LG hotspot connects but no internet — what do I check first?
Steve H.
Reviewed for technical accuracy
Specialities: LG mobile hotspot issues, hotspot connected but no internet, tethering after updates, carrier plan limits, APN/data settings, VPN/Data Saver conflicts.
LG hotspot shows “Connected” but there’s no internet: common reasons + safe checks (mobile data, plan limits, APN, VPN, Data Saver, Wi-Fi band)
Technician
Let’s do the safest checks first. I don’t want you changing a bunch of settings and then not knowing what helped (or accidentally turning off something you rely on).
Two quick questions to steer us:
• Did this start after something changed — a phone update, a new SIM, switching carriers, traveling, or a new device connecting?
• On the LG phone itself, does regular internet work over mobile data when Wi-Fi is off?
Technician
Trust moment: We’ll avoid anything that could wipe saved Wi-Fi passwords or reset your phone unless we truly need it.
First, the simple “yes/no” test that tells us where the problem is:
1) Turn Wi-Fi OFF on the LG phone (so it uses cellular).
2) Open one website on the LG phone itself (any simple page).
Does the LG phone have internet on its own when Wi-Fi is off?
Technician
Since it started recently, let’s check the “environment” causes that often flip overnight:
• Did your LG phone install a system update in the last week or two?
• Is there a VPN app on the LG phone or the tablet (some people use them for “privacy”)?
• Is Data Saver or Battery Saver turned on?
Technician
Trust moment: I don’t want you deleting anything. For now we’re just doing temporary, reversible checks.
Safe test on the tablet (temporary):
• If the VPN has a simple on/off switch, turn it off for one minute and try loading one website.
• If it works with the VPN off, we’ve found the direction without changing the LG phone at all.
After that, we’ll do one safe check on the LG hotspot side.
Technician
Next, we check something that’s very common on LG/Android hotspots: the hotspot is “on,” devices connect, but the phone isn’t actually allowed to share data the way your carrier expects.
Two quick checks (still safe):
1) On the LG phone, confirm Mobile data is ON at the same time as the hotspot.
2) If you can, try connecting a second device (even briefly) — a different tablet or a laptop. If both devices connect but have no internet, that points to the hotspot/data-sharing side, not the tablet.
Technician
Here are the most common reasons (no scary steps yet):
• A carrier plan that allows data, but restricts hotspot/tethering (it can look exactly like this).
• An update changed a tethering setting or the phone is using a hotspot mode the other device doesn’t like (for example, the Wi-Fi band).
• An APN/data-profile issue (less common, but it happens after carrier changes).
Let’s do the easiest “harmless toggle” test: turn the hotspot off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it on again. After that, reconnect one device and try a simple site.
Technician
One more safe check that often helps with older tablets/laptops: the hotspot Wi-Fi band.
Some devices connect to a 5 GHz hotspot but then behave oddly (or they prefer 2.4 GHz). If your LG hotspot settings show an option like AP band or Wi-Fi band, tell me what it’s set to right now (2.4 or 5).
Trust moment: We won’t “reset networks” yet. We’ll only look and note what’s set.
Technician
Here’s the safe way to use that info without doing anything drastic:
• If the tablet is older, it may behave better on 2.4 GHz (longer range, more compatible).
• If the laptop is newer, it usually handles either band — so if both devices have no internet, band is one possibility, but we also keep the carrier/plan limit on the list.
Before we touch the band, I want one clarifying detail: when you turn hotspot on, do you see any warning on the LG phone like “hotspot not available”, “check your plan”, or anything similar — even briefly?
Technician
The safest next step is to gather a few “proof points” before you spend time chasing the wrong thing:
• Mobile data works on the LG phone (we confirmed).
• Two devices connect, but neither gets internet (we confirmed).
• You saw a “contact provider/plan” style message (even briefly).
If you’d like, the next time you turn hotspot on, try to catch the exact wording (a screenshot helps). Also note whether this happens everywhere or only in one place (some buildings have weak signal that makes hotspot look “connected” but unusable).
Quick answer: the accepted fix
Accepted first steps when an LG phone hotspot connects but has no internet: confirm the phone’s mobile data works, then use safe comparison tests to tell whether it’s a device issue, a hotspot setting (band/VPN/Data Saver), or a carrier hotspot restriction.
What usually helps most (safe checks):
• Confirm the LG phone can browse on mobile data with Wi-Fi off (proves cellular data is OK).
• Connect a second device briefly; if both connect but neither has internet, focus on hotspot sharing/plan limits instead of the tablet.
• Temporarily disable VPN and Data Saver/Battery Saver on the connected device (reversible test).
