Tech Tips (Mobile Hotspot Series #3): Troubleshooting common issues

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian

Having issues with a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot you borrowed from the Oak Park Public Library? Sometimes you can have trouble despite having followed all the directions!

Below, find some common issues other people have had and how to fix them. And check out the other posts in this three-part Tech Tips series:

Troubleshooting mobile hotspot issues

The hotspot won’t turn on and/or the power button is flashing green

The mobile hotspot has run out of batteries and needs to be charged. You can plug the mobile hotspot into a power outlet using the included power cable in your kit.

If the mobile hotspot is fully charged and still not responding, you may need to reset it. Follow the directions below and watch the video recorded by Digital Learning Coordinator Toni for a demonstration of how to reset the mobile hotspot.

  1. Remove the mobile hotspot cover.
  2. Slide the battery out of the mobile hotspot.
  3. Hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
  4. Reinsert the battery.
  5. Replace the cover.
  6. Hold down the power button until you see the “Welcome” message on the display.
  7. You will now have to use the password displayed on the device display, rather than the OPPL provided password.

The mobile hotspot display reads “Cycle Ends,” “Wi-Fi Name,” “Password,”  or “Settings & Info”

The mobile hotspot has several menu screens. Leaving the mobile hotspot on one of the other menu screens will not change its ability to provide a network connection. You can just leave it on a different screen if you don’t mind it not showing the home screen.

If you want to return to the home screen, give the power button a very short press in order to cycle through these menus back to the home screen that says “T-Mobile.”

I connected to the mobile hotspot, but it only shows a Verizon website.

Hewlett Packard (HP) computers in particular can have this issue. You can fix it by restarting the computer.  Once you have restarted, make sure you are connected to the mobile hotspot again, and it should allow you to browse the internet normally.

Do you have an issue that isn’t listed here?

Call us at 708.383.8200 or use our Contact Us form to get more help.

More in the Mobile Hotspot Series

Have a tech question?

Amy Hofmockel

About Amy

Amy is a creative technology librarian who always looks for ways to create those “ah-ha!” moments for digital learners. She enjoys writing, gadgets, and baking.