Personal Hotspot

Author Ellinor Niklasson

Last updated: January 28th, 2025 by Ellinor Niklasson

What is Personal Hotspot from an iPhone?

Personal Hotspot, also known as "tethering," is a feature that allows your iPhone to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot. This enables other devices, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, to connect to the internet via your iPhone's mobile data connection. It is a useful feature when Wi-Fi is unavailable, but mobile network coverage exists.

How does Personal Hotspot work on an iPhone?

Enable Personal Hotspot:

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  2. And then Personal Hotspot.
  3. Turn on Allow Others to Join by switching it on.

Connect from another device:

  1. On the device you want to connect, open the Wi-Fi settings.
  2. Select your iPhone from the list of available networks.
  3. Enter the password displayed on your iPhone if prompted.

Limitations and Tips:

  • Using your iPhone as a hotspot consumes mobile data. Ensure you have a suitable data plan to avoid extra charges.
  • Battery usage increases when using Personal Hotspot, so it’s a good idea to keep your iPhone connected to a charger during use.
 
 

How does MMS work on an iPhone?

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is a standard for sending messages that include multimedia content, such as images, audio files, and videos, between mobile devices. Unlike SMS (Short Message Service), which is text-only, MMS allows users to send richer content.

How to send and receive MMS:

Set up MMS:

Ensure your device is configured to send and receive MMS. This may require checking the APN settings under Mobile Data in your device settings. 

Send an MMS:

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
  2. Start a new message and add the recipient's phone number or select a contact by tapping the plus icon.
  3. Tap the camera icon to add a photo or video, or use the microphone icon to record a voice message.
  4. After attaching your content, send the message as usual.

Receive MMS:

MMS messages are received automatically when sent to you, as long as mobile data is enabled and your network supports it.

Tips:

  • MMS requires a mobile data connection to function. Make sure your data services are active and available.
  • Some carriers may charge extra for sending MMS, depending on your subscription plan.
 
 

Summary
Personal Hotspot and MMS are two powerful communication features offered by modern smartphones like the iPhone. While Personal Hotspot allows you to share your mobile data connection with other devices, MMS enables you to send multimedia messages. Both features enhance how we connect and share information in an increasingly connected world.