1. Confirm your hotspot is enabled

Check that your hotspot is turned on.  If your hotspot was left idle with no devices connected, it may have automatically turned off. Here’s how to enable your mobile hotspot.

2. Confirm your data is working

Test your mobile data by loading a webpage like Ting.com. If the page doesn’t load, you may need to troubleshoot your data connection.

3. Restart and turn off battery-saving mode

Restarting your phone can often resolve hotspot issues. After restarting, disable any battery-saving modes that might interfere with your hotspot.

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Battery.
3. ‍Select Low Power Mode.
4. Toggle Low Power Mode off.

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Battery and Device Care.
3. Select Battery.
4. Turn off Power saving or Battery Saver.

4. Adjust Wi-Fi or VPN settings

If you’re using a VPN, it might be blocking your hotspot connection. Turn off your VPN to check if it resolves the issue.

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Toggle off VPN.

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Select More connection settings.
4. Locate your VPN and disable it.

5. Check for software updates

Outdated software can cause hotspot issues. Ensure your phone is updated to the latest operating system.

iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. Install any available updates.

Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Software update or System update.
3. Tap Install Now if an update is available.

6. Lower the frequency band

Some devices only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, while newer phones may default to 5 GHz. Adjust your hotspot to use a compatible frequency band.

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Personal Hotspot.
3. Enable Maximize Compatibility to force the 2.4 GHz band.

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Select Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
4. Tap Mobile Hotspot.
5. Select Configure.
6. Tap Band.
7. Select 2.4 GHz.

7. Reset your network settings

If all else fails, reset your network settings. This will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords but won’t delete your data.

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Choose Reset.
4. Tap Reset Network Settings and confirm with your passcode.

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select General Management.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Select Reset network settings.
5. Tap Reset settings to confirm.