Introduction
Few things are as frustrating as trying to connect to your mobile hotspot, only to find that it doesn’t show up on your other device. Whether you’re using Android, iPhone, Windows, or macOS, this issue can interrupt your work, streaming, or browsing at the worst time.
If you’re facing the mobile hotspot not showing up problem, don’t worry — this comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot and fix it step by step. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this issue and learn how to restore your connection quickly.
Understanding Why Your Mobile Hotspot Is Not Showing Up
When your mobile hotspot disappears or doesn’t appear on your device’s Wi-Fi list, it usually points to a connection or configuration issue. It could be a problem with your phone’s settings, software, network adapter, or even your device compatibility.
The goal here is to isolate the cause — whether it’s your phone, the connected device, or your carrier network — and then fix it efficiently.
Common Causes of Mobile Hotspot Connectivity Problems
There are multiple reasons your hotspot may not appear. The most common include:
- Hotspot feature disabled or incorrectly configured
- Outdated phone software or firmware bugs
- Airplane mode or battery saver interfering with hotspot function
- Incorrect network band selection (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz)
- Bluetooth or VPN conflicts
- Outdated drivers on your laptop or tablet
- Device not scanning for available Wi-Fi networks
Once you identify the likely cause, you can apply the right fix. Let’s look at how to do that step-by-step.
Fixing the “Mobile Hotspot Not Showing Up” Issue
Check if the Hotspot Feature Is Enabled
It might sound simple, but double-check that your mobile hotspot is actually turned on. Go to your device settings:
- Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → Wi-Fi Hotspot
- iPhone: Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Join
Make sure the toggle switch is ON. Then, look at the hotspot name (SSID) and password — confirm that your other device is connecting to the correct network.
Restart Both Devices
A quick restart can often fix invisible hotspots caused by temporary system glitches. Turn off your phone’s hotspot, restart both devices, and try again. This refreshes your phone’s network adapter and clears any minor software hiccups.
Disable and Re-enable Wi-Fi on the Connecting Device
If your hotspot is on but still doesn’t appear on another device, try disabling Wi-Fi and enabling it again. This forces the device to rescan for available networks and may help it detect the hotspot.
Turn Off Airplane Mode and Battery Saver
Both Airplane Mode and Battery Saver can interfere with hotspot performance. Airplane Mode disables network radios, while Battery Saver restricts background processes, sometimes disabling hotspot sharing to conserve energy.
Make sure both settings are turned off before trying again.
Update Your Phone Software
Outdated firmware can lead to bugs that affect network sharing. On Android, go to Settings → System → Software Update, and on iPhone, go to Settings → General → Software Update.
Installing the latest version can often resolve persistent mobile hotspot not showing up issues.
Change the Hotspot Band (2.4GHz or 5GHz)
Some devices can’t detect 5GHz hotspots. If your connected device is older, try switching your hotspot to 2.4GHz, which is universally supported.
On Android:
- Open Settings → Hotspot & Tethering → Wi-Fi Hotspot.
- Select AP Band → 2.4GHz Band.
After saving, restart the hotspot and check if it appears.
Forget and Reconnect to the Network
If your device previously connected but now fails to see the hotspot, go to Wi-Fi Settings, select your hotspot name, and choose “Forget.” Then, rescan and reconnect by entering the password again. This can fix conflicts caused by saved connection data.
Reset Network Settings
If none of the above works, try resetting your phone’s network settings. This will restore Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth configurations to default — useful for resolving deep software conflicts.
- Android: Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset Network Settings
- iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
After the reset, re-enable your hotspot and check again.
Check for Data Plan Restrictions
Some mobile carriers disable hotspot functionality for certain plans. Contact your carrier to verify whether your plan supports tethering. If not, upgrading or adding hotspot access might be necessary.
Update Network Drivers on Laptop
If your mobile hotspot works fine for other devices but doesn’t appear on your laptop, the problem may lie in your laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter.
On Windows:
- Open Device Manager → Network Adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Update Driver.
- Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
After updating, restart your laptop and reconnect.
Disable VPN or Security Apps
VPNs or certain firewall apps may interfere with hotspot visibility or connection. Temporarily disable them to check if your hotspot appears again. If it does, you may need to adjust VPN or firewall permissions.
Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If you’ve tried everything and your mobile hotspot not showing up issue persists, a factory reset may be the last option. Before doing this, back up your data because it erases all personal information. This step restores your phone’s software to its original state and removes deep-rooted bugs.
Advanced Tips for Persistent Hotspot Problems
Sometimes, even after basic fixes, hotspots still won’t show up. Here are a few advanced solutions:
Check for MAC Address Filtering
Some laptops and routers have security features that block unknown devices by MAC address. Disable MAC address filtering or manually add your device’s MAC address to the allowed list.
Clear System Cache (Android Only)
Cached system data can cause network conflicts. Boot your Android phone into Recovery Mode and select Wipe Cache Partition. This won’t delete personal data but clears temporary files.
Use a Third-Party Hotspot App
If the built-in hotspot feature continues to malfunction, apps like FoxFi, PDANet+, or Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot (on Android) can help you share your mobile data easily.
If your phone’s hardware is damaged or your Wi-Fi chip is malfunctioning, software fixes won’t help. You may need a certified technician to inspect your device.
For reliable network repair and configuration services, consider reaching out to Dhanote Internet Services — a trusted name in internet and connectivity solutions.
How to Prevent Future Hotspot Issues
Once your hotspot is working again, keep it reliable with these proactive habits:
- Regularly update your phone and apps.
- Avoid using hotspot during low battery conditions.
- Disable hotspot when not in use to prevent overheating.
- Check your carrier settings after each major system update.
- Keep security apps and VPNs properly configured.
Preventive care helps your mobile hotspot remain stable and visible whenever you need it.
FAQs
Why is my hotspot not showing up on my laptop?
Your laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter may need an update or be set to the wrong frequency band. Update the driver and switch the hotspot to 2.4GHz.
Why can’t other devices detect my mobile hotspot?
It may be due to incorrect SSID visibility or the hotspot being in hidden mode. Make sure the hotspot name is visible and easy to detect.
Does using Bluetooth or VPN affect my hotspot?
Yes, both can interfere with network connections. Try turning them off temporarily to see if your hotspot reappears.
Why is my hotspot connected but no internet access?
This usually happens if your mobile data connection is weak or your carrier limits tethering. Check your mobile data signal and plan details.
Can I use a hotspot while in Airplane Mode?
Not usually. Airplane Mode disables network functions, but you can manually enable Wi-Fi and hotspot afterward on some phones.
If your mobile hotspot is not showing up, don’t panic — most issues stem from simple misconfigurations or outdated settings. By methodically checking your device settings, network drivers, and carrier restrictions, you can quickly get your hotspot working again.
