diff --git a/app/src/api/controller.js b/app/src/api/controller.js
index acfe6585..ed7522dd 100644
--- a/app/src/api/controller.js
+++ b/app/src/api/controller.js
@@ -79,6 +79,11 @@ export async function getHotspotDevices() {
     return controllerFetch('/hotspot/devices');
 }
 
+export async function getHotspotProtocols(device) {
+    const query = device ? `?device=${encodeURIComponent(device)}` : '';
+    return controllerFetch(`/hotspot/protocols${query}`);
+}
+
 export async function getHotspotSettings() {
     return controllerFetch('/hotspot/settings');
 }
diff --git a/app/src/components/admin/ControllerPage.js b/app/src/components/admin/ControllerPage.js
index 17714785..f6d7d5a1 100644
--- a/app/src/components/admin/ControllerPage.js
+++ b/app/src/components/admin/ControllerPage.js
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import {
     getDisks,
     getFstabEntries,
     getHotspotDevices,
+    getHotspotProtocols,
     getHotspotSettings,
     getSambaStatus,
     getServiceLogs,
@@ -1410,10 +1411,17 @@ function SambaSection() {
 }
 
 
+// Human labels for the hotspot protocols reported by the Controller.
+const hotspotProtocolLabels = {
+    wpa2: 'WPA2 (most compatible)',
+    wpa3: 'WPA3',
+};
+
 function HotspotSettingsForm() {
     const dockerized = useDockerized();
     const [devices, setDevices] = React.useState([]);
-    const [form, setForm] = React.useState({device: '', ssid: '', password: ''});
+    const [protocols, setProtocols] = React.useState([]);
+    const [form, setForm] = React.useState({device: '', ssid: '', password: '', protocol: ''});
     const [loading, setLoading] = React.useState(true);
     const [saving, setSaving] = React.useState(false);
     const [qrOpen, setQrOpen] = React.useState(false);
@@ -1422,7 +1430,12 @@ function HotspotSettingsForm() {
         const fetchSettings = async () => {
             try {
                 const [settings, devicesResponse] = await Promise.all([getHotspotSettings(), getHotspotDevices()]);
-                setForm({device: settings.device, ssid: settings.ssid, password: settings.password});
+                setForm({
+                    device: settings.device,
+                    ssid: settings.ssid,
+                    password: settings.password,
+                    protocol: settings.protocol,
+                });
                 setDevices(devicesResponse.devices || []);
             } catch (e) {
                 console.error('Failed to fetch hotspot settings', e);
@@ -1433,6 +1446,23 @@ function HotspotSettingsForm() {
         fetchSettings();
     }, []);
 
+    // The supported protocols depend on the selected device's hardware.
+    React.useEffect(() => {
+        if (!form.device) {
+            return;
+        }
+        const fetchProtocols = async () => {
+            try {
+                const response = await getHotspotProtocols(form.device);
+                setProtocols(response.protocols || []);
+            } catch (e) {
+                console.error('Failed to fetch hotspot protocols', e);
+                setProtocols([]);
+            }
+        };
+        fetchProtocols();
+    }, [form.device]);
+
     const handleSave = async () => {
         setSaving(true);
         try {
@@ -1461,6 +1491,10 @@ function HotspotSettingsForm() {
     const deviceOptions = [...new Set([...devices, form.device].filter(Boolean))]
         .map(device => ({key: device, value: device, text: device}));
 
+    // Keep the saved protocol selectable even if the device does not report it.
+    const protocolOptions = [...new Set([...protocols, form.protocol].filter(Boolean))]
+        .map(protocol => ({key: protocol, value: protocol, text: hotspotProtocolLabels[protocol] || protocol}));
+
     // Special string which allows a mobile device to connect to a specific Wi-Fi.
     // The WPA QR format requires backslash-escaping of \ ; , " in the SSID and password.
     const escapeWifi = (s) => s.replace(/([\\;,"])/g, '\\$1');
@@ -1494,6 +1528,15 @@ function HotspotSettingsForm() {
                     disabled={dockerized || saving}
                     onChange={(e, {value}) => setForm({...form, device: value})}
                 />
+                <Form.Dropdown
+                    selection
+                    label='Hotspot Protocol'
+                    placeholder='No protocols supported'
+                    options={protocolOptions}
+                    value={form.protocol}
+                    disabled={dockerized || saving}
+                    onChange={(e, {value}) => setForm({...form, protocol: value})}
+                />
             </Form.Group>
             <Button
                 color='violet'
diff --git a/app/src/components/admin/ControllerPage.test.js b/app/src/components/admin/ControllerPage.test.js
index 48d59af8..f41bebb7 100644
--- a/app/src/components/admin/ControllerPage.test.js
+++ b/app/src/components/admin/ControllerPage.test.js
@@ -65,6 +65,10 @@ jest.mock('../../api/controller', () => ({
     removeFstabEntry: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({success: true}),
     restartServices: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({success: true}),
     getSambaStatus: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({enabled: false, available: true, shares: []}),
+    getHotspotSettings: jest.fn(),
+    getHotspotDevices: jest.fn(),
+    getHotspotProtocols: jest.fn(),
+    updateHotspotSettings: jest.fn(),
     addSambaShare: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({success: true}),
     removeSambaShare: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({success: true}),
 }));
@@ -141,6 +145,14 @@ describe('ControllerPage', () => {
         // Reset useDockerized to false for regular tests
         const {useDockerized} = require('../../hooks/customHooks');
         useDockerized.mockReturnValue(false);
+        // resetMocks clears module-factory implementations, so configure hotspot mocks here.
+        const controllerApi = require('../../api/controller');
+        controllerApi.getHotspotSettings.mockResolvedValue(
+            {device: 'wlan0', ssid: 'WROLPi', password: 'wrolpi hotspot', protocol: 'wpa2'});
+        controllerApi.getHotspotDevices.mockResolvedValue({devices: ['wlan0']});
+        controllerApi.getHotspotProtocols.mockResolvedValue({device: 'wlan0', protocols: ['wpa2', 'wpa3']});
+        controllerApi.updateHotspotSettings.mockResolvedValue(
+            {device: 'wlan0', ssid: 'WROLPi', password: 'wrolpi hotspot', protocol: 'wpa2'});
     });
 
