Why Hotspot Connects but Has No Internet

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Why Hotspot Connects but Has No Internet

It’s a familiar frustration: your phone’s hotspot connects on another device, yet there’s no internet. This is a common problem across the UK, from London and Manchester to Birmingham and Edinburgh. AvNexo users report this issue frequently, especially after system updates or plan changes, but it’s usually fixable without replacing your phone.

Common Reasons Hotspot Shows “Connected but No Internet”

Mobile Data Issues: The hotspot relies on active mobile data. If your data is off, weak, or restricted, connected devices won’t have internet.
APN Misconfiguration: Wrong Access Point Name settings prevent the hotspot from routing internet traffic.
Network Operator Restrictions: Some UK operators, including EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three, may limit hotspot usage depending on your plan.
DNS Problems: Devices may fail to resolve addresses, giving the appearance of no internet despite a working hotspot.
Firewall or Security Apps: Overprotective apps can block data traffic for connected devices.

AvNexo testing shows that most “no internet” cases are software or configuration-related, not hardware failures.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Step 1: Check Mobile Data

Settings → Mobile Network → Data Enabled

Ensure you have strong signal and sufficient data allowance. UK users in Leeds and Cardiff often forget mobile data needs to be active even when hotspot appears “connected.”

Step 2: Verify APN Settings

Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names

Select your operator’s APN (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three)
Reset APN if necessary

Incorrect APN is a silent hotspot killer, especially after SIM changes or carrier updates.

Step 3: Restart Phone and Connected Devices

A simple reboot refreshes network connections and often resolves temporary conflicts.

Step 4: Disable VPNs and Security Apps

VPNs or firewall apps can block hotspot traffic. Temporarily disable them to see if the connection restores internet access.

Step 5: Test With Different Devices

If one device cannot access internet but another can, the issue is with the device, not the hotspot.

Carrier-Specific Considerations

EE sometimes requires a hotspot add-on
O2 may limit connections to certain devices
Vodafone UK plans may cap speeds for tethering
Three usually allows unlimited hotspot but frequency band settings must match

Contacting your carrier can clarify plan limitations before unnecessary troubleshooting.

Preventive Tips for UK Users

Keep your OS and carrier settings updated
Use proper APN for your operator
Check data allowance and network coverage
Restart hotspot after major updates or SIM changes

Conclusion

A hotspot that connects but shows no internet is usually a software or configuration issue rather than a hardware failure. Following these step-by-step UK-tested fixes ensures your devices can access the internet reliably, saving time and avoiding unnecessary repairs. AvNexo users across cities consistently solve the problem using these methods.

Meta description: Hotspot connects but no internet? Discover UK-tested fixes including APN settings, mobile data checks, and carrier tips to restore connectivity.

Why Hotspot Connects but Has No Internet