Android Hotspot Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

When devices connect but show No internet, test mobile data directly on the Android phone, disable any VPN temporarily, check that the correct SIM is selected for mobile data, and confirm that your plan includes hotspot or tethering access.

Android hotspot failures generally fall into one of five groups:

• The hotspot will not turn on.
• The hotspot network does not appear on other devices.
• Another device sees the hotspot but cannot connect.
• The device connects but has no internet access.
• The hotspot is slow, unstable, or turns off automatically.

Use the section that matches your symptom. Changing every network setting at once can hide the real cause and create additional connection problems.

Quick Android Hotspot Fixes

Try these steps before using advanced settings:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi on the Android phone if you intend to share mobile data.
2. Confirm that mobile data loads a website directly on the phone.
3. Turn Mobile Hotspot off and on.
4. Turn Airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, and turn it off.
5. Restart both the Android phone and the device trying to connect.
6. Forget the hotspot network on the receiving device and reconnect.
7. Set the hotspot to 2.4GHz and WPA2 compatibility where available.
8. Disable Battery Saver, Data Saver, and VPN temporarily.
9. Check hotspot data allowance and carrier restrictions.
10. Install Android system and carrier updates.

If one laptop fails but other devices connect normally, troubleshoot the laptop. If every device fails, focus on the Android phone, cellular service, SIM, plan, or hotspot configuration.

Why Is My Android Hotspot Not Working?

Common causes include:

• Mobile data is unavailable or extremely weak.
• The data plan does not include tethering.
• Hotspot data has been exhausted even though ordinary phone data remains.
• The wrong SIM is selected for mobile data.
• The receiving device does not support the selected Wi-Fi band.
• WPA3 security is incompatible with an older laptop, TV, or console.
• The hotspot is hidden.
• A VPN, Private DNS service, firewall, or security app is interfering.
• Battery Saver or an automatic timeout turns hotspot off.
• The phone is overheating.
• Network settings or the APN are incorrect.
• A recent Android update introduced a software fault.
• The phone or receiving device has damaged Wi-Fi hardware.

The menu names vary among Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, Xiaomi, Redmi, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Tecno, Infinix, Nokia, and other Android phones. Use the Settings search box for hotspot, tethering, APN, or reset network settings when the stated path does not match your device.

1. Confirm Mobile Data Works on the Phone

A normal Wi-Fi hotspot usually shares the phone’s cellular-data connection. If mobile internet already fails on the phone, connected devices will not have internet either.

1. Turn off Wi-Fi on the Android phone.
2. Make sure Mobile data is enabled.
3. Open a browser and load two or three websites.
4. Test another internet-dependent app.

If nothing loads, check the signal indicator, account balance, data bundle, outage status, SIM selection, and mobile-network settings before troubleshooting the hotspot.

Our mobile data not working on Android article covers that underlying problem in more detail.

Do not rely on a single app. A service outage or app-specific problem can make it appear that mobile data is down when the connection is working.

2. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

Airplane mode forces cellular and other wireless radios to reconnect.

1. Swipe down twice to open Quick Settings.
2. Tap Airplane mode.
3. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
4. Turn Airplane mode off.
5. Wait for the mobile-data indicator to return.
6. Enable the hotspot and reconnect.

This can repair a temporary network registration problem after moving between cell towers, leaving a weak-coverage area, changing SIMs, or returning from a flight.

3. Restart Both Devices

Restart the Android phone providing the connection and the laptop, tablet, TV, console, or phone receiving it.

A restart clears temporary Wi-Fi authentication records, reloads the hotspot service, reconnects to the mobile network, and ends stalled background processes.

Do not reset network settings or the entire phone before trying a normal restart.

4. Forget the Hotspot and Reconnect

The receiving device may have stored an old password, security type, or connection profile.

On the laptop or other device:

1. Open Wi-Fi settings.
2. Select the Android hotspot network.
3. Choose Forget, Remove, or Delete network.
4. Search for available networks again.
5. Select the hotspot.
6. Enter the current password carefully.

If you recently changed the hotspot name, password, security type, or band, forgetting the old profile is particularly important.

5. Check the Hotspot Name and Password

Open the hotspot configuration page on the Android phone.