     test('renders Services section', async () => {
@@ -181,6 +193,34 @@ describe('ControllerPage', () => {
         });
     });
 
+    test('hotspot protocol dropdown lists the protocols supported by the device', async () => {
+        const {getHotspotProtocols} = require('../../api/controller');
+        renderControllerPage();
+        await waitFor(() => {
+            expect(getHotspotProtocols).toHaveBeenCalledWith('wlan0');
+        });
+        expect(screen.getByText('Hotspot Protocol')).toBeInTheDocument();
+        // The saved protocol is selected; WPA3 is offered because the device supports it.
+        // Semantic UI renders the selected value as both the dropdown text and an option.
+        await waitFor(() => {
+            expect(screen.getAllByText('WPA2 (most compatible)').length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+            expect(screen.getAllByText('WPA3').length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+        });
+    });
+
+    test('hotspot protocol dropdown only offers WPA2 on a Raspberry Pi', async () => {
+        const {getHotspotProtocols} = require('../../api/controller');
+        getHotspotProtocols.mockResolvedValue({device: 'wlan0', protocols: ['wpa2']});
+        renderControllerPage();
+        await waitFor(() => {
+            expect(getHotspotProtocols).toHaveBeenCalledWith('wlan0');
+        });
+        await waitFor(() => {
+            expect(screen.getAllByText('WPA2 (most compatible)').length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+        });
+        expect(screen.queryByText('WPA3')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
 });
 
 describe('DiskSection primary unmount', () => {
diff --git a/controller/api/admin.py b/controller/api/admin.py
index 4e28bae9..c59fd025 100644
--- a/controller/api/admin.py
+++ b/controller/api/admin.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from controller.api.schemas import (
     BluetoothStatusResponse,
     HotspotActionResponse,
     HotspotDevicesResponse,
+    HotspotProtocolsResponse,
     HotspotSettingsRequest,
     HotspotSettingsResponse,
     HotspotStatusResponse,
@@ -33,8 +34,10 @@ from controller.lib.admin import (
     enable_hotspot,
     enable_throttle,
     get_bluetooth_status_dict,
+    get_device_hotspot_protocols,
     get_hotspot_device,
     get_hotspot_password,
+    get_hotspot_protocol,
     get_hotspot_ssid,
     get_hotspot_status_dict,
     get_throttle_status_dict,
@@ -70,6 +73,13 @@ async def hotspot_devices() -> HotspotDevicesResponse:
     return HotspotDevicesResponse(devices=get_wifi_devices())
 
 
+@router.get("/api/hotspot/protocols", response_model=HotspotProtocolsResponse)
+async def hotspot_protocols(device: str = None) -> HotspotProtocolsResponse:
+    """List the hotspot protocols a WiFi device can host; defaults to the configured device."""
+    device = device or get_hotspot_device()
+    return HotspotProtocolsResponse(device=device, protocols=get_device_hotspot_protocols(device))
+
+
 @router.get("/api/hotspot/settings", response_model=HotspotSettingsResponse)
 async def hotspot_settings() -> HotspotSettingsResponse:
     """Get WiFi hotspot settings."""
@@ -77,6 +87,7 @@ async def hotspot_settings() -> HotspotSettingsResponse:
         device=get_hotspot_device(),
         ssid=get_hotspot_ssid(),
         password=get_hotspot_password(),
+        protocol=get_hotspot_protocol(),
     )
 
 
@@ -86,10 +97,12 @@ async def hotspot_settings_update(request: HotspotSettingsRequest) -> HotspotSet
     # 500 matches the other subsystem endpoints (hotspot/bluetooth/throttle) in Docker mode.
     if is_docker_mode():
         raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail="Not available in Docker mode")
-    result = update_hotspot_settings(device=request.device, ssid=request.ssid, password=request.password)
+    result = update_hotspot_settings(device=request.device, ssid=request.ssid, password=request.password,
+                                     protocol=request.protocol)
     if not result.get("success"):
         raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=result.get("error", "Failed"))
-    return HotspotSettingsResponse(device=result["device"], ssid=result["ssid"], password=result["password"])
+    return HotspotSettingsResponse(device=result["device"], ssid=result["ssid"], password=result["password"],
+                                   protocol=result["protocol"])
 
