How to Fix Mobile Hotspot Not Showing on PS4/PS5: Step-by-Step Guide

If your mobile hotspot isn’t appearing on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, you’re not alone. This issue can stem from a few overlooked settings on your phone or console. Whether you’re gaming on the go or relying on your phone’s data for online play, here’s how to get your hotspot visible and connect your PS4/PS5 without the guesswork.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Use a Strong Hotspot Password (Include Numbers!) PlayStation consoles sometimes reject Wi-Fi networks with weak or non-standard passwords.

• “myhotspot” → Not secure enough

• “myhotspot2025” → Secure and PS-compatible

Change your hotspot password to include both letters and numbers. This ensures your network meets WPA2 standards and is more likely to show up on your PS4/PS5.

Revert Your Device Name to Its Original FormatCustom device names like “My Phone” or “Jesse’s Galaxy” can confuse your console’s network scanner.

• Rename your phone to its default manufacturer format:

  • “iPhone” or “iPhone 13 Pro”

  • “Samsung Galaxy S22”

  • “Pixel 7”

Change this in your phone’s settings under About Phone → Device Name.

Check Hotspot Band Compatibility PS4 and PS5 consoles typically connect better to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands.

• On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → Wi-Fi Hotspot → AP Band → 2.4GHz

• On iPhone: Ensure Personal Hotspot is turned on and visible (band is auto-managed).

Restart Both Devices Sometimes, a simple reboot clears up network visibility issues.

• Turn off your hotspot.

• Restart your phone.

• Restart your PS4/PS5.

• Turn the hotspot back on and scan again.

Clear Saved Networks on PS4/PS5 Old or conflicting network data can block new connections.

• Go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection

• Choose Wi-Fi → Easy

• Delete any old hotspot entries

• Scan again and connect fresh

Final Tip: Test with Another Device

If your hotspot still doesn’t show, try connecting it to another device (like a laptop or tablet).

• If it appears there → The issue is console specific.

• If it doesn’t appear anywhere → The hotspot itself may need resetting or carrier support.

FAQs

• Why won’t my PS4/PS5 detect my hotspot? Likely due to password strength, device name, or Wi-Fi band mismatch.

• Can PS5 connect to 5GHz hotspots? Yes, but 2.4GHz is more stable for detection.

• Do I need mobile data for hotspot? Yes, hotspot requires active data to share internet.