Fix: Cannot Connect iPhone Hotspot with Windows 11 WiFi

Like Android devices, iPhones also come with a hotspot feature to share your internet. You can use this feature to share your iOS Mobile internet with your Windows 11 device on the go. But what if you cannot connect iPhone Hotspot Tethering with Windows 11? If you are also facing this issue, keep reading to know how you can fix Windows 11 not connecting to the iPhone hotspot.

Connecting your Windows 11 laptop to a hotspot is very easy, but sometimes your PC may not be able to detect the iPhone hotspot. You may receive an error message stating “Can’t connect to this network” when attempting to connect to the iOS hotspot. However, there are a number of issues to blame for this error. So let’s get started on our troubleshooting guide to know how to fix Windows 11 WiFi not connecting to the iPhone hotspot.

How to Fix Mobile Hotspot Not Connecting to Windows 11 WiFi?

Fix 1: Restart Both of Your Devices

Before getting started with different troubleshooting methods to fix this issue, try restarting both devices. Sometimes, restarting your devices can get rid of small bugs and errors.

Fix 2: Forget and Reconnect

Forget your iPhone’s hotspot and then reconnect by entering the password. Once you forget any Wi-Fi network on your Windows 11 device, it will remove all files and settings for that network. Here is how you can forget a Wi-Fi network:

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right corner of the taskbar.
2. Click on Manage Wi-Fi connections beside the Wi-Fi icon.
3. Right-click on your iPhone’s hotspot.
4. Click on Forget.

Fix 3: Change Password of iPhone Hotspot

Your hotspot’s password might be responsible for why you face this issue. It can be fixed if you change your hotspot password. Here is how you can do it:

1. Click on Settings > Personal Hotspot.
2. Click on Wi-Fi Password.
3. Delete the old password and type in the new one, and select Done.

Fix 4: Run Windows Troubleshooter

You may not be able to connect with your iPhone hotspot if there is something wrong with your computer’s Wi-Fi. Run the Windows troubleshooter to make sure everything is fine on your Windows 11 device. Here is how you can do it:

1. Click on Start > Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Scroll down and click on Troubleshoot and then on Other troubleshooters.
4. Scroll down and click on Run beside Network Adaptor.
5. Select Wi-Fi on the next screen and click on Next.
6. Windows troubleshooter will now reset your Network Adaptor settings to default.
7. Restart your device and check if Windows 11 is connecting with the iPhone hotspot

Fix 5: Network Reset Windows 11

Performing a network reset on Windows 11 will remove and then reinstall all your network adaptors. It will also reset all network settings to their defaults. Here is how you can do it:

1. Click on Start > Settings.
2. Click on Network and Internet.
3. Scroll down and click on Advanced Network Settings.
4. Click on Network Reset > Reset Now.
5. Now check of Windows 11 Not Connecting to iPhone Hotspot issue should be fixed.

Fix 6: Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers could be the reason behind this problem. Old network drivers can cause compatibility issues and disable your PC from connecting to the internet. Here is how you can update network drivers on Windows 11:

1. Click on Start and search for Device Manager.
2. Double click on Network Adaptors.
3. Right-click on your Wireless Network Adaptor.
4. Click on Update Drivers.
5. Restart your device once the process is complete and see if you can connect to your iPhone’s hotspot or not.

Fix 7: Reset Network Settings on iPhone

Try resetting network settings if you’re still having trouble connecting to iPhone’s hotspot. By doing so, you can fix complex issues related to your devices’ wireless networks. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Click on General.
3. Scroll down and click on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Click on Reset.
5. Now select Reset Network Settings.
6. Your Apple device will now ask you to enter your passcode to confirm the reset.

You’ve now successfully performed a network reset on your iPhone. Restart your device and check if the issue is resolved or not.

Fix 8: Disable Low Data Mode on iPhone

The low data mode is a feature in iPhone that allows you to keep your data usage to a minimum and enhance the device’s battery life. Sometimes it can also lead to this error. Here is how you can turn off low data mode on your iPhone:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Click on Mobile Data.
3. Click on Mobile Data Options.
4. Turn off Low Data Mode.

Fix 9: Update iOS and Windows to Latest Versions

An old version of iOS or Windows could also be responsible for this error. Check if both your devices are using the latest updated OS version available. Here is how you can do it:

On iOS

1. Click on Settings > General.
2. Select Software Update.
3. Your iPhone will now automatically search for updates.

On Windows 11

1. Click on Start > Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click on Check for Updates.
   
4. Windows will now check for updates and install them.

Fix 10: Reset Your iPhone and PC

If none of the above-mentioned troubleshooting methods were able to resolve this issue, reset your iPhone and Windows 11 devices to factory settings. Back up your data as it will be erased during the process. Here is how you can reset your iPhone:

On iPhone

1. Open Settings > General in your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and click on Reset iPhone.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings and follow the instructions on-screen.

On Windows 11

1. Click on Start > Settings.
2. Scroll down and click on Recovery.
3. Click on Reset this PC and follow the instructions on-screen.

This was how you can fix Windows 11 not connecting to iPhone hotspot. We hope the troubleshooting methods mentioned above were able to help you. Still, if you have any issues, feel free to contact us in the comments below.