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OK, this took a lot of trial and error, some bravery on my part, and SEVERAL calls to AT&T, but I finally got it working!* I am not a Dev anywhere CLOSE to the likes of DG, but I do have extensive knowledge of hacking mobile devices in general, GSM networks, CS/PS infrastructure, and industry experience from the NOC side of several MSOs (aka ISPs), so I tackled this problem from a "what would I implement if I were AT&T and wanted to force a tethering package on subscribers?" Point of view, and worked backwards from there.
Many have tried the solution already posted, and I give credit to the poster of that original "fix" while respectfully pointing out that using this "fix" accomplished AT&T deleting my data package twice, and provisioning a tethering plan automatically once, all automatically done by the system. This was not the solution I was looking for.
So, without further introductions/banter on my part, here is the step-by-step... I will try to keep explanations to a minimum for now, if they are asked for I will put them in post #2.
*Prerequisites: ROOT
*Tools required: Root Explorer, SQLite Editor (both available in market, yes they are paid apps but they are WORTH EVERY PENNY!)
----note: this can also be accomplished using adb and a sqlite database editor on your pc, but requires many, many more steps, and won't work after reboot unless you have a working busybox and can successfully chown/chmod the .db file after you copy it back to the device, and even then I still had trouble with it after reboot, so... I had success with these paid apps, so I'm writing the tutorial assuming you have them. If there is enough demand I'll write an alternate tutorial on how to do this using free tools.
*******
++++++++++++ Edited, now shorter! Thanks to all for testing these settings, the new steps are confirmed working!
*(if you used the steps prior to my editing them, you're good, your settings will work fine, the changes reflect a different, shorter way to do this)
1) Create a NEW access point setting using the following settings: (SETTINGS>WIRELESS AND NETWORKS>MOBILE NETWORKS>ACCESS POINT NAMES> {press menu} NEW APN
Name: whatever you like here, I use att
APN: wap.cingular
Proxy:
Port:
Username:
Password:
Server:
MMSC: http://mmsc.cingular.com
MMS Proxy: wireless.cingular.com
MMS Port: 80
MCC: 310
MNC: 410
Authentication Type:
APN Type: default,agps,fota,supl,fota,tether,mms
(all settings I left blank, leave blank, make sure you press menu, save to save)</br>
2) Enable Airplane Mode
(hold power button for three seconds, select Airplane Mode)
3) Open Root Explorer
4) Navigate to: /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/
5) Click on "telephony.db"** (this should open the db using SQLite Editor)
6) Select "carriers"
7) You should see a long list of APN settings for various carriers, the ones you are interested in are rows 4, 6, and 7. Scroll ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT and the last column should be labeled "preloaded." You will notice that each is labeled "true" press and hold the word "true" in row 4 and select "Edit Field" from the pop up menu. Change the "true" to "false" and click "Save". Repeat this step for rows 6 and 7.
7b) Edit the type field of row 6. Right now the field says "tether". Change it so that it says "default,agps,fota,supl,fota,tether"
7c) Change the APN field in row 6 from BROADBAND to wap.cingular
8) Press back twice to close the SQLite editor and you should be back in Root Explorer. Close Root Explorer.
9) Disable Airplane Mode
10) Go back to the list of APNs you saw in step 1. You should see that the "locked padlock" is now unlocked on the preloaded APNs named AT&T US, AT&T US HSDPA, and AT&T TETHER. You now need to edit the one labeled AT&T TETHER. Change the following settings:
APN: wap.cingular
Proxy:
Proxy port:
APN type:
Press menu, save.
11) Select the radio button for the APN you created in step one. AT&T Tether.
12) Reboot phone.
13) Enjoy! Mobile Hotspot should now work first time no issues!
Note: (Due to some pre-existing (bug?) in the software, you do need to have wifi turned on BEFORE you enable Mobile Hotspot for it to set up properly. If you forget it will hang until you enable wifi.)
#########################
After staying up all night to figure this out, I have confirmed that using the Webtop without dock MOD combined with mine you CAN use webtop with your 3G/H+ connection!!! No wifi required!
Steps to make this work:
1) Connect Webtop
2) Using the window that allows you to control the regular phone interface, navigate to the ACCESS POINT NAMES menu described in step 1 above.
