Hot Spot

[Horsedoc]

In the past, I have used my cell phone as a hot spot while we traveled. The last couple of times I could not make the computer see the iPhone. I could get the computer to 'show available networks' but could not get a connection. On the other side, the iPhone did not seem to be connecting telling me did not have wifi. We were in a Ga state park with no wifi.
Obviously I am lacking something here. Perhaps it is enough savvy to do something I am not seeing. help?

[MarkTwain]

pauldub wrote:
This happen often with my iphone. If I turn the hotspot off for 10 seconds and then turn it back on, my laptop will usually connect. You might have to get the laptop to refresh the wifi search.

You might want to do a "hard shut down" on the computer.

[pauldub]

This happen often with my iphone. If I turn the hotspot off for 10 seconds and then turn it back on, my laptop will usually connect. You might have to get the laptop to refresh the wifi search.

[Horsedoc]

I have tried most of what was suggested. Rebooting computer (didn't try the phone however - will turn it off and wait for a while and try again) We had good tower signal, I was able to send photos to my kids from the site. I tried every combination I could think of. as a friend of my once said, 'the older I get, the more confused I become'
I have an account at Best Buy and I will likely make a run there if we ever get the Shelter in Place order lifted.

[garym114]

Data from your carrier is used for a hotspot, with a weak or no data connection a phone hotspot will not work.
When you turn on your phones hotspot the phones WIFI turns off.

[MarkTwain]

opnspaces wrote:
You might try calling your cellular carrier. It could be the plan you are on has a restriction of some kind. Or maybe Apple has made a change on the phone that is causing a problem. Either way your cell providers tech support line should be able to figure it out.

My cell provider (AT&T) informed me that the data base plan I had would have down load restrictions after I reached my current data plan limits. I would have to upgrade my plan to get faster speed and avoid problems with using hot spot connections.

[wa8yxm]

Ok this is from "other sources" There is a reason I don't have an I(incompatable) phone... This is not it (the reason is older than the phone)

Open the phone hotspot. Turn it OFF. Open the Computer's wi-fi connection tool. Turn on the Hotspot and then tell the computer to search. You have a short time I think 5 minutes) to connect.. then the phone goes "Dark".

[opnspaces]

You might try calling your cellular carrier. It could be the plan you are on has a restriction of some kind. Or maybe Apple has made a change on the phone that is causing a problem. Either way your cell providers tech support line should be able to figure it out.

[K_Charles]

My hot spot won't work if the Wi-Fi is on.

[DarkSkySeeker]

You're probably way beyond this, but you did not mention that you actually turn the phone setting to "on" as a hotspot. Do you do that?

[Lwiddis]

X2 on Mark’s post.

[MarkTwain]

Big Katuna wrote:
I’ve often had to play games to get some devices connected.
Like going into settings and turning wifi off then back on. Rebooting the laptop, etc.

Esp. after it’s been sitting idle.

Ditto! Ditto! I also called my service carrier and up graded my data plan. Part of issue can be related to with your location from the nearest signal tower.

[2oldman]

Rebooting things is what usually works.

[Big_Katuna]

I’ve often had to play games to get some devices connected.
Like going into settings and turning wifi off then back on. Rebooting the laptop, etc.

Esp. after it’s been sitting idle.