Mastering iOS 26.4: A Complete Guide to Monitoring Personal Hotspot Data Usage

The latest iOS 26.4 release brought about some significant changes, with new emojis stealing the spotlight. However, Apple also made improvements to Apple Music, introducing AI-generated playlists for US users and addressing keyboard issues. Among these updates was a subtle yet practical enhancement that may have gone unnoticed: the ability to monitor your cellular data usage.

This feature would have been beneficial in earlier years when unlimited data plans were less common. With iOS 26.4, Apple has made it easier for users to track the data consumption of their Personal Hotspot, identifying the users and devices consuming the data.

Previously, users could check data usage by accessing Settings > Cellular, but the breakdown by device and user was not as prominent. In the latest update, iOS 26.4 now includes a Data Usage section within the Personal Hotspot settings, providing a more visible overview of data usage.

The Data Usage section can be found at the bottom of Settings > Personal Hotspot, displaying a list of connected Apple devices and their respective data usage. This includes personal devices like iPads and Macs, as well as devices of others authorized to use the hotspot.

Guest devices running at least iOS/iPadOS 18.4 or macOS 15.4 will be individually listed, while non-Apple devices and older systems will be grouped under “Other Devices.” The feature does not track Wi-Fi data usage from paired Apple Watches, as it is considered an extension of the iPhone’s data.

Resetting data statistics under Settings > Cellular will clear Personal Hotspot data as well, temporarily removing the Data Usage section until new data is consumed. The feature aims to provide transparency on data usage and device connections, enhancing user control and awareness.

While detailed usage by device names or MAC addresses may not be available for all devices, the feature offers valuable insights for managing data consumption. As technology evolves, Apple continues to refine its features to meet user needs and improve the overall experience.