If you’ve come across this blog post, chances are you’re facing difficulties using the Mobile Hotspot feature on your android smartphone, whether it belongs to the Galaxy lineup, A Series, M Series, or any other model manufactured by Samsung.
Resolving the Problem: Samsung “Can’t Use Mobile Hotspot when restricted background data is ON” Issue
The latest Samsung phone models often boast 5G network capabilities, delivering high-speed downloads, uploads, and low latency even when connected to other devices via a hotspot.
However, numerous reports indicate that when Samsung users attempt to enable the mobile Hotspot option to share internet access with other devices, instead of providing the expected functionality, an error message pops up, stating:
“Can’t Use Mobile Hotspot when restricted background data is ON.”
Upon reading this message, it becomes apparent that there may be an issue with the background data settings or similar configurations on the device. Users then check these settings, only to find that everything appears to be in order. This raises the question: What is the cause of this problem and how can it be resolved?
In reality, it is highly likely that you have either intentionally or unintentionally activated the Data Saver setting on your Samsung device. When Data Saver is turned on, the system prevents users from enabling the Hotspot feature. The primary purpose of Data Saver is to safeguard users’ data by limiting its usage to a maximum extent.
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Resolving the Issue – Samsung Phones: Can’t Use Mobile Hotspot when restricted background data is ON
If you’re encountering the error message “Can’t Use Mobile Hotspot when restricted background data is ON” and you wish to resolve it, you’ll need to disable the Data Saver feature. Here’s what you should do:
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone.
- Select the Connection option.
- Tap on Data Usage.
- On this page, locate and tap on the Data Saver option.
- Next, toggle the “Turn on now” button to the OFF position.
That’s it! After completing this step, you should be able to enable the mobile hotspot without encountering the “Can’t Use Mobile Hotspot when restricted background data is ON” error message.
What to Do When Your Android Mobile Hotspot Isn’t Working
Mobile hotspots can occasionally be unreliable and encounter issues. If you find yourself in a situation where your mobile hotspot is not functioning properly, here are some effective solutions to address the problem.
Restart Your Device
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective one. When your phone is frequently in use and has multiple background programs running, its processing speed may decrease, leading to potential glitches.
To do this, press and hold the power button, select the option to Power off, and keep your phone turned off for approximately 30 seconds to a minute. Then, power it back on and check if the problem has been resolved.
Turn Off Automatic Hotspot Switching
Android has introduced a new feature called automatic hotspot switching, which can automatically disable the hotspot if no device is connected to it for a certain period.
While this feature aims to conserve battery life and optimize hotspot usage, it can be problematic if your device remains idle for an extended period or enters sleep mode. You may experience frequent hotspot disconnections without understanding the underlying cause.
Disable Battery Saver and Data Saver Modes
Battery saver mode is designed to extend the battery life of your phone by restricting certain non-essential functions. While enabling battery saver mode should not impact your phone’s hotspot connection, some users have encountered a bug where it affects the hotspot functionality. To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Look for the Battery or Power section.
- Disable the Battery Saver mode if it’s currently enabled.
- Additionally, check for any Data Saver modes and turn them off as well.
- Once you have disabled both Battery Saver and Data Saver modes, try using the mobile hotspot again to see if the problem is resolved.
By turning off these power-saving features, you may be able to restore the proper functioning of your hotspot.
Activate Airplane Mode
Airplane mode is a feature that deactivates wireless transmission functions on a device. When encountering network-related problems, enabling and disabling airplane mode can often help resolve the issues by restarting the network connections.
To activate airplane mode, simply swipe down the notification bar and tap on the Airplane mode icon. Allow it to remain enabled for about 30 seconds to a minute before disabling it again. Afterward, check if the problem has been resolved.
Verify the Functionality of Your Phone’s Internet Connection
To identify whether the issue stems from your internet connection, take the following steps to ensure that your cellular data is enabled. Perform a quick Google search to assess the speed and reception quality of your data connection.
Additionally, check if you have exceeded your monthly cellular data limit. If you are using a prepaid plan that imposes limits, surpassing the data allocation will result in throttled speeds, rendering your hotspot unusable. In such cases, reaching out to your data provider becomes necessary to resolve the problem.
Resolving Hotspot Errors on Your Android Phone
Dealing with hotspot issues can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they arise at the most inconvenient times. Fortunately, there are solutions available to help resolve these problems and ensure a smooth hotspot experience on your phone.
One common culprit for hotspot issues is a weak network connection in your area. It’s essential to always check your surroundings and verify the strength of the connection before using your phone’s hotspot.