In order to get my iPad to connect to my phone I have to take the phone out of my back pocket. I don’t have to unlock the phone or anything. Just take it out. If my phone is in my back pocket the iPad can’t detect the phone. Once the two are connected I can put the phone back into my bank pocket, and use the phone as a hotspot
Same age, I don’t put anything on my back pockets, ever. It’s awfully uncomfortable and you risk breaking whatever you put there sitting on it. It also protects my hip and lower back.