 
 @router.post("/api/hotspot/enable", response_model=HotspotActionResponse)
diff --git a/controller/api/schemas.py b/controller/api/schemas.py
index 21abd626..d1508f8f 100644
--- a/controller/api/schemas.py
+++ b/controller/api/schemas.py
@@ -164,12 +164,20 @@ class HotspotDevicesResponse(BaseModel):
     devices: list[str] = Field(description="Available WiFi device names")
 
 
+class HotspotProtocolsResponse(BaseModel):
+    """Response model for /api/hotspot/protocols endpoint."""
+
+    device: str = Field(description="WiFi device name that was probed")
+    protocols: list[str] = Field(description="Hotspot protocols the device can host (wpa2, wpa3)")
+
+
 class HotspotSettingsRequest(BaseModel):
     """Request model for updating hotspot settings; only provided values are changed."""
 
     device: Optional[str] = Field(default=None, description="WiFi device name")
     ssid: Optional[str] = Field(default=None, description="Hotspot SSID")
     password: Optional[str] = Field(default=None, description="Hotspot password (8 to 63 characters)")
+    protocol: Optional[str] = Field(default=None, description="Hotspot protocol (wpa2 or wpa3)")
 
 
 class HotspotSettingsResponse(BaseModel):
@@ -178,6 +186,7 @@ class HotspotSettingsResponse(BaseModel):
     device: str = Field(description="WiFi device name")
     ssid: str = Field(description="Hotspot SSID")
     password: str = Field(description="Hotspot password")
+    protocol: str = Field(description="Hotspot protocol (wpa2 or wpa3)")
 
 
 class HotspotActionResponse(BaseModel):
diff --git a/controller/defaults.py b/controller/defaults.py
index 33a47cf9..92d0f9cf 100644
--- a/controller/defaults.py
+++ b/controller/defaults.py
@@ -121,6 +121,7 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         "device": "wlan0",
         "ssid": "WROLPi",
         "password": "wrolpi hotspot",
+        "protocol": "wpa2",  # wpa2 (wpa-psk) or wpa3 (sae); see get_device_hotspot_protocols
     },
 
     "throttle": {
diff --git a/controller/lib/admin.py b/controller/lib/admin.py
index f4da130c..681a14ad 100644
--- a/controller/lib/admin.py
+++ b/controller/lib/admin.py
@@ -58,7 +58,95 @@ def get_hotspot_password() -> str:
     return get_config_value('hotspot.password', 'wrolpi hotspot')
 
 
-def update_hotspot_settings(device: str = None, ssid: str = None, password: str = None) -> dict:
+# WPA2 uses nmcli's default `wpa-psk` key management; WPA3 uses `sae`.
+HOTSPOT_PROTOCOLS = ('wpa2', 'wpa3')
+
+
+def get_hotspot_protocol() -> str:
+    return get_config_value('hotspot.protocol', 'wpa2')
+
+
+def get_device_hotspot_protocols(device: str) -> list[str]:
+    """
+    Probe a WiFi device with `iw` and report which hotspot protocols it can host.
+
+    WPA2 only requires AP mode.  WPA3 requires SAE in AP mode, which is only possible
+    when the firmware offloads SAE for APs (SAE_OFFLOAD_AP), or the driver is
+    mac80211-based (advertises AP/VLAN) with the CMAC cipher so wpa_supplicant can run
+    SAE in software.  Notably the Raspberry Pi's brcmfmac driver supports neither.
+    """
+    if is_docker_mode():
+        return []
+
+    try:
+        # Absolute path like rfkill; `iw` is in /usr/sbin which is not on every PATH.
+        result = subprocess.run(
+            ["/usr/sbin/iw", "dev", device, "info"],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            timeout=5,
+        )
+        if result.returncode != 0:
+            return []
+        wiphy = None
+        for line in result.stdout.splitlines():
+            stripped = line.strip()
+            if stripped.startswith("wiphy "):
+                wiphy = stripped.split()[1]
+                break
+        if wiphy is None:
+            return []
+
+        result = subprocess.run(
+            ["/usr/sbin/iw", "phy", f"phy{wiphy}", "info"],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            timeout=5,
+        )
+        if result.returncode != 0:
+            return []
+    except (FileNotFoundError, subprocess.TimeoutExpired, subprocess.SubprocessError):
+        # Cannot probe without `iw`; assume the WPA2 hotspot nmcli has always created.
+        return ['wpa2']
+
+    modes, ciphers, ext_features = set(), set(), set()
+    section = None
+    for line in result.stdout.splitlines():
+        stripped = line.strip()
+        if stripped.startswith('Supported interface modes:'):
+            section = 'modes'
+            continue
+        elif stripped.startswith('Supported Ciphers:'):
+            section = 'ciphers'
+            continue
+        elif stripped.startswith(('Supported extended features:', 'Extended features:')):
+            # Real Pi hardware prints "Supported extended features:"; older iw
+            # releases print "Extended features:".
+            section = 'ext'
+            continue
+        if not stripped.startswith('*'):
+            section = None
+            continue
+        value = stripped.lstrip('* ').strip()
+        if section == 'modes':
+            modes.add(value)
+        elif section == 'ciphers':
+            ciphers.add(value.split()[0])
+        elif section == 'ext' and '[' in stripped and ']' in stripped:
+            ext_features.add(stripped.split('[', 1)[1].split(']', 1)[0].strip())
+
+    protocols = []
+    if 'AP' in modes:
+        protocols.append('wpa2')
+        sae_offload_ap = 'SAE_OFFLOAD_AP' in ext_features
+        software_sae = 'AP/VLAN' in modes and any('CMAC' in cipher for cipher in ciphers)
+        if sae_offload_ap or software_sae:
+            protocols.append('wpa3')
+    return protocols
+
+
+def update_hotspot_settings(device: str = None, ssid: str = None, password: str = None,
+                            protocol: str = None) -> dict:
     """
     Update hotspot settings in controller.yaml.  Only provided values are changed.
 
