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
1. ✅ Use a Strong Hotspot Password (Include Numbers!)
PlayStation consoles sometimes reject Wi-Fi networks with weak or non-standard passwords. If your hotspot password contains only letters (e.g., “gamingzone”), it may not be recognized.
Fix:
Change your hotspot password to include both letters and numbers. For example:
- ❌ “myhotspot” → Not secure enough
- ✅ “myhotspot2025” → Secure and PS-compatible
This ensures your network meets WPA2 standards and is more likely to show up on your PS4/PS5.
2. 📱 Revert Your Device Name to Its Original Format
Custom device names like “My Phone” or “Jesse’s Galaxy” can confuse your console’s network scanner.
Fix:
Rename your phone to its default manufacturer format, such as:
- “iPhone” or “iPhone 13 Pro”
- “Samsung Galaxy S22”
- “Pixel 7”
This helps your PlayStation recognize the hotspot as a standard device. You can change this in your phone’s settings under About Phone > Device Name.
3. 📶 Check Hotspot Band Compatibility
PS4 and PS5 consoles typically connect better to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands. If your phone is broadcasting only on 5GHz, your console might not detect it.
Fix:
- Go to your hotspot settings and switch the band to 2.4GHz.
- On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > AP Band
- On iPhone: The band is usually auto managed, but ensure Personal Hotspot is turned on and visible.
4. 🔄 Restart Both Devices
Sometimes, a simple reboot clears up network visibility issues.
Fix:
- Turn off your hotspot.
- Restart your phone.
- Restart your PS4/PS5.
- Turn the hotspot back on and scan again from your console.
5. 🧼 Clear Saved Networks on PS4/PS5
If your console has stored conflicting network data, it may block new connections.
Fix:
- Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection
- Choose Wi-Fi > Easy
- Delete any old or failed 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.