Having complete access to the Internet is an absolute necessity in the modern environment. The general audience uses the internet for purchasing commodities online, extracting information, and maintaining effective communication. Therefore, being restricted by personal hotspots and not working complications can put our lives at a standstill.
According to a recent study, it is estimated that close to 550 million free hotspot areas have been identified around the world in 2022 alone. The observation signifies the importance of internet connectivity especially while traveling to new locations. However, individuals tend to opt for personal hotspot connectivity as public Wi-Fi amenities are coupled with speed and reach limitations.
Therefore, it is imperative to resolve the “personal hotspot not working” working error for optimum internet access throughout. Hotspot connectivity allows us to:
- Work from remote locations with complete convenience.
- Independence from being reliant on Wi-Fi access.
- Sharing the internet with our peers.
- Offers a private and reliable internet source.
- It serves as a great backup internet solution.
Let us understand the fundamentals of this modern technology to address the foremost question “Why is my personal hotspot not working?”
Table of Contents
What is a Personal Hotspot?
Activating hotspot settings on any independent mobile device transforms it into a wireless internet access point. In turn, this allows people to connect with the active hotspot and share internet amenities. A smartphone essentially can be used as a Wi-Fi router possessing all the required features of a wireless router, but on a smaller scale.
External electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and other smartphones can effectively share mobile data with activated hotspot settings. The mobile hotspot uses a wireless cellular signal to connect to the internet.
This nifty feature of sharing internet access comes in clutch while traveling as it swiftly converts 5G, 4G, or even 3G signals to Wi-Fi signals. Consequently, activating mobile hotspots creates a Wi-Fi network that can support multiple users within a 10-meter radius.
Technology Behind Personal Hotspot – How it Works?
The operations of a mobile hotspot are straightforward. The technology involves using wireless carrier networks to offer internet provisions that sometimes may be backed up with Ethernet ports. Hence, individuals need to subscribe to a data plan offered by mobile operators to use hotspot benefits.
The overall performance of a mobile hotspot depends on the efficiency of the carrier network, the present location of the sure, and data connectivity speed. On average, an independent mobile hotspot can accommodate close to 6-7 devices with the maximum being 10. Availing hotspot amenities burns through a significant amount of mobile battery.
Moreover, specific mobile hotspot plans are paired with data caps and throttle limitations. Therefore, using hotspots for internet access should only be considered as a temporary solution as the overall performance and data speed can be adversely affected by an increase in device capacity.
Related Article: Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in the UK – All You Need to Know in 2023
Pros and Cons of Using Personal Hotspot
Let us now review some of the foremost pros and cons of personal hotspot usage:
The Pros
A. Complete Internet Access Throughout
Connecting to hotspots is primarily easy as users only need access to strong carrier signals. Therefore, it proves to be a feasible solution for people who need to travel to remote locations frequently. Users no longer have to worry about internet access while traveling to foreign locations as an active hotspot feature can fulfill all your online needs.
Moreover, additional assistance is offered to individuals who work with two or more devices. For instance, people working with a Wi-Fi-only iPad can effectively use the mobile hotspot feature to gain complete internet access. The hotspot function elevates user experience and offers flexible data solutions.
B. Affordability
The rise in the overall demand for mobile data ensures that a wide range of data packages listed at diverse pricing points are now available. Mobile operators understand that the data need and requirement of every subscriber is different. This factor acts as the primary contributor towards lower data plans offered by carrier networks.
Moreover, a user does not necessarily have to opt for dual mobile plans. Simply activating and using hotspot amenities allows people to use the internet from a single source. In turn, it offers a more affordable solution with controlled phone bills.
C. User-friendly
Activating hotspots on any mobile device is straightforward, be it Android or iOS. All mobile phone manufacturers understand the importance of enhancing user experience which contributes to elevating the brand image concerned. Therefore, the user-friendly feature of mobile hotspots can be activated by simply navigating to the primary settings menu [more on that later].
The Cons
A. Speed and Efficiency Limitations
The introduction of the 5G network has set new standards within the realm of internet speed and efficiency. Therefore, general users have become accustomed to blistering fast data speeds. When it comes to relying on hotspot internet, the overall internet speed is compromised as multiple devices have access to the data provision.
B. Affects Battery-Life
Activating hotspot settings consumes a considerable amount of battery. Draining your mobile battery while being restricted to a remote location is not ideal. Therefore, users must access hotspot benefits only when they have sufficient power backup.
C. Unsecured Network
The overall safety aspect for mobile hotspots is not established at a premium level. Individuals must acknowledge diverse security threats while seeking hotspot assistance from other mobile phone users. Scammers can easily intercept the data if the hotspot amenity functions with encryption issues.
Interesting Read: Share Mobile Data Using Tethering in Android and iPhone – A Complete Guide
Activate Personal Hotspot on Android
Activating personal hotspots is comparatively easy on Android devices. Here is how you can enable the hotspot feature on Android devices:
- Step 1: Unlock your Android device and navigate to the primary Settings menu.
- Step 2: Scroll through and click on “Connection and Sharing”
- Step 3: Identify the “Portable Hotspot” option and click on it.
- Step 4: Toggle ‘On” the Portable Hotspot option to activate.
Android users can also use the quick access menu to enable hotspot. Unlock your Android device and swipe down to check the quick access menu. Tap on the mobile hotspot option to activate.
Activate Personal Hotspot on iOS
iOS users can also enable hotspots by following these simple steps:
- Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and access the primary Settings menu.
- Step 2: Scroll through and tap on “Cellular.”
- Step 3: Users will be able to identify the “Personal Hotspot” option under this banner.
