Data limits and fair use for UK mobile hotspot
| Step | Action | What It Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your network network status | Confirms if issue is network-wide |
| 2 | Toggle aeroplane mode on/off | Re-registers SIM on your network network |
| 3 | Restart your phone | Clears temporary network errors |
| 4 | Check your network APN settings | Fixes incorrect data configuration |
| 5 | Re-insert SIM card | Fixes poor SIM contact issues |
| 6 | Contact your network support | Resolves account or SIM faults |
A mobile hotspot (also called tethering or personal hotspot) lets you share your your mobile data connection with other devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. This is useful when you need internet on a laptop or tablet but have no Wi-Fi available.
Fixing hotspot connected but no internet
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → Wi-Fi Hotspot. Toggle it on. Set a name (SSID) and password for your hotspot. Other devices can then find and connect to it in their Wi-Fi settings. On Samsung, go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
Tethering vs hotspot — differences explained
Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Personal Hotspot. Toggle Allow Others to Join on. Set a Wi-Fi password. Your hotspot name defaults to your iPhone's device name, visible to nearby devices in their Wi-Fi list.
Troubleshooting hotspot disconnecting frequently
Your hotspot uses the same APN settings as your mobile data connection. If hotspot is not working, first check that your main mobile data is working, then verify your your mobile network APN settings are correct. Some plans restrict hotspot usage — check your your mobile network plan at the UK APN Hub to confirm tethering is included.
Troubleshooting your mobile network hotspot problems
Hotspot connected but no internet: Restart the hotspot. Check APN settings. Make sure mobile data is working normally on your phone first.
Personal Hotspot missing on iPhone: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Network and ensure the APN field is filled in. Restart your iPhone.
Slow hotspot speeds: Move to an area with stronger your mobile network signal. Reduce the number of connected devices. Check your plan has sufficient data remaining.
Follow these steps in order — most issues are resolved by step 1 or 2