PilotAware
British Forum => Technical Support => Topic started by: Vic on April 17, 2025, 05:01:34 pm
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The last few flights I had been plagued with a problem of my Android Tablet disconnecting from my PAW's wifi giving the "Waiting for Device" message on Skydemon. I hope this helps others having similar problems now or in the future. I believe Apple devices could be similarly affected too.
Setup: Android Tablet (Samsung) >> Pilotaware Rosetta >> Hotspot on Android (Pixel 7) phone >> Internet
Issue: Tablet WiFi randomly disconnects from PAW and appears to switch its Wifi off. This even happens when "stay connected even if no internet" is set for the WiFi connection. Interestingly, having flown with several companions when this happens, their devices never disconnect!
Discovered cause: Google recently introduced a very useful( >:() feature called 'Instant Hotspot' (possibly coming to a device near you soon) which is part of their 'Cross Device Services' ecosystem. What this does is provide a sort of seamless connection between devices that are logged on to the same Google account (explaining why my companion's devices never disconnected!).
The Instant hotspot allows the Tablet to connect directly and seamlessly to the phone's hotspot without any user intervention and bypassing passwords etc, even turning off the WiFi symbol in the case of my Samsung tablet. So, in effect, the tablet in flight, is seeing a loss of internet through the PAW, bypasses any 'stay connected' rules and connects directly to the phone hotspot where it stays until WiFi is manually re-enabled to the PAW connection. Very frustrating in our unique way of connecting devices together!
Solution: Go into 'Hotspot Settings of the phone and turn off 'Instant Hotspot'
More info on Android Instant hotspot https://support.google.com/android/answer/14993633
Instant Hotspot on Apple devices https://support.apple.com/en-gb/109321