- Step 4: Tap on the option to activate the hotspot.
Establish a legitimate hotspot password to share cellular data with other devices near you.
Troubleshooting the Problem
Activating your personal hotspot is considered to be a safer option than connecting with a public Wi-Fi. However, the overall hotspot performance can be adversely affected by various conditions leading to the “iPhone personal hotspot not working” error.
The root cause of facing hotspot connectivity issues generally stems from the mobile operator. Carrier service providers may face various technical glitches and often choose to put network operations on hold while initiating updates. In turn, carrier subscribers have to be restricted with poor signals which affects hotspot connection.
Moreover, changes in phone settings can also prevent a user from enabling hotspots. Therefore, if your personal hotspot is not working, be sure to inculcate the following solutions.
1. Reboot your Mobile Device
Rebooting a mobile device ensures complete shut down of applications that continue to run in the background. The operating system is refreshed as minor bugs and glitches are instantly fixed. Follow these steps to reboot your phone:
A. Rebooting iPhone
- Step 1: All iOS models use the primary Power button and either of the volume keys to switch off the concerned mobile device. Press and hold the Power button along with a volume key till the power-off slide appears.
- Step 2: Drag the slider down to switch-off
- Step 3: Wait for 30 seconds and then press and hold the Power button to reboot the device.
B. Rebooting Android
- Step 1: Android devices are equipped with a primary Power button that is used to effectively switch off and reboot the concerned phone. Tap and hold the Power button till a pop-up menu appears.
- Step 2: Now click on the Reboot option to restart your Android smartphone.
2. Deactivate Airplane Mode
If your personal hotspot does not work, then it is likely that the Airplane Mode on your device is enabled. Activating the Airplane mode entirely disables mobile data provisions as carrier networks can no longer be accessed by the user concerned. Follow these simple steps to update Airplane Mode settings:
A. Deactivating Airplane Mode on iPhone
- Step 1: Users can enable/disable Airplane mode on iOS devices through the Control Center. Unlock your iPhone and swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center.
- Step 2: Identify the Airplane Mode button and tap on it to switch off.
- Step 3: Reboot your phone if necessary and check for carrier signals to effectively establish a hotspot connection.
B. Deactivating Airplane Mode on Android
- Step 1: Android users can also use the quick access panel to update the Airplane Mode. Unlock the phone and swipe down to view the quick-access menu.
- Step 2: Swipe through to locate the Airplane mode and tap on it to deactivate.
3. Updating Software
Personal hotspot not working iPhone, is a common complication for individuals who choose not to update phone software. Users must ensure to update software to experience optimum mobile phone performance. Ensure to follow these steps to update phone software:
A. Updating iPhone Software
- Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the main Settings menu.
- Step 2: Click on General.
- Step 3: If any updates are available the option for “Software Updates” will be offered. Tap on Install to initiate the software update.
B. Updating Android Software
- Step 1: Unlock your Android phone and navigate to the main Settings menu.
- Step 2: Tap on the “System Apps Updater”
- Step 3: Software updates will be highlighted under this tab. Install software to improve phone performance and share internet through personal hotspot.
The steps highlighted above may vary as Android phone manufacturers conventionally work with diverse setting arrangements.
4. Updating Phone Frequency Band
Mobile phones can transmit data more efficiently over a Wi-Fi network as it incorporates a higher frequency band established at 5 GHz. Connecting with other devices that operate at a different frequency band can be difficult. Therefore, users must update the phone frequency band setting by opting for a lower 2.4 GHz range to successfully access hotspot amenities. Follow these steps to update the setting:
A. Updating on iPhone
- Step 1: Unlock the iPhone and navigate to the main Settings menu.
- Step 2: Scroll through and tap on the Personal Hotspot option.
- Step 3: Tap on the “Maximum Compatibility” option to update the phone frequency band to 2.4 GHz.
B. Updating on Android
- Step 1: Unlock your Android phone and navigate to the primary Settings menu.
- Step 2: Scroll through and select “Connections and Sharing.”
- Step 3: Now click on the “Portable Hotspot” option.
- Step 4: Now select the “Set Up Portable Hotspot” option.
- Step 5: Under this tab the “Select AP Band” option will be available. Tap on it to update the frequency band to 2.4 GHz.
Final Words
Implement the above-mentioned steps to find relevant fixes to the “personal hotspot not working” issue. Users who continue to face difficulty in connecting with personal hotspot must seek assistance from their carrier service provider for instant solutions.
FAQs
How to make your personal hotspot work faster?
The overall range and the availability of carrier signals play vital roles in ensuring optimum hotspot performance. Therefore, users must ensure to be close to the hotspot source while being present in an optimum carrier coverage area.
How can you check data usage of personal hotspots on iOS and Android?
- Android users must follow these steps to track data usage – Settings > Connections and Sharing > Data Usage.
- iOS users must follow these steps to track data usage – Settings > Cellular > Mobile Data > Personal Hotspot. The iOS user will be able to track all the devices that are connected to the hotspot. Tap individual devices to monitor data usage.
Change the name of a personal hotspot on Android/iOS?
- Android users need to follow these steps to change their personal hotspot name – Settings > Connections and Sharing > Portable Hotspot > Set Up Portable Hotspot > Network Name.
- iOS users need to follow these steps to change their personal hotspot name – Settings > General > About > Select and Update hotspot name.
How can I change the password of my personal hotspot?
- Android users need to follow these steps to change their personal hotspot password – Settings > Connections and Sharing > Portable Hotspot > Set Up Portable Hotspot > Update Password.
- iOS users need to follow these steps to change their personal hotspot password – Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot > Update Password.
