topic Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk in Fold & Flip Phones

ZFold4 hotspot not working

userXLxK2VMita — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:16:56 GMT

I use PureTalk as a carrier.

I had a S20+ and the mobile hotspot worked fine. I upgraded to ZFold 4, and now the mobile hotspot doesn't work.

Typical recommendations to reset network settings, give new IMEI number to the carrier, etc. hasn't helped.

I've double, triple, quadruple checked my APN settings as directed. Everything seems right. They don't have any guidance on what to set the "Mobile virtual network operator type" (and "value") to, though.

Talked to the useless tech support people many times and am just told "We don't gaurantee mobile hotspots to work with Andoird".

Does the ZFold4 hotspot just not work with PureTalk? Or is there some magic I can do? I really don't want to switch carriers, but I will if I have to...

Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

Ekamek — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 01:34:27 GMT

Hotspot is a carrier feature tied to SIM card. If you swap your SIM card from s20, try getting a new one from the carrier to see if that fixes it. Like phones, SIM card technology has changed since the 20 series when most carriers did not support 5G.

Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 01:35:29 GMT

It does. Like I said... it worked fine before I switched to the ZFold4.

Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 01:36:00 GMT

I'll ask for a new one. Thanks

Re: Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

Ekamek — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 01:43:11 GMT

If you have a local store, go there for a new SIM card. If they program it with your existing number, you will lose service until it is delivered.

Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 02:08:44 GMT

I suspect the issue may have to do with APN settings... there's a couple settings for "mobile virtual network operator type" that PureTalk doesn't seem to provide any guidance on. I've tried several combinations of values for that setting... to no avail. Disconcerning that their tech support has NO advice. Frustrated that they won't even TRY to help me any further. They just say "android hotspots aren't gauranteed". So dumb.

Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

Yamialex224 — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 02:24:35 GMT

Either APN or since Hotspot is a carrier thing it might not work. Did you buy the phone with your carrier or unlocked. Unlocked don't always work with carrier specific apps

Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 03:38:49 GMT

Bought it unlocked.. just like my S20 which *did* work with the hotspot and careier.

Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 03:49:59 GMT

Side thought... any suggestions on a cheap carrier that supports all the features of the unlocked ZFold4? (Including hotspot, unlimited data) I like to avoid AT&T and Verizon...

Re: Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

Yamialex224 — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 04:05:14 GMT

Then like I said the apn is an issue

Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

Yamialex224 — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 04:06:06 GMT

Cricket is like 50 a month has Hotspot
Metro by t mobile is like 50-60 and has it

Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

liquid_ghost — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 04:14:48 GMT

When you first inserted the sim into the phone, were the data configuration messages sent to you via sms/mms?

Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 04:17:36 GMT

Now that you mention it... I don't recall. Is there a way to reinitialize that?

Re: Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

liquid_ghost — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 04:28:55 GMT

I'm not sure but if you have a different sim from another carrier you can place that one in the phone then the phone will tell you to restart it for a carrier reset. Allow it to do so then switch back to the sim you're currently using. It should automatically send them again. If not, try checking if they were already sent before by going to settings -> connections -> mobile networks -> access point names -> press the 3 dots and choose "configuration messages" -> if there are any, select them then press install for each one

Re: Re: Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 04:46:10 GMT

Great suggestion! But, I don't seem to have the same option...

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

liquid_ghost — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 04:52:40 GMT

I'm guessing you have tried the other apn that isn't selected? If so, when resetting to default, it will reset and input the proper apn for your carrier. If it isn't already.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 05:00:40 GMT

Yes. I tried the other APN. I just tried it again, now. Even restarted the phone just in case. When I connect my laptop to it, and try to run a "ping" test, it just says "Request timed out." or "Destination net unreachable".

Pinging 8.8.8.8 with 32 bytes of data:
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Reply from 192.168.17.64: Destination net unreachable.
Request timed out.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

liquid_ghost — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 07:00:52 GMT

Try using a Hotspot app because it seems your carrier or Samsung may have blocked the use of the built in Hotspot feature for the carrier you're using on the fold 4

Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

userXLxK2VMita — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:14:57 GMT

Do you have a suggestion of a particular app? I've tried a couple... But, they both just seem to activate the built-in hotspot functionality on the phone. Doesn't seem to offer anything in addition to the system functionality.

Re: ZFold4 hotspot on PureTalk

Samsung_Moderator — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 21:59:08 GMT

Hello, We understand the importance of being able to use the Mobile Hotspot feature. This link provides the available troubleshooting for the Mobile Hotspot: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01001245/

Please note that Mobile Hotspot is a feature provided by the service provider. Many providers do not allow carrier features such as Mobile Hotspot, Wi-Fi calling and RCS services on unlocked phones.

If the troubleshooting is not helpful, we recommend following up with your service provider.

You can also have the phone evaluated at an authorized service center to verify the hardware is working correctly. You can use the following link to find a list of service centers in the U.S. that can do the evaluation: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/service/location or by contacting customer support at 1-800-726-7864.

For assistance outside the U.S., please use this link: https://www.samsung.com/us/common/visitlocationsite.html