?
- Auto-Join Hotspot is set to Automatic. Change it to Ask to Join or Never.
If it is not working
- Both devices must be signed into the same Apple Account with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on.
- If data is disappearing, check this setting on every device you own.