How can I unlock the hotspot settings in a wifi only iPad? Yes I understand this will not allow connected devices access to the internet. The point is to create a network which doesn't require internet access.

Hello spike310,

Thanks for that info and for choosing the Apple Support Communities. If we understand correctly, you are wanting to turn on hotspot on a Wi-Fi only iPad. Since this is not possible (Share your internet connection from iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Apple Support) let Apple know you would like this option here Product Feedback - Apple or look for 3rd party apps that can make an ad-hoc network between devices.

Also, if you share exactly what you are trying to share between devices, we may be able to figure out workarounds with you, so please provide as many details as possible.

Cheers!

spike310 wrote:

How can I unlock the hotspot settings in a wifi only iPad? Yes I understand this will not allow connected devices access to the internet. The point is to create a network which doesn't require internet access.

A Wi-Fi only iPad has no cellular hardware. There’s nothing to unlock.

On an iPad with cellular, or on an iPhone, Wi-Fi Hotspot is a carrier function, and some plans have it, and some don’t. Check with your carrier.

Hotspot cannot be used for updates, nor for iCloud backups.

An alternative to Hotspot that is available from some carriers is a MiFi or Jetpack, which is a Wi-Fi router using cellular for its internet connection; it’s the hardware version of a Hotspot. Check with your carrier.

Unlike Hotspot, MiFi, Jetpack, and similar can be used for iPhone and iPad updates, on devices that don’t have Wi-Fi or 5G. This requires a data cap large enough for these updates, and for iCloud backups if enabled, and other such.