When your Nothing Phone (2) hotspot stops working, it leaves your laptop or tablet stranded without internet. Whether other devices can't see it, fail to connect, or get kicked off, the fixes are usually straightforward.
Start by opening the Settings app and tapping Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering. Turn the Wi-Fi hotspot toggle off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. This quick reset often clears a temporary software glitch and gets things running again immediately.
Restart Your Nothing Phone (2)
If toggling doesn't work, a full restart is the next logical step. Press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds until you feel a vibration and see the phone reboot. This clears out any stuck processes related to the modem or Wi-Fi sharing that could be blocking the hotspot.
Verify Your Mobile Data Connection
Your hotspot relies entirely on your phone's cellular data. Swipe down for the Quick Settings panel and make sure the mobile data icon is active. If you have a weak signal, the hotspot will be unstable or not work at all. Also, double-check with your carrier that your specific plan includes tethering, as some budget plans restrict it.
Check the Connected Device
The problem might be with the device trying to connect. On that laptop or tablet, go into its Wi-Fi settings and "Forget" your Nothing Phone (2)'s hotspot network. Then, scan for networks again, select your phone, and carefully re-enter the password. A corrupted saved network profile on the other device is a common culprit.
Change Your Hotspot Password
Head back to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot. Tap on Password and set a new one. Save it, then try connecting your other device with this fresh password. This forces a new, clean authentication handshake between the devices.
Reset Your Phone's Network Settings
This is a more thorough fix for persistent issues. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. Confirm the reset. Your phone will forget all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular preferences. You'll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and re-pair Bluetooth devices, but it often resolves deep-seated network conflicts.
Try USB or Bluetooth Tethering
If the Wi-Fi hotspot is being stubborn, use a different connection method. For USB tethering, connect your Phone (2) to your computer with a USB-C cable, then enable USB tethering in the hotspot settings. For Bluetooth, pair the two devices first, then turn on Bluetooth tethering. It's a handy workaround when the Wi-Fi radio is acting up.
Update Your Software
Bugs in Nothing OS or the Android system can break hotspot functionality. Go to Settings > System > System update to check for any available updates. Installing the latest software can patch known connectivity issues. I've seen updates specifically address problems with the modem and tethering on previous models.
Review Your Data Saver and Battery Settings
Some battery optimization features can interfere. Check Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and make sure it's turned off, as it can limit background data. Also, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps, tap the three-dot menu, select Show system, find "Hotspot & Tethering," and ensure its battery optimization is set to "Unrestricted."
Contact Your Mobile Carrier
If you've tried everything, the issue might be on your carrier's end. They could have a temporary network problem, or there might be a provisioning error on your account that's disabling tethering. A quick call to their support can confirm your hotspot feature is active and working on their network.
