There is no "deleting hotspot history on iPhone" button in iOS, because your iPhone doesn't keep a viewable list of past connections. However, you can still achieve the same result, kicking off current users and preventing old devices from reconnecting, using three quick methods: turn off "Allow Others to Join," change your hotspot Wi-Fi password, or reset your network settings. Below are the exact steps for each.
Why there's no 'deleting hotspot history on iPhone' button
iOS doesn't store a history of devices that have connected to your Personal Hotspot in a way you can browse or delete. The only visible list is the one showing currently connected devices, which disappears as soon as a device disconnects. So when you want to clear out old connections, for privacy or to revoke access from past guests, you're actually resetting the credentials or the network state. The three methods below accomplish exactly that, and each one works on any iPhone running a recent version of iOS.
Method 1: Turn off 'Allow Others to Join'
This is the fastest way to disconnect every device right now. It doesn't delete any stored passwords, but it instantly severs all active connections, which gives you immediate control over who is using your hotspot at that moment.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Personal Hotspot (or go to Cellular, then Personal Hotspot).
- Toggle off Allow Others to Join.
Once you toggle this off, all connected devices are disconnected immediately. They won't be able to rejoin until you turn it back on. If you want to keep the hotspot off for good, just leave the switch in the off position.
Method 2: Change your hotspot Wi-Fi password
Changing the password is the most effective way to prevent a specific device from ever reconnecting without your permission. It disconnects everyone currently using the hotspot, and any device that tries to join again will need the new password. This is the method you'd want if you've shared your hotspot with someone you no longer trust.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Cellular, then Personal Hotspot.
- Tap Wi-Fi Password.
- Enter a new password that is at least eight characters long and uses letters and numbers.
After you save the new password, all previously connected devices are kicked off. They'll see your hotspot name in their Wi-Fi list, but they won't be able to join until they enter the new password. This effectively clears the old access without leaving any trace of who used to be connected.
Method 3: Reset network settings (a fresh start)
If you want a complete clean slate, not just for your hotspot but for all network-related data, a network settings reset is the way to go. This is the most thorough option, and it's ideal if you suspect an unknown device has your old password or if you just want to start fresh. Be aware that this erases more than just hotspot credentials.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset [Device].
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
This action will also reset Wi-Fi networks and passwords, mobile data settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before. After the reset, your iPhone will restart, and you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and reconfigure any VPN settings. Your Personal Hotspot will be off, and no device, old or new, will be able to connect until you turn it back on and set a fresh password. This gives you the most complete privacy reset possible, but only use it if you're comfortable re-setting up your other network connections afterward.
