How to Keep iPhone Hotspot On When Locked

So, you’re using your iPhone as a WiFi hotspot, right? It’s super handy for connecting all your gadgets like your smart speaker, laptop, and even your gaming console. But here’s the problem: every time your iPhone screen locks, the hotspot turns off. Super annoying, isn’t it? Your game stops, your TV show starts buffering, and you’re left wondering, “Why do I have to keep unlocking my phone to keep the internet going?” You’re not alone. A lot of people have this issue, and it’s really frustrating. This article is here to help. We’ll explain why this happens and give you easy fixes to keep your hotspot on, even when your iPhone is locked.

Why Your iPhone Hotspot Disconnects When Locked?

The most common reason for the hotspot to disconnect when your iPhone is locked is due to the phone’s settings. Features like Low Data Mode or Low Power Mode can interfere with the hotspot functionality. Sometimes, it could also be due to an outdated iOS version or a software glitch.

Low Data Mode Enabled

When Low Data Mode is enabled, your iPhone aims to reduce its overall data usage. This feature restricts background network activities, including those that maintain a stable hotspot connection. As a result, your hotspot may automatically disconnect when your iPhone screen is locked.

Low Power Mode Activated

Low Power Mode is designed to conserve your iPhone’s battery life. When activated, this feature disables or reduces background app refresh, automatic downloads, and some visual effects. These restrictions can also extend to your hotspot, causing it to turn off when your phone is locked to save power.

Outdated iOS Version

Running an outdated version of iOS can lead to several issues, including unreliable hotspot connectivity. Older versions may have bugs or compatibility issues that have been resolved in newer updates.

Software Glitches

Software glitches are unpredictable errors that can occur in any application or feature, including your iPhone’s hotspot. These glitches can cause your hotspot to disconnect randomly, not broadcast at all, or fail to allow other devices to connect.

The Solution to Keep iPhone Hotspot Always Active

1. Disable Low Data Mode

If you’re on a limited data plan, Low Data Mode helps you use less data. By reducing data usage, you’re less likely to go over your data limit and incur extra charges. With fewer background tasks, your iPhone may perform better for essential tasks.

When you enable the low data mode it saves your data but features like automatic updates and other background tasks are disabled, which might affect the overall functionality of your device. It also turns off your hotspot when your iPhone is locked.

How to Deactivate Low Data Mode? 

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and tap on Mobile Data or Cellular, depending on your iOS version.
• Select your primary SIM card. Look for the Low Data Mode option.
• If Low Data Mode is enabled, tap on it to disable it.

2. Disable Power Saving Mode

Power Saving Mode is designed to extend your iPhone’s battery life. It can be easily enabled from Settings or Control Center. When you enable the power-saving mode it automatically stops things like email syncing and downloads to help your battery last longer.

But using Low Power Mode can mess up your hotspot connection, making it turn off often. It also pauses other background activities, which could be a problem if you’re trying to get work done or keep multiple devices connected.

How to Deactivate Power Saving Mode? 

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Navigate to the Battery menu.
• Turn off the toggle next to Low Power Mode.

3. Keeping the Personal Hotspot Screen Active

Keeping the hotspot screen active ensures that the hotspot remains on. However, this method will consume more battery power.

4. Reset The Network Settings

Resetting network settings can solve problems like a hotspot disconnection, WiFi issues, or cellular data not working. It can clear out minor software glitches affecting your network features.

How to Reset Network Settings:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and tap on the ‘General’ menu.
• Continue scrolling until you find the ‘Reset’ option.
• Tap on ‘Reset Network Settings’ and confirm to reset your network settings.

5. Updating Carrier Settings

Carrier updates often include improvements to network connectivity, including data speed and call quality. These updates can resolve issues you might be experiencing with your service, including hotspot connectivity. Sometimes, carrier updates include new features or services that can enhance your user experience. Some updates may include optimizations that can help your iPhone’s battery last longer when using services like data and calls.

How to Update Carrier Settings:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone.
• Tap on General, then go to About.
• Scroll down to find SIM card details.
• Check the version of your network provider.
• Tap it to update to the latest version.
• Restart your phone.
• Turn ON the Personal Hotspot and let your devices reconnect.

How to Disable Automatic Carrier Updates:

Disabling automatic carrier updates is generally not recommended as you may miss out on important improvements and fixes. However, if you still wish to proceed, you can follow these steps:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap on General.
• Scroll down and tap on About.
• Tap on Carrier.
• If you see an option to disable automatic updates, toggle it off.

 Note: This option may not be available for all carriers or iPhone models.