Typical paths are:

• Pixel and many Android phones: Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot
• Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot

Check that:

• The network name is easy to recognise.
• The password contains no accidental spaces.
• You are connecting to the correct phone.
• The maximum number of connected devices has not been reached.
• The receiving device is not blocked.

Create a temporary password using ordinary letters and numbers to rule out a device that mishandles special characters. Do not leave the hotspot open without a password.

You can also use the hotspot QR code on supported Android phones. Scanning it avoids typing errors.

6. Change the Hotspot Band to 2.4GHz

Band compatibility is one of the most important fixes missing from many hotspot tutorials.

2.4GHz

• Works with more older devices
• Travels farther
• Performs better through walls
• Is more likely to be congested
• Usually offers lower peak speed

5GHz

• Can provide higher speed at short range
• Usually encounters less 2.4GHz interference
• Has shorter range
• May not appear on older laptops, TVs, printers, and smart devices

If the hotspot is invisible or the device cannot connect, choose 2.4GHz or an option labelled Maximize compatibility.

On Samsung Galaxy, open Mobile Hotspot > Configure or the information section, then change Band. Samsung states that 2.4GHz is compatible with more devices, while 5GHz can provide better performance.

On Pixel and other Android devices, open Wi-Fi hotspot settings and look for AP band, Speed and compatibility, or a similar option.

After changing the band, turn the hotspot off and on, forget the old network on the receiving device, and reconnect.

7. Change WPA3 to WPA2 for Older Devices

WPA3 provides newer Wi-Fi security, but an old Wi-Fi adapter or outdated device may not support it correctly.

If the device sees the hotspot but reports Cannot connect, Authentication problem, or repeatedly asks for the password:

1. Open Mobile Hotspot settings.
2. Find Security.
3. Choose WPA2 or a WPA2/WPA3 compatibility mode if offered.
4. Save the settings.
5. Forget the network on the receiving device.
6. Reconnect with the password.

Return to WPA3 when all connected devices support it. Never select an unsecured open hotspot merely to avoid a compatibility problem, especially in a public place.

8. Make Sure the Hotspot Is Not Hidden

A hidden network may not appear in the normal Wi-Fi list.

On Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot, enter the configuration or Advanced settings, and turn off Hidden network.

Samsung specifically recommends disabling Hidden network and selecting 2.4GHz when another device cannot find the mobile hotspot.

Other manufacturers may use labels such as:

• Hide my device
• Hidden SSID
• Broadcast network name
• Network visibility

Enable network-name broadcasting while troubleshooting.

9. Check the Connected-Device Limit and Block List

Some Android phones limit how many devices may connect. The hotspot can reject a new device when the limit has been reached, even if previously connected devices are no longer in active use.

Open the Mobile Hotspot page and review:

• Connected devices
• Maximum connections
• Allowed devices
• Blocked devices
• MAC filtering

Remove the affected laptop or phone from a block list. Temporarily disable an allowed-devices-only mode to test the connection.

Modern devices can use a randomised Wi-Fi MAC address for privacy. If the phone’s hotspot allows only a saved hardware MAC address, randomisation can make the same device appear new and become blocked. Either allow the current private address or configure the receiving device to use its device MAC for that trusted hotspot.

10. Disable Battery Saver and Hotspot Power Saving

Battery Saver can limit background network activity or cause the hotspot to turn off sooner.

1. Open Settings > Battery.
2. Turn off Battery Saver or Power saving mode temporarily.
3. Return to Mobile Hotspot settings.
4. Disable any hotspot-specific Power saving option for testing.

Hotspot use consumes substantial battery power. Keep the phone connected to a suitable charger during long sessions, but avoid covering it or placing it in direct sunlight.

11. Change the Automatic Hotspot Timeout

Android phones often turn off the hotspot when no device is connected for a set period. A laptop that sleeps or briefly disconnects can trigger that timer.

On Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
2. Tap Mobile Hotspot.
3. Open the information or Advanced section.
4. Select Turn off when no device connected for.
5. Choose a longer period while testing.

Google states that Pixel hotspots can turn off automatically when no devices are connected to save battery.

If the hotspot turns off while a device is actively transferring data, check overheating, Battery Saver, software faults, and carrier service rather than only extending the timeout.

