Quick answer
If your phone hotspot is not working, confirm mobile data works on the host phone and your plan supports tethering. Turn the hotspot off and back on, restart both devices, forget the hotspot network on the connecting device, and reconnect with the correct password. Save network resets for later because they remove saved network settings.
Common causes
- Mobile data is unavailable or weak.
- The carrier plan does not support hotspot use or has reached a limit.
- An incorrect hotspot password or stale saved connection.
- VPN, data-saving, battery-saving, or compatibility settings.
- A temporary network or operating-system problem.
Safe fixes
1. Test mobile data on the host phone
Turn Wi-Fi off temporarily and open a website using cellular data. If the host phone itself has no mobile internet, fix that connection first.
2. Restart the hotspot
Turn Personal Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Keep the hotspot settings screen open during the first connection attempt if your phone requires it.
3. Forget and reconnect
On the device trying to connect, forget the saved hotspot Wi-Fi network and reconnect using the current password. Keep both devices close during testing.
4. Restart both devices
A restart can clear temporary radio and network problems without deleting saved data.
5. Check compatibility settings
Some older devices connect more reliably to 2.4 GHz than 5 GHz. If your phone provides a compatibility option, test it. Also temporarily disable a VPN to determine whether it is involved, then restore your preferred security settings.
6. Check carrier and plan restrictions
Hotspot availability can depend on the mobile plan, account status, network coverage, and carrier configuration. If mobile data works but hotspot options are missing or consistently blocked, contact the carrier rather than changing unrelated phone settings.
7. Reset network settings only as a later step
If multiple devices cannot connect after simpler troubleshooting, a network-settings reset may help. Before doing this, record Wi-Fi passwords and any custom network settings because they may be removed.
What not to do
- Do not factory-reset the phone as an early hotspot fix.
- Do not install unknown tethering apps or configuration profiles.
- Do not disable hotspot security or use an easy public password.
When further help is needed
If hotspot fails with several client devices while normal mobile data works, check the carrier first. If Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and hotspot functions all fail after an impact, liquid exposure, or system troubleshooting, qualified hardware diagnosis may be appropriate.
FAQ
Why can a laptop see my hotspot but not connect?
A stale saved password, incompatible Wi-Fi band, security setting, or temporary network problem can cause this. Forget the network and reconnect before resetting anything.
Why does hotspot connect but show no internet?
The host phone may have weak/no mobile data, the carrier may restrict tethering, or a VPN/network setting may interfere.
Related guides
If Wi-Fi repeatedly drops on your phone, see our phone Wi-Fi disconnecting guide. For Android internet problems, see our Android Wi-Fi connected but no internet guide.