i3Engineering | Wi-Fi Hotspot iOS

Unable to enable the hotspot
Cause: The Personal Hotspot option may not be enabled, or the mobile plan may not support hotspot usage.
Remedy:
1. Ensure Personal Hotspot is Enabled:● Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot, and toggle it on.● If you can’t see this option, check with your mobile carrier to ensure your data plan supports hotspot sharing.
2. Restart the Device:● Restart both the iPhone/iPad acting as the hotspot and the device attempting to connect to it.
3. Update the Device:● Make sure your device is updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS by going to Settings → General → Software Update.
4. Reset Network Settings:● If the problem persists, go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset [Device] → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This will reset your Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, VPN, and APN configurations.
The phone’s hotspot network is not visible when scanning for networks in the I3 Home app
Cause: Wi-Fi controllers in I3 Home support only 2.4 GHz networks.
Remedy:1. Enable Maximize Compatibility:● For iPhone 12 or later, iPad Pro (3rd gen or later), iPad mini (6th gen), or newer devices, go to Settings → Personal Hotspot and enable Maximize Compatibility. This will ensure that the hotspot broadcasts at 2.4 GHz, which is compatible with the I3 Home controllers.
2. Grant Local Network Access to I3 Home:● Ensure the I3 Home app has access to the local network. Go to Settings → Privacy → Local Network, and make sure I3 Home is toggled on.
The hotspot is enabled but not broadcasting Wi-Fi
Cause: The hotspot may be experiencing a temporary glitch and not broadcasting the network as intended.
Remedy:
1. Toggle Hotspot Off and On:● Turn the hotspot off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Test the hotspot by trying to connect from another device to verify it is working.
The Wi-Fi network is visible, but attempting to connect results in an error
Cause: The controllers require a password-protected network or there may be an issue with the connection process.
Remedy:
1. Ensure the Hotspot Has a Password:● Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot and ensure the password field is not empty. Controllers often do not support unsecured networks.
2. For iOS 13.0 and Below:● Ensure that the iPhone’s screen is not locked during the connection process, as the hotspot may stop broadcasting when the screen is locked.
3. Stay on the Hotspot Screen:● Do not leave the hotspot screen until the controller has successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network.

Hotspot usage is restricted by the mobile carrier
Cause: Some mobile carriers impose restrictions on hotspot usage even if it appears to be active on your device.
Remedy:
1. Verify Data Plan Restrictions:● Contact your mobile carrier to check if your data plan allows tethering and whether you have reached any usage limits.
Hotspot or connection glitches
Remedy:1. Restart the Phone:● Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues with the hotspot or networking settings.
2. Reset Hotspot Settings:● Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot, and try resetting the network name or password. You can also turn the hotspot off and back on to refresh the connection.
3. Disable VPN or Proxy:● If you have a VPN or proxy service enabled on your phone, it might interfere with the hotspot's ability to share the internet. Disable the VPN or proxy, then try enabling the hotspot again.
4. Factory Reset Network Settings:● If none of the above works, you might need to reset your phone’s network settings. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset [Device] → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This will remove saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and reset mobile data settings.

Unable to connect to the hotspot from a specific device
Cause: Incompatible security settings or device-specific issues.
Remedy:
1. Check Device Compatibility:● Ensure the connecting device supports WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols, which are typically used by iPhones.
2. Update the iPhone or iPad:● Make sure both devices are using the latest software versions to ensure compatibility.
3. Forget the Network on the Connecting Device:● On the device trying to connect, go to its Wi-Fi settings, forget the network, and then attempt to reconnect.
Hotspot disconnects frequently
Cause: Power-saving features or network instability.
Remedy:
1. Disable Low Power Mode:● Go to Settings → Battery and turn off Low Power Mode. This can sometimes prevent the hotspot from functioning correctly over extended periods.
2. Maintain Device Activity:● Keep the iPhone’s screen on and active while using the hotspot, especially on older iOS versions.