ProblemThe Android phone acts as a hotspot for another device. This differs from the phone itself failing to join a Wi-Fi network. Sharing data also depends on the carrier and plan.

Android hotspot doesn’t appear or won’t connect

Check that the hotspot is on and use its current name and password. If it connects but has no internet, check the phone’s mobile data.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~3 min

  1. Confirm the name and that it remains onAndroid menu names vary by manufacturer.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Confirm the name and that it remains on

Android menu names vary by manufacturer.

  1. In the phone settings, open Hotspot or Tethering and turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot. Check its name and current password without publishing it or sending it to strangers.

  2. Bring the connecting device nearby, select that name and enter the correct password. If the hotspot turned itself off, enable it again; some phones support automatic shutoff when no devices are connected.

02

Separate hotspot connection from internet access

Sharing data can consume your allowance or incur charges.

  1. If the other device connects but cannot browse, check that the phone has available mobile data and that it works independently. If it does not, use the mobile-data guide.

  2. Confirm that the carrier and plan allow tethering. If tethering is restricted, check the terms; do not change identifiers or settings to evade the restriction.

Next step

Still not working?

If it stays invisible or rejects the correct password while on, contact the manufacturer with both device models. If it connects but the plan does not enable shared internet, contact the carrier; not every plan includes it.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.

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