i3Engineering | Wi-Fi Hotspot Android

The phone’s hotspot network is not visible when scanning for networks in the I3 Home app.
Cause: The controllers support only 2.4 GHz frequency and unhidden networks.
Remedy:
1. Check Hotspot Frequency: ● Cause: Many modern phones automatically set the hotspot to 5 GHz, which is not supported by controllers.● Solution: Go to Settings → Hotspot or Tethering, and ensure the hotspot is set to 2.4 GHz.
2. Check Network Visibility:● Cause: The Wi-Fi network might be hidden.● Solution: In your phone’s hotspot settings, make sure the SSID (network name) is not hidden. Look for an option related to SSID visibility and ensure it is turned off.
The hotspot is active in phone settings, but devices cannot connect.
Cause: Potential phone-specific issues or connectivity problems.
Remedy:
1. Test with Another Device:● Solution: Try connecting a different device (e.g., a laptop or another phone) to the hotspot to verify if it’s working properly.
The Wi-Fi network is visible, but attempting to connect results in an error.
Cause: Controllers require the WPA2 security protocol, and they don’t support PMF (Protected Management Frames).
Remedy:
1. Ensure the Correct Wi-Fi Security Type:● Solution: Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot & Tethering. In the Security Type settings, select WPA2 to ensure compatibility.
Disable Protected Management Frames (PMF):● Cause: The controllers do not support PMF.● Solution: In the hotspot settings, go to Advanced Settings or Security Settings, and disable Protected Management Frames (PMF). If it is set to Required, switch it to Disabled or Optional.
Other Hotspot Issues
1. Mobile Carrier Restrictions:● Cause: Some mobile carriers restrict hotspot usage or impose data limits.● Solution: Verify Data Plan Restrictions: Contact your carrier to ensure tethering is allowed and no data limits have been reached.
2. Phone Glitches:
Solution:● Restart the Phone: A simple restart can resolve many hotspot issues.● Reset Hotspot Settings: Go to your phone’s hotspot settings, turn the hotspot off and back on. You can also try changing the network name or password.
3. Battery Saver and Power Saving Mode:● Cause: These modes can interfere with the hotspot function.● Solution: Disable Battery Saver/Power Saving Mode: Ensure these modes are off when using the hotspot.
4. VPN or Proxy Interference:● Cause: VPN or proxy settings might interfere with hotspot functionality.● Solution: Turn Off VPN/Proxy: Disable any VPN or proxy services and check if the hotspot works correctly.
5. Factory Reset Network Settings:● Solution: If other solutions don’t work, try resetting your phone’s network settings.Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Devices cannot connect to the hotspot, even though it’s visible.
Cause: Issues with IP addressing.
Remedy:1. Check IP Address Settings:● Solution: Ensure the hotspot is using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for IP addressing. Go to Hotspot Settings and verify that DHCP is enabled, rather than a static IP configuration.
Too many devices are connected.
Cause: Many phones have a limit on the number of devices that can connect to a hotspot (often 5 devices).
Remedy:
1. Check Device Limit:● Solution: In the Hotspot Settings, check the maximum number of allowed devices and, if possible, increase the limit.
Hotspot is active, but connected devices don’t have internet access.
Cause: Mobile data issues on the phone.
Remedy:
1. Verify Mobile Data Connection:● Solution: Ensure mobile data is working on the phone. If the signal is weak, try moving to an area with better coverage or restarting the device.
2. Switch Network Type:● Solution: Try switching from 4G (LTE) to 3G or 2G to improve stability in areas with poor 4G coverage. Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Preferred Network Type.
Hotspot disconnects frequently or is unstable.
Cause: Phone overheating or system overload.
Remedy:1. Cool Down the Phone:● Solution: The phone may overheat with prolonged hotspot usage. Disable the hotspot temporarily and allow the phone to cool down.
2. Manage System Resources:● Solution: Close background apps and free up system resources to improve hotspot performance.
Hotspot turns off automatically after some time.
Cause: Automatic shutdown settings.
Remedy:
1. Disable Automatic Hotspot Shutdown:● Solution: Check if the phone has a setting to automatically turn off the hotspot when not in use. Disable this feature in the Hotspot Settings.
Hotspot issues after a software update.
Cause: System changes from the update.
Remedy:
1. Check for Further Updates:● Solution: Ensure all software updates are applied. If the issue persists after an update, wait for a patch or rollback if possible.
2. Use Airplane Mode:● Solution: Temporarily enable Airplane Mode, wait a few seconds, and then disable it to reset the network settings.
Long connection times due to DNS issues.
Cause: DNS server problems.
Remedy:
1. Change DNS Settings:● Solution: Manually configure DNS servers in the hotspot settings. Consider using Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). Go to Hotspot Settings → Advanced Settings and set the DNS servers.