The situation when The tablet does not connect to the phone's Wi-Fi., can be frustrating, especially if you urgently need internet access. You're trying to share data from your smartphone to your tablet, but the device either doesn't see the network at all or stays stuck on the "Obtaining IP Address" status forever. This is a classic compatibility issue with security protocols and frequency settings.
In most cases, the issue isn't a hardware failure, but a software conflict. Modern smartphones use advanced encryption standards and frequency bands that older tablets simply can't recognize. Android And iOS periodically change the operating logic of wireless communication modules for the sake of security, which leads to such collisions.
To fix this, you need to check the access point settings on the signal source and the connection parameters on the receiving device. We'll cover technical details that even experienced users often overlook.
Issues with compatibility of ranges and safety standards
The first thing to pay attention to is the frequency range. Many modern phones broadcast internet in the frequency range by default. 5 GHz, which provides high speed but has a shorter range. Older tablets are often equipped with modules that work exclusively in the range 2.4 GHz.
If your tablet can't see the network, it's likely because it physically can't "hear" the signal on the frequency your phone is broadcasting. You need to force the access point to switch to compatibility mode. This can be done in the modem settings.
- 📡 Go to the access point settings and find the "AP Range" or "AP Band" parameter.
- 📡 Select a value
2.4 GHzinstead of "5 GHz" or "Preferred". - 📡 Make sure the safety standard is set to
WPA2 PSK, as WPA3 may not be supported by older devices.
⚠️ Please note: Using the 2.4 GHz band may reduce the maximum data transfer speed, but guarantees compatibility with the vast majority of gadgets released more than 5 years ago.
It is also important to consider the encryption standard. Protocol WPA3The algorithm implemented in newer versions of Android is more secure, but many tablets simply don't have support for it in their software. Switching to WPA2 often resolves the issue immediately.
IP addressing and DHCP server errors
A common cause of a connection getting stuck at the "Obtaining IP Address" stage is an address conflict. When a tablet requests access, the phone (acting as a router) must assign it a unique IP address. If this process is interrupted or the address is already taken on the local network, the connection will fail.
The issue can be resolved by resetting network settings or manually entering the settings. Sometimes, simply switching to airplane mode on your phone to restart the DHCP service helps.
In some cases, manual IP configuration is required on the tablet itself. You need to enter a static address that won't conflict with the gateway (phone) address. The gateway usually has the address 192.168.43.1, so the tablet can be assigned 192.168.43.50.
☑️ IP Conflict Diagnostics
Please pay attention to the number of connected devices. Some mobile carrier plans or phone settings may limit the number of clients. If the limit is reached, the new tablet will simply not be allowed to connect to the network.
Power saving and sleep mode settings
Aggressive power-saving algorithms are the bane of modern smartphones. The system can disable Wi-Fi or limit its background activity to conserve battery life. As a result, the tablet sees the network but is unable to authenticate.
You need to check the battery settings for system processes responsible for internet distribution. On different shells (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS) These menus have different names, but the essence is the same: you need to prevent the system from "killing" the access point process.
- 🔋 Find the "Battery" or "Device and Maintenance" section in Settings.
- 🔋 Go to "Background restrictions" or "Autostart".
- 🔋 Find the "Access Point" or "Tethering" system app and remove all restrictions.
It's also worth checking if "Data Saver" mode is enabled on your phone. It can block data transfer for certain types of devices or apps, deeming them a low priority.
Why does my phone turn off Wi-Fi after 5 minutes?
Many smartphones have a "Disable hotspot when no devices are connected" feature. Make sure it's disabled or that your tablet is actually trying to connect.
If the phone overheats, the system can programmatically reduce the transmitter power or completely disable the communication module. This is a protective mechanism that is often ignored by users when troubleshooting the lack of network connectivity.
MAC address filtering and hidden networks
One of the security measures is the use of MAC filteringIf whitelisting or blacklisting is enabled on your phone, your tablet may be blocked even if you enter the correct password. A MAC address is a unique identifier for a network card.
Check the list of connected devices in the access point settings. If the tablet is listed but marked as "Blocked" or simply isn't on the allowed list, you'll need to add its MAC address manually.
| Parameter | Where to find it on a tablet | Value for setting |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi MAC address | Settings → About device → Status | XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX |
| IP address | Settings → Wi-Fi → Network Properties | 192.168.x.x |
| Gateway (Router) | There, in the properties | Usually 192.168.43.1 |
| DNS | Network settings | 8.8.8.8 (Google) |
Another nuance is the hidden SSID. If you've hidden the network name on your phone, your tablet should be able to connect to hidden networks. On older versions of Android, this worked automatically; on newer versions (Android 10+), you need to manually enter the name and security type.
⚠️ Note: Android 10 and above use MAC address randomization for privacy purposes. Try selecting "Use device MAC address" instead of "Random MAC" for the specific network in your tablet's Wi-Fi settings.
A random MAC address is often the reason why the phone's MAC filter won't allow a tablet, even if you've whitelisted the actual address. The phone will appear as a new device each time.
Operator outages and traffic restrictions
External factors should also be considered. Your mobile operator may block tethering. This is common with unlimited data plans, where tethering to other devices is either paid for or prohibited.
In this case, the tablet connects to Wi-Fi, but there's no internet connection, and your phone may receive a text message from your carrier or the speed may simply drop to zero. You can check this by launching any website in the tablet's browser.
- 🚫 The operator has detected distribution and is blocking data packets.
- 🚫 The main gigabyte package on the SIM card has run out.
- 🚫 The access point settings have a traffic limit that has been reached.
There are complex methods to bypass operator blocking, including changing TTL (Time To Live) packages, but they require root access or the use of third-party software, which is beyond the standard setup.
Also check your balance and the availability of Anti-Spam or Parental Control services on your carrier's end, which could theoretically block certain types of connections, although this rarely happens.
Drastic measures: resetting and reflashing modules
If software settings don't help, there may be a serious glitch in the protocol stack. In this case, a full reset of network settings will help. This won't delete your photos or contacts, but it will forget all passwords for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
The reset path is usually located in the section Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network, Wi-Fi, and mobile data settingsAfter rebooting, the phone will create a new module configuration from scratch.
In rare cases, the problem is caused by outdated software. Check for system updates on both your phone and tablet. Security patches often include fixes for wireless modules.
If this doesn't help, the only option left is a factory reset (Hard Reset), but this method should be used as a last resort, after saving all important data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the tablet say "Saved" but there is no internet?
This means the handshake between the devices was successful, the password is correct, but data transfer is blocked. Most often, the cause is DNS settings on the tablet or a blocking issue by the mobile operator.
Can a phone case interfere with Wi-Fi?
Yes, if the case contains metal inserts or is too thick. Smartphone antennas are often located around the perimeter of the case, and shielding the signal with metal can critically reduce transmission power, making the network unstable.
How do I know how many devices are connected to my phone?
Go to your mobile hotspot settings. There's usually a "Connected devices" section or a client list. This displays the names and MAC addresses of everyone currently using your data.
Does the Android version affect the ability to seed?
Absolutely. Newer versions of Android have stricter security and power management policies, which can make it difficult for older devices to connect. However, they also provide more flexible tools for configuring frequencies and protocols.