When you enable your Android phone’s Wi-Fi hotspot but connected devices can’t access the internet, it defeats the purpose of tethering. Hotspot issues can arise from misconfigured settings, carrier restrictions, software bugs, or client-device problems. This guide offers 12 clear, step-by-step solutions—each with active verbs and numbered instructions—to restore your hotspot’s data sharing capability.

How do I fix Android phone Wi-Fi hotspot not sharing data?

Verify Mobile Data Is Active

Your hotspot relies on the phone’s cellular data. If mobile data is disabled, no internet will pass through.

Steps

  • Open Settings → Network & internet (or Connections).
  • Tap Mobile network → ensure Mobile data is toggled On.
  • Swipe down Quick Settings and confirm the Data icon is highlighted.
  • Open a browser or streaming app on your phone to confirm mobile data works before tethering.

Check Your Data Plan and Carrier Restrictions

Some plans or carriers block tethering or require a separate hotspot add-on.

Steps

  • Log in to your carrier’s app or website.
  • Check your plan details for hotspot or tethering allowances.
  • If tethering is disallowed, purchase a hotspot add-on or upgrade your plan.
  • Contact your carrier’s support line if unclear whether tethering is permitted.

Enable and Configure the Hotspot Correctly

Incorrect hotspot setup can prevent internet sharing even when mobile data works.

Steps

  • Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering.
  • Tap Wi-Fi hotspot, then Turn on.
  • Tap Hotspot name and set an easy SSID (e.g., “MyHotspot”).
  • Tap Hotspot password and choose a secure WPA2 password.
  • Under AP band, set to 2.4 GHz if some devices fail to see a 5 GHz network.
  • Save settings and retry connecting a client.

Disable Data Saver and Battery Saver Modes

Data Saver limits background data and may block tethering. Battery Saver can throttle hotspot performance.

Steps

  • Settings → Network & internet → Data Saver → toggle Off, or add your hotspot as an Unrestricted app.
  • Settings → Battery → Battery Saver → toggle Off.
  • Reboot the phone and test the hotspot connection again.

Reset Access Point Name (APN) Settings

APN misconfigurations can block data access, including tethering.

Steps

  • Settings → Network & internet → Mobile network → Advanced → Access Point Names.
  • Tap the three-dot menu → Reset to default.
  • If your carrier provided a custom APN, re-enter the settings given by your carrier.
  • Save and reboot the phone before enabling the hotspot again.

Limit Number of Connected Devices

Exceeding the hotspot’s client-limit can prevent additional devices from accessing data.

Steps

  • Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering → Wi-Fi hotspot.
  • Tap Connected devices, view the list.
  • If the maximum (often 5–10) is reached, disconnect unused devices.
  • Optionally, reduce Allowed devices limit to prevent overload.

Update Your Phone’s Software and Carrier Services

Outdated system software or carrier services can introduce hotspot bugs.

Steps

  • Settings → System (or About phone) → System update → Check for updates → install any available.
  • Settings → Apps & notifications → See all apps → find Carrier Services or Your carrier’s app, and update via Play Store if prompted.
  • Reboot and retest the hotspot.

Forget and Re-Add the Wi-Fi Network on Client Devices

Client-side network settings can block internet sharing if the network profile is corrupted.

Steps

  • On the client device, go to Wi-Fi settings.
  • Tap your hotspot’s SSID → Forget.
  • Scan for networks, select your hotspot SSID, and re-enter the password.
  • Test browsing or streaming to confirm internet access.

Check for VPN or Proxy Interference

Active VPN or proxy services on your Android phone can route hotspot traffic incorrectly.

Steps

  • Open your VPN app and toggle Off, or disconnect from the VPN server.
  • Settings → Network & internet → Proxy → set to None.
  • Disable any firewall or ad-blocker apps that might intercept traffic.
  • Reactivate the hotspot and test connectivity.

Use USB or Bluetooth Tethering as an Alternative

If Wi-Fi tethering fails, alternate tethering methods can restore data sharing.

Steps for USB Tethering

  • Connect your phone to a PC with a USB cable.
  • Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering → USB tethering → toggle On.
  • The PC should detect a new Ethernet connection and share internet.

Steps for Bluetooth Tethering

  • Pair your phone with the client device via Bluetooth.
  • Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering → Bluetooth tethering → toggle On.
  • Configure the client to use the phone as a Bluetooth network adapter.

Reset Network Settings

A network reset clears all Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth configurations and often cures stubborn tethering bugs.

Steps

  • Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
  • Tap Reset settings and enter your PIN to confirm.
  • Re-configure your hotspot and reconnect clients.

Note: This also wipes saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings; re-enter them as needed.

Factory Reset Your Phone as a Last Resort

When all software fixes fail, a factory reset returns your phone to a clean state, eliminating deep-rooted system errors.

Preparation

  • Backup contacts, photos, and app data via Settings → System → Backup or Google Drive.
  • Note any custom APN or VPN settings you’ll need to re-enter.

Reset Steps

  • Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset).
  • Confirm and wait for the phone to erase and reboot.
  • After setup, re-enable mobile data, configure the hotspot, and test sharing.

Warning: Factory reset erases all personal data—use only if tethering still fails after all other steps.

Conclusion

A malfunctioning Android hotspot can disrupt your workflow and connectivity on the go. By systematically following these 12 solutions—from verifying mobile data and plan allowances, resetting APNs, toggling power-savers, updating firmware, to resetting network settings and, if needed, factory resetting—you’ll eliminate the most common causes of hotspot data sharing failures. Combine these fixes with preventive habits—keep your software updated, monitor data usage, and limit connected devices—to ensure reliable tethering whenever you need to share your Android phone’s internet.

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