Mobile hotspot is not working but wifi is working on my pc

Troubleshooting Mobile Hotspot Connectivity Issues: Why Your PC Sees the Connection but Lacks Internet Access

In today’s digital age, staying connected is essential, especially when working remotely or managing tasks on the go. Many users rely on mobile hotspots to provide internet access for their PCs. However, there are instances where, despite successfully connecting to the mobile hotspot, the internet still doesn’t work. If you find that your PC can connect to your mobile hotspot but cannot access the internet, while the Wi-Fi connection functions perfectly, this guide aims to help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Understanding the Problem

It’s common to encounter a scenario where your PC recognizes the mobile hotspot and indicates a successful connection. Yet, attempting to browse the web results in failure. Conversely, connecting to a standard Wi-Fi network often provides seamless internet access. This discrepancy can be confusing but typically stems from configuration issues or network settings.

Potential Causes and Solutions

1. Incorrect APN or Data Settings on Your Phone
2. Ensure that your mobile data plan’s Access Point Names (APNs) are correctly configured. Misconfigured APNs can prevent proper data sharing over the hotspot.

3. Solution: Go to your phone’s mobile network settings and verify or reset the APN settings according to your carrier’s recommendations.

4. Limited Data or Carrier Restrictions

5. Some carriers impose restrictions or have limitations on hotspot usage.

6. Solution: Check your mobile carrier’s policies or account details to ensure hotspot data is enabled and your plan supports it.

7. Incorrect Network Settings on Your PC

8. Sometimes, network configurations or DNS settings can cause connectivity issues.

9. Solution:

   • Restart your network adapter.
   • Use Windows’ network troubleshooter.
   • Reset network settings: Open Command Prompt as administrator and execute the following commands:
     ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
   • Reconnect to your hotspot afterward.

10. IPv4 or IPv6 Configuration Issues

11. Ensure that your PC is configured to obtain IP and DNS addresses automatically.

12. Solution: Go to Network & Internet settings > Change adapter options > Right-click your hotspot connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties, then set to obtain an IP address and DNS server address automatically.

13. Firewall or Security Software Interference