Troubleshooting
This guide covers common issues you may encounter with Linkr hotspots, whether you’re an operator or a user trying to connect.Hotspot Shows Offline
Your hotspot appears offline in the dashboard or on the map.Possible Causes
- Internet connection is down: Your upstream connection to your ISP isn’t working
- Router is powered off or rebooting: The device isn’t running
- Router can’t reach Linkr servers: Firewall or DNS issues blocking communication
- Linkr software isn’t running: The connection to your Linkr account is broken
Solutions
1
Check your internet connection
Try browsing the web from a device connected to your main network. If that doesn’t work, the issue is with your ISP or modem.
2
Verify the router is powered on
Check that the router has power and its status lights indicate normal operation.
3
Restart the router
Power cycle the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to fully restart.
4
Re-link the device
In the Linkr app, go to your hotspot settings and tap Re-link Device. Follow the prompts to reconnect.
5
Check firewall settings
Ensure your router’s firewall isn’t blocking outbound connections to Linkr servers. Linkr uses standard HTTPS (port 443).
Poor Signal or Slow Speeds
Users report weak signal or slow connections.For Operators
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Weak signal near router | 2.4 GHz interference | Switch to 5 GHz or change channels |
| Signal drops at distance | Physical obstacles | Reposition router or add access points |
| Slow speeds for everyone | Bandwidth saturation | Increase bandwidth limit or upgrade connection |
| Slow speeds at peak times | Too many concurrent users | Lower max connections setting |
For Users
- Move closer: Signal strength improves significantly with proximity
- Try a different hotspot: Another nearby hotspot may have better signal at your location
- Check for interference: Move away from microwaves, thick walls, or metal objects
- Reconnect: Disconnect and reconnect to refresh your session
Location Verification Failed
The app can’t verify your hotspot’s location.GPS Verification Issues
GPS signal too weak
GPS signal too weak
Go outside or near a window. GPS works best with a clear view of the sky. Stand still for 30 seconds before attempting verification.
Location doesn't match
Location doesn't match
Make sure you’re standing at the actual hotspot location when verifying. The GPS reading must be within 50 meters of the reported address.
Location services disabled
Location services disabled
Check that location services are enabled for the Linkr app in your device settings.
Address Verification Issues
If GPS verification keeps failing, use address verification instead:- Select Verify by Address in the app
- Enter the complete street address
- Pin the exact location on the map
- Upload a photo of the location if requested
- Wait for manual review (usually within 24 hours)
Can’t Connect to Hotspot (User)
You found a hotspot but can’t establish a connection.Troubleshooting Steps
1
Verify the hotspot is online
Check the map - is the hotspot showing as green (online)? Gray hotspots are offline.
2
Check your distance
Move closer to the hotspot location. The coverage circle is an estimate; actual range may be shorter.
3
Ensure you're signed in
Some hotspots require verified Linkr accounts. Check that you’re logged in.
4
Check your device's Wi-Fi
Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your device and you’re not in airplane mode.
5
Restart the Linkr app
Close the app completely and reopen it, then try connecting again.
6
Try forgetting the network
If you’ve connected before, your device may have cached incorrect credentials. Go to your device’s Wi-Fi settings, forget the Linkr network, and try again through the app.
Device Won’t Link (Operator)
The app can’t connect to your router during setup.Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wrong SSID or password | Double-check the network name and password. They’re case-sensitive. |
| Phone not on same network | Connect your phone to the same network you’re trying to link |
| Router blocking discovery | Some routers block device discovery. Check for “AP isolation” or similar settings and disable them temporarily |
| Firewall blocking | Temporarily disable your router’s firewall to test, then re-enable with appropriate rules |
Manual Linking
If automatic linking fails:- Note your router’s MAC address (found in router settings or on a label)
- In the app, select Manual Link
- Enter the MAC address and network credentials
- Complete the verification process
Challenges Failing
Your hotspot is online but failing proof-of-availability challenges.Diagnosing the Issue
Check your dashboard for challenge logs:- Challenge sent: The network sent a challenge
- Response received: Your hotspot responded
- Verification result: Pass or fail
Solutions
- Check connectivity: Ensure your hotspot can reach Linkr servers
- Check latency: High latency can cause timeouts. Challenges must be answered within 10 seconds.
- Re-link device: The challenge-response mechanism may need to be reinitialized
Rewards Not Appearing
You’re operating a hotspot but not seeing rewards.Check These First
- Is your hotspot online?: Offline hotspots don’t earn rewards
- Is your location verified?: Unverified hotspots are ineligible
- What’s your availability?: Below 80% availability may disqualify you
- Is it a new hotspot?: New hotspots have a 24-48 hour warmup period
Rewards Timing
Rewards are calculated continuously but settled periodically:- Check the app for the current settlement schedule
- Pending rewards appear in your dashboard before settlement
- Settled rewards appear in your history
If your hotspot has been online and verified for more than 72 hours with no rewards activity, contact support.
App Issues
Problems with the Linkr app itself.App Won’t Load
- Check your internet connection
- Force close and reopen the app
- Clear the app cache (Settings > Apps > Linkr > Clear Cache)
- Update to the latest version
- Uninstall and reinstall if necessary
Sync Issues
If the app shows stale data:- Pull down to refresh on any list view
- Log out and log back in
- Check that background app refresh is enabled
Login Problems
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Forgot password | Use the Forgot Password link to reset |
| Email not recognized | Check for typos; try the email you signed up with |
| Verification email not received | Check spam folder; request a new verification email |
Getting More Help
If you’ve tried the relevant troubleshooting steps and still have issues:- Check the status page: status.linkr.network shows any ongoing incidents
- Search the community forums: Others may have solved similar issues
- Contact support: Email support@linkr.network with:
- Your account email
- Hotspot ID (if applicable)
- Description of the issue
- Steps you’ve already tried
- Screenshots if relevant