Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The chain-link-looking status icon is associated with Personal Hotspot, but its meaning depends on what the iPhone is doing: it may be connected through another device’s hotspot, or it may be providing its own hotspot. Apple lists these as separate status states, so the visual description alone does not establish which one you’re seeing. Check the iPhone’s hotspot controls or Settings to confirm.
What the Personal Hotspot icon means
Apple’s iPhone status-icon guide distinguishes between two Personal Hotspot states:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $308.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $574.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $410.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $389.00 | Buy on Amazon |
- Connected to another device’s hotspot: The iPhone is connected to the internet through another device’s Personal Hotspot.
- Providing a hotspot: The iPhone is sharing its own Personal Hotspot.
Apple uses the names “Personal Hotspot connection” for the joining state and “Personal Hotspot” for the providing state. “Green chain link” is a visual description, not Apple’s precise name for either state.
How to tell whether your iPhone is joining or sharing
If it is using another device’s hotspot
Your iPhone is using that device’s Personal Hotspot to get online. Check the connected network and hotspot details on the other device if you need to identify or manage the connection.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
If it is providing its own hotspot
Another device is using your iPhone’s cellular internet connection. Apple says devices can connect to an iPhone hotspot through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a cable. Personal Hotspot shares cellular internet; an iPhone cannot first join a Wi-Fi network and then share that Wi-Fi connection onward through Personal Hotspot. See Apple’s instructions for sharing an iPhone internet connection.
Don’t confuse it with the green privacy dot
The small green dot at the top of the screen is a different indicator. Apple says it means an app is using the camera, or the camera and microphone together. It does not mean that Personal Hotspot is active. Apple explains this indicator in About the orange and green indicators in your iPhone status bar.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Check or set up Personal Hotspot
- Open Settings and look for Personal Hotspot. Apple’s setup guidance also points users to Settings > Cellular; labels or layout may vary by software version.
- Check the hotspot setting and connected-device information to see whether your iPhone is offering a hotspot. If you meant to stop sharing, turn off Personal Hotspot or disconnect the other device.
- If the setup option is missing, confirm Cellular Data is on. If Personal Hotspot still does not appear, Apple advises contacting your carrier.
Personal Hotspot is not supported by every carrier, and extra fees may apply. The number of devices that can connect also depends on the carrier and iPhone model.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
