Direct answer
A hotspot can broadcast Wi-Fi even when the iPhone has no usable cellular data, the plan blocks tethering or VPN/network settings interfere.
What this covers
- The observed symptom matches this record
- Customer-accessible settings, connections and external components
- Diagnosis before reset, deletion or component replacement
What it does not cover
- ×A model-specific error code with a different documented meaning
- ×Internal electrical, battery-cell, gas, refrigeration or sealed-component repair
- ×A guarantee that every model exposes the same control label
Capture 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.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Visible sources support the visible claims. Home Product Support records the publisher, the fact used and the review date; community reports can suggest an issue but do not become a published fact on their own.
Exact questions
Common follow-ups
What should I check before resetting anything?+
Confirm Safari loads over cellular with Wi-Fi off, then check whether every hotspot client fails.
What is the safest isolation test?+
Turn Personal Hotspot off/on, disconnect VPN for a test and reconnect one client using the displayed password.
When should I stop troubleshooting?+
Contact the carrier when cellular works on the phone but tethered data is blocked or redirected.
Answer for the exact device and software version shown above.