@@ -75,6 +163,8 @@ def update_hotspot_settings(device: str = None, ssid: str = None, password: str
     # nmcli requires a WPA password of 8 to 63 characters.
     if password is not None and not 8 <= len(password) <= 63:
         return {"success": False, "error": "Hotspot password must be 8 to 63 characters"}
+    if protocol is not None and protocol not in HOTSPOT_PROTOCOLS:
+        return {"success": False, "error": f"Hotspot protocol must be one of: {', '.join(HOTSPOT_PROTOCOLS)}"}
 
     changed = False
     if device:
@@ -86,6 +176,9 @@ def update_hotspot_settings(device: str = None, ssid: str = None, password: str
     if password:
         config_lib.update_config('hotspot.password', password)
         changed = True
+    if protocol:
+        config_lib.update_config('hotspot.protocol', protocol)
+        changed = True
 
     if changed:
         try:
@@ -93,12 +186,14 @@ def update_hotspot_settings(device: str = None, ssid: str = None, password: str
         except RuntimeError as e:
             return {"success": False, "error": str(e)}
 
-    logger.info("Hotspot settings updated (device=%s, ssid=%s)", get_hotspot_device(), get_hotspot_ssid())
+    logger.info("Hotspot settings updated (device=%s, ssid=%s, protocol=%s)",
+                get_hotspot_device(), get_hotspot_ssid(), get_hotspot_protocol())
     return {
         "success": True,
         "device": get_hotspot_device(),
         "ssid": get_hotspot_ssid(),
         "password": get_hotspot_password(),
+        "protocol": get_hotspot_protocol(),
     }
 
 
@@ -299,6 +394,7 @@ def enable_hotspot() -> dict:
     device = get_hotspot_device()
     ssid = get_hotspot_ssid()
     password = get_hotspot_password()
+    protocol = get_hotspot_protocol()
 
     try:
         # First ensure radio is on
@@ -349,13 +445,55 @@ def enable_hotspot() -> dict:
             timeout=30,
         )
 
-        if result.returncode == 0:
-            logger.info("Hotspot enabled successfully on %s", device)
-            return {"success": True, "ssid": ssid, "device": device}
-        else:
+        if result.returncode != 0:
             logger.warning("Failed to enable hotspot: %s", result.stderr.strip())
             return {"success": False, "error": result.stderr.strip() or "Unknown error"}
 
