Xiaomi Cannot Use Personal Hotspot on UK Networks

Quick Answer:
If your Xiaomi hotspot doesn't work on a UK network, first check your plan includes tethering – some plans block it. Then go to Settings → Connection & sharing → Personal hotspot → Data limit → set to "No limit". If still not working, some carriers may require specific APN settings for tethering – contact your carrier or check their website.

Applies to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi Phones

This guide applies to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI or HyperOS, covering UK carriers including EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Giffgaff, SMARTY, and others.

🔍 Quick Start – Find Your Path

SymptomMost Likely CauseGo To
Hotspot turns on but connected devices have no internetAPN configuration or data limitSection 1
Hotspot option is greyed out or unavailableCarrier restriction or account limitationSection 2
Devices can't find or connect to hotspotBand or compatibility issueSection 3
Hotspot works but disconnects frequentlyBattery saver or signal issueSection 4

Section 1 – Hotspot Connected But No Internet (Most Common)

If your hotspot turns on and devices connect but have no internet, the issue is usually APN configuration, hotspot data limit, or mobile data itself.

Try these in order:

  1. Check mobile data on the phone itself – Open a website directly on your Xiaomi using mobile data. If mobile data doesn't work on the phone, the hotspot cannot provide internet access. Fix the mobile data connection first.
  2. Check hotspot data limit – Settings → Connection & sharing → Personal hotspot → Data limit → Set to "No limit". If a limit is set and reached, connected devices will lose internet.
  3. Check APN configuration – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Access Point Names → ensure your APN is correct. Some carriers may require specific settings for tethering – contact your carrier or check their website.
  4. Check if your plan includes tethering – Some UK plans (especially PAYG or cheaper plans) block hotspot. Check with your carrier.
  5. Turn off Battery saver – Settings → Battery → Battery saver → OFF. Battery saver can restrict hotspot.
  6. Switch hotspot band to 2.4GHz – Settings → Connection & sharing → Personal hotspot → Set up Wi-Fi hotspot → AP Band → 2.4GHz (some older devices don't support 5GHz).

Section 2 – Hotspot Option Greyed Out or Unavailable

If the hotspot option is greyed out or missing, it may be due to carrier restrictions, account limitations, or a temporary software issue.

Try these in order:

  1. Check your plan – Contact your carrier (EE: 150, O2: 202, Vodafone: 191, Three: 333) and ask if your plan includes tethering.
  2. Check data allowance – If you've exceeded your allowance, tethering may be blocked. Top up or wait for next billing cycle.
  3. Check APN settings – Some carriers require a separate APN for tethering. Contact your carrier for details.
  4. Restart your phone – A simple reboot can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches.

Section 3 – Devices Can't Find or Connect to Hotspot

If devices can't find your hotspot or fail to connect, the issue is usually compatibility or settings.

Try these in order:

  1. Switch hotspot band to 2.4GHz – Settings → Connection & sharing → Personal hotspot → Set up Wi-Fi hotspot → AP Band → 2.4GHz. Some older devices don't support 5GHz.
  2. Change hotspot name or password – Avoid special characters – use letters and numbers only.
  3. Forget and reconnect – On the connecting device, forget the network and reconnect.
  4. Check maximum connections – Settings → Connection & sharing → Personal hotspot → Maximum connections – ensure it's not set to 0 or 1.

Section 4 – Hotspot Disconnects Frequently

If hotspot works but disconnects often, the issue is usually battery saver or signal instability.

Try these in order:

  1. Turn off Battery saver – Settings → Battery → Battery saver → OFF.
  2. Remove battery restrictions for hotspot – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → search for "Personal hotspot" → Battery saver → Set to "No restrictions".
  3. Keep screen on – Some Xiaomi devices limit hotspot when the screen is off. Keep the screen on or disable "Clear cache when device is locked" (Settings → Battery → Additional features).
  4. Check signal stability – If mobile data drops, hotspot will drop too. Check your carrier's coverage in your area.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

  • Don't factory reset your phone – hotspot issues are almost never solved by a factory reset.
  • Don't assume your carrier supports tethering – check your plan first.
  • Don't ignore data allowance – if you've exceeded it, tethering won't work.

Why Is My Xiaomi Hotspot Not Working?

  • Carrier APN configuration issue – Some carriers require specific APN settings for tethering.
  • Plan doesn't include tethering – Some plans block hotspot.
  • Hotspot data limit setting – If a hotspot data limit is configured, connected devices may lose internet access when the limit is reached.
  • Battery saver interfering – Can restrict hotspot to save power.
  • 5GHz compatibility – Some devices don't support 5GHz hotspot.

Quick Questions

Why does my Xiaomi hotspot connect but devices have no internet?
Most commonly hotspot data limit is reached, or APN configuration is incorrect for tethering. Set data limit to "No limit" and check your carrier's APN requirements.

Why does my hotspot work on Wi-Fi but not mobile data?
If mobile data itself is not working, the hotspot cannot provide internet access. Open a website directly on your Xiaomi using mobile data. If it doesn't load, troubleshoot the mobile data connection first.

Do I need to change APN for tethering in the UK?
Some carriers may require specific APN configurations for tethering. Contact your carrier or check their website for the correct settings.

Why is my hotspot greyed out on Xiaomi?
Your plan may not include tethering, you've exceeded your data allowance, or there may be a temporary software issue. Contact your carrier or restart your phone.

Does battery saver affect hotspot?
Yes. Battery saver can restrict hotspot. Turn it off.

Will resetting network settings delete my photos?
No. Only saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth devices are removed.

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