The hotspot feature on Android is extremely useful when you need to share your mobile data with other devices. But when the hotspot refuses to turn on, keeps disconnecting, doesn’t give internet access, or doesn’t appear on other devices, it becomes very frustrating.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to fix every type of hotspot problem — from basic connection issues to advanced APN configuration errors. Whether your hotspot won’t turn on, won’t stay connected, or provides no internet, this guide will help you fix it step-by-step.
Common Hotspot Problems on Android
Here are the most frequent issues users face:
- Hotspot won’t turn on
- Other devices can’t find the hotspot
- Connected but no internet
- Hotspot disconnects frequently
- Slow hotspot speed
- Only some devices can connect
- Hotspot turns off automatically
- Hotspot blocked by carrier (rare)
Fix 1: Restart Phone to Clear Temporary Conflicts
A restart resets temporary system errors and mobile data conflicts. This alone fixes hotspot problems for many users.
How to do it:
- Hold the Power button
- Select Restart
- Wait for the phone to reboot and test the hotspot again
Fix 2: Turn Mobile Data Off and On Again
Hotspot depends entirely on mobile data. If data is not working properly, hotspot won’t work either.
- Swipe down and turn Mobile Data off
- Wait 5 seconds
- Turn it back on
Check if the hotspot works now.
Fix 3: Disable Battery Saver or Power Saving Mode
Battery Saver reduces background processes and blocks hotspot functions to save power.
Turn it off:
- Go to Settings → Battery
- Disable Power Saving Mode
If you have Ultra Power Saving Mode turned on, hotspot will not work at all.
Fix 4: Turn Off Data Saver Mode
Data Saver restricts background data and can prevent hotspot from providing internet to other devices.
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver
- Turn it OFF
Fix 5: Change Hotspot Band (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
If other devices can’t find or connect to your hotspot, the frequency band may be the issue.
- Go to Settings → Hotspot & Tethering → WiFi Hotspot
- Tap AP Band
- Select 2.4GHz (more compatible)
5GHz is faster but older devices might not support it.
Fix 6: Change Hotspot Name (SSID) and Password
Sometimes, devices fail to connect because of saved wrong settings.
- Rename your hotspot to something new
- Set a new password
- Reconnect devices again
Fix 7: Check if Your Plan Supports Hotspot
Rare, but some carriers block hotspot on certain plans.
Signs your carrier might block hotspot:
- Hotspot turns on but no internet
- Error: “Hotspot not allowed”
- Hotspot requires subscription
If this is the case, contact carrier support or try using a VPN.
Fix 8: Reset APN Settings (Fixes No Internet Problem)
If devices connect but get no internet, your APN settings may be incorrect.
Reset APN:
- Go to Settings → Network → Mobile Network
- Tap Access Point Names (APN)
- Tap the menu → Reset to Default
This restores correct network configuration.
Fix 9: Reset Network Settings
This fix solves 80% of hotspot problems because it resets:
- Mobile data settings
- WiFi settings
- Bluetooth settings
How to reset:
- Go to Settings → System → Reset
- Select Reset Network Settings
Fix 10: Disable VPN
VPNs reroute traffic and often break hotspot functionality.
Turn VPN off and test the hotspot again.
Fix 11: Turn Off Bluetooth
Some Android phones can’t handle hotspot + Bluetooth at the same time due to radio interference.
- Turn off Bluetooth
- Turn on Hotspot
Fix 12: Check Maximum Connections Limit
Your hotspot may have a limit like 1, 2, or 5 devices.
- Go to Hotspot Settings
- Increase Maximum Connections
Fix 13: Check if Another Device is Already Using Hotspot
Some phones disable hotspot when connected to WiFi — depending on the model.
Turn WiFi off before starting hotspot.
Fix 14: Clear System Cache (Android Devices with Recovery Mode)
Corrupted system cache can break hotspot functions.
How to wipe cache:
- Turn off your phone
- Hold Power + Volume Up
- Select Wipe Cache Partition
- Reboot
This does NOT delete your data.
Fix 15: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If no fix works, the system might be corrupted.
Warning: This deletes everything, so back up first.
When to Replace Your Phone
If hotspot fails even after resets, your phone may have hardware issues:
- Overheating radio chip
- Damaged WiFi module
- Old Android version with bugs
- Corrupted firmware
Devices older than 5–6 years often show repeated hotspot issues.
Conclusion
Hotspot problems on Android are extremely common, but most of them are easy to fix. Whether you’re dealing with no internet, connection drops, or hotspot not turning on, the solutions in this guide will help you restore full functionality.
If you continue experiencing issues, resetting APNs or performing a network reset usually solves the problem. For more troubleshooting guides, browse our Network, WiFi & SIM Issues category.