Why is my Hotspot not working on my Android?

Sharing data from your Android should be easy, especially while traveling. If you’re having issues, this guide will help you identify the cause and fix it so you can connect your tablet, laptop, or other devices.

Reasons why your Hotspot is not working

There are several reasons why you might have trouble sharing internet on your Android device. Here are some of the most common ones:

• The “Mobile Hotspot” or “Wi-Fi Zone” option is disabled.
• Your plan doesn’t include Hotspot.
• You’ve reached your daily limit for data sharing.
• Airplane mode is enabled.
• There’s a pending Android software update.
• The APN for your eSIM might be misconfigured.
• The mobile data signal is weak.
• You have a different band setup than 2.4 GHz.
• You are sharing the internet with multiple devices.
• You could be experiencing unstable connections or interference.

Troubleshooting tips when your Hotspot is not working

Your eSIM plan includes the option to share internet, but the hotspot isn’t working. Try these step-by-step solutions and check the connection after each attempt: 

On the device providing the Hotspot:

• Disable and then re-enable mobile data.
• Ensure that the “Mobile Hotspot” or “Wi-Fi Zone” option is enabled.
• Make sure your Android software is updated to the latest version.
• Check that you have a strong signal.
• Ensure that the Power saving mode is turned off.
• Set the hotspot band to 2.4 GHz.
• Provide the correct Wi-Fi password for your device to share internet access.
• Don’t leave the “Mobile Hotspot” or “Wi-Fi Zone” screen until you connect the other device to the Wi-Fi network.
• Restart your Android device.
• Reset your Android network settings

On the device that needs to connect to the Internet:

• Turn off Wi-Fi, then turn it back on.
• Ensure you’re using the Wi-Fi network that matches the name of the device sharing the internet.
• Check the Wi-Fi password if you receive a password error when trying to connect.
• Restart the devices you are trying to connect to the Mobile Hotspot.
• Delete the Wi-Fi profile on the connecting device and re-add it.

Steps to apply the possible solutions listed above

To check If your Free Roaming eSIM allows using hotspot:

• Visit the Free Roaming website > Look up your eSIM destination > Click on Technical Specs and check the Hotspot section > If it says Yes, you can share the internet (be sure to check for any limits).

To check that the mobile hotspot feature is ON:

• Open Settings > Tap on Connections > Select Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Zone and Tethering > Check that the Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Zone button is turned ON.
• To see the Wi-Fi password and Network name, you’ve assigned to your device for data sharing, tap on Mobile Hotspot.
• Try sharing data after enabling the Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Zone option.

Why set up the hotspot band?

Choosing the right band can make a big difference in speed and stability. The 2.4 GHz band is especially useful—it works better with older devices, offers a wider range, and handles obstacles like walls more effectively.

To set up the hotspot band:

• Go to Settings > Tao on Connections > Select Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Zone and Tethering > Turn on the Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi Zone button > Go to the Band option > Tap Band again > Select 2.4 GHz.

To disable power saving mode on your Android:

• Go to Settings > Tap on Battery > Power saving and toggle the switch OFF.

To reset network settings on your Android:

If the previous steps haven’t resolved the issue and your hotspot still isn’t working on Android, try resetting your network settings. This can clear out any corrupted data or conflicts that might be interfering with your eSIM connection.

• Go to Settings > Tap on Connection > Select General Management > Then on Reset > Choose Reset mobile network settings > Confirm your selection with the Reset settings option.

To check if your Android is running the latest version of Android:

• Go to Settings > Scroll down > Click on Software Update > Tap Download and Install > If you haven’t updated to the latest version of Android and your hotspot is not working, please click on Install Now. Sometimes, updates can fix bugs that prevent data sharing.
• Try sharing data again after updating your Android software.