User level: Level 1 (4 points)My iPhone hotspot doesn’t disconnect automatically anymore after closing the computer. No setting changes
Posted on Oct 25, 2026 1:58 AM
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)Oct 25, 2026 2:47 AM in response to Appleuserfixer
iPhone Personal Hotspot No Longer Disconnects Automatically
Issue: My iPhone's Personal Hotspot no longer disconnects automatically when I close my MacBook Air 15-inch running macOS 27.0. This started happening even though I haven't changed any settings.
Closing the MacBook lid should normally put it to sleep, but the hotspot may remain connected if the Mac hasn't fully gone to sleep or reconnects automatically. Here are a few things to check before making any major changes.
1. Check whether the Mac stays connected
Close your MacBook, wait a minute or two, and check your iPhone's Personal Hotspot status to see whether the Mac is still connected.
Apple's guides explain how Personal Hotspot works and when devices disconnect:
Connect your Mac to the internet using an iPhone or iPad
2. Restart both devices
Restart your iPhone and MacBook, reconnect to the hotspot, and close the lid to test whether the usual behaviour returns.
Apple's troubleshooting guide provides further steps if Personal Hotspot isn't working as expected:
If Personal Hotspot isn't working
3. Check how the Mac connects
If you use Wi-Fi, check whether the Mac disconnects when it sleeps or reconnects shortly afterwards. If you connect through USB, try disconnecting the cable to see whether that affects the hotspot's behaviour.
See Apple's guide to connecting a Mac to the internet for more information.
4. Review automatic hotspot connections
On your Mac, go to System Settings >> Wi-Fi and review the available automatic hotspot joining options, such as Ask to join hotspots. These settings control how your Mac joins hotspots, although changing them may not resolve a failure to disconnect.
Apple's guides explain these options:
5. Check for software updates
If the problem persists, check for available updates for both your iPhone and MacBook. Since this started without any intentional settings changes, a software issue is possible, although it isn't yet confirmed.
Refer to Apple's Personal Hotspot troubleshooting guide for additional advice.
6. Avoid resetting network settings for now
There's no need to reset network settings or remove saved Wi-Fi networks as a first step. Start with the restart and connection tests above, then investigate further if the problem continues.
In short: I'd start by restarting both devices and testing the connection again. If the Mac still keeps the hotspot active after you close the lid, the next step is to determine whether it's staying connected, reconnecting automatically, or not entering sleep as expected.
Apple's documentation covers the expected connection behaviour and general troubleshooting, but it doesn't confirm a specific macOS 27.0 bug causing this issue.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256382549