Cellular service is essential for establishing a hotspot connection. IT teams need to know the steps to take when remote users are facing both Wi-Fi and service issues. 

Hotspots offer a crucial connectivity solution for remote and hybrid workers when their home internet fails. But what happens when cellular service isn’t available?

Mobile hotspot technology has improved over time, offering better reliability and enhanced security features. 

These advancements have made hotspots an indispensable tool for internet access in virtually any location.

As a result, hotspots are invaluable for people needing reliable internet while traveling or working remotely.

However, users may not always have service on the device they are using for hotspot connectivity.

IT administrators must understand why hotspots need cellular service and how to troubleshoot when issues arise.

How Do Mobile Hotspots Work?

When enabled, hotspots create a wireless LAN, serving as an access point with a distinct name and password.

The device that hosts the hotspot connects to the cellular network to establish an internet connection, which it then shares with other devices connected to the hotspot.

Several types of devices, including routers, modems, smartphones (iPhones and Androids), and desktop operating systems (macOS and Windows), come with built-in hotspot capabilities.

Additionally, there are dedicated mobile hotspot devices designed solely for this purpose, often accompanied by separate data plans.

Regardless of the device, the hotspot hardware and software broadcast a Wi-Fi signal that nearby devices can detect, providing internet access without the need for a direct Ethernet or local Wi-Fi connection.

Hotspots are particularly valuable in situations where secure networks are not available, offering a dependable method to connect to the internet in remote areas.

They also offer businesses a secure solution for remote employees to access company resources without the risk of using public Wi-Fi. 

With this technology, users can access the internet in areas where conventional Wi-Fi connections are unavailable or where they need to keep their data separate from their home network. 

In some cases, hotspots can even replace the need for a VPN by routing traffic through corporate-owned data plans.

Can a Hotspot Work Without Service?

If the device lacks service, hotspots are only useful for local file sharing. This is because a hotspot relies on a cellular connection to provide internet access.

Without an active service plan or mobile data, the device cannot establish an internet connection or share its cellular data with other devices.

Cellular service is essential for the operation of any hotspot. This applies to both portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices and mobile phone hotspot features.

Without cellular service, users cannot use any hotspot functions, including internet access, Wi-Fi calling, or messaging.

As a result, users must ensure their device has an active service plan that includes hotspot functionality.

Most mobile carriers offer hotspot features as part of their plans, typically with monthly data caps.

How to Troubleshoot Hotspot Connection Issues?

If a remote user is facing issues with their mobile hotspot, IT administrators can recommend several troubleshooting steps to restore the connection.

Check Wi-Fi Settings

Ensure the user’s device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi hotspot, and that the password is correctly entered. 

On most mobile and desktop operating systems, the hotspot will have a default password, but users can modify it if needed.

The steps to check the password depend on the device’s operating system:

• Android Devices: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering. Note that this may vary slightly by Android version.

• iOS Devices: Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Wi-Fi Password.

• macOS Devices: Open Settings > General > Sharing, and check that Internet Sharing is enabled.

• Windows Devices: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot.

Restart the Mobile Device

Sometimes, restarting the mobile device can resolve issues with the wireless connection and hotspot functionality.

Have the user power off their device, wait a few seconds, and then restart it.

Reset Network Settings

If issues persist, resetting the network settings can sometimes resolve wireless connection problems.

This action will erase all network settings, including saved passwords. After the reset, the user will need to re-enter passwords for their personal networks.

To reset network settings on different devices:

• iOS Devices: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

• Android Devices: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options.

Check Hotspot Data Allowance

Many mobile plans include hotspot data services, but these often come with usage limits.

The user or organization should check with their carrier to confirm if the hotspot data allowance has been exceeded.

If the data limit is surpassed, carriers may block hotspot data or reduce speeds to 4G or 3G levels.

Contact the Service Provider

If none of the above solutions work, the user may need to reach out to their service provider.

The provider can check for network outages in the area and assist with remote troubleshooting.