12. Let an Overheating Phone Cool Down

Mobile data, Wi-Fi transmission, charging, gaming, navigation, and a bright display can create substantial heat. Android may reduce performance or disable features to protect the battery and internal components.

If the phone feels unusually hot:

• Disconnect the charger temporarily if safe to do so.
• Remove a thick case.
• Stop gaming, recording, navigation, or other demanding apps.
• Move the phone away from sunlight or a hot vehicle.
• Place it in a cool, shaded, ventilated area.
• Turn the hotspot off until the phone cools naturally.

Do not put the phone in a refrigerator, freezer, or against ice. Rapid cooling can create condensation and damage the device.

13. Check the Correct SIM for Mobile Data

Dual-SIM Android phones can use one SIM for calls and another for data. The hotspot shares the currently selected mobile-data connection.

Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs or Settings > Connections > SIM manager, then check:

• Which SIM is selected for Mobile data
• Whether that SIM has an active data plan
• Whether mobile data is enabled
• Whether roaming is required and authorised
• Whether the carrier supports tethering on that line

After switching the data SIM, wait for the cellular indicator to return before enabling the hotspot.

14. Check Hotspot Data and Carrier Restrictions

An “unlimited” phone plan does not always include unlimited high-speed hotspot data. A carrier may:

• Provide a separate tethering allowance
• Reduce hotspot speed after a threshold
• Block hotspot use on a particular plan
• Require a hotspot add-on
• Restrict tethering while roaming
• Treat connected-device traffic differently from phone traffic

Check the carrier app, account portal, current plan terms, and data-usage page. If mobile data works on the phone but every hotspot device has no internet, ask the carrier whether tethering is provisioned correctly on the line.

Google notes that some mobile carriers limit or charge extra for tethering. Do not attempt to bypass plan restrictions with altered APNs or untrusted apps.

15. Disable VPN and Security Apps Temporarily

A VPN changes how the phone routes internet traffic. Some VPNs support tethered devices, while others protect only traffic created on the phone or block local-network sharing.

Temporarily disconnect:

• VPN apps
• Firewall apps
• Ad blockers that use a local VPN
• DNS-filtering tools
• Corporate security agents where policy permits

Then turn the hotspot off and on and test again.

If the hotspot works, inspect the VPN’s settings for LAN access, local-network sharing, split tunnelling, or tethering support. On a work-managed phone, contact the administrator instead of weakening required security.

16. Test Private DNS

Private DNS problems can create a situation where connected devices have an IP connection but websites do not resolve.

1. Open Settings.
2. Search for Private DNS.
3. Note the current provider.
4. Temporarily select Automatic.
5. Restart the hotspot and test.

Do not select Off permanently unless necessary. If Automatic works, the custom DNS provider may be unavailable or incompatible with the current carrier or tethering configuration.

17. Disable Data Saver Temporarily

Data Saver restricts background data and can affect some applications or manufacturer hotspot behaviors.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver, or search Settings for Data Saver.
2. Turn it off temporarily.
3. Restart Mobile Hotspot.

If this fixes the issue, review unrestricted-data permissions instead of leaving every app unrestricted.

18. Update Android and Carrier Components

System updates can repair modem, Wi-Fi, hotspot, security, and compatibility bugs.

1. Open Settings > System > Software update or Settings > Software update.
2. Check for updates.
3. Install the available stable update.
4. Restart the phone.

Also update:

• Carrier Services from Google Play where installed
• Google Play system update
• The receiving laptop’s Wi-Fi driver
• The connecting device’s operating system

If the problem began immediately after an Android update, check the manufacturer’s support page and known issues before performing a factory reset.

19. Reset the APN to Carrier Defaults

The Access Point Name tells Android how to connect to the carrier’s data network. Some carriers use specific APN values for data or tethering.

Do not copy random APN settings from videos or websites. Use only values supplied by the carrier.

To reset the APN on many phones:

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs or Connections > Mobile networks.
2. Select Access Point Names.
3. Open the menu.
4. Choose Reset to default.
5. Restart the phone.

If the APN menu is locked, the carrier controls it. Contact the provider if mobile data works but hotspot provisioning repeatedly fails.

