How to fix laptop not connecting to Android hotspot
Android phones can create hotspots. A hotspot on a mobile device allows nearby devices to connect to the mobile device’s internet connection which likely comes from the mobile carrier network that the Android device is using. A hotspot can also be enabled if the Android phone is connected to a WiFi network but in most cases, it is used with a carrier’s network.
For problems connecting to iPhone hotspot, check out these fixes.
Fix Laptop not connecting to Android hotspot
For a Windows 10 laptop, an Android hotspot appears like any wireless network or, if the hotspot is set up to connect via data cable, it will appear as an Ethernet network. Connecting to either types of hotspots requires little more than selecting it, and entering the password.
If you’re trying to connect a laptop to an Android device’s hotspot, and it isn’t connecting, go through these general checks first.
- Are other devices, particularly phones, able to connect to the hotspot. If not, it is possible the hotspot is blocked by your carrier. What you see as an enabled hotspot may not be functional.
- Try using a data cable to connect to the hotspot if your phone has the option.
- Make sure there are no other devices connected to the Android device’s hotspot. It may only be able to connect one device at a time.
- Make sure no other, more powerful networks are not available nearby that your system is connecting to. If there are, try to forget them and then try connecting the hotspot.
- Power cycle your Windows 10 laptop and the Android device.
- If the hotspot on the Android device is not password protected, add a password to it, and then try connecting.
If you’re unable to connect to the Android hotspot in all of the above cases, try the fixes below.
1. Run connection troubleshooter
Run the Windows 10 network connection troubleshooter. It can detect and fix problems with connectivity on the system.
- Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select the Troubleshoot tab.
- Click Additional troubleshooters.
- Select the Internet Connections troubleshooter.
- Apply all fixes that it recommends and restart the system.
2. Reset Android network settings
Try resetting network settings on the Android device. The problem may be with the connection that it has created.
- Open the Settings app on the Android device.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Look for the Reset option.
Note: newer versions of Android allow users to search the Settings app for a particular setting. Try using it instead of manually looking for the reset option.
3. Change hotspot frequency
Try changing the frequency that the Android device transmits its wireless signal over. This option may not be available on older or base models. Newer or more powerful models will have an option to change the frequency.
- Open the Settings app on the Android phone.
- Go to Hotspot & tethering.
- Tap Set-up WiFi hotspot.
- Open the Select AP band dropdown and select 2.4Ghz.
- Tap Save and try connecting to the network.
Conclusion
Windows 10 can connect to a mobile hotspot easily. Normally, trouble connecting to a hotspot created on a phone means that the carrier is blocking it. The connection may appear active but actually isn’t. If that’s the case, you will either have to root your device or ask your carrier if there is an option (paid or otherwise) to unblock it.
