The mobile hotspot feature turns your Android device into a portable Wi-Fi router that allows other devices to connect to the internet. It’s extremely useful when you want to share your mobile data with your laptop, tablet, or another phone.
However, many users face a common issue where the mobile hotspot does not work properly. Devices either fail to connect, disconnect repeatedly, or do not receive internet even after connecting.
This guide explains all the effective methods to fix mobile hotspot not working on Android.

Restart Your Phone

Before trying advanced solutions, restart your device. A reboot refreshes system services, resets temporary bugs, and often fixes hotspot issues.

Steps:

1. Hold the Power button.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Try using the hotspot again after rebooting.

Toggle Hotspot Off and On

Refresh the hotspot function to clear minor glitches.

Steps:

1. Swipe down the notification panel.
2. Tap the Hotspot icon to turn it OFF.
3. Wait 5 seconds.
4. Turn it ON again.

This helps when the hotspot fails to broadcast properly.

Check Mobile Data Connection

Your hotspot will not work if your mobile data is weak or disabled.

Make sure:

• Mobile data is enabled.
• Your data plan is active.
• You have enough data balance.

Some carriers reduce or block hotspot usage when data is exhausted.

Turn Off Airplane Mode

Hotspot cannot work when Airplane Mode is enabled because all wireless connections get disabled.

Steps:

1. Open Quick Settings.
2. Ensure Airplane Mode is OFF.

Wait a few seconds for network reconnection.

Disable VPN or Proxy

VPN services can block hotspot functionality or prevent internet sharing.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & Internet.
3. Select VPN.
4. Disconnect any active VPN.

Try using the hotspot again.

Check Hotspot Password and Settings

If another device cannot connect to your hotspot, the password may be incorrect.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & Internet.
3. Select Hotspot & Tethering.
4. Tap Wi-Fi Hotspot.
5. Check the Hotspot name and password.

Make sure you enter the correct password on the other device.

Change Hotspot Frequency Band

Some devices do not support the 5 GHz hotspot band.

Steps:

1. Go to Hotspot settings.
2. Tap AP Band or Hotspot Band.
3. Change it to 2.4 GHz.

2.4 GHz offers better compatibility.

Remove Connected Device Limit

Some phones limit how many devices can connect to the hotspot.

Steps:

1. Go to Wi-Fi Hotspot settings.
2. Look for the “Connected devices limit”.
3. Increase the limit or set it to maximum.

This solves the issue when new devices are not connecting.

Check Data Saver Settings

Data Saver may block hotspot connections to reduce mobile data usage.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & Internet.
3. Select Data Saver.
4. Turn it OFF.

Disable Battery Saver

Battery Saver restricts background data and wireless functions, affecting hotspot performance.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Battery.
3. Turn off Battery Saver.

Try enabling the hotspot again.

Reset Network Settings

If the hotspot still doesn’t work, network settings may be corrupted.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select Reset Options.
4. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
5. Confirm the reset.

This restores all network-related settings.

Update Your Android Software

Software updates fix bugs related to mobile hotspot and tethering.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select System Update.
4. Install available updates.

Restart the phone after updating.

Try Connecting with Another Device

Sometimes the issue is not with your phone but with the device trying to connect.

Try connecting:

• A different phone
• A laptop
• A tablet

If other devices connect successfully, the issue is with the receiving device.

Contact Your Carrier

Some carriers restrict hotspot usage or require a specific plan.

Ask your provider:

• Is hotspot allowed on your plan?
• Is there a temporary restriction?
• Is your SIM experiencing network issues?

Carrier-side restrictions can block hotspot access even if everything is correct on your phone.

Conclusion

Mobile hotspot issues on Android are common and usually caused by incorrect settings, network glitches, or device compatibility problems. By following the steps in this guide—checking the password, switching the band, updating software, and resetting network settings—you can quickly restore hotspot functionality.
If the problem persists, contact your service provider to confirm if hotspot sharing is supported on your plan.