Xiaomi Hotspot Works But Devices Have No Internet

Xiaomi Hotspot Works But Devices Have No Internet – UK Fix

If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device shows a working hotspot but connected devices (laptops, tablets, other phones) have no internet access, this guide explains why and how to fix it.

Quick Answer:
If your hotspot connects but devices have no internet, first check that mobile data works on your Xiaomi itself – if it doesn't, hotspot won't work. Then turn off Battery Saver (Settings → Battery → Battery saver → OFF). Check your data allowance and hotspot data limit (if available). If you're using a VPN, temporarily disable it. Restart both your Xiaomi and the connected device after making changes.

🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table

What you seeWhat it usually meansGo To
Devices connect but have no internetBattery Saver, VPN, data limit, or mobile dataSection 1
Hotspot works on some devices but not othersBand compatibility or device issueSection 2
Hotspot disconnects frequentlyBattery optimisation or signal issueSection 3
Hotspot option is greyed outPlan doesn't include tetheringSection 4

Section 1 – Devices Connect But Have No Internet (Most Common)

If devices can connect to your hotspot but websites won't load, the issue is usually Battery Saver, VPN, data allowance, or a hotspot data limit.

Try these in order:

  1. Confirm mobile data works on your Xiaomi itself – Open a website on your phone using mobile data (WiFi off). If it doesn't work, hotspot won't work either – fix the mobile data connection first.
  2. Check your data allowance – If you've exceeded your allowance, hotspot won't work.
  3. Turn off Battery Saver – Settings → Battery → Battery saver → OFF. Battery Saver may suspend hotspot activity or background network traffic on some HyperOS versions.
  4. Disable any VPN temporarily – Some VPNs can prevent tethering from routing traffic correctly.
  5. Check Daily or Data usage limit (if available) – Some Xiaomi devices have a daily data limit or data usage warning that can affect hotspot.
  6. Check hotspot data limit (if available) – Settings → Connection & sharing → Personal hotspot → Data limit → If your Xiaomi includes this feature, set it to No limit.
  7. Check your APN – Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [Your carrier] SIM → Access Point Names. Most UK carriers configure tethering automatically. Avoid editing APN values unless your carrier specifically instructs you to do so.
  8. 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. If a device cannot even see the hotspot, this is usually a Wi-Fi compatibility issue rather than a mobile data problem.
  9. Check if your plan includes tethering – Some UK plans or business-managed accounts may restrict tethering. If hotspot has never worked on your SIM, check with your carrier.
  10. Restart both your Xiaomi and the connected device – After making changes, restart to apply them.

Section 2 – Hotspot Works on Some Devices but Not Others

If some devices can connect and get internet but others can't, the issue is usually band compatibility or device settings.

Try these in order:

  1. Switch hotspot band to 2.4GHz – Section 1.
  2. Change hotspot name or password – Avoid special characters – use letters and numbers only.
  3. Check maximum connections – Settings → Connection & sharing → Personal hotspot → Maximum connections – ensure it's not set to 0 or 1.
  4. On the connecting device, forget and reconnect – This can resolve temporary issues.

Section 3 – 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 – Section 1.
  2. Remove battery restrictions for hotspot (if available) – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → search for "Personal hotspot" → Battery saver → Set to "No restrictions". This option may not be available on all devices.
  3. Keep screen on or disable "Clear cache when device is locked" – Settings → Battery → Additional features → Clear cache when device is locked → OFF (if available).
  4. Check signal stability – If mobile data drops, hotspot will drop too. Check your carrier's coverage.

Section 4 – Hotspot Option Greyed Out or Unavailable

If the hotspot option is greyed out or missing, your carrier may not allow tethering on your plan.

Try these in order:

  1. Check your plan – Contact your carrier and ask if your plan includes tethering.
  2. Check data allowance – If you've exceeded your allowance, tethering may be blocked.

Why Is Hotspot Not Working?

  • Mobile data not working – If data doesn't work on the phone, hotspot won't work either.
  • Battery Saver – Can restrict hotspot to save power.
  • Data allowance exceeded – If you've run out of data, hotspot won't work.
  • VPN – Some VPNs can prevent tethering from routing traffic correctly.
  • Hotspot data limit – If a limit is configured and reached, internet is blocked.
  • Carrier tethering restriction – Some plans or business-managed accounts may restrict hotspot.
  • APN configuration – Some carriers may require specific settings for tethering, but most configure this automatically.
  • Wi-Fi compatibility – Some devices don't support 5GHz hotspot.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

  • Don't factory reset your phone – This is rarely needed for hotspot issues.
  • 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.

Quick Questions

Why does my Xiaomi hotspot connect but devices have no internet?
Most commonly, Battery Saver is restricting hotspot, a VPN is active, or you've exceeded your data allowance. Check these in order.

Why does my hotspot say "Connected, no internet"?
This means the device is connected to your hotspot but cannot access the internet. The issue is usually Battery Saver, VPN, data allowance, or hotspot data limit. Start with Section 1.

Does USB tethering work if Wi-Fi hotspot doesn't?
If USB tethering also has no internet, the problem is usually with your mobile data connection or carrier rather than Wi-Fi hotspot.

Why do connected devices have no internet even though the hotspot is on?
The hotspot may be sharing the connection, but data isn't routing correctly. Check Battery Saver, VPN, and data allowance (Section 1).

Do I need to change APN for tethering?
Most UK carriers configure tethering automatically. Avoid editing APN values unless your carrier specifically instructs you to do so.

Why is my hotspot greyed out on Xiaomi?
Your plan may not include tethering, or you've exceeded your data allowance. Contact your carrier.

Does Battery Saver affect hotspot?
Yes. Battery Saver may suspend hotspot activity or background network traffic on some HyperOS versions. Turn it off.

Will resetting network settings help?
It can help if settings are corrupted, but try the other fixes first – resetting removes saved Wi-Fi passwords.

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