My PC can't see my Honor hotspot: Why it can't connect to Wi-Fi through my phone and how to fix it

You are trying to share the Internet from your phone. Honor Are you trying to connect to a computer via a hotspot, but your PC stubbornly refuses to connect to Wi-Fi? This situation is familiar to many: your phone shows the network is active, but your laptop or desktop PC either doesn't see it at all, constantly asks for a password, or returns a "Failed to connect" error. There are dozens of reasons for this behavior, from trivial configuration errors to security protocol conflicts.

In this article we will look at all possible reasonsWhy doesn't my computer connect to the access point? Honor, - from problems with Wi-Fi drivers on a PC to firmware features of smartphones of the series Honor 50/60/70/Magic. You will receive step-by-step instructions with illustrations (for key steps), a protocol compatibility table, and answers to frequently asked questions. We will pay special attention to hidden Android settings, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which often disrupt the Internet distribution.

If you've already tried restarting both your phone and computer without success, don't rush to reset your device to factory settings. In 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved without drastic measures. Let's start with diagnostics.

1. Checking the basic access point settings on Honor

Before delving into Windows settings or drivers, make sure the hotspot itself is configured correctly on your phone. Errors here are more common than you might think.

Open on Honor menu Settings → Mobile networks → Hotspot & tetheringCheck the following parameters:

• 🔹 Network name (SSID): must not contain Cyrillic, spaces or special characters (for example, #, $, %). Use Latin letters and numbers.
• 🔒 Password: The minimum length is 8 characters. If the password is shorter, some PC Wi-Fi adapters will refuse to connect.
• 📶 Frequency range: by default Honor distributes the network in the range 2.4 GHzIf your PC only supports 5 GHz (rarely, but it happens), enable both ranges in the access point settings.
• 🔄 Power saving mode: in the menu Settings → Battery Disable the "Access Point Optimization" option. This automatically disables hotspot sharing when your battery is low.

If you have changed your settings, restart the access point (Turn it off and on again). Sometimes even changing the network name helps—some PC Wi-Fi adapters "remember" old settings and refuse to connect to a network with the same SSID but different settings.

2. Problems with Wi-Fi drivers on your computer

If your phone is distributing internet, but your PC doesn't see the network or displays a connection error, it's your fault. Wi-Fi adapter driver. This is especially relevant for laptops with adapters. Intel, Realtek or Broadcom, where drivers often conflict with security protocols Honor.

To check the driver:

1. Click Win + X and select "Device Manager".
2. Expand the "Network adapters" branch.
3. Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi or 802.11 in the title.
4. Right-click → "Update driver" → "Search automatically".

If Windows reports that the driver is up to date, but the problem persists:

• 🔧 Uninstall the driver completely (right-click → "Uninstall device"), then restart your PC. The system will reinstall the driver.
• 🌐 Download the driver from the laptop manufacturer's website (not from the website Intel/Realtek!) by selecting the exact model. For example, for Lenovo Legion with adapter Intel AX200 I need a driver specifically from Lenovo.
• 🛠️ Check the security protocol version: in the network properties (in the tray) there should be a check mark next to it WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSKIf it's worth it only WEP - update the driver.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with adapters Realtek RTL88xx (For example, RTL8821CE) Rolling back the driver to the 2021–2022 version often helps. New drivers from Realtek may conflict with protocols Honor.

3. Security Protocol Conflict: WPA3 vs. WPA2

Smartphones Honor (especially 2022-2026 models) distribute Wi-Fi with the protocol by default WPA3 — more secure, but not always compatible with older PC adapters. If your computer was manufactured before 2018, it may simply not support it. WPA3, which results in a connection error.

The solution is to force the access point to switch to WPA2:

1. Open it on your phone Settings → Hotspot & Tethering → Set up hotspot.
2. Find the "Security Type" (or "Security Protocol") item.
3. Select WPA2 PSK instead of WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3.
4. Save the settings and restart the access point.

