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Unable to download MacOS updates via phone's hotspot connection?

  • August 14, 2026
  • 7 replies
  • 68 views
S

I have recently found that MacOS updates will not download via my phone’s hotspot connection. The hotspot is otherwise working perfectly, even at the same time that I am trying to download the update. I can run a speed test, browse the web, or do nothing at all while the update stays stuck at zero.

I have been downloading updates this way for years, as it is much faster than the download speeds I get with my home internet, and I have never had this problem before. Apple support says there is nothing added to recent versions of MacOS to prevent these downloads via cellular.

Is it possible that Koodo has now blocked the ability to download these updates for some reason?

I used to find it strange that when I would download these updates via hotspot  they never seemed to count towards my monthly data usage. But even if they did count as they should, I wouldn’t mind. I have a high monthly data limit and I would like to make use of it.

7 replies

Dinh
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  • Dinh
  • Mobile Master
  • August 14, 2026

I doubt Koodo is blocking it though

On the Mac, can you open the wifi settings for your hotspot network and check whether Low Data Mode got turned on for it? I believe MacOS holds back software updates on a network flagged that way.

As well, is there any active VPN profile? Someone here had their hotspot connect and hand out an IP just fine but nothing would load until they disabled part of their VPN config: https://community.koodomobile.com/plans-add-ons-66722/do-koodo-plans-support-personal-hotspot-7819668

The updates never showing up in your usage is strange too. Was your Mac possibly on your home wifi at the same time?

A Koodo customer, opinions are my own.
    S
    • SP24
    • Author
    • Connector
    • August 14, 2026

    Thanks for the reply!

    Low data mode was enabled for some reason, but turning it off did not resolve the issue. The update download still does not move at all. I also do not use a VPN, so unfortunately there’s nothing for me to check there.

     

    For the download usage question, no I was not on my home wifi at the same time. There is a big speed difference between the two so it was definitely downloading through my hotspot. These have even been the large MacOS version updates that have downloaded without counting. 

     

    Dinh
    Forum|alt.badge.img+4
    • Dinh
    • Mobile Master
    • August 14, 2026

    I would suggest restarting both your phone and your MacBook after disabling Low Data Mode to see if that helps. If the issue is only on macOS, I recommend trying it on a different Wi‑Fi network if you have access.

    A Koodo customer, opinions are my own.
      S
      • SP24
      • Author
      • Connector
      • August 14, 2026

      Restarting the Mac and iPhone after disabling low data mode did not work. 

      I now see that even checking for MacOS updates while connected to the hotspot will not work. It will be “checking” for longer than necessary and then say that I’m up to date. If I check for updates when connected to my home network it says that a 2gb update is available. 

       

       

      Dinh
      Forum|alt.badge.img+4
      • Dinh
      • Mobile Master
      • August 15, 2026

      Restarting the Mac and iPhone after disabling low data mode did not work. 

      I now see that even checking for MacOS updates while connected to the hotspot will not work. It will be “checking” for longer than necessary and then say that I’m up to date. If I check for updates when connected to my home network it says that a 2gb update is available. 

       

       

      That is not good news. Have you tried to connect your iPhone directly to the MacBook? That will let the phone share data through the cable and technically can provide better bandwidth.

      A Koodo customer, opinions are my own.
      S
      • SP24
      • Author
      • Connector
      • August 15, 2026

      I have tried connecting the phone with usb. Internet speeds are great, but still the same problem when trying to download the update.

      I am also trying Koodo support chat. I’m waiting for a rep to respond to my message, but I’m not sure if they would be able to help with an issue like this. 

      S
      • SP24
      • Author
      • Connector
      • August 16, 2026

      Support chat scheduled a callback with the Koodo technical team. They did some troubleshooting and checked that there are no network issues in my area. Also suggested resetting network settings, which did not help. Ran multiple speed tests which show there shouldn’t be any problems.

      Issue is being escalated to the next level of tech support.

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