3) Select the radio button next to "AT&T Tethering"
Done! Open firefox and enjoy!
Credits to Fenny, author of the MOD to enable Webtop without dock!
Also designgears, author of Adeo, which is necessary to run aforesaid MOD!
And to t0dbld, who contributed significantly and led the discussion that resulted in said MOD.
##########################
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App (yes, posted entirely from my phone. Thank you swype!)
If this helped you great! I'm glad I could help! I am not asking for donations! If you still feel like this saved you enough money to buy me a beer, my paypal email's in my profile.
Reserved for OP
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Thanks for the tutorial. Does this allow the laptop dock and media dock to work without using wifi?
airbillion said:
Thanks for the tutorial. Does this allow the laptop dock and media dock to work without using wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should, though I personally own neither, and therefore have not tested that particular functionality. There is no way that I am aware of that AT&T SHOULD be able to tell any difference between traffic from tethered devices and traffic from the device itself, so unless they are packet sniffing (illegal for ISPs, somewhat hazy regulation on wireless service providers, but would be a BIG shock to me if they were) or there is something in the actual webtop ubuntu software that would inform AT&T that webtop is being used somehow (also HIGHLY unlikely, as it would be a HUGE invasion of privacy) the answer is YES!
PLEASE if you have access to either of these $$$$$ expensive docks if you wouldn't mind test this for me and report back to confirm that indeed it does allow use without wifi.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
richhed said:
It should, though I personally own neither, and therefore have not tested that particular functionality. There is no way that I am aware of that AT&T SHOULD be able to tell any difference between traffic from tethered devices and traffic from the device itself, so unless they are packet sniffing (illegal for ISPs, somewhat hazy regulation on wireless service providers, but would be a BIG shock to me if they were) or there is something in the actual webtop ubuntu software that would inform AT&T that webtop is being used somehow (also HIGHLY unlikely, as it would be a HUGE invasion of privacy) the answer is YES!
PLEASE if you have access to either of these $$$$$ expensive docks if you wouldn't mind test this for me and report back to confirm that indeed it does allow use without wifi.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for the info. I have the hd dock and will give it a shot and post the results . I hope it works!
@airbillion
Thanks for your help!
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
ah crap, i accidentally deleted the ATT Tether profile, can you give me the settings please?
Thanks!
or even better, attach the original sq file?
I hate that you are probably on final steps, but... You cannot re-create the AT&T Tethering profile manually, as this will break the functionality of the script that Mobile hotspot uses to "Verify" that you have a tethering plan...
Please go to your APN list, and press MENU>Restore Default Settings
Then (sorry) start over from step 1
richhed said:
I hate that you are probably on final steps, but... You cannot re-create the AT&T Tethering profile manually, as this will break the functionality of the script that Mobile hotspot uses to "Verify" that you have a tethering plan...
Please go to your APN list, and press MENU>Restore Default Settings
Then (sorry) start over from step 1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh didnt see that, thanks!
I can confirm that this works great - you no longer get stuck at "setting up data link" (so no more changing APNs to fix that).
Although, I tried the newly found webtop hack which allows you to just connect the HDMI cable to a TV and run webtop - it does not work without wifi. If you try turning off wifi and use 3g, it says "communicating with ATT to see if webtop something something" and nothing loads.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980193
andy2na said:
I can confirm that this works great - you no longer get stuck at "setting up data link" (so no more changing APNs to fix that).
Although, I tried the newly found webtop hack which allows you to just connect the HDMI cable to a TV and run webtop - it does not work without wifi. If you try turning off wifi and use 3g, it says "communicating with ATT to see if webtop something something" and nothing loads.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980193
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good work richhed!
Wifi hotspot works, but it does not seem to work with the hd dock over 3g only with wifi. There must be another check somewhere along the way. Too bad, hopefully we canfigure it out soon though.
I'm using the Atrix in Australia on the 3/Vodafone network, is there a way I can get it to work?
richhed said:
OK, this took a lot of trial and error, some bravery on my part, and SEVERAL calls to AT&T, but I finally got it working!* I am not a Dev anywhere CLOSE to the likes of DG, but I do have extensive knowledge of hacking mobile devices in general, GSM networks, CS/PS infrastructure, and industry experience from the NOC side of several MSOs (aka ISPs), