A situation where an Honor smartphone refuses to see or connect to a hotspot created by another mobile device is a common problem in today's mobile environment. Users often encounter this: modem mode The router is active on the sharing device, but the Honor device stubbornly displays "Failed to connect" or remains stuck in the "Obtaining IP address" status. This can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from trivial software glitches in the MagicOS or EMUI operating system to frequency band incompatibility.
Understanding the nature of the failure is the first step to recovery. Internet connectionsOften, the problem isn't a faulty antenna, but a security settings conflict or an overflowing list of connected clients on the broadcasting device. In this article, we'll examine in detail the technical issues that prevent Honor from establishing a stable connection with an external Wi-Fi source and provide a step-by-step solution.
Ignoring these signals can leave you without internet access at the most inopportune moment. Further analysis will help you fix the problem yourself without contacting a service center.
Main reasons for connection failure
The first thing that comes to mind when network problems arise is a weak signal. However, when it comes to connecting to another phone's hotspot, distance is rarely a critical factor. More often than not, the culprit is security protocolIf the sharing device uses the older WPA/TKIP standard, and Honor is configured for the more secure WPA2/WPA3, the connection may fail.
Another common cause is an overflow of DNS memory or network settings cache on Honor devices. The system may become stuck on old configurations while attempting to apply them to a new network. It's also worth considering that some carriers block or limit tethering, which can cause errors on the receiving device.
⚠️ Please note: If you use corporate SIM cards or special plans with unlimited data, your carrier may force you to disconnect when you attempt to share your data. In this case, the only solution is to change your data plan or use third-party apps to bypass the restrictions.
Physical interference and the operation of Bluetooth headsets, which can create interference in the 2.4 GHz range, should also be taken into account. If Honor has search for devices or if an over-the-air file transfer is active, this may temporarily block the Wi-Fi module.
Diagnosing access point settings on the distributing device
Before attempting to fix your Honor, you need to ensure the signal source is working properly. Access point settings on Android smartphones have their own unique features. The 5 GHz band is often activated by default for maximum speed, but older Honor models or devices in poor reception areas may simply not see this network or be unable to connect to it.
It is necessary to check the encryption type. The optimal option today is WPA2 PSK with the AES algorithm. Using mixed modes or legacy protocols may cause conflicts. It's also important to consider hiding the SSID: if the network name is hidden, Honor may not connect automatically without manually entering the parameters.
An important parameter is the limit on connected devices. If the access point settings limit, for example, to three devices, then a fourth device (your Honor) will simply not be allowed onto the network. Check the list of connected clients in the access point menu.
☑️ Checking access point settings
Sometimes a simple but effective method can help: changing the network name (SSID). Some Honor devices cache network parameters and, when attempting to connect to a familiar name, use old, now incorrect data. Changing the name will force the phone to recognize the network as a new one and request the latest parameters.
Reset network settings on Honor
If the signal source is working, but the Honor still won't connect, the problem is most likely a software glitch in the smartphone itself. The most radical and often the only working solution is a complete reset. reset network settingsThis operation does not delete your personal files, contacts, or apps, but it does clear all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth, and mobile network settings.
To perform this procedure, you need to go to the settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the MagicOS shell, but it usually looks like this: Settings → System & updates → Reset → Reset network settingsIn some versions this may be located in the section Additional settings.
After pressing the reset button, the system will ask you to confirm the action by entering your PIN or pattern. After the reboot, the phone will be "clean" in terms of network connections. You will need to re-enter the Wi-Fi password for the other phone.
⚠️ Important: Before performing a reset, make sure you remember the password for your Wi-Fi network, as it will be impossible to restore saved passwords after this operation without a cloud backup.
This procedure eliminates IP address conflicts and static settings that may have been previously set for other networks and are now interfering with proper operation. Statistics show that in 80% of cases of software failures, it is reset settings returns the Wi-Fi module to working order.