+        # Explicitly set the key management so a reused "Hotspot" profile does not
+        # keep a previously configured protocol.  WPA3 (SAE) requires PMF.
+        key_mgmt = "sae" if protocol == "wpa3" else "wpa-psk"
+        pmf = "3" if protocol == "wpa3" else "0"  # 3=required, 0=default
+        modify = subprocess.run(
+            ["nmcli", "connection", "modify", "Hotspot",
+             "802-11-wireless-security.key-mgmt", key_mgmt,
+             "802-11-wireless-security.pmf", pmf],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            timeout=10,
+        )
+        up = None
+        if modify.returncode == 0:
+            # Re-activate so the profile change takes effect.
+            up = subprocess.run(
+                ["nmcli", "connection", "up", "Hotspot"],
+                capture_output=True,
+                text=True,
+                timeout=30,
+            )
+
+        if modify.returncode != 0 or up.returncode != 0:
+            error = (modify.stderr if modify.returncode != 0 else up.stderr).strip()
+            if protocol == "wpa3":
+                # The driver likely rejected SAE; revert so the hotspot still works.
+                logger.warning("Failed to enable WPA3 hotspot, reverting to WPA2: %s", error)
+                subprocess.run(
+                    ["nmcli", "connection", "modify", "Hotspot",
+                     "802-11-wireless-security.key-mgmt", "wpa-psk",
+                     "802-11-wireless-security.pmf", "0"],
+                    capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=10,
+                )
+                subprocess.run(
+                    ["nmcli", "connection", "up", "Hotspot"],
+                    capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=30,
+                )
+                return {"success": False,
+                        "error": f"WPA3 is not supported by {device}; hotspot reverted to WPA2: {error}"}
+            # WPA2 is what nmcli created the hotspot with anyway; not fatal.
+            logger.warning("Failed to explicitly set WPA2 on hotspot: %s", error)
+
+        logger.info("Hotspot enabled successfully on %s (%s)", device, protocol)
+        return {"success": True, "ssid": ssid, "device": device}
+
     except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
         logger.warning("Timeout enabling hotspot on %s", device)
         return {"success": False, "error": "Timeout enabling hotspot"}
diff --git a/controller/templates/index.html b/controller/templates/index.html
index fd2f872a..0741cd53 100644
--- a/controller/templates/index.html
+++ b/controller/templates/index.html
@@ -985,7 +985,12 @@
                     <input type="text" id="hotspot-password">
                 </label>
                 <label>Device
-                    <select id="hotspot-device"
+                    <select id="hotspot-device" onchange="loadHotspotProtocols()"
+                            style="width: 100%; padding: 0.5rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; background: #1a1a2e; border: 1px solid #333; border-radius: 4px; color: #fff; font-size: 1rem;">
+                    </select>
+                </label>
+                <label>Protocol
+                    <select id="hotspot-protocol"
                             style="width: 100%; padding: 0.5rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; background: #1a1a2e; border: 1px solid #333; border-radius: 4px; color: #fff; font-size: 1rem;">
                     </select>
                 </label>
@@ -1442,11 +1447,38 @@
                 option.selected = name === settings.device;
                 select.appendChild(option);
             }
+            await loadHotspotProtocols(settings.protocol);
         } catch (e) {
             console.error('Failed to load hotspot settings', e);
         }
     }
 
+    // Human labels for the hotspot protocols reported by the Controller.
+    const hotspotProtocolLabels = {wpa2: 'WPA2 (most compatible)', wpa3: 'WPA3'};
+
+    async function loadHotspotProtocols(savedProtocol) {
+        // The supported protocols depend on the selected device's hardware.
+        const select = document.getElementById('hotspot-protocol');
+        const device = document.getElementById('hotspot-device').value;
+        if (!select || !device) return;
+        savedProtocol = savedProtocol || select.value;
+        try {
+            const response = await apiCall(`api/hotspot/protocols?device=${encodeURIComponent(device)}`);
+            select.innerHTML = '';
+            // Keep the saved protocol selectable even if the device does not report it.
+            const protocols = [...new Set([...(response.protocols || []), savedProtocol])].filter(Boolean);
+            for (const protocol of protocols) {
+                const option = document.createElement('option');
+                option.value = protocol;
+                option.textContent = hotspotProtocolLabels[protocol] || protocol;
+                option.selected = protocol === savedProtocol;
+                select.appendChild(option);
+            }
+        } catch (e) {
+            console.error('Failed to load hotspot protocols', e);
+        }
+    }
+
     async function saveHotspotSettings() {
         const btn = event.target;
         btn.disabled = true;
@@ -1455,6 +1487,7 @@
                 ssid: document.getElementById('hotspot-ssid').value,
                 password: document.getElementById('hotspot-password').value,
                 device: document.getElementById('hotspot-device').value,
+                protocol: document.getElementById('hotspot-protocol').value || null,
             });
             await updateHotspotButton();
         } catch (e) {
diff --git a/controller/test/test_admin.py b/controller/test/test_admin.py
index a6b69dec..ef019334 100644
--- a/controller/test/test_admin.py
+++ b/controller/test/test_admin.py
@@ -21,8 +21,10 @@ from controller.lib.admin import (
     get_hotspot_status_dict,
     get_throttle_status,
     get_timezone_status_dict,
+    get_device_hotspot_protocols,
     get_hotspot_device,
     get_hotspot_password,
+    get_hotspot_protocol,
     get_hotspot_ssid,
     get_wifi_devices,
     migrate_hotspot_settings_from_wrolpi_config,
@@ -387,6 +389,26 @@ class TestUpdateHotspotSettings:
         assert result["ssid"] == 'WROLPi'
         assert result["password"] == 'wrolpi hotspot'
 
+    def test_updates_protocol(self, mock_config_path, reset_runtime_config):
+        """The protocol is saved to controller.yaml and returned."""
+        with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.is_docker_mode", return_value=False):
+            result = update_hotspot_settings(protocol='wpa3')
+
+        assert result["success"] is True
+        assert result["protocol"] == 'wpa3'
+        assert get_hotspot_protocol() == 'wpa3'
+        saved = yaml.safe_load(mock_config_path.read_text())
+        assert saved['hotspot']['protocol'] == 'wpa3'
+
+    def test_rejects_invalid_protocol(self, mock_config_path, reset_runtime_config):
+        """Only wpa2 and wpa3 are valid protocols."""
+        with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.is_docker_mode", return_value=False):
+            result = update_hotspot_settings(protocol='wep')
+
+        assert result["success"] is False
+        assert "protocol" in result["error"].lower()
+        assert get_hotspot_protocol() == 'wpa2'
+
     def test_rejects_short_password(self, mock_config_path, reset_runtime_config):
         """nmcli requires a WPA password of 8 to 63 characters."""
         with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.is_docker_mode", return_value=False):
@@ -426,6 +448,134 @@ class TestUpdateHotspotSettings:
         assert "not mounted" in result["error"]
 
