Unable to Connect MacBook to iPhone Personal Hotspot on iOS/macOS 26.0.1

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Level 2

253 points

Unable to Connect MacBook to iPhone Personal Hotspot on iOS/macOS 26.0.1

Since updating to iOS 26.0.1 and macOS 26.0.1, I have been unable to connect my MacBook Pro M1 Max (24-core) to the Personal Hotspot on my iPhone 12 Pro Max when the system language is set to Swedish and a custom password is configured in the iPhone’s Personal Hotspot settings.

I have verified that my mobile carrier fully supports Personal Hotspot functionality and internet sharing. My iPhone uses an eSIM (no physical SIM card), and there are no issues with the eSIM itself. Both devices operate normally in all other respects. I have also reset the network settings on both the iPhone and the MacBook, but the issue persists.

Additionally, when I am in public locations such as cafés, my Mac occasionally prompts me to connect to the iPhone’s Personal Hotspot. However, when I click the prompt or manually select the device from the Wi-Fi menu in the macOS menu bar, I consistently receive an error message indicating that the connection could not be established.

What can I do?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Nov 2, 2025 5:54 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

FilipOfficial Author

Level 2

253 points

Nov 6, 2025 3:27 PM in response to leroydouglas

Hello Leroy Douglas,

Thank you for your response. I have attempted all of your suggestions, but none have been successful. This issue has persisted for at least two months.

Today, I updated my iPhone 12 Pro Max to iOS 26.1 and my MacBook Pro M1 Max to macOS Tahoe 26.1. This resolved the issue, allowing me to establish a Personal Hotspot. It is possible that a bug existed on my iPhone 12 Pro Max or MacBook Pro M1 Max.

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Answer 2

leroydouglas

Level 10

202,396 points

Nov 6, 2025 4:00 PM in response to FilipOfficial

FilipOfficial wrote:

Today, I updated my iPhone 12 Pro Max to iOS 26.1 and my MacBook Pro M1 Max to macOS Tahoe 26.1. This resolved the issue

Good computing FilipOfficial ! Glad to here your report.

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Answer 3

leroydouglas

Level 10

202,396 points

Nov 2, 2025 9:43 PM in response to FilipOfficial

Old issue, new issue, what changed?

Are you saying this is a new issue with 26.0.1 update or a continuing issue since 26.0 Tahoe upgrade?

Have you shut down and restarted both devices more than once since your "updating"...(?)

From your iPhone have you toggled the "Allow Others to Join" off and on...(?)

From your Mac >System Setttings>Network>WiFI>Details>TCP/IP >> "Renew DHCP Lease" ...(?)

If you are using some type of VPN disable it or uninstall it and compare your results.

all worth a try.

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