Pocket WiFi Not Working: Troubleshooting Guide

10 May 2024

pocket wifi

Joseph Philipson

A pocket WiFi device is a great way to get a fast and stable internet connection for multiple WiFi devices while traveling.

Much like a router at home or work, a pocket WiFi device connects to the internet and then creates a WiFi network for other devices to connect to.

Rather than paying for the alternatives like costly international roaming charges for each device, many travelers choose to rent a pocket WiFi device.

Like any other device, a pocket WiFi device can encounter issues. Here are some of the most common ones to ensure that you get the most out of your pocket WiFi.

Summary

+

-

My Pocket WiFi Doesn’t Turn On

The most common reason for a device not turning on is that it isn’t charged. If your pocket WiFi device doesn’t turn on, charge it for a few minutes and try turning it on again.

While charging, the light or screen on your pocket WiFi device will turn on to indicate that it’s charging successfully.

Remember that most pocket WiFi devices require you to press the on/off button for several seconds to turn on the device. Press the on/off button for at least 3 seconds to turn on the device.

If the device still doesn’t turn on, check that the charger and/or charging cables work. Many chargers and cables can be used to charge other devices like smartphones and tablets.

Try charging another compatible device to make sure that charger isn’t the issue.

Quick Solutions

  • Charge the device
  • Restart the device
  • Check the charger/charging cables on another device

My Pocket WiFi Doesn’t Charge

As with troubleshooting any problem, attempt to locate the source of the problem. With a pocket WiFi device that isn’t charging, the problem could lie with the device, the battery, the charger, or the charging cable.

First, test the charger by using it to charge another device. If another device can be charged using the charger, then the issue may lie with the pocket WiFi itself.
If the charger works but the pocket WiFi doesn’t charge, there could be an issue with the connection, the battery, or the device.

In this case, contact the provider of your pocket WiFi for technical assistance. Do not take apart the device or attempt to fix or clean any parts of the device unless advised to by a technical advisor.

Quick Solutions

  • Check the charger/charging cables on another device
  • Contact technical support

I Cannot See the Pocket WiFi Network on my Device

Start by checking that your pocket WiFi device is turned on. You can do this by quickly pressing the on/off button. Depending on the device, the screen should turn on or a light should blink.

If not, press and hold the on/off button for 3 seconds to turn on the device. Wait for the device to start, establish a mobile connection, and create a WiFi network before trying again.

Check the name of the pocket WiFi network (SSID). You can find this either in the manual or on the device itself.

WiFi-enabled devices list networks as they discover them so in busy areas with many different WiFi connections, your pocket WiFi network may be one of several networks listed on your device.

As with many issues, try restarting both pocket WiFi and your WiFi-enabled device.

Quick Solutions

  • Check the device is turned on (press the on/off button quickly)
  • Check the network name (SSID)
  • Restart the pocket WiFi and WiFi-enabled devices

I Am Connected to the Pocket WiFi but I Cannot Access the Internet

If your device can connect to the pocket WiFi but not the internet, this is likely due to an issue with the mobile connection.

There are many reasons why your pocket WiFi may not be able to connect to the mobile network.

Firstly, check that you’re connected to the right network. Check the network name (SSID) on the device or in the manual and make sure that your devices aren’t automatically connecting to any other WiFi networks.

Restart your pocket WiFi device and ensure that it’s in a place where it can reach the mobile connection. Try placing your pocket WiFi device near a window or door where the signal won’t be disrupted or weakened as much by walls and other objects.

For pocket WiFi devices with a screen, check the signal strength (the number of bars displayed) and what connection type the device has (3G, 4G, or 5G, for example).

For devices without a screen, signal strength and mobile network connection will be indicated by a light. Check the documentation or manual for what the lights mean and whether or not your device has a mobile network connection.

Quick Solutions

  • Check the network name (SSID)
  • Restart the pocket WiFi device
  • Move the WiFi device away from obstacles
  • Check the signal strength (screen or lights)

My Internet Connection Speed is Very Slow

Many factors can affect the connection speeds achieved through a pocket WiFi device.

Firstly, the pocket WiFi itself needs a strong and fast connection to the mobile network. You can improve the mobile network connection by moving the device away from walls and objects that will interfere with or disrupt the mobile signal. Placing the device near doors and windows can often help.

Connecting many devices at once will result in a slower connection on each of the connected devices. Disconnect devices from the pocket WiFi network when not in use and remember that some devices will use data in the background even when you’re not using them.