If there is no such item (on some models Honor it's hidden), try the following workaround:

• 📱 Install the application on your phone WiFi Analyzer (or similar) and check what protocol your access point is using.
• 🖥️ On your PC, in the connection properties (click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray → "Properties"), manually specify WPA2-PSK in security settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Honor (For example, Honor 70 Pro) when choosing WPA2 the option may disappear 5 GHzIf you need this range, leave WPA2/WPA3 and update the driver on your PC.

4. Blocking connections with antivirus or firewall software

Antiviruses (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) and the built-in Windows firewall often block "suspicious" connections, especially if the access point uses non-standard ports or protocols. This can manifest itself as:

• 🔴 The PC sees the network, but when connecting, it displays "No Internet access."
• 🔄 The connection is established, but after 10-30 seconds it is interrupted.
• 🚫 A "Blocked by Firewall" notification appears.

How to check:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus (via the tray icon or in the program settings).
2. Disable Windows Firewall: Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall → Turn on or off.
3. Try connecting again. If it works, the problem is in your security settings.

To avoid leaving your PC unprotected, add an exception for the access point:

• 🛡️ In your antivirus: find the "Network" or "Firewall" section and add the phone's IP address (usually 192.168.x.1) to the trusted zone.
• 🖥️ In Windows Firewall: Firewall → Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules → Create Rule for ports TCP 80, 443 And UDP 53.

How to find out the IP address of a phone in hotspot mode?

Connect to the phone from another device (for example, a second phone), open the network information - the gateway IP will be indicated there (usually 192.168.43.1 or 192.168.1xx.1).

5. Operator or tariff restrictions

Many operators (eg MTS, Beeline, Tele2) block internet access on some plans or limit speeds. This can manifest itself as:

• 📵 The access point turns on, but the Internet does not work ("No network access").
• 🐢 Upload speed is limited to 64–128 kbps.
• 🚫 After 5-10 minutes the connection is lost.

How to check:

1. Insert the SIM card into another phone and try tethering. If the problem persists, the carrier is to blame.
2. Call support and check if tethering is allowed on your plan. Sometimes you need to enable an option (for example, "Mobile Modem"). MTS).
3. Check your balance: if your balance is zero or negative, some operators block distribution.

Workarounds (if distribution is blocked):

• 🔄 Reboot your phone in flight mode for 30 seconds, then turn on the hotspot. Sometimes this resets the operator's restrictions.
• 📶 Use a VPN on your phone (for example, 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN). Some operators block distribution using TTL packets, and a VPN bypasses this.
• 📱 Change your APN settings: go to Settings → Mobile network → Access point names (APN) and create a new profile with your operator's parameters (can be found on their website).

⚠️ Attention: Unlimited internet plans often cap data usage at 5–10 GB per month. Once the limit is exceeded, the speed drops to 32 kbps, but the operator doesn't notify you of this.

6. Hardware problems: Wi-Fi antenna or phone module

If none of the previous methods helped, it is possible hardware malfunctions:

• 📡 On the phone: damage to the Wi-Fi antenna (for example, after a fall or exposure to moisture).
• 🖥️ On a PC: a faulty Wi-Fi module (especially if the connection to other networks does not work).
• 🔋 On the phone: battery wear (when discharged below 20%, some models Honor automatically turn off the access point).

How to diagnose:

1. Telephone:
   • Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network (for example, your home router). If the connection is unstable, the problem is with the antenna.
   • Run the hardware test through the engineering menu: type ##2846## → ProjectMenu → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Test.

PC:

• Connect to your phone via USB cable (modem mode). If the internet works, the problem is with your PC's Wi-Fi adapter.
• Check if the Wi-Fi indicator on your laptop is lit (if applicable). If not, the module may have come loose from the connector.

