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With iOS 26.4, the iPhone now shows for the first time directly in the hotspot menu which connected device has used how much data.
Anyone who regularly uses their personal hotspot – whether for their laptop on the go, their kids' iPad, or their tablet on the train – knows the problem: at the end of the month, the data allowance is used up, but it remains unclear which device consumed how much. Until now, Apple hid this information deep within the cellular settings. With iOS 26.4, this changes.
What's new in iOS 26.4
Apple has removed the hotspot data usage display from the general cellular settings and moved it directly to the hotspot menu. There, a new "Data Usage" item now appears, showing a breakdown by connected device.
The path to this is short: Open Settings, tap on “Personal Hotspot”, and below the “Maximize compatibility” switch, tap on “Data usage”. A list of all devices that have used the hotspot will appear, showing each device's individual data usage and a total usage across all devices.
Apple devices running iOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 are displayed by name – for example, “MacBook Air by Milan” or “MacBook Pro by Milan”. Android smartphones, Windows PCs, and devices with older operating systems are grouped under “Other Devices”.
Why this is useful
For anyone with limited data, this new feature is a real benefit. Instead of wondering at the end of the month whether the laptop or tablet accounted for the largest share of data usage, this can now be seen at a glance. This is particularly helpful for families or when data is shared in a professional setting, making it easier to keep track of usage.
Reset Data usage
The hotspot statistics cannot be reset separately. To reset the counters to zero, you must reset the entire mobile data statistics: Settings > Mobile data > scroll all the way down and tap “Reset statistics”. This will delete all mobile data usage data – not just the hotspot data.
A practical tip: Reset the statistics at the beginning of each billing period to accurately track monthly hotspot usage.
View Hotspot Data usage: Requirements
The new data usage indicator requires iOS 26.4 on your iPhone. You can check if the update is already installed under Settings > General > Software Update. If you have problems updating, you can find help in our article iPhone Update Problems: All Solutions for iOS 26. Further tips for optimal hotspot use can be found in our article Using Your iPhone Hotspot Effectively – 5 Useful Tips. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Yarrrrrbright)
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Frequently Asked Questions: iPhone Hotspot Data Usage
Under Settings > Personal Hotspot > Data usage, you will find a list of all connected devices and their respective data usage.
The option only appears if the personal hotspot has been used recently and iOS 26.4 or later is installed. Without prior hotspot use, the menu item remains hidden.
Apple devices running iOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 appear with their device name. Android smartphones, Windows PCs, and devices with older operating systems are grouped under "Other Devices".
No. The hotspot statistics can only be reset together with the entire mobile network statistics: Settings > Mobile network > scroll all the way down > Reset statistics.
Yes. Any data used by connected devices via the hotspot will be deducted from the iPhone's cellular data allowance. Users with a limited data plan should check their usage regularly.
The data usage indicator records all hotspot data traffic, regardless of whether the devices are connected via Wi-Fi, USB or Bluetooth.
Under Settings > Personal Hotspot, set the “Connect automatically” option to “Never” or “Family Sharing only”. Additionally, use a strong password.