20. Reset Mobile Network or Network Settings

Use a network reset after the simpler changes fail.

On Pixel and many Android phones:

1. Open Settings > System > Reset options.
2. Choose the reset covering mobile network settings, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
3. Review what will be erased.
4. Confirm and restart.

On Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open Settings > General management > Reset.
2. Select Reset mobile network settings or Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, depending on the problem and software version.
3. Confirm the reset.

This can remove saved Wi-Fi networks, paired Bluetooth devices, custom network preferences, and related settings. It does not normally delete photos, apps, or documents.

Reconnect to the cellular network, recreate the hotspot, and enter the password again on the receiving device.

21. Test Another Device

Connect a second laptop, phone, or tablet to the hotspot.

• Only one device fails: Forget the network, update its Wi-Fi driver, disable and re-enable its Wi-Fi adapter, and check band and WPA compatibility.
• Every device fails to see the hotspot: Check hidden-network and 2.4GHz settings.
• Every device connects without internet: Check mobile data, SIM, carrier tethering, VPN, DNS, and APN.
• Every device disconnects: Check timeout, overheating, battery saving, signal, and Android updates.

This test prevents unnecessary changes to a phone whose hotspot is working correctly.

22. Try USB or Bluetooth Tethering

An alternative tethering method can restore temporary internet access and reveal whether the failure is limited to the Wi-Fi hotspot radio.

USB tethering

1. Connect the phone to a computer with a data-capable USB cable.
2. Unlock the phone.
3. Open Hotspot & tethering or Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
4. Enable USB tethering.

If the option is greyed out, try another cable or USB port. Many charging-only cables cannot transfer data.

USB tethering is often faster and more stable than Bluetooth and charges the phone, although sustained use can increase heat.

Bluetooth tethering

Pair the devices through Bluetooth, enable Bluetooth tethering on the Android phone, and select the network-access option on the receiving device.

Bluetooth is slower than Wi-Fi or USB but uses less power and can be useful for basic browsing.

Availability and compatibility vary by phone, computer, and operating system.

23. Start the Android Phone in Safe Mode

Safe Mode temporarily disables downloaded applications. Use it when the hotspot stopped after installing a VPN, firewall, cleaner, battery optimizer, security tool, or device-management app.

Safe Mode entry differs by manufacturer. On many Android phones, hold the power button, then touch and hold Power off until the Safe Mode prompt appears.

After restarting in Safe Mode:

1. Turn on mobile data.
2. Enable the hotspot.
3. Connect another device.

If it works, a downloaded app is likely interfering. Restart normally and remove recently installed network, security, or battery-management apps one at a time.

Safe Mode may be restricted on managed phones, and certain widgets or downloaded keyboard settings can appear temporarily unavailable.

Hotspot Connects but Has No Internet

When a device joins successfully, Wi-Fi broadcasting and password authentication are working. Focus on the connection between the phone and the mobile network.

Check in this order:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi on the phone and test mobile data directly.
2. Verify the correct SIM is selected.
3. Check signal strength and account data balance.
4. Disconnect VPN and set Private DNS to Automatic temporarily.
5. Check carrier hotspot allowance.
6. Reset the APN to carrier defaults.
7. Restart the cellular connection with Airplane mode.
8. Reset mobile network settings.

If phone data works but tethered data fails on every device, the carrier or plan is a strong possibility.

Hotspot Is Not Showing Up

Use these settings:

• Change the hotspot band to 2.4GHz.
• Turn off Hidden network.
• Shorten the network name and use ordinary letters and numbers.
• Turn hotspot off and on after saving changes.
• Move the devices closer together.
• Restart Wi-Fi on the receiving device.
• Test a second receiving device.

An older smart TV, console, printer, or laptop is especially likely to have 5GHz or WPA3 compatibility limitations.

Hotspot Keeps Turning Off

Check:

• Automatic timeout when no devices are connected
• Battery Saver or hotspot Power saving mode
• Phone overheating
• Low battery level
• Weak or frequently changing cellular signal
• A sleeping laptop that disconnects from Wi-Fi
• Carrier or software restrictions
• Recent Android update problems

Keep the phone ventilated and extend the timeout only as much as needed. Leaving a hotspot active unnecessarily consumes battery and exposes the network name to nearby devices.