 
+# `iw dev wlan0 info` output; only the "wiphy" line matters.
+IW_DEV_INFO = """Interface wlan0
+\tifindex 3
+\twdev 0x1
+\taddr d8:3a:dd:11:22:33
+\ttype managed
+\twiphy 0
+\ttxpower 31.00 dBm
+"""
+
+# Raspberry Pi brcmfmac (verified on real Pi 4/Pi 5 hardware): AP mode, but no
+# AP/VLAN (fullmac driver) and no AP-mode SAE, so WPA3 hotspot is not possible.
+# "SAE with AUTHENTICATE command" is station-mode WPA3 (joining, not hosting).
+IW_PHY_BRCMFMAC = """Wiphy phy0
+\twiphy index: 0
+\tmax # scan SSIDs: 10
+\tSupported Ciphers:
+\t\t* WEP40 (00-0f-ac:1)
+\t\t* WEP104 (00-0f-ac:5)
+\t\t* TKIP (00-0f-ac:2)
+\t\t* CCMP-128 (00-0f-ac:4)
+\t\t* CMAC (00-0f-ac:6)
+\tAvailable Antennas: TX 0 RX 0
+\tSupported interface modes:
+\t\t * IBSS
+\t\t * managed
+\t\t * AP
+\t\t * P2P-client
+\t\t * P2P-GO
+\t\t * P2P-device
+\tDevice supports SAE with AUTHENTICATE command
+\tSupported extended features:
+\t\t* [ CQM_RSSI_LIST ]: multiple CQM_RSSI_THOLD records
+\t\t* [ DFS_OFFLOAD ]: DFS offload
+"""
+
+# mac80211 driver (Intel/Atheros style): AP/VLAN plus the CMAC cipher means
+# wpa_supplicant can run SAE in software for the AP.
+IW_PHY_MAC80211 = """Wiphy phy0
+\tmax # scan SSIDs: 4
+\tSupported Ciphers:
+\t\t* WEP40 (00-0f-ac:1)
+\t\t* TKIP (00-0f-ac:2)
+\t\t* CCMP-128 (00-0f-ac:4)
+\t\t* CMAC (00-0f-ac:6)
+\tSupported interface modes:
+\t\t * IBSS
+\t\t * managed
+\t\t * AP
+\t\t * AP/VLAN
+\t\t * monitor
+\t\t * mesh point
+\tSupported extended features:
+\t\t* [ RRM ]: RRM
+\t\t* [ FILS_STA ]: FILS shared key authentication support
+"""
+
+# Fullmac driver with AP-mode SAE offload advertised by the firmware.
+# Older iw releases print "Extended features:" instead of "Supported extended features:".
+IW_PHY_SAE_OFFLOAD_AP = """Wiphy phy0
+\tSupported Ciphers:
+\t\t* CCMP-128 (00-0f-ac:4)
+\tSupported interface modes:
+\t\t * managed
+\t\t * AP
+\tExtended features:
+\t\t* [ SAE_OFFLOAD ]: SAE offload support
+\t\t* [ SAE_OFFLOAD_AP ]: SAE offload support (AP mode)
+"""
+
+# Station-only hardware which cannot host a hotspot at all.
+IW_PHY_NO_AP = """Wiphy phy0
+\tSupported Ciphers:
+\t\t* CCMP-128 (00-0f-ac:4)
+\tSupported interface modes:
+\t\t * managed
+\t\t * monitor
+"""
+
+
+class TestGetDeviceHotspotProtocols:
+    """Tests for get_device_hotspot_protocols; WPA3 requires SAE support in AP mode."""
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _protocols(phy_info: str) -> list:
+        dev_info = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout=IW_DEV_INFO, stderr="")
+        phy = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout=phy_info, stderr="")
+        with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.is_docker_mode", return_value=False):
+            with mock.patch("subprocess.run", side_effect=[dev_info, phy]) as mock_run:
+                result = get_device_hotspot_protocols("wlan0")
+        # The wiphy index from `iw dev` is used to query the phy.
+        assert mock_run.call_args_list[1][0][0] == ["/usr/sbin/iw", "phy", "phy0", "info"]
+        return result
+
+    def test_rpi_brcmfmac_is_wpa2_only(self):
+        """The Raspberry Pi's fullmac driver cannot host a WPA3 (SAE) AP."""
+        assert self._protocols(IW_PHY_BRCMFMAC) == ["wpa2"]
+
+    def test_mac80211_driver_supports_wpa3(self):
+        """mac80211 drivers (AP/VLAN listed) with the CMAC cipher can run software SAE."""
+        assert self._protocols(IW_PHY_MAC80211) == ["wpa2", "wpa3"]
+
+    def test_sae_offload_ap_supports_wpa3(self):
+        """Firmware advertising SAE_OFFLOAD_AP can host a WPA3 AP."""
+        assert self._protocols(IW_PHY_SAE_OFFLOAD_AP) == ["wpa2", "wpa3"]
+
+    def test_station_only_hardware_has_no_protocols(self):
+        """A device without AP mode cannot host a hotspot at all."""
+        assert self._protocols(IW_PHY_NO_AP) == []
+
+    def test_returns_empty_in_docker_mode(self):
+        with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.is_docker_mode", return_value=True):
+            assert get_device_hotspot_protocols("wlan0") == []
+
+    def test_unknown_device_has_no_protocols(self):
+        """`iw dev` fails for a device which does not exist."""
+        dev_info = mock.Mock(returncode=237, stdout="", stderr="command failed: No such device")
+        with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.is_docker_mode", return_value=False):
+            with mock.patch("subprocess.run", side_effect=[dev_info]):
+                assert get_device_hotspot_protocols("wlan9") == []
+
+    def test_assumes_wpa2_when_iw_missing(self):
+        """Without `iw` we cannot probe; assume the WPA2 hotspot nmcli has always created."""
+        with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.is_docker_mode", return_value=False):
+            with mock.patch("subprocess.run", side_effect=FileNotFoundError()):
+                assert get_device_hotspot_protocols("wlan0") == ["wpa2"]
+
+
 class TestGetWifiDevices:
     """Tests for get_wifi_devices function."""
 