As the connection to a pocket WiFi device is seen by WiFi-enabled devices as a WiFi connection, they won’t be as restrictive with data use as they would on a mobile connection. Check the settings on your devices for restrictions on data use to ensure they’re not sapping too much bandwidth.

Quick Solutions

  • Move the WiFi device away from obstacles
  • Disconnect idle devices
  • Limit background data use on connected devices

My Pocket WiFi says “No Service”

If a pocket WiFi device says “no service”, this can indicate issues both with the device or the mobile network itself.

In some cases, there may be an issue with the mobile network. The network provider will likely be aware of these issues and working to fix them, but you can always contact your pocket WiFi provider for information on outages and network issues.

There may also be an issue with the SIM card in your device. If the SIM card is damaged, you may require a replacement. However, you can often fix these kinds of issues by simply removing and reinserting the SIM card.

Software issues can sometimes cause an erroneous “No Service” issue. In the event of updates or new software on the pocket WiFi device, there may be connectivity issues with the mobile network.

Again, contact the pocket WiFi provider for more information or support.

Quick Solutions

  • Check for mobile network outages
  • Reinsert the SIM card
  • Contact your pocket WiFi provider

Cannot Connect Multiple Devices

Pocket WiFi devices have a limit to the number of devices that can be connected at once. For many pocket WiFi devices, including certain Hippocketwifi devices, this number is usually 10.

If an extra device cannot connect, check that the limit for connected devices hasn’t been reached. Disconnect some devices from the pocket WiFi network and try again.

There may also be interference from other devices. Ensure that your pocket WiFi device is away from other devices that may cause interference such as other WiFi routers or even metallic objects.

The issue may be with the device that you’re trying to connect to the network. Restart the device’s WiFi connection or even the device itself and check for any other connectivity issues that the device may have.

Quick Solutions

  • Check how many devices are using the pocket WiFi network
  • Disconnect unused devices
  • Move your pocket WiFi away from obstacles and interference
  • Restart your pocket WiFi device
  • Restart your device’s WiFi connection or the device itself.

Pocket WiFi Frequently Disconnects

If your pocket WiFi device regularly disconnects either from the mobile network, the internet, or the connected devices, this could be caused by several different issues.

As always, restarting devices can fix a lot of common problems so start by restarting the pocket WiFi and the devices that you wish to connect to it.

Ensure the pocket WiFi has a strong mobile connection. You can check this via the device’s screen or for devices without a screen, via the lights.

In the event of a weak signal, ensure that the device is away from other obstacles that may interfere with the signal strength. While indoors, place your pocket WiFi device near a window or door to limit interference from walls and the building structure.

Quick Solutions

  • Restart the pocket WiFi device and WiFi-enabled devices
  • Check the pocket WiFi’s mobile network connection
  • Place your pocket WiFi near a door or window

Device Does Not Recognize SIM Card

When a pocket WiFi device doesn’t recognize the SIM card, this may indicate that the SIM card is damaged or not properly inserted.

Commonly, this is due to the connection made between the device and the SIM card when the SIM was inserted. You can simply fix this by reinserting the SIM card and restarting the pocket WiFi device.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact technical support for other troubleshooting options or a replacement SIM or pocket WiFi device.

Quick Solutions

  • Reinsert the SIM card
  • Contact technical support for a replacement device or SIM card

Other articles you might like

How to Get WiFi in Lisbon for Your Holidays

How to Get WiFi in Lisbon for Your Holidays

There’s so much to see and do in Lisbon. Whether you’re visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Torre de Belem or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or modern attractions like the aquarium or the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology), you’ll want to stay connected. Here, we’ll look at how to get WiFi in […]

Read more
How to Get WiFi in Paris for Your Holidays

How to Get WiFi in Paris for Your Holidays

The world’s most popular tourist destination needs no introduction. Still, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, it pays to ensure you’re connected while visiting Paris and France. Mobile data coverage in The City of Light is good. Here’s how to get WiFi in Paris, the different internet connection options for tourists, and the pros […]

Read more
How to Get WiFi in Athens for Your Holidays

How to Get WiFi in Athens for Your Holidays

Athens is full of historical and cultural sites, but that doesn’t mean you must live like the Ancient Greeks and go without an internet connection. In particular, travelers to Greece and Athens will benefit significantly from a fast and stable internet connection. Staying connected is essential for keeping family and friends up to date back […]

Read more