Hotspot Not Working? Quick Fixes That Actually Work

When you’re stranded without Wi-Fi, your mobile hotspot saves the day. However, life can turn into a horror flick when the hotspot is not working. While the situation is frustrating, panicking won’t .

Android and iOS users: Keep calm, discover why your hotspot isn’t working, and walk through these quick fixes to get back online in no time.

Common Reasons Your Hotspot Isn't Working

If you’re wondering, “Why is my hotspot not working?” we have a few plausible explanations for it:

1. Network Issues/Poor Signals

Assuming you’re away from home, your mobile data carrier may have limited or no coverage at your destination. If you only see one or two signal bars on your phone, it signifies you’re quite far away from the nearest cellular tower. As a result, you may experience a poor connection/frequent connection drops, which is why the hotspot won’t perform. 

2. Incorrect settings

In case you don’t see your mobile hotspot name in available Wi-Fi networks, there might be a problem with the settings. You may have forgotten to enable the hotspot feature or accidentally turned off data sharing on your device. Furthermore, entering the wrong password or selecting the wrong Wi-Fi network are also common mistakes.

3. Data limit reached or hotspot not included in plan

Most mobile internet plans have data limitations, so you may have simply exhausted your data, or you’re not allowed to use it for sharing via a hotspot. In this kind of situation, you may see your hotspot connected but no internet, which can be confusing.

4. Device software glitches/outdated OS

Finally, check if your mobile device has pending software updates. An outdated operating system (OS) could be interfering with your phone's hotspot feature. Similarly, if you’re using a standalone hotspot device, it may require firmware updates to eliminate performance issues.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Hotspot

Laptop not connecting to hotspot? Android or iPhone hotspot not working? Whatever the case, follow these steps to fix the issue at hand:

a) Restart Your Devices

Sometimes, a simple reboot is all you need to fix hotspot issues. Devices that need a restart include your smartphone (the one you’re using to create the hotspot) and all other mobile gadgets you’re supposed to connect to the hotspot (your laptop, tablet, etc.). If you’re using a MiFi/separate hotspot device, the same rule applies.

b) Check Mobile Data & Hotspot Settings

Using your phone as a hotspot shouldn’t be a problem as long as your mobile data is functioning. Once you’ve confirmed that mobile data is enabled and working fine on your phone, proceed to turning on the hotspot feature.

c) Reset Network Settings

Given that the above two steps don’t resolve the issue, you may need to reset your network settings. A reset often helps get rid of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, hotspot, and other connectivity malfunctions.

d) Turn Off Battery Saver or Low Data Mode

Battery and data saving modes are often responsible for the hotspot not working, as one lowers performance to prolong battery time, and the other limits data usage to priority apps. You can go to battery settings on your device to disable low power mode.

e) Update Your Software

Are your smartphone and connected devices up to date? Outdated software might be the reason behind your laptop not connecting to the hotspot; it is infamous for slowing down computing systems, interfering with apps/programs, and raising security concerns. Check for pending updates and obtain the latest version of the operating system (OS) on each device.

f) Try a Different Device to Rule Out Device Issues

Have you previously used the hotspot feature on your phone? If not, it could be a hardware issue in your device; this is likely if the model was released more than 5 years ago. Try transferring your data SIM to a spare or borrowed phone and check if you still can’t use the internet via hotspot.

g) Reconfigure APN Settings (for Android users)

The of your phone contains all the data required to connect to a cellular network. When you set up a new device and put in your mobile SIM card, your cellular service provider will send the APN details that are configured automatically; occasionally, this has to be done manually.

h) Disable VPN or Firewall

While using a VPN and a firewall are among the best network security practices, these tools can sometimes interfere with your internet connection. For instance, if your hotspot keeps disconnecting, temporarily disable these applications and turn them back on when you switch to regular Wi-Fi.

i) Check for Carrier Restrictions or Data Limits

Congrats! You’ve made it to the last step of hotspot troubleshooting. Assuming that the issue persists, the only rational explanation is that your data plan has limitations. Check for data caps and hotspot restrictions on your chosen plan, and contact customer support if you need clarification.

When to Contact Your Mobile Carrier?

Some problems don’t go away that easily, so don’t be upset if the DIY fixes didn’t work for you. When all else fails, you need to request support from your mobile service provider. You can also leave a comment here to discuss a unique hotspot issue to enlighten us and other readers.

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