Why Your Laptop Can't Detect Wi-Fi Shared from Your Phone and How to Fix It

It’s a common issue: your laptop doesn't see the Wi-Fi network shared from your phone. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, from settings on the phone and laptop to limitations in drivers or the operating system. Let’s explore the main causes and solutions for this issue.

1. Check the Mobile Hotspot Settings on Your Phone

First, make sure that the mobile hotspot feature on your phone is correctly activated. On most phones, you can find this option in “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Hotspot & Tethering”. Ensure that the Wi-Fi hotspot mode is enabled.

2. Restart Both Devices

Sometimes a simple restart can resolve the issue. Reboot both your phone and laptop to reset network settings and refresh connections.

3. Ensure the Wi-Fi Adapter on Your Laptop Is Enabled

Some laptops have physical switches or key combinations to enable or disable the Wi-Fi adapter. Check to ensure the adapter is turned on and active.

4. Verify Network Settings on Your Phone

Many phones allow you to configure mobile hotspot settings, including the frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). If your laptop doesn’t support 5 GHz, switch to 2.4 GHz. This setting can typically be found within the hotspot settings menu.

5. Update the Wi-Fi Adapter Drivers on Your Laptop

Open Device Manager on your laptop (e.g., via Control Panel or the right-click menu on “This PC”), find your Wi-Fi adapter, right-click, and select “Update driver”. Outdated drivers can sometimes prevent successful connections.

6. Try Adjusting IP and DNS Settings

In your laptop’s Wi-Fi network settings, you may want to adjust the IP and DNS settings. For instance, set the DNS servers to Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) for a more stable connection.

7. Check for Security Restrictions on Your Phone

Some phones have security settings that limit access to unknown devices. Go into your mobile hotspot settings and ensure there are no restrictions blocking new connections.

8. Ensure Power Saving Mode Isn’t Enabled

If your phone is in power-saving mode, it may limit Wi-Fi sharing to conserve battery life. Turn it off or connect the phone to a charger while using the hotspot.