• Check whether the hotspot is set to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz and note it (compatibility clue after updates).
• Watch for any “plan/provider” warning when turning hotspot on, and write down the exact wording.
Why this can start suddenly on LG (even if it worked before)
When a hotspot worked yesterday and suddenly shows Connected but no internet today, it’s often because something changed in the background: a phone update, a carrier setting refresh, a VPN turning itself back on, or a power-saving mode limiting sharing. Another common surprise is a plan change where regular mobile data still works on the phone, but tethering is limited. Location also matters: weak signal inside a building can make devices “connect” to the hotspot Wi-Fi, but the data path is too unstable to load pages.
What to check first: phone data, hotspot sharing, plan limits, and Wi-Fi band
Start by proving the LG phone has working mobile data (Wi-Fi off). Then test with a second device to avoid blaming one tablet or laptop. If multiple devices connect but none get internet, look for hotspot sharing limits, VPN/Data Saver conflicts, or a hotspot band mismatch (2.4 vs 5 GHz). If you briefly see a “contact your provider” type message when enabling hotspot, write it down — it’s a strong indicator that the phone is allowed to broadcast a hotspot, but not allowed to pass internet through it.
iPhone not charging — gentle troubleshooting tips for seniors
Most charging problems are cable/adapter wear, lint in the port, moisture alerts, heat protection, or a wireless pad alignment issue.
Best approach: change one thing at a time. Start by comparing a different outlet and power adapter, then try a known-good cable. Check the port with a light for obvious lint and avoid sharp tools. If wireless charging works (especially with the case off) but the cable doesn’t, that’s a strong clue. If the phone shows a moisture warning, stop charging and let everything dry naturally.
Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. Avoid making multiple system changes at once. For device-specific steps, consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech or the manufacturer’s support before making decisions.
Getting Started Is Easy
Ask for help, 24/7
Members enjoy round-the-clock access to 12,000+ verified Experts, including iPhone not charging, slow charging, “Accessory not supported,” charging stops at 80%, MagSafe issues, and safe iOS charging checks.
Expert will respond in minutes
We’ll help you narrow down whether it’s the cable, adapter, charging port lint, moisture/heat protection, wireless pad alignment, or an iOS setting — without risky trial-and-error.
Save time & money
Safe diagnostics help you confirm the cause before spending on unnecessary accessories or repairs — and before changing settings you can’t easily undo.
FAQ
Why does my LG hotspot connect but there’s no internet?
This usually means the device is connected to the hotspot’s Wi-Fi, but the phone isn’t passing mobile data through. It can happen with carrier hotspot limits, a recent update, VPN/Data Saver conflicts, or weak cellular signal. A quick clue is whether the LG phone itself can browse on mobile data with Wi-Fi off. Testing a second device helps confirm it isn’t just one tablet.
Did this happen after an Android update on my LG phone?
Yes, it can. Updates sometimes change hotspot defaults (like the Wi-Fi band) or refresh network settings in the background. That can make older tablets connect but not actually reach the internet. It’s best to change only one thing at a time and note what changed. If you see a brief “contact provider” message, write it down.
Is this a settings issue, or is my plan blocking hotspot?
If mobile data works on the LG phone but multiple devices get no internet through the hotspot, plan restrictions are a strong possibility. Some plans allow data on the phone but limit tethering. A “check your plan/provider” warning is another hint. Band/VPN/power-saving settings can also cause similar symptoms, so simple comparisons matter.
Can I check this safely at home without resetting everything?
Yes. Start with low-risk checks like confirming mobile data works, toggling hotspot off/on, and temporarily turning off VPN or Data Saver. Try connecting a second device to compare results. Check whether the hotspot band is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz and note it for compatibility. Avoid network resets unless you’re ready to re-enter saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Sources
- LG User Guide — Tethering & Mobile Hotspot
- LG User Guide — Tethering & networks (Mobile Hotspot / APN)
- Google Support — Fix internet connection problems on Android devices
- Google Support Community — Hotspot connected but no internet (common checks)
Filed under: Hotspot, Tethering & Sharing
Related articles
- LG hotspot keeps disconnecting when I lock the screen — what should I check?
- Phone can’t share internet (hotspot not working) — what to check first?
- LG phone can’t share internet (hotspot won’t work) — what to check first
- Android Bluetooth internet tethering not working — why it happens + what to check first (safe)
- Oppo phone hotspot not working — no devices connecting or keeps dropping?
- Huawei phone hotspot not working — device won't connect or keeps dropping (what to check first)
- Xiaomi phone hotspot not working — started suddenly (what changed?)
- OnePlus phone hotspot not working — is it settings or hardware?