Problems with frequency ranges and channels
Modern routers and access points operate in two main bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds but has less penetration and range. If your Honor is a mid-range or budget model from previous years, it may not physically support this band.
Furthermore, the 2.4 GHz band is often highly noisy, especially in apartment buildings. If another phone's access point is on a channel heavily polluted by neighboring routers, the Honor may see the network but will be unable to authenticate due to packet loss.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 2.4 GHz (5 GHz) band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 433-866 Mbps |
| Penetration ability | High (through walls) | Low (walls muffle the signal) |
| Workload | High (a lot of interference) | Low (cleaner ether) |
| Compatibility with Honor | 100% (all models) | Only new models |
A possible solution is to force the access point on the transmitting phone to "2.4 GHz only" mode. This will reduce the maximum speed, but will guarantee compatibility with older Honor Wi-Fi modules.
How to check supported frequencies of Honor?
Go to Wi-Fi settings and tap the gear icon or the one next to your network name. The "Frequency" line will show either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. If it shows 5 GHz and your phone is older, it could be emulation or a detection error.
IP and DNS conflicts
A common reason why Honor phones won't connect to Wi-Fi is an IP address conflict. This occurs when two devices on the same network attempt to use the same address, or when the DHCP server on the host device (another phone) fails to assign a new address due to a full pool.
In this case, manually setting the IP address helps. In the Wi-Fi menu on your Honor, tap the network name (or the gear icon), select "IP Settings," and switch from DHCP to StaticHere you need to specify an address that does not conflict with others, for example, by changing the last digit in the gateway address.
IP address: 192.168.43.150Gateway: 192.168.43.1
Network prefix length: 24
DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
Using Google's public DNS servers (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1) often solves the "Obtaining an IP Address" problem when the default DNS servers of the ISP or the phone that's distributing the internet don't respond in a timely manner. This is especially true if the access point is distributing the internet via a mobile network with unstable ping.
Impact of system updates and third-party applications
Keep in mind that the Android operating system and MagicOS are constantly being updated. After a major software update, the Wi-Fi module may not function properly due to bugs in the new drivers. Check for available system updates in the menu. Settings → System and updates → Software update.
Installed battery-saving apps or internet boosters may also be the cause. These can aggressively manage power savings by disabling Wi-Fi in the background or blocking it when the screen is off. Try disabling power-saving mode and checking your connection.
VPN apps or antivirus software with network protection features can also block connections to new access points, deeming them unsafe. Temporarily disabling such services can help diagnose the problem.
Wi-Fi module hardware failure
If none of the software methods help, the problem may be hardware-related. This could be a loose antenna module connection after a fall or overheating. In such cases, the phone may see networks but lack the power to connect, or may not turn on the module at all.
You can diagnose this by launching the engineering menu or test mode. Enter the code ##2846579## (The code may vary depending on the model and region) to enter the ProjectMenu. From there, you can run a WLAN test. If the test fails, repairs are likely required.
Another sign of a hardware problem is intense heating of the upper part of the phone when trying to turn on Wi-Fi. In this case, self-repair is not recommended; it's best to contact an authorized service center.
What should I do if my Honor sees the network, but says "Saved" and won't connect?
This is a classic sign of an incorrect password or encryption type. Try "Forget Network" on your Honor, then re-enter the password, paying close attention to the capitalization. If that doesn't help, change the encryption type on the sharing phone to WPA2-Personal.
Why won't my Honor connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Your device may not support this standard. Check the specifications for your model. If it does, make sure the channel on your access point is set between 36 and 64, as some regions and firmware versions may not recognize channels above 100.
Can a case interfere with Wi-Fi connectivity?
Yes, if the case has a metal base or a metal coating. Metal shields the antenna signal, reducing reception sensitivity. Remove the case and try connecting again.
How to reset network settings without losing data?
The "Reset Network Settings" feature in Android doesn't delete photos, contacts, or apps. It only deletes Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth device passwords, and mobile network settings (APNs).