On phones Honor Magic 4/5 And Honor 80 There's a known issue with the Wi-Fi chip overheating during extended internet access. If your phone's casing is hot and the speed drops, let it cool for 10–15 minutes.

7. Hidden Android settings that break distribution

Smartphone manufacturers (including Honor) often add undocumented features to firmware that can interfere with internet sharing. Here are the most common ones:

• 🔄 Device limitation: some models Honor Only allow 1–2 devices to connect to the access point. Check the "Max. number of devices" option in the access point settings.
• ⏱️ Inactivity timeout: If you don't connect to the network for 5-10 minutes, your phone may automatically turn off the hotspot. Disable this option in Advanced Settings → Timeout.
• 📵 MAC address blocking: on the menu Settings → System → Advanced Settings → Network The MAC filter may be enabled. Disable it.
• 🔋 Saving battery for your modem: in the battery settings (Settings → Battery → Performance mode) select "Maximum performance" for the access point.

If you do not find these options in the standard settings, use the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
2. Go to the section Phone information → Wi-Fi settings.
3. Check the parameters Wi-Fi frequency band (must be Auto) And Wi-Fi channel (try setting the channel manually 6 or 11).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a PC to an Honor hotspot

🔹 Why does my computer see the network but not connect? It says "Unable to connect."

This is a typical error of incompatibility of security protocols. The phone is enabled WPA3, and your PC doesn't support it. Solution:

1. On your phone, switch the protocol to WPA2 (see section 3).
2. Update the Wi-Fi driver on your PC (see section 2).
3. If that doesn't help, reset the network settings on your PC: Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset.

🔹 My hotspot is working, but I can't access websites on my PC. What should I do?

The reasons may be different:

• 📵 The operator is blocking distribution (See section 5). Check your balance and tariff.
• 🔧 Incorrect DNS settingsOn your PC, specify DNS in the connection properties. 8.8.8.8 And 1.1.1.1.
• 🛡️ Antivirus is blocking traffic (See section 4). Turn it off during the test.
• 📱 VPN is enabled on your phoneDisable it or set up "Share via VPN" in the app.

🔹 How can I increase my Honor's upload speed? It's very slow.

The speed depends on several factors:

1. Wi-Fi range: switch the access point to 5 GHz (if your PC supports it). In your phone settings, select Band: 5 GHz.
2. Wi-Fi channel: in the engineering menu (##4636##) set the channel 36, 40 or 48 For 5 GHz.
3. Operator: Some plans limit upload speed (for example, to 10 Mbps). Check with your operator.
4. Telephone: on models Honor Magic When overheating, the speed is artificially reduced. Let the device cool down.

Also, check if the "Background Data Limit" option is enabled in your phone's battery settings - it may limit your data transfer speed.

🔹 Is it possible to share internet from an Honor device to a PC via USB instead of Wi-Fi?

Yes, this is often more reliable. To do this:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB cable.
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Hotspot & Tethering → USB Tethering.
3. On your PC, wait for the drivers to be installed (if necessary, download them from the website) Honor).

Advantages of a USB modem:

• 🔋 Doesn't drain your phone's battery.
• 📶 More stable connection (no interference like with Wi-Fi).
• 🚀 Higher speed (up to 300 Mbps versus 50–100 Mbps on Wi-Fi).

If Windows does not detect the USB modem, check if the mode is enabled Data transfer when connecting the cable (a notification will appear on the phone).

🔹 After updating EMUI, Wi-Fi hotspots stopped working. What should I do?

Firmware updates Honor (especially before EMUI 13/14 or Magic UI) often reset the modem settings. Try:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
2. Enable compatibility mode: In the access point settings, find the "Compatibility with legacy devices" option and enable it.
3. Roll back the update: If the problem appeared after the update, check if it is possible to roll back to the previous version of EMUI via Settings → Software Update → Revert to Previous Version.

If nothing helps, contact support Honor — in some cases it is necessary to reflash the modem module.