@@ -514,9 +664,10 @@ class TestEnableHotspot:
             with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.get_config_value", side_effect=mock_get_config):
                 radio_on = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
                 device_ready = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="wlan1:disconnected\n", stderr="")
-                hotspot_ok = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
+                ok = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
 
-                with mock.patch("subprocess.run", side_effect=[radio_on, device_ready, hotspot_ok]) as mock_subprocess:
+                with mock.patch("subprocess.run",
+                                side_effect=[radio_on, device_ready, ok, ok, ok]) as mock_subprocess:
                     with mock.patch("time.sleep"):
                         enable_hotspot()
 
@@ -529,6 +680,64 @@ class TestEnableHotspot:
                     assert "TestSSID" in cmd_args
                     assert "testpassword123" in cmd_args
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def _run_enable(protocol: str, results: list) -> tuple:
+        """Run enable_hotspot() with the given hotspot.protocol and subprocess results."""
+        def mock_get_config(key, default=None):
+            return {'hotspot.protocol': protocol}.get(key, default)
+
+        with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.is_docker_mode", return_value=False):
+            with mock.patch("controller.lib.admin.get_config_value", side_effect=mock_get_config):
+                with mock.patch("subprocess.run", side_effect=results) as mock_subprocess:
+                    with mock.patch("time.sleep"):
+                        result = enable_hotspot()
+        return result, mock_subprocess.call_args_list
+
+    def test_wpa2_sets_psk_key_mgmt(self):
+        """The Hotspot connection is explicitly set to WPA2 so a reused profile
+        does not keep a previously configured protocol."""
+        ok = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
+        device_ready = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="wlan0:disconnected\n", stderr="")
+        result, calls = self._run_enable('wpa2', [ok, device_ready, ok, ok, ok])
+
+        assert result["success"] is True
+        modify_call = [c[0][0] for c in calls if 'modify' in c[0][0]]
+        assert modify_call and "wpa-psk" in modify_call[0]
+
+    def test_wpa3_sets_sae_key_mgmt(self):
+        """WPA3 modifies the Hotspot connection to SAE with required PMF, then re-activates."""
+        ok = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
+        device_ready = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="wlan0:disconnected\n", stderr="")
+        result, calls = self._run_enable('wpa3', [ok, device_ready, ok, ok, ok])
+
+        assert result["success"] is True
+        modify_call = [c[0][0] for c in calls if 'modify' in c[0][0]]
+        assert modify_call and "sae" in modify_call[0]
+        assert "802-11-wireless-security.pmf" in modify_call[0]
+        up_call = [c[0][0] for c in calls if 'up' in c[0][0]]
+        assert up_call, "Hotspot connection was not re-activated"
+
+    def test_wpa3_failure_reverts_to_wpa2(self):
+        """If the driver rejects WPA3, the hotspot is reverted to WPA2 and an error returned."""
+        ok = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
+        device_ready = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="wlan0:disconnected\n", stderr="")
+        sae_failed = mock.Mock(returncode=1, stdout="", stderr="Error: SAE not supported")
+        # radio, poll, hotspot, modify(sae) fails, revert modify, revert up.
+        result, calls = self._run_enable('wpa3', [ok, device_ready, ok, sae_failed, ok, ok])
+
+        assert result["success"] is False
+        assert "wpa3" in result["error"].lower()
+        modify_calls = [c[0][0] for c in calls if 'modify' in c[0][0]]
+        assert len(modify_calls) == 2 and "wpa-psk" in modify_calls[1]
+
+    def test_wpa2_modify_failure_still_succeeds(self):
+        """A failure setting WPA2 explicitly is not fatal; nmcli already created a WPA2 hotspot."""
+        ok = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
+        device_ready = mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="wlan0:disconnected\n", stderr="")
+        failed = mock.Mock(returncode=1, stdout="", stderr="Error: unknown property")
+        result, _ = self._run_enable('wpa2', [ok, device_ready, ok, failed])
+
+        assert result["success"] is True
 
