Troubleshooting and fixing Safelink hotspot not working can be challenging for less tech-savvy users. With a malfunctioning hotspot, you won’t be able to connect your wireless devices to the internet.
Safelink uses VoLTE (Voice over LTE) network technology for call and data services. But as much as VoLTE is a superior innovation, it is not immune to issues.
Your mobile hotspot might stop working unexpectedly because of network issues or technical malfunctions.
Fortunately, we can help you fix it.
The first step to troubleshooting a Safelink hotspot that’s not working is to restart your device. A reboot will refresh your smartphone or tablet, effectively fixing minor bugs and glitches.
This tutorial explains why your Safelink hotspot might stop working and how to fix the problem. Read on to learn more!
Why Safelink Hotspot Isn’t Working?
Your Safelink mobile hotspot might stop working unexpectedly for several reasons.
As such, understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem promptly.
Here are the top four reasons for Safelink mobile hotspot not working.
1. Misconfigured APN Settings
The incorrect APN configuration can cause your Safelink hotspot to malfunction and stop working.
You can reconfigure the APN settings manually or request Safelink to send the configuration file to your device.
2. Service Outage
Service outages, downtimes, and other network issues might cause your Safelink hotspot not to work.
Contact your provider or check their social media handles for the latest updates on the situation.
3. Device Limit
A mobile hotspot can only support a limited number of devices, usually not exceeding 15 connections. Your Safelink mobile hotspot might stop working if you exceed the allowed limit.
4. Disabled Hotspot Setting
You must turn on the hotspot feature on your phone for other devices to connect to your Safelink hotspot.
Moreover, mobile data must be active for your device to find a signal.
How to Fix Safelink Hotspot Not Working?
Step #1. Restart Your Device
The quickest way to troubleshoot and fix your malfunctioning Safelink hotspot is to restart your device.
As you continue to use your device over time, it will develop minor software bugs and glitches.
A quick reboot can help refresh your smartphone or tablet, effectively clearing emerging issues.
Here are the steps to restart your device:
- Locate the Power button
- Press and hold the Power button
- Tap Reboot or Restart
- Wait for a few minutes for your device to restart
- Check if this resolves the problem
Tip - Alternatively, you can switch off your phone and turn it on after 30 minutes for a fresh boot.
Step #2. Check Your Data Balance
Your Safelink wireless hotspot might stop working because you’ve exhausted your data balance. Safelink has different hotspot data plans with limited and unlimited options.
If you are on a limited data plan, you might have usurped the allowed limit, cutting you from the network.
The only way to solve this problem is to confirm your data balance and top up your subscription.
Checking your remaining balance is easy since you only need to type the word USAGE and send it to 611611. You’ll receive a text message with details about your data balance.
If you notice you have data left, and your Safelink hotspot is still not working, move to the next tip.
Step #3. Enable and Disable Airplane Mode
Another quick way to fix Safelink hotspot issues is to enable and disable Airplane mode on your device.
Using Airplane mode you can disable all wireless connections and suspend the transmission of signals, effectively refreshing network settings.
This feature is available on most smartphones and tablets.
Here are the steps to toggle Airplane Mode ON and OFF:
- Swap down the notification bar to access quick settings
- Look for the Airplane icon
- Tap the Airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode
- Wait for at least 20 seconds
- Tap the Airplane icon again to disable Airplane Mode
- Check if your Safelink hotspot is working
Note – DO NOT keep your phone in Airplane Mode for too long to avoid draining the battery
Step #4. Check Your Mobile Network
Sometimes, your Safelink hotspot might malfunction because of an issue with your mobile network.
Check your phone’s network status bars to find out if there is a connection error.
The problem could be caused by a service outage, poor reception, or weak signals.
If it’s a service outage, contact Safelink or visit their social media handles to get more info about the situation.
If you are in an area with poor coverage, move near cellular towers to get better signals for your Safelink hotspot.
