Why your hotspot isn't working and how to fix it

⚡️Fast fix

• Clear temporary glitches: Restart your phone, laptop, and other hotspot-connected devices. 
• Verify your data connection: Check whether your phone's cellular bars are visible.
• Adjust settings: Turn off Wi-Fi and activate mobile data, then enable the hotspot.

You're lounging in a coffee shop, browsing the news on your laptop with your hotspot enabled. Then the connection drops. The website goes blank, and you can't pull up other web pages. "Why is my hotspot not working?" you wonder.

Asurion Experts keep your devices running smoothly. Whether you're wondering how to set up a hotspot for a student or why your Windows laptop isn't connecting to a hotspot, we have an answer. Use these tips to fix a broken hotspot.

Fixing hotspot issues on your iPhone

The iPhone® built-in hotspot is useful when you're on the go. But it's not always reliable. If your hotspot isn't working on your iPhone, a few simple settings fixes may get it up and running again.

Start by enabling the Allow Others to Join and Maximize Compatibility settings on your iPhone. If they're not on, you may have trouble using your hotspot with other connected devices. Your hotspot may also have trouble recognizing wireless signals that differ from the one your iPhone uses. Take these steps:

1. Open your iPhone's Settings app.
2. Tap Personal Hotspot.
3. Turn on Allow Others to Join and Maximize Compatibility.
4. Restart your iPhone and attempt the connection again.

Has it been a while since you last updated your iPhone? It happens—but missed updates can cause conflicts with your hotspot settings. Take these steps to check for updates:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > Software Update.
3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Follow the prompts to finish the process. 

Troubleshooting hotspot connections on Android

Android™ devices have a native hotspot you can enable. But before using the hotspot on your phone, you'll want to check its configuration. You can choose a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB cable hotspot.

If you opt for a Bluetooth connection, pair your phone with the other device first. And if you want to use a USB cable, connect it between your phone and the other device. Then, take these steps:

1. Swipe down from the top of your phone's screen.
2. Tap and hold Hotspot.
3. Enable the hotspot:
   • Wi-Fi connection: Tap Wi-Fi hotspot. 
   • Bluetooth connection: Tap Bluetooth tethering.
   • USB connection: Tap USB tethering. 

If your configuration is fine, but your Android hotspot isn't working, check whether the Data Saver or Battery Saver modes are enabled. These can cause a slow hotspot connection or even prevent it from working altogether. Take these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Battery > Battery Saver. Turn off Battery Saver.
3. Return to the Settings menu.
4. Tap Network & internet > Data Saver. Turn off Data Saver.

Then, just restart your phone, and re-try the hotspot.

Checking your data plan and carrier restrictions

Why isn't your hotspot working? If your mobile data works, but your hotspot doesn't, your plan may not permit hotspots. Carriers detect hotspot usage through Access Point Name (APN) settings and network monitoring. 

If a carrier identifies an unallowed hotspot, it will block the connection. Carrier blocks may be the problem if your Verizon hotspot isn't working or you have trouble with another provider. To resolve the issue, speak to your carrier. You may need to purchase an add-on for hotspots or upgrade your plan.

Data caps can also stop a hotspot connection in its tracks. Hotspots burn through data faster than smartphones, especially if you're streaming content on a connected device. To fix this issue, check your data usage for the period. If you're close to your limit, you may notice slower connection speeds due to carrier throttling.

Resolving network errors on your devices

If your hotspot is working, but your laptop or tablet won't connect, you may have a network issue. To fix this, try forgetting the hotspot on your connected device. Wait a few minutes for the connection to terminate, then rejoin the hotspot. You may need to re-enter the hotspot password to connect.

As a last resort, you can reset the network settings on your iPhone or Android smartphone. This erases your saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, but it won't delete your personal information. A network reset can clear temporary glitches that cause an Android or iPhone hotspot not to work. Take these steps based on your device type:

iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
3. Tap Reset Network Settings.

Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General management > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Settings.
   • For some models, you may need to tap System > Reset Options > Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi.

After a network reset, reconnect your smartphone to Wi-Fi before trying a new hotspot connection.