A hotspot internet can be a lifesaver, especially when you need internet on the go; however, slow speeds can really ruin the whole experience. Even with 5G access and affordable data plans, hotspot performance isn’t always consistent. If you’re wondering why your hotspot is slow, then you’re in the same boat as many others.

Let’s break down the most common causes and how you can boost your hotspot speeds.

Check Your Hotspot Speed

The first thing to do is to check how fast your hotspot's internet speed is. For that, you can use our speed test tool given below:

Once you do, you’ll know exactly what your internet speed test means so you can take the right steps to counter slow speeds.

How to Increase Your Hotspot Internet Speed?

Here are the simplest tips that you can follow to improve your hotspot’s speed:

1- Change the Location of Your Hotspot Device

The one thing that can reduce your hotspot speed is the location of your hotspot device. Whether it’s a router or a mobile hotspot device, placing it near appliances or a secluded space can affect its signals, range, and ultimately the speed.

The optimal thing to do here is to change the location of your hotspot device. Here are some tips for it:

  • Place it somewhere elevated and in an open space in your lounge or near the windows.
  • Ensure that it’s not covered to avoid heating issues.
  • Ensure that there are minimal obstructions between the hotspot device and the devices you’ve connected to it.

Following these tips, you can reduce interference and increase the hotspot speed significantly.

2- Check for Data Limits

Most of the time, when your hotspot speed decreases, it’s because your hotspot data has been exhausted. Even if you have unlimited data, the fair-use policy by internet providers applies a certain limit, where the speed will remain unaffected.

Once you’ve surpassed the threshold, the providers can cap the speed. When this happens, the speed drops, no matter what you have with your internet plan. Hence, make sure that you’re aware of this threshold. You can learn more about unlimited data here.

In addition, if you have limited data, the reason why your hotspot speed is slow is that the data is exhausted. In that case, you’d need to get more data, and it can cost you overage charges. To avoid this issue, you can simply keep track of your data usage.

3- Toggle Airplane Mode

Sometimes, just like your internet router, you need to reboot your hotspot device. But an easier way of doing this is to toggle the Airplane Mode on/off. You can easily do this on your smartphone and laptops by clicking on the ‘airplane’ icon.

The reason this works is that when you turn on airplane mode, it disables the radio transmitters of your device. When you turn it off, it turns the transmitters on, enabling them to catch the strongest signal.

This results in low interference, stronger connectivity, and better hotspot speed. However, ensure that when you’re toggling airplane mode on your devices, you reboot your hotspot device as well.

This helps the hotspot device to clear cache, install any pending updates, and provide a stronger signal to your devices.

4- Switch Hotspot Frequencies

If you’re not familiar with the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, then no problem. All you need to know is that 2.4 GHz has more signal range, but 5 GHz has more speed. By default, hotspot devices are set at a 2.4 GHz frequency.

However, this frequency faces issues since appliances emit radio waves on the same frequency, causing interference. If your hotspot speed is slow or inconsistent, changing the frequency to 5 GHz can help. To do this, simply follow the steps below:

For iOS

  • In your phone’s settings, head to Personal Hotspot.
  • Toggle off the option ‘Maximize Capability’.

For Android

  • Open the settings on your smartphone.
  • Head to ‘Hotspot & Tethering’.
  • Tap on ‘WiFi Hotspot’.
  • Next, tap on ‘Hotspot Settings’.
  • Next, tap on the ‘AP Band’ or (in newer models like Samsung S25 Ultra) slide the bar to adjust according to the band you require.
  • Hit ‘Save’ and exit.

5- Plug in the Hotspot Device/Turn off Battery Saver

A good reason why your hotspot device is acting up is that it can be operating on low battery or battery saver mode. If you’re using your phone as a hotspot with the battery saver mode turned on, it can change the frequency and operate it to best for power-saving.

To avoid hotspot speed issues, it’s better to plug in your devices and turn off power saving mode.

6- Disable Background Apps

Everything looks fine, but still, the speed doesn’t add up? Maybe it’s because of the background apps and programs running. Unlike your hotspot, which can disable itself when no devices are connected, your background apps will keep on consuming the data and slow off your hotspot.

Hence, if you’re experiencing issues with your hotspot speed, ensure that any unused apps and programs are turned off. In case you’re downloading anything using this hotspot, ensure to pause it as well since it can direct the entire speed to the downloading process.

Wrapping Up

Now you know why your hotspot speed is slow and how you can improve it. Whenever you face an issue with your hotspot, use these tips and get rid of it right away for breezy internet connectivity.

FAQs

What is the speed of a hotspot internet?

The speed of your hotspot internet depends on the internet plan you have. A 5G plan can bring gigabit speeds, while a 4G plan can manage less.

How do I increase my hotspot internet speed?

You can increase your hotspot internet speed by disabling unused apps, reducing connected devices, and changing its frequency to 5 GHz.

How much can I use with a 1 GB hotspot?

It depends on your usage. If you’re just scrolling, you can use 1 GB for almost an entire day. However, video streaming, especially in 4K, can exhaust 1 GB in an hour or less.