How do I prevent Personal Hotspot from automatically activating whenever a device decides to connect to my phone.

I think it's fair that Apple doesn't see it as a security issue, although they go to pretty extreme lengths in other areas to prevent security breach.

However, and Apple should acknowledge this, it should be configurable. Stijn1976 reports a data plan issue (Jul 22) and it is a real thing. As far as I can see, the only way to defeat something like this is to put the phone into Airplane mode (or deactivate wi-fi/Bluetooth depending on how you are connecting) which is not ideal or even always practicable.

It would not be difficult to provide an Instant Hotspot toggle switch in Settings. This is a feature introduced without fanfare and it seems I am not the only one caught unaware - to my expense.

Stijn - what if my kids are using my iPad, say in the car, and I am using my phone for navigation? My iPad would override my phone setting, I can't stop it, and they could potentially drain my data plan.

I "could" create separate Apple IDs for each of my kids, however the parental control settings are not sufficient for me.

@kenobi_bass: I acknowledge the issue, and I have suffered from it myself. Yes, you are right. Your data maybe used for Youtube.

Not sure if I understand why the parental control settings would be insufficient, as you could setup the new Apple ID just as your current and keep all parental controls the same.

Biggest downfall would be if you use Apple Music, since you would need to switch to the more expensive family plan.

I have been trying to see if it would be possible to set a 'per-connection' password on the iPad, meaning you would need to key a password to be able to join any network. It seems possible, but this goes into software that companies use to manage large groups of iOS devices. iOS Wi-Fi profiles: About Auto Join and per-connection password settings - Apple Support

Good luck!

This is a security hole. If any of my devices are compromised in my environment this method can be exploited to access and infect other devices via this connection method. It can also be used to fingerprint a device type and connection method. I understand the appeal of not having to click a button to gain internet access but at a minimum I should be able to apply a device level policy that permits me total control of my local device. Users could be compromised and appleID passwords can be compromised. A global authentiction policy should not override a local device policy without requiring some other form of authentication. APPLE fix this Security Hole!

Again... it really isn't.

Choose any of the requirements and don't meet it to fully control this feature.

* Don't enable Personal Hotspot in settings. Problem solved.

* Be particular about who has your Apple ID. problem solved.

* Keep Bluetooth off tactically. Problem solved.

This is a security hole. If any of my devices are compromised in my environment this method can be exploited to access and infect other devices via this connection method.

I would think if any of your devices get compromised, you have larger issues than someone using your cellular data.

Cite a source about how using your personal hotspot allows for "infection" or "exploitation".

They'll be able to use your data.

I agree totally with your assessment. I don't like the iPad using my data allotment.

I cannot believe this is still an issue, and that all devices have to have a different apple ID. That is just dumb. I have a number of apple devices which I expect to control from my single Apple ID. I also do not want the hotspot tuning on by itself. I also don't like having to sign out of ICloud on all my devices to prevent it. Just fix it so it can be set to override this so-called feature'.

You can also just turn off Bluetooth.

You don't have to control it with icloud.

i would say either change the password or when using your personal hotspot turn of bluetooth

Ya you are right. Sorry bout the tone.

This has been exactly my experience as well... tried all the same things youndid with the same results.... serious problem...