iOS 9.3.5 unable to connect to hotspot on iOS 15 devices

Hello mike1nyc.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. If you're unable to successfully connect to your local Personal Hotspot, you'll want to follow the steps listed in this resource here: If Personal Hotspot is not working on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support

If you can't connect to Personal Hotspot with Wi-Fi:

1.) Make sure that Allow Others to Join is on.

2.) Remember the device's Wi-Fi network name and password that appear on this screen. If you want to change the Wi-Fi network name, learn how to change your device name.

3.) If you're using an iPhone 12 model or later, turn on Maximize Compatibility.* Then try connecting your devices again to your Personal Hotspot.

4.) Stay on this screen until you connect your other device to the Wi-Fi network.

On the device that needs to connect to Personal Hotspot, follow these steps:

1.) Turn Wi-Fi off and back on.

2.) Make sure that you connect to the correct Wi-Fi network. The network name is the same as the iOS device that provides Personal Hotspot and the Personal Hotspot icon might appear next to it.

3.) If you see a password error when you try to join Personal Hotspot, check the Wi-Fi password: On the device that provides Personal Hotspot, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot to see the Wi-Fi password.

If you continue to experience issues, you might want to consider reaching out to Apple Support for help. Just in case, you can use the link below to reach them:

Get Support - Apple Support

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. Best of luck.

Hello mike1nyc,

Thanks for trying all the recommended steps that we provided. We appreciate it!

Since the issue persists, we suggest that you get in touch with Apple Support team as your next best step. Click here to get started: Contact Apple for support and service

We hope everything works out!

Best regards.