     def test_waits_for_device_ready_after_radio_on(self):
         """Should poll device status after turning radio on, waiting for device
@@ -546,6 +755,8 @@ class TestEnableHotspot:
                 device_unavailable,  # nmcli -t device status (not ready)
                 device_ready,        # nmcli -t device status (ready)
                 hotspot_result,      # nmcli device wifi hotspot
+                hotspot_result,      # nmcli connection modify Hotspot
+                hotspot_result,      # nmcli connection up Hotspot
             ]):
                 with mock.patch("time.sleep"):  # Don't actually sleep in tests
                     result = enable_hotspot()
diff --git a/controller/test/test_admin_api.py b/controller/test/test_admin_api.py
index b0026d82..843d6517 100644
--- a/controller/test/test_admin_api.py
+++ b/controller/test/test_admin_api.py
@@ -52,6 +52,34 @@ class TestHotspotDevicesEndpoint:
         assert response.json() == {"devices": []}
 
 
+class TestHotspotProtocolsEndpoint:
+    """GET /api/hotspot/protocols lists the protocols a device can host."""
+
+    def test_protocols_endpoint_shape(self, test_client):
+        """Should probe the requested device."""
+        from unittest import mock
+        with mock.patch("controller.api.admin.get_device_hotspot_protocols",
+                        return_value=["wpa2", "wpa3"]) as mock_protocols:
+            response = test_client.get("/api/hotspot/protocols?device=wlp2s0")
+        assert response.status_code == 200
+        assert response.json() == {"device": "wlp2s0", "protocols": ["wpa2", "wpa3"]}
+        mock_protocols.assert_called_once_with("wlp2s0")
+
+    def test_protocols_defaults_to_configured_device(self, test_client):
+        """Should probe the configured hotspot device when none is given."""
+        from unittest import mock
+        with mock.patch("controller.api.admin.get_device_hotspot_protocols", return_value=["wpa2"]):
+            response = test_client.get("/api/hotspot/protocols")
+        assert response.status_code == 200
+        assert response.json() == {"device": "wlan0", "protocols": ["wpa2"]}
+
+    def test_protocols_empty_in_docker(self, test_client_docker_mode):
+        """Docker mode cannot host a hotspot."""
+        response = test_client_docker_mode.get("/api/hotspot/protocols?device=wlan0")
+        assert response.status_code == 200
+        assert response.json() == {"device": "wlan0", "protocols": []}
+
+
 class TestHotspotSettingsEndpoint:
     """GET/POST /api/hotspot/settings manage hotspot settings in controller.yaml."""
 
@@ -59,23 +87,31 @@ class TestHotspotSettingsEndpoint:
         """Should return the current hotspot settings."""
         response = test_client.get("/api/hotspot/settings")
         assert response.status_code == 200
-        assert response.json() == {"device": "wlan0", "ssid": "WROLPi", "password": "wrolpi hotspot"}
+        assert response.json() == {"device": "wlan0", "ssid": "WROLPi", "password": "wrolpi hotspot",
+                                   "protocol": "wpa2"}
 
     def test_post_settings(self, test_client, mock_config_path):
         """Should update settings and persist them to controller.yaml."""
         response = test_client.post(
             "/api/hotspot/settings",
-            json={"device": "wlp2s0", "ssid": "RafaelPi", "password": "password123"},
+            json={"device": "wlp2s0", "ssid": "RafaelPi", "password": "password123", "protocol": "wpa3"},
         )
         assert response.status_code == 200
-        assert response.json() == {"device": "wlp2s0", "ssid": "RafaelPi", "password": "password123"}
+        assert response.json() == {"device": "wlp2s0", "ssid": "RafaelPi", "password": "password123",
+                                   "protocol": "wpa3"}
         assert "wlp2s0" in mock_config_path.read_text()
+        assert "wpa3" in mock_config_path.read_text()
 
     def test_post_rejects_short_password(self, test_client, mock_config_path):
         """Should reject a password shorter than 8 characters."""
         response = test_client.post("/api/hotspot/settings", json={"password": "short"})
         assert response.status_code == 400
 
+    def test_post_rejects_invalid_protocol(self, test_client, mock_config_path):
+        """Should reject protocols other than wpa2/wpa3."""
+        response = test_client.post("/api/hotspot/settings", json={"protocol": "wep"})
+        assert response.status_code == 400
+
     def test_post_rejected_in_docker(self, test_client_docker_mode):
         """Should reject settings changes in Docker mode."""
         response = test_client_docker_mode.post("/api/hotspot/settings", json={"device": "wlp2s0"})