Android Hotspot Is Slow

Hotspot speed cannot exceed the phone’s cellular connection and is shared among every connected device.

To improve it:

• Move to a location with stronger mobile coverage.
• Place the phone near a window but away from direct sunlight.
• Disconnect unused hotspot devices.
• Stop cloud backups and large downloads.
• Use 5GHz when both devices are nearby and compatible.
• Use 2.4GHz when range and wall penetration matter more.
• Try USB tethering for one computer.
• Allow an overheated phone to cool.
• Check whether the carrier has reduced hotspot speed.

Switching from 4G to 5G is not always faster in a weak-coverage area. Test the available network modes rather than assuming the 5G indicator guarantees better performance.

When the Problem May Be Hardware Related

Hardware service may be required when:

• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and hotspot all fail.
• The phone was dropped or exposed to liquid.
• The hotspot works only when devices are extremely close.
• The phone cannot detect any Wi-Fi networks.
• Network resets and official software repair make no difference.
• The phone overheats abnormally with minimal use.

Back up the phone before repair. A factory reset should not be the first response to a hotspot problem, but a service centre may request one after data is backed up to rule out software corruption.

Also Read:

• How to Share WiFi Password on Android: 5 Easy Methods
• WiFi Calling Not Working on Android? 12 Fixes That Actually Work
• Can WiFi Owner See What Sites I Visit on My Phone? (Answered)
• How to Find Saved WiFi Passwords on Android (Simple Steps)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Android hotspot connected but not providing internet?

The hotspot Wi-Fi connection is working, but the phone may have no usable mobile data, the wrong data SIM may be selected, the carrier may restrict tethering, or a VPN, DNS, or APN setting may be interfering.

Why can’t my laptop see my phone hotspot?

Set the hotspot band to 2.4GHz and disable Hidden network. Older laptop adapters may not support the selected 5GHz channel or security configuration.

Why does my hotspot say authentication problem?

Forget the network, verify the password, and try WPA2 or WPA2/WPA3 compatibility instead of WPA3-only security. Also check whether the device is blocked.

Does unlimited data include unlimited hotspot use?

Not always. Carriers can apply a separate hotspot allowance, speed cap, add-on requirement, or roaming restriction. Check the exact plan terms.

Can a VPN stop Android hotspot from working?

Yes. Some VPNs do not route tethered traffic or block local-network sharing. Disconnect the VPN temporarily and inspect its LAN or tethering settings.

Should I use 2.4GHz or 5GHz for my hotspot?

Use 2.4GHz for compatibility and range. Use 5GHz for potentially higher speed when both devices support it and remain close together.

Why does my hotspot turn off by itself?

The automatic timeout, Battery Saver, overheating protection, low battery, or a software fault may disable it. Extend the no-device timeout and test without power-saving modes.

Will resetting network settings delete my photos?

No. It normally removes saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile-network, and related connection settings, not personal files. Review the confirmation screen on your phone.

Can I share Wi-Fi instead of mobile data?

Some Android phones, including supported Samsung Galaxy models, offer Wi-Fi sharing or repeater-like hotspot behavior. Availability varies by manufacturer, carrier, and model.

Is USB tethering better than Wi-Fi hotspot?

USB tethering can be more stable and is useful for one computer. Wi-Fi is more convenient for multiple devices. USB requires a compatible data cable and driver support.

Do I need a third-party hotspot app?

Usually not. Android includes hotspot and tethering controls. Third-party apps cannot override carrier restrictions safely and may add privacy or security risks.

Should I factory reset the phone?

Only after backups and after mobile-data tests, band changes, carrier checks, updates, Safe Mode, APN reset, and network reset have failed. Professional diagnosis may be more appropriate when all wireless functions fail.

The fastest solution depends on the symptom. Use 2.4GHz and a visible WPA2-compatible network when devices cannot find or join the hotspot. Check mobile data, SIM selection, VPN, DNS, APN, and the carrier plan when they connect without internet. For a hotspot that switches off or slows down, focus on timeout settings, battery saving, heat, cellular signal, and data limits before resetting the entire phone.