User level: Level 1 (5 points)My Mac Airlock connects to the hotspot but has no internet. Restarts, airplane mode, LTE, and network troubleshooting didn't help. VPN shows Not Connected and Verizon checked my service but cellular internet fails in Safari and Maps.
Posted on Oct 4, 2026 6:03 AM
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)Oct 4, 2026 7:36 AM in response to HamiltonMT
Since the MacBook Air connects to the hotspot but cannot get online, and cellular internet is also reported to be failing in Safari and Maps, Verizon has already checked the service.
The next step is to focus on the connection between the phone and the Mac.
On the Mac, go to System Settings >> Wi-Fi >> Details next to the hotspot and, under TCP/IP, check whether the Mac has an IP address and router address.
You can also select Renew DHCP Lease. If that does not help, remove or forget the saved hotspot network, if that option is available, and reconnect to it. It is also worth checking that the Mac's date and time are correct.
If another Wi-Fi network is available, try connecting the Mac to it. This can help determine whether the problem is specific to the hotspot.
If the problem continues, Apple provides Wireless Diagnostics, which you can open by holding the Option key while selecting Wi-Fi and choosing Open Wireless Diagnostics.
Although the VPN currently shows Not Connected, check whether any other VPN, security, filtering, or network-management software is installed, as these can sometimes affect network access.
Apple's guidance is available at If your Mac isn't connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi and Connect to the Personal Hotspot of an iPhone or iPad.
User level: Level 7 (27,833 points)Oct 4, 2026 6:50 AM in response to HamiltonMT
Has this worked before and stopped ... or is this a first attempt?
Exactly what hotspot are you attempting to connect to? Your phone? A hotspot in some coffee shop? Something else? Pls. provide specific details ... and if it's an iPhone, what model & version of iOS.
Fully shut down both devices; wait a few minutes, then restart the hotspot device first; after it is up and connected to the internet, restart your Mac and attempt to connect to the hotspot. Sometimes full shutdowns clear up things.
"VPN shows Not Connected" ... Disable the VPN on both devices and see if you can connect to the Internet without it. If it works without the VPN then the problem is with the VPN.
User level: Level 8 (43,363 points)Oct 4, 2026 6:58 AM in response to HamiltonMT
You may need to completely uninstall the VPN.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256370209