6. Reconnecting the Mobile Hotspot Connection

Forgetting and reconnecting the WiFi hotspot can establish a new, more stable connection. Changing the password during reconnection adds an extra layer of security. This process can help identify if the previous password or settings were causing the issue. Sometimes, reconnecting can resolve compatibility issues between devices.

7. Update Your iOS Version

Newer iOS versions often come with fixes for bugs that were present in older versions. Updating your iOS brings new features that can improve your iPhone experience. New updates often include security patches that make your iPhone safer. Your iPhone generally runs smoother and faster with the latest updates. Updating can resolve issues with features like the hotspot, making it more reliable. 

How to Update iOS Version:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. Tap on “Download iOS updates” and “Install iOS updates.”

Preventing iPhone Screen From Turning Off

Pros:

• Your hotspot will stay active as long as the screen is on, providing uninterrupted internet to connected devices.
• You don’t have to keep unlocking your phone to maintain activities that require a constant connection, like downloads or streaming.
• Useful when you’re reading a long article or recipe and don’t want the screen to turn off.
• Great for using navigation apps that you need to glance at frequently.

Cons:

• Keeping the screen on will consume more battery, requiring you to charge your device more often.
• Disabling the auto-lock feature can expose your data and content to unauthorized access.
• Prolonged display of static elements can cause screen burn-in, especially on OLED screens.

How to Disable iPhone Screen From Turning Off

Via Display & Brightness Settings

• Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
• Tap on Auto Lock.
• Select “Never” from the list.

Via Touch ID & Passcode or Face ID & Passcode Settings

• Go to Settings.
• Tap on Touch ID & Passcode if your iPhone has a home button, or Face ID & Passcode for Face ID-enabled iPhones.
• Tap “Turn Passcode Off.”

Note: It’s recommended to use the “Never” option only temporarily to avoid draining your battery and compromising security. Always remember to switch back to a timed option.

Turn Off Auto Lock on My iPhone

Pros:

• Auto lock helps save battery by turning off the screen when not in use.
• Automatically locking the screen helps protect your personal information.
• With the screen off, you won’t accidentally tap on something you didn’t intend to.

Cons:

• You have to unlock the phone frequently, which can be annoying.
• If you’re using your phone for navigation or as a hotspot, auto lock can disrupt these activities.
• In Low Power Mode, the auto lock time is fixed at 30 seconds, offering less flexibility.

Benefits for Hotspot:

• Disabling the auto lock can provide a more stable hotspot connection.
• You won’t experience interruptions from the hotspot turning off due to auto lock.
• With the hotspot continuously on, multiple devices can connect without issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my iPhone hotspot disconnect when the screen is locked?

The most common reason is that your iPhone may be in a data or power-saving mode. When your phone is in any mode that prevents it from running in the background, the hotspot and other processes will stop when the phone’s display goes off.

2. How can I prevent my iPhone hotspot from disconnecting?

You can disable low data mode and low power mode in your iPhone settings. Keeping the hotspot screen active on your iPhone can also help maintain the connection.

3. What should I do if disabling low data mode and low power mode doesn’t work?

You can try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset, and then tap “Reset Network Settings.”

4. Can software updates affect my iPhone hotspot?

Yes, outdated iOS versions can cause issues with your hotspot. Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version to avoid such problems.

5. Is it possible that company policies are affecting my iPhone hotspot?

If your iPhone is a company phone, certain features like the ability to disable auto-lock might be restricted, affecting your hotspot functionality.

6. How does an active Exchange Server account affect my iPhone’s hotspot?

An active Exchange Server account can affect various phone features, including the auto-lock feature. Updates made on the Exchange Server could deactivate this feature, affecting your hotspot.

7. What are some other troubleshooting steps I can try?

You can try rebooting your iPhone or updating the operator settings. Sometimes, these simple steps can resolve the issue.

Final Thoughts

We hope this comprehensive guide on how to keep your iPhone’s hotspot on when the device is locked has helped you. It identifies common reasons for the hotspot turning off, such as enabling Low Data Mode or Low Power Mode, and offers practical solutions to address these issues. The article also provides steps for updating your iOS and carrier settings, which can help improve hotspot functionality. Overall, the article is a valuable resource for anyone facing issues with their iPhone’s hotspot disconnecting when the phone is locked.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Power and Data Modes: One of the main reasons your hotspot might be turning off is due to Low Data Mode or Low Power Mode being enabled. Knowing how to disable these can solve the issue.
2. Software Updates Matter: Keeping your iOS up-to-date can resolve many bugs and issues, including those related to hotspot connectivity.
3. Company Policies and Exchange Accounts: If you’re using a company phone or have an Exchange account, be aware that certain settings might be enforced that affect your hotspot’s functionality.

By following the tips and solutions provided in the article, you can ensure a more stable and reliable hotspot connection on your iPhone.