Hotspot Not Working? Here's How to Fix It Easily in 2025

Mobile hotspots are a brilliant solution for keeping your other devices connected to the internet when you're on the move. However, as with any type of wireless connection, they are prone to issues.

Fortunately, for as many things as there are that go wrong with a hotspot, there are an equivalent number of fixes. In this article, we'll point to the most up-to-date troubleshooting methods for a non-working hotspot connection. Read on as we explain what to do if your hotspot isn't working in 2025.

Issue #1: Personal Hotspot Isn’t Turned On in Settings

One of the most straightforward reasons your hotspot might not be functioning is simply because it hasn’t been turned on in your device’s settings. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this gets overlooked.

How To Fix

Fixing this issue is simple. Here's how to do it on Android and iPhone.

For Android Users:

1. Head over to “Settings.”
2. Tap on “Connections” or “Network & Internet,” depending on your device.
3. Select “Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.”
4. Flip the switch next to “Mobile Hotspot” to “On.”

For Apple Users:

1. Open “Settings.”
2. Tap on “Personal Hotspot” or “Cellular” and then “Personal Hotspot,” depending on your iOS version.
3. Toggle the “Allow Others to Join” option to “On.”

Just like that, you’ll have your mobile hotspot back up and running.

Issue #2: You Have an Incorrect WiFi Password

If you have a phone hotspot and it’s password-protected, make sure to look at the password and ensure that you’ve entered it correctly on the device you want to connect.

How To Fix

The first troubleshooting fix is obvious: type in the correct password for the personal hotspot connection. But what if that doesn’t solve the issue?

In that case, try changing the password on your hotspot. This may reset the device’s hotspot password driver enough that your friend can connect. Make your hotspot password something simpler (although not easy to guess) so your friend doesn’t have as much chance of entering the wrong password by accident.

Issue #3: "Allow Others To Join" Isn’t Turned On

Wondering why no one can connect to your hotspot? It might just be because the “Allow Others to Join” option isn’t activated. This one’s most common for iPhone and iPad users. As its name implies, the option allows other people to join your hotspot connection. Turned off, it locks others out from joining your Wi-Fi.

How To Fix This Hotspot Issue

Follow these steps to allow others to join your hotspot:

1. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap “Personal Hotspot” or select “Personal Hotspot” under the “Cellular” menu.
3. Here, you’ll find the “Allow Others to Join” option. Simply toggle this to “On.”

This action makes your hotspot visible and accessible to others, allowing them to enjoy your internet connection.

Issue #4: Your Device Isn’t On the Latest Version of iOS or Android Software

Something as innocuous as an outdated operating system can be the culprit behind your hotspot hiccups. Updating your device can resolve a multitude of issues, not just with hotspots but with your device’s overall performance. So an update might be in order if you’re running into problems that don’t seem to go away after a restart.

How To Fix

Thankfully, everything you need to do is built right into your device. That’s true whether you’re using an Android or iPhone. Let’s look at the iPhone’s operating system first, iOS.

For iOS Devices:

1. Open “Settings.”
2. Head to “General,” then “Software Update.”
3. If there’s an update available, tap “Download and Install.”

For Android Devices:

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Scroll down to “System,” then “System Update.”
3. Follow the prompts to download and install any available updates.

Issue #5: Maximize Compatibility Isn’t Turned On

For users with newer Apple devices, like the 14th-generation iPhone 12 or later, the 11-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation or later), the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation or later), or the iPad mini (6th generation), there’s a feature called “Maximize Compatibility.” 

This is particularly useful when connecting older devices to your hotspot.

How To Fix

Activating Maximize Compatibility is simple: 

1. Open “Settings” and go to “Personal Hotspot.”
2. Look for the “Maximize Compatibility” option and toggle it on.

This setting adjusts your hotspot to be more compatible with a wider range of devices, ensuring everyone can connect regardless of their gadget’s age. Remember that while this can improve connections, it could also result in slower internet use. There’s a trade-off to consider.

Issue #6: Your Internet Connection Isn’t Working

Whether you have an Android or Apple device, sometimes your internet connection lets you down. Remember, hotspots only work if your phone has access to the internet in general. Similarly, if your internet connection isn’t working because you’ve exceeded your mobile data plan’s limit for the month, you may not be able to use your hotspot (or, even if you can get it running, it may be useless).

How To Fix

If you can’t connect to the Internet because of your location, move out of the area and try setting your hotspot up again. If none of these methods work, move on to other potential problems.

Issue #7: The Wi-Fi of the Connected Device Isn’t Working

The problem may be with the Wi-Fi connection of the device you want to connect to your phone’s hotspot. For example, if your device is working and you have hotspot cellular data to work with, but your friend’s laptop or cell phone won’t connect to the hotspot, it could be that the problem is on their end.

You can test this by trying to connect your phone hotspot to another phone or computer. If that works, the problem is not your hotspot – it’s the device trying to connect to the hotspot. 

How To Fix

There are plenty of reasons why this could be the case and just as many possible fixes.

For example, you can turn the Wi-Fi network setting on the to-be-connected device on and off again to see if that solves the issue. Or you can try a reboot for the phone — this works for Samsung and Apple iOS phones. If the problems are serious with your mobile network, you may have to reset network settings. 

Issue #8: You’re Using Low Power Mode

On Android and Apple devices like iPhones, battery saver or low power mode may prevent anyone from using your phone’s hotspot. That’s because battery-saver mode limits your phone’s nonessential functions to conserve battery. While this isn’t supposed to prevent you from starting or connecting to a hotspot, it can happen, particularly on Android phones.

How To Fix This Hotspot Issue

Fixing this is similarly easy: turn the battery-saver mode off and see if you or your friend can connect to your phone’s hotspot afterward. If turning off battery-saver mode doesn’t solve the problem, consider recharging your phone to a higher power level. It may be that your phone won’t turn hotspot functionality back on until it has enough juice to run the operation entirely.

Issue #9: Automatic Hotspot Switching Is On

Some Android phones also have a feature called automatic hotspot switching. Your hotspot’s data connection may turn off if a device isn’t connected for a few minutes or more.

How To Fix This Hotspot Issue

Fortunately, this is an easy fix to get your hotspot connection up and running. Open up the Settings app on your Android device, then:

• Tap Connections.
• Tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
• Tap Mobile Hotspot.
• Tap Auto Hotspot’s toggle and turn it off. You’ll know you’ve done it correctly when the toggle has a gray background.

Then, once you turn your hotspot on, it will stay on until you manually turn it off.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are many potential reasons why your hotspot may not work. Whether you have an Apple or Android device, the above fixes should help you get your Internet connectivity back to where it should be in no time.

Of course, you may also have an outdated phone. In that case, it may be time to upgrade your mobile. Our free, unbiased Phone Deal Finder below can help you compare dozens of different phone offers to find the right smartphone for your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my iPhone hotspot not working?

If your iPhone’s hotspot isn’t working, first make sure your carrier has enabled it and your plan includes hotspot support. Try restarting both your iPhone and the device you’re trying to connect. Also, check that your iPhone is up to date with the latest iOS version.

Why does my hotspot say it’s connected, but there’s no internet?

If your hotspot says it’s connected but there’s no internet, it might be a signal issue. Make sure your device is close enough to the hotspot since walls or distance can weaken the connection. Check the signal strength—try to receive at least three bars (or a high percentage) to get a stable connection.

Can you use a hotspot without an internet connection?

A hotspot won’t work without an active service plan, meaning you won’t be able to access the internet, make Wi-Fi calls, or send messages. To use these features, your device needs to have hotspot services enabled through your plan.