The situation when tablet stubbornly refuses to reveal Wi-Fi Connecting to the network created by your smartphone is one of the most annoying problems in everyday mobile device use. You turn on the hotspot, the hotspot icon is lit, but the list of available networks on the second device is empty, or the connection process gets stuck at the "Obtaining IP address" stage. More often than not, this isn't a hardware problem, but a software conflict or a specific security setting.
In most cases, the root of the problem lies in the incompatibility of frequency bands or the hidden mode of the access point, which is activated by default in new versions. AndroidThere's no need to take your gadgets to a service center, as 90% of such issues can be resolved by simply adjusting the settings in the settings menu. Let's look at the main technical issues and how to fix them.
Frequency Compatibility Issues: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
The most common technical reason why the tablet does not see Wi-Fi, is the operation of an access point in the 5 GHz band when the receiving device does not support this frequency. Older or budget tablet models are often equipped with modules that operate exclusively in the band. 2.4 GHz. When Android- the smartphone creates a network in the faster, but shorter-range 5 GHz range; the older device physically cannot “see” the signal.
To fix this, you need to force a frequency switch in the access point settings. Go to the settings menu, select "Access Point" or "Tethering and Access Point," then go to "Access Point Settings." There you'll find the "AP Band" or "Frequency" setting, which you need to change. 2.4 GHzThis action will make the network visible to all devices, regardless of their year of manufacture.
It is worth noting that in some firmware from manufacturers like Xiaomi or Samsung This setting may be hidden in advanced settings. If you can't find the switch, try temporarily disabling Power Saving Mode, as it sometimes blocks powerful 5 GHz transmitters to save battery life.
SSID Hidden Mode and Other Visibility Settings
Another common reason for the absence of a network in the list of available connections is the activated function of hiding the network name (SSIDFor privacy reasons, some users or automatic security settings may hide the access point name. In this case, the tablet detects the signal but doesn't display its name, requiring manual connection details.
To check this setting, open the hotspot settings on your phone and find the "Hide device" or "Hide SSID" option. If it's checked, uncheck it. This will make the network visible to all nearby devices. Also, check if there's a filter set. MAC addresses, which can block connections from unknown devices even if they see the network.
⚠️ Attention: Using a hidden SSID forces the tablet to constantly search for the network, significantly increasing battery life. For a home hotspot, it's best to use normal visibility mode with a strong password.
If you still want to keep the network hidden for security reasons, you'll need to add it manually on your tablet. Select "Add Network" from the menu. Wi-Fi, enter the exact network name (note the case of the letters) and select the security type, which usually corresponds to the standard WPA2-Personal or WPA3.
Connected device limits and IP conflicts
operating system Android has built-in limits on the number of devices that can simultaneously connect to a hotspot. By default, this limit is often set to 5 or 8 devices. If your phone is already connected to the maximum number of devices, the new tablet simply won't be able to connect to the network, and it may not even appear in the priority list.
In addition, conflicts can arise at the distribution level IP addressesThe phone's built-in DHCP server may freeze or exhaust the pool of addresses allocated to clients. In this situation, a simple Wi-Fi reboot helps: turn off the access point, enable airplane mode for 10 seconds, then reactivate the module and try connecting.
| Parameter | Standard value | Recommended value | Impact on connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 5 GHz (automatic) | 2.4 GHz | High (compatibility) |
| Security protocol | WPA3 | WPA2-Personal | Average (old devices) |
| Max devices | 8 | 4-5 | Low (stability) |
| Shutdown timeout | 10 min | Never | Average (convenience) |
Also check the list of connected devices in the access point menu. If you see any unfamiliar devices, change the password immediately. Sometimes the system glitches and considers an already disconnected device active, taking up a slot in the connection table.
☑️ Access point diagnostics
Driver issues and resetting network settings
Accumulating network configuration errors is the bane of mobile operating systems. If your tablet previously connected successfully to the phone but then stopped, it's possible that incorrect data has been stored in the network settings cache. This could be due to an incorrect encryption type, a static IP address, or conflicting DNS servers.
The most effective solution in this case is to completely reset the tablet's network settings. This won't delete your personal files, photos, or apps, but it will return all network settings to factory defaults. The path to this function typically looks like this: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting your network settings, you will have to re-enter passwords for all saved Wi-Fi networks and re-pair Bluetooth devices, such as headphones or watches.
It's also worth checking if your tablet has any traffic management apps or internet boosters installed. Programs like NetSpeed or various antivirus programs with a firewall function can block the creation of local connections or change the priorities of network interfaces, preventing normal operation.
Impact of energy saving and background processes
Modern shells Android (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS) aggressively optimize power consumption, which often results in background services, including the hotspot, being disabled. If the phone's screen goes dark, the system can throttle internet sharing, making the network invisible to the tablet after a few minutes of inactivity.
To prevent this, find the "Sleep" or "Power Saver" option in the Battery settings for the "Tethering" or "System Services" service. Set it to "Unlimited" or "Do not limit." This will prevent the system from disabling Wi-Fi to save battery when the screen is off.
Secret code for diagnostics
Some Samsung and Xiaomi phones have an engineering mode. Enter the code ##4636## In the phone app. In the "Phone Information" menu, you can try switching the preferred network type, which can sometimes help reset a frozen radio module.
Also, check if the "Data Saver" mode is enabled on the tablet itself. If enabled, the device may ignore networks with a weak signal or limit background activity, creating the illusion that Wi-Fi is down even though it's technically connected.
Hardware limitations and modem drivers
Hardware issues shouldn't be discounted either. If a phone or tablet has been dropped, exposed to water, or is simply old, the antenna module may have failed or become loose. A symptom of a hardware problem is not only the lack of network visibility, but also the complete disappearance of the "Wi-Fi" option in the settings or its permanent grayout.
In rare cases, the problem lies with the modem drivers after an operating system update. If the problem appeared immediately after the update Android, it makes sense to check for firmware updates from the manufacturer, as patches often fix radio interface compatibility issues.
If all else fails, you can try a more radical method: a factory reset (hard reset). However, before doing this, be sure to back up your data. This will completely clear your device of junk software and return it to its out-of-the-box state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the tablet see other Wi-Fi networks, but not the access point from the phone?
This indicates an incompatibility of security standards or frequencies. Most likely, the phone is broadcasting in the 5 GHz band or using a protocol WPA3, which your old tablet doesn't support. Try switching your access point to 2.4 GHz and WPA2 mode.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if there is no SIM card on the phone?
Yes, you can. Your phone can act as a repeater, distributing the internet it receives via Wi-Fi, or simply creating a local network for file transfer. However, to access the global network, the phone must have an active internet connection.
Why does the connection say "Obtaining IP address" and then disconnect?
This is a classic IP address conflict or a DHCP server error on the phone. Restarting both devices, disabling static IP in the tablet's Wi-Fi settings, or changing the access point name so the device creates a new configuration can help.
Does phone battery charge affect hotspot visibility?
Yes, when the battery is critically low (usually below 10-15%), the Android system can automatically turn off the access point or reduce the transmitter power, making the network invisible to save power for emergency calls.