When you Can’t Use Mobile Hotspot While Data Saver (Do this 2 easy Fixes)

Have you ever encountered that frustrating error on your Samsung Galaxy or Android device that says, “Can’t use mobile hotspot while Data Saver is on”? As a frequent mobile hotspot user myself, I’ve run into this problem on various Android devices, from Samsung to OnePlus, and found clear, effective solutions. In this detailed guide, I’ll explain exactly why this happens and share precise fixes, carefully tested and proven by me.

How I Fixed Can’t Use Mobile Hotspot While Data Saver Is On

In general, when you find that Data Saver is interfering with the mobile hotspot, simply go into the mobile phone settings, then go to Connections, and look for Data usage. Here, you will find Data Saver; just toggle it off. Then, retry turning on the hotspot, and it should turn on.

Technical Conflict: Data Saver & Mobile Hotspot

The root cause of the conflict is the inherent incompatibility between two crucial system features:

• Data Saver Mode: Designed to minimize mobile data by restricting background app access and preventing unintended data usage.
• Mobile Hotspot: Demands uninterrupted data access to maintain stable connectivity for tethered devices.

Android explicitly prevents simultaneous activation of these two features to ensure stable network conditions and predictable performance.

Why Can’t I Use a Mobile Hotspot with Data Saver On?

As someone who frequently uses their smartphone as a mobile hotspot, I’ve encountered the frustrating issue of not being able to use this feature when data saver mode is enabled. After doing some research and experimenting with different settings on my device, I’ve gained a better understanding of why this happens and what workarounds are available.

The Conflict Between Data Saver and Hotspot

The primary reason why you can’t use your mobile hotspot while Data Saver mode is active has to do with how your phone prioritizes system usage. When Data Saver is turned on, your device focuses its resources on running essential system processes that use data, leaving less available for other functions like the mobile hotspot.

I experienced this firsthand when I tried to use my Samsung Galaxy S21 as a hotspot while Data Saver was enabled. I noticed that the hotspot connection would not turn on at all at first. Even when I tried advanced methods like rooting, it became extremely slow and frequently dropped, making it practically unusable. After disabling Data Saver, the hotspot performance improved significantly, confirming that the two features were in conflict.

Workarounds and Solutions

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to use your mobile hotspot but can’t disable data saver mode, there are a couple of workarounds you can try.

1. Temporarily Disable Data Saver

One solution is to temporarily disable data saver mode when you need to use your hotspot. This will allow your phone to allocate more resources to the hotspot function, providing a more stable and reliable connection. However, keep in mind that disabling data saver will likely result in higher data consumption, so be mindful of your data plan limits.

I’ve used this workaround on my Pixel 4a when I needed to share my mobile connection with my laptop while working remotely. By turning off data saver for a short period, I was able to use my hotspot without any performance issues. Once I was done, I re-enabled data saver to continue optimizing my data usage.

2. Use a Dedicated Hotspot Device

Another option is to use a dedicated hotspot device, such as a portable Wi-Fi router. These devices are specifically designed to provide a reliable mobile hotspot connection without relying on your phone’s settings or resources. They often have better antennas and more powerful batteries, making them a great choice for extended hotspot usage.

I invested in a dedicated hotspot device for my frequent road trips, where I need a stable internet connection for navigation and entertainment. This way, I can keep my phone’s data saver mode enabled while still enjoying a reliable hotspot connection through the separate device.

Tips for Optimizing Data Usage

Regardless of whether you’re using your phone’s hotspot or a dedicated device, there are several tips you can follow to optimize your data usage and ensure a secure connection:

1. Use a strong password: Always protect your hotspot with a strong, unique password to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Limit connected devices: Avoid connecting too many devices to your hotspot simultaneously, as this can strain the connection and consume more data.
3. Monitor data usage: Keep a close eye on your data consumption while using the hotspot to avoid exceeding your plan’s limits. Most phones have built-in data tracking features, or you can use third-party apps for more detailed monitoring.
4. Utilize data-saving apps: There are various apps available that can help you optimize your data usage, such as compressing web pages, blocking ads, and restricting background data for certain apps.

By understanding the conflict between data saver mode and mobile hotspot, exploring workarounds, and implementing data-saving tips, you can effectively use your hotspot while still managing your data usage. It may take some experimentation to find the best solution for your specific needs, but with these strategies in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to stay connected on the go.

Conclusion

That is it for the blog post today. I tried showing you all the proven ways to configure and fix the issue of not being able to use mobile data when Data Saver is on. The simplest solution to this issue is to turn off the mobile Data Saver from your settings. To do this, simply search in your mobile settings for Data Saver and then toggle it off.

This will enable your hotspot again. I hope you found the information helpful. If you did, let me know in the comments section or share your experience with us below. If you still have any questions or doubts, feel free to contact us here.