iOS 13 came with a number of useful and new features, but just like every previous iOS update, it’s been plagued by problems since its launch. Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t been able solve all of those issues after releasing three updates that have lasted up to the current iOS 13.3 release.
A number of users are experiencing problems sharing their Personal Hotspot between 2 iOS devices. It appears that when the device is connected to the device that is host to the WiFi connection, it will drop the connection to the Wi-Fi Hotspot while the display is off.
If you attempt to reboot WiFi hotspot remotely from the primary iPhone with the second iOS device this error appears on the screen.
REMOTE HOTSPOT FAILURE: Unable to Start Personal Hotspot [Device Name]
Restarting the Wi-Fi hotspot manually on the primary iPhone is a good solution and lets other devices connect, however the issue persists. The Wi-Fi hotspot keeps disconnecting automatically for connected devices.
The Fix: Turn off Bluetooth
Some of the smarter users on the forums for community members have discovered that switching off the Bluetooth service on the primary iPhone (which hosts WiFi Hotspot) solves the issue with Wi-Fi for other devices that are that are connected.
Many users have reported that when the Apple Watch is connected to their iPhone (via Bluetooth, obviously), the issue with the Wi-Fi Hotspot disconnecting on the device that is connected to it persists. However, turning off Bluetooth on the primary device will resolve the issue for devices connected to it.
It’s not only an issue with Apple Watch though, if your iPhone is connected to any different Bluetooth gadget (headphones and speakers) You may encounter the Wi-Fi Hotspot problem.
To disable Bluetooth for a short period for your iPhone Open the Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon to turn off Bluetooth for the duration of a day. If you switch off Bluetooth via Control Center Control Center, it remains inactive until the following day.
If this is the case, turn off Bluetooth does not solve the Wi-Fi hostpot not connecting problem on your iPhone. Try changing the network settings on both of your devices.
Click on Settings >> General >> Reset Reset Network Settings, then tap Reset Network Settings and then do it. Be aware that doing this will erase all connected Bluetooth gadgets, WiFi networks and other network-related configurations from the iPhone.
Cheers!