When faced with a US Cellular hotspot not working problem, don’t panic! Once you figure out the cause of the issue, you can easily fix it using our surefire solutions.
Many users working from home say that their US Cellular hotspot isn’t working due to connectivity issues.
Either their device runs out of power or their Wi-Fi setting gets disabled.
Both lead to losing Internet connection, which means your hotspot won’t work too.
Do you want to know how to fix your US Cellular Hotspot connectivity problem?
We got you!
In case your US Cellular hotspot stops working, reset your cellular data connection and restart your mobile hotspot. If this doesn’t work, a simple restart may resolve the issue. Start with the Android or iOS device you are using to establish the hotspot. Finally, improve your signal strength.
Why Is My US Cellular Hotspot Not Working
Your Cellular hotspot may not work if you enable Airplane Mode or your Mobile Data is off. You can’t also use it if you have a poor signal.
Other possible reasons your hotspot isn’t working are the following:
1. VPN Blocking Connection
There may be complications with the IP address assigned by your mobile network. You won’t be able to access the Internet after sharing your VPN Hotspot connection.
2. Using Low Power Mode
You enabled low power mode or battery saver on your phone. As a result, your connectivity will be hammered.
3. Carrier Connectivity
Generally, the hotspot is an add-on to your existing cellphone plan. You may not have activated your hotspot with your provider or turned it on.
4. Outdated Software
Software can influence network connectivity. You may not have updated your device for a long time.
These are some of the most common reasons your hotspot isn’t working properly. Once you find out the main cause of the issue, you can proceed to the solution.
How to Fix US Cellular Mobile Hotspot Not Working
Before moving on to advanced troubleshooting steps, start with the simplest yet effective solution.
Try restarting your mobile data and phone to refresh your connection. Then, see if it clears the US Cellular hotspot not working issue.
To restart mobile data, simply toggle the Airplane Mode. It will disable all network connections, including your network.
To turn on Airplane Mode, tap the airplane icon on your Quick Settings or Control Center. If this doesn’t work, try restarting your phone.
If restarting your mobile data and phone doesn’t resolve the problem, you may try the following solutions.
Solution #1: Switch Off Battery Saving Mode
If your device’s hotspot mode does not work and your devices can’t detect it, the first thing you need to look at is the power-saving mode.
Putting your device in this mode will limit its functions and features.
One of the first ones that usually is affected is your phone’s hotspot mode. You can turn it on, but it won’t have enough power to complete the connections.
Your other devices will not see the WiFi network from your hotspot. Your hotspot will also not be able to share its internet connection with your carrier properly.
Here’s how to turn off battery-saving mode:
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Select Battery.
- Navigate to Low Power Mode.
- Tap the switch to turn it off.
Note: You can also turn it off by selecting it in your device’s Control Center or Quick Settings.
Solution #2: Turn Off Your VPN Connection
Using a VPN is essential for your privacy and security. However, turning it on can affect your connection with your carrier.
Turning it on can seriously affect your connectivity. It can even mess up with the connection where your hotspot will not be able to receive data.
Switching off your VPN will improve and restore your hotspot’s connection.
If you’re running a VPN and are having a hard time connecting to your hotspot, consider turning it off.
Here’s how to turn off your VPN connection:
- Turn off your Mobile Hotspot.
- Open the VPN app.
- Disconnect from the server.
- Switch on your Mobile Hotspot.
- Allow your devices to connect to the hotspot.
Note: If you really want to use a VPN with your hotspot, make sure to connect to the server first before turning on Mobile Hotspot.
Solution #3: Change Your Phone’s Hotspot Frequency
Whenever you turn your phone into a hotspot, it will act as a router that broadcasts your internet signals to other devices.
One of the reasons why you think the hotspot is not working is that it uses a different frequency than your other devices.
If this is the case, you’ll need to change your hotspot’s frequency.
It’s likely using a 5G WiFi signal, and your other devices are unable to pick it up. You want to change it to use the 2.4G WiFi signal.
Here’s how to change your hotspot frequency:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Personal Hotspot.
- Tap on Maximize Compatibility.
- Attempt connecting to your hotspot’s WiFi.
Note: As long as you turn on 2.4G WiFi, all your devices will be able to connect to your hotspot’s internet.
Solution #4: Reset the Network Settings
A settings issue can cause your US Cellular hotspot to stop working. There could be conflicting configurations that will not allow your hotspot to connect to other devices.
One of the options you have at your disposal in resolving this issue would be to reset your hotspot’s network settings.
It’s a reset that clears up all your network settings like WiFi connections, Bluetooth, and Mobile Data.
Performing this should refresh your connection to your carrier and the wireless network for your other devices.
Here are the steps on how to reset the network settings:
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Choose Reset.
- Tap on Reset Network Settings.
Tip: You may need to enter your password or passcode to complete the process.
Solution #5: Update the Software
If you have not updated the software of your phone for a while, you’re going to need to do it to fix your hotspot connection issues.
Outdated software is usually going to be the number one suspect when it comes to problems with your hotspot features.
Here’s how to update your phone’s software:
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Choose Install if an update is available.
Note: Restart your device after updating so the new software is installed properly and should resolve the hotspot connectivity problem.
All these steps should get your hotspot working at the soonest possible time.
In cases where you’re still experiencing connectivity problems, you’ll want to contact US Cellular or your phone’s manufacturer.
They will be able to help you figure out if you need to get your device repaired or get a replacement.
Read Next: How to Fix US Cellular Error Code 408 When Calling?
Bottom Line
Now that you know the causes and fixes for your US Cellular hotspot not working, you’ll be able to perform the troubleshooting steps and resolve the problem in no time.
Having a working hotspot is convenient if you’re in a bind, and getting it to work should do wonders for your sanity and productivity.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.