Missing personal hotspot on iPad with cellular data

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Level 1

9 points

Missing personal hotspot on iPad with cellular data

On iPad the personal hotspot disappeared between Jan 29 and Feb 1.

Before anyone hits me with the cellular hotspot being a carrier specific feature and to contact them, I have contacted my carrier, confirmed that my plan includes the hotspot, and have gone through all their potential fixes including updating to latest iOS, resetting network settings, replacing the eSim with a new one.

When I open Settings / Cellular Data the only options appearing above the usage info are

Cellular Data on/off button
Cellular Data Options - which opens to offer only Data Roaming on/off, Data LTE/3G, Low Data Mode on/off, and Limit IP Address Tracking on/off
Cellular Plans - Active (with a check mark by it)

There is no "Personal Hotspot" option under either the Cellular Data or main Settings menu. On the Control Panel the icon to turn it on is grayed out, tapping it does nothing. Prior to yesterday the Personal Hotspot option appeared on the main Settings menu when cellular data was turned on. There is no Cellular Data Network option in which to check/set APN settings.

My carrier support people say their only idea is that something happened on the iPad to cause it to disappear.

Thank you for all constructive suggestions.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Feb 2, 2025 3:53 PM

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Answer 1

LotusPilot

Level 10

305,923 points

Feb 2, 2025 4:13 PM in response to bcnu6

If your iPad is not operating as expected, begin with a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 2

bcnu6 Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 6, 2025 10:49 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you for that very helpful information and advice. While the ultimate cause of the problem remains undetermined the iPad has resumed functioning after resetting network settings (multiple times), resetting all settings, restoring to factory settings, and replacing the eSim (multiple times).

I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question.

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Answer 3

LotusPilot

Level 10

305,923 points

Feb 6, 2025 2:40 PM in response to bcnu6

You're very welcome.

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Missing personal hotspot on iPad with cellular data

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