Sharing the internet from one portable device to another is convenient and often has its problems on any device in question. Whether it's a Windows computer, iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) or an Android smartphone; one day you will unexpectedly encounter a glitch while using the hotspot. We have detailed solutions for when there are problems with mobile hotspots on multiple devices and operating systems. In this guide, we will focus on Android and why does the portable Wi-Fi hotspot turn off automatically?
First, check that your device has strong cellular network strength or reception. Mobile hotspot may automatically turn off on your Android device if there is no cellular or internet connection active. Hopefully the area you are in has strong network coverage. You can also try disabling mobile hotspot and turning it back on after a while. Better yet, put your device in AirPlane mode for a few minutes and turn it off.
1. Restart your phone
It is normal for (some features of) Android devices to work after running too many apps / processes or staying active for a long time. Fortunately, simply restarting your device can restore the affected features, apps, or processes to normal. Restart your Android smartphone or tablet if the mobile hotspot keeps turning off. Press and hold the power button and press Restart in the power options.
Skip to the next solution if Mobile Hotspot keeps shutting down after restarting your device.
2. Change the hotspot timeout settings
Some Android phones have Timeout Settings to automatically turn off Internet Tethering if no device is connected. Then check your phone's mobile hotspot setup for any timeout setups.
Step 1: launch Settings and select "Network & Internet".
Step 2: select “Hotspot and tethering”.
Step 3: select Wi-Fi hotspot.
NOTE: Depending on the make and model of your device, this option might be called Mobile Hotspot or Internet Hotspot.
Step 4: tap the Advanced drop-down button.
Step 5: disable the option “Turn off hotspot automatically”.
On some Android smartphones, such as Samsung devices, you will find the option to remove the hotspot timeout marked as Never timeout, “Always keep Wi-Fi hotspot on” or Unlimited.
So, if you see any of these options in your mobile hotspot settings, select them to disable any time limits placed on your device's internet tethering.
You can also configure the timeout settings to stay longer, like 30 minutes or more.
3. Disable Energy Saver
If WiFi Hotspot keeps shutting down on your Android device despite disabling (or changing) its Timeout Settings, make sure you haven't turned on Battery Saver. Battery Saver, when enabled, has the power to temporarily limit some apps to extend the battery life of the device. If your Android hotspot keeps turning off, please disable power saving and try again.
Step 1: Launch Settings and select Battery.
Step 2: Then select Battery saver.
Step 3: tap the “Turn off now” button.
You can also disable power saving from your device's notification panel. Swipe down from the top of your smartphone display, locate and tap the battery icon to disable power saving.
4. Disable Wi-Fi
If Android Hotspot turns off all the time (and basically on other mobile operating systems) it only supports cellular / internet data tethering. When connected to a Wi-Fi network, you cannot share your Android smartphone's internet with other devices via Mobile Hotspot. This is what causes Android hotspot to become disabled sometimes.
If your smartphone's WiFi is always on, even when it's not connected to any network, it automatically searches for saved networks (for example, home or office Wi-Fi networks). If it finds one, it establishes a connection and immediately deactivates your mobile hotspot. The same could happen with your phone or tablet.
If you turn on your mobile hotspot and it keeps shutting down, disable your device's Wi-Fi. This should stabilize the connection to the hotspot. Go to Settings> Network and Internet> Wi-Fi and turn off Use Wi-Fi. Alternatively, swipe down from the top of the display and tap the Wi-Fi icon.
5. Update phone
One of the best ways to avoid such problems is to keep your phone's Android operating system up to date. Some older versions of Android have histories of discontinuing the Mobile Hotspot feature. So, try updating your device's operating system and hopefully that should fix the problem of turning off the mobile hotspot.
Enjoy an uninterrupted connection
Some file sharing apps (such as Xender) and other apps with permission to enable internet tethering may also create problems with your device's mobile hotspot. As convenient as they may seem, they could disrupt your mobile hotspot. Forcibly close those unused apps or other applications running in the background and try using Hotspot again. Also, resetting the phone's network settings might help solve the problem as well. Try all these solutions above and let us know which one did the magic for you.