Step #5. Activate the Hotspot Feature
You might be in a hurry to connect to a Safelink hotspot network without activating the feature on your device.
The hotspot feature on your smartphone or tablet must be ON for the Safelink mobile hotspot to work.
Here’s how to go about it:
- From the home screen, tap the gear icon to open the Settings app
- Tap Network & Internet or Connections
- Tap Hotspot & Tethering
- Locate and tap Safelink Mobile Hotspot
- Tap the slider next to the feature to turn it ON
- Enter a password when prompted
Step #6. Check Device Limit
A mobile hotspot can only support a limited number of devices, usually not exceeding 15 connections.
Your Safelink mobile hotspot is not different, and it might stop working if you exceed the allowed limit.
If you notice too many gadgets are on your mobile hotspot network, disconnect some of them from your phone.
Here are the steps:
- From the home screen, tap the gear icon to open the Settings app
- Tap Network & Internet or Connections
- Tap Hotspot & Tethering
- Check the list of connected devices
- Tap on the device you want to disconnect from the hotspot
- Tap remove to disconnect them from the network
Step #7. Check Network Settings
The incorrect APN configuration on your phone can cause your Safelink hotspot to malfunction and stop working.
You can reconfigure the APN settings manually or request Safelink to send the configuration file.
The provider will push the settings to your device, and you only need to save the files to restore your hotspot connection.
Here are the steps to reconfigure Safelink APN settings on Android devices:
- Go to the Settings app
- Click Network and Internet
- Select Mobile Network
- Click on Access Point Name
- Tap the (+) button
Thereafter, fill these fields and save the changes
- Name-Safelink
- APN-tfdata
- MMSC-http://mmsc.mobile.att.net
- Proxy-proxy.mobile.att.net
- MCC-310
- Port-80
- Authentication-Not set
- MNC-410
- Enable/disable APN-APN Enabled
- APN type-Default,supl,mms
- APN protocol-IPV4
- Bearer-Unspecified
- MVNO value-Not set
- MVNO type-None
Here are the steps to reconfigure Safelink APN settings on iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Select Cellular
- Tap Cellular Data Network
- Click APN
Thereafter enter these details:
- APN:tfdata
- Username:(leave blank)
- Password:(leave blank)
Note: You must restart your devices for the changes to take effect.
Step #8. Update Device Firmware
Phones and mobile hotspots have an operating system that coordinates all functions.
The firmware on your Safelink mobile hotspot could be outdated and requires updating to restore your connection.
Fortunately, updating your phone’s firmware is a straightforward procedure. Besides, you can turn automatic updates ON so your device receives security patches and firmware updates whenever they’re available.
To update your device firmware:
Swipe the notifications bar down to access Quick Settings
- Turn on Wi-Fi or Mobile Data
- Go to the Settings app
- Go to About Phone or System
- Tap Check for Updates
- Download available updates and restart your device
Step #9. Factory Reset Your Device
The last resort to fix a malfunctioning Safelink hotspot is to reset your device to factory defaults.
A factory reset will restore the device to its original state, erasing all personalized settings and data. You may have to configure the smartphone or tablet to establish a hotspot connection.
Since a factory reset removes all your info and settings, you should back up your data before proceeding.
Here are the steps:
- From the Home screen, navigate to the Settings app
- Go to System Settings
- Tap Backup and Reset
- Wait for the phone to back up your data
- Tap Factory Reset or Reset to Factory Defaults
- Tap Reset to confirm your selection
- Wait for the reset process to complete
- 8. Your device will reboot automatically
Note – Never interrupt a factory reset as you might damage the device's firmware
Bottom Line
Troubleshooting Safelink hotspots and network issues can be frustrating if you can’t find a solution.
Fortunately, our tips can help you fix Safelink hotspot not working problems and let you get back online quickly.
Read Next: Why Is My SafeLink Phone Not Making Calls?
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.