Use a phone hotspot to test Mobile Link® Wi-Fi connectivity

Mobile Link Wi-Fi devices operate exclusively on the 2.4 GHz frequency band and perform best when connected to a dedicated 2.4 GHz network SSID. If your router does not provide a stable 2.4 GHz connection or if your router uses band steering, it can cause connectivity issues. For more information on Wi-Fi network requirements see Is My Wi-Fi Network Compatible With Mobile Link?

One quick way to confirm whether your home network is the source of the problem is to temporarily connect the generator to a smartphone hotspot. If the generator connects successfully to the hotspot but not to your home Wi-Fi, this points to a router configuration issue (such as 2.4 GHz availability, band steering, or security settings) rather than the generator or the Mobile Link for Generators app.

What you’ll need

• Two devices: one to create the hotspot (your phone) and a second device (another phone or tablet) to run the Mobile Link app or the Legacy method web setup.
• Cellular coverage where the generator is located (for the phone creating the hotspot).

Environment

This article applies to generators equipped with:

• Onboard Wi-Fi module
• Wi-Fi/ Ethernet accessory (discontinued)

For more information on Mobile Link connectivity devices, see Mobile Link Wi-Fi, Cellular, and LTE device compatibility guide

Apple

Create the hotspot on the first device

Note: Steps may vary. For detailed instructions, refer to your device’s support resources or contact the manufacturer directly. 

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Personal Hotspot (you may find this under Cellular or Mobile Service).
3. Toggle Allow Others to Join on.
4. Toggle Maximize Compatibility on.

Note: This setting is required to improve compatibility with the generator. Without it the generator may not show the hotspot as an available network.

5. Make a note of the Wi-Fi Password shown on this screen. It will be required later to connect the generator to the hotspot.

Optional: Test the hotspot using a second device

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Ensure the phone's Wi-Fi is turned on.
3. Wait for the hotspot to appear in the list of available networks.

Note: The hotspot will display as Your Name's iPhone (e.g. Dave's iPhone). To confirm your hotspot name, navigate to Settings → General → About → Name.

4. Tap the hotspot's name. 
5. Enter the hotspot password noted in the previous section as Wi-Fi Password and tap Join.

Connect the generator to the hotspot using a second device 

Proceed with the start of the connection process as normal for the app or the legacy method. When the connection process prompts you to select a network, choose the hotspot's network rather than the home Wi-Fi network.

• App connection: How do I connect my generator to a Wi-Fi network if I have an iPhone
• Legacy method: Connect a generator to a home Wi-Fi network using a web browser

Note: The hotspot will not show as an available network unless the Maximize Compatibility and Allow Others to Join settings have been enabled.

Android

Create the hotspot on the first device

Note: Steps may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer, such as Motorola or Samsung. For detailed instructions, refer to your device’s support resources or contact the manufacturer directly. 

1. Tap the Settings icon.

2. Tap Network & Internet.
3. Tap Mobile Hotspot &Tethering.
4. Toggle Mobile Hotspot on.
5. Tap Mobile Hotspot again to open its settings.
6. Scroll to Band or Speed & Compatibility and verify it is set to 2.4 GHz.
7. If it is not, tap Band, select 2.4 GHz (Compatibility), and tap Save.

Note: This setting is required to improve compatibility with the generator. Without it the generator may not show the hotspot as an available network.

8. Make a note of the Hotspot Name and Hotspot Password shown on this screen. It will be required later to connect the generator to the hotspot.

Optional: Test the hotspot using a second device

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet
2. Ensure the phone's Wi-Fi is turned on.
3. Wait for the hotspot to appear in the list of available networks.

Note: The hotspot will display as the Hotspot Name shown in the previous steps.

4. Tap the hotspot's name.
5. Enter the hotspot password noted in the previous section as Hotspot Password and tap Connect.

Connect the generator to the hotspot using a second device 

Proceed with the start of the connection process as normal for the app or the legacy method. When the connection process prompts you to select a network, choose the hotspot's network rather than the home Wi-Fi network.

• App connection: How do I connect my generator to my Wi-Fi network if I have an Android?
• Legacy method: Connect a generator to a home Wi-Fi network using a web browser

Note: The hotspot may not show as an available network unless the Band or Speed & Compatibility setting is set as 2.4 GHz.

If the generator connects to the hotspot but not your home Wi-Fi

• If the generator connects and stays online with the hotspot but not your home Wi-Fi, review your router settings (ensure 2.4 GHz is enabled, avoid 5 GHz-only SSIDs or aggressive band steering, and check security or firewall settings).
• Turn off the hotspot when finished to conserve battery and data, then resume connecting the generator to your home Wi-Fi.

Tip: Hotspot names and passwords are controlled by the phone owner and may have been changed. Always use the exact hotspot network name (SSID) and password shown in your phone’s hotspot settings.