A hotspot can broadcast Wi-Fi even when the iPhone has no usable cellular data, the plan blocks tethering or VPN/network settings interfere. Turn Wi-Fi off on the iPhone and load a page over cellular. Ask the carrier whether hotspot use is allowed.
Differential
Likely causes of “Devices connect to iPhone hotspot but have no internet”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The iPhone itself has no usable cellular data
What separates it Devices join the hotspot, and Safari on the iPhone also does not load on cellular with Wi-Fi off.
How to confirm Turn Wi-Fi off on the iPhone and load a page over cellular.
- 2
The mobile plan blocks or limits tethering
What separates it The hotspot works for a while and then stops, or the carrier shows a tethering restriction.
How to confirm Ask the carrier whether hotspot use is allowed.
- 3
A VPN or a network setting is interfering
What separates it The iPhone has a VPN or a private DNS profile active, and clients receive no traffic.
How to confirm Turn off the VPN for one test and reconnect a client.
- 4
The hotspot needs a restart or the compatibility option
What separates it An older device connects but does not get an address, and Maximize Compatibility is off.
How to confirm Turn Personal Hotspot off and on and try Maximize Compatibility for older devices.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether Safari loads on the iPhone over cellular with Wi-Fi off.
- Whether every client fails or only one, and their IP addresses.
- The carrier's hotspot allowance and whether a VPN is on.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCapture the exact symptom
ReversibleConfirm Safari loads over cellular with Wi-Fi off, then check whether every hotspot client fails.
Run the smallest isolation test
ReversibleTurn Personal Hotspot off/on, disconnect VPN for a test and reconnect one client using the displayed password.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleCorrect the cellular/plan issue or client DNS/VPN path; use Maximize Compatibility only for radio compatibility.
Verify before changing anything else
ReversibleLoad two unrelated sites on one client, then reconnect a second client.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Use Maximize Compatibility only for the older devices that need it, since it lowers speed.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my iPhone hotspot connect but have no internet?+
The hotspot can broadcast without working data. Confirm the iPhone loads pages over cellular, then check the plan, any VPN and the hotspot settings.
Why does the hotspot have no internet?+
The phone may have no cellular data or the plan may not allow tethering.
Could Low Data Mode matter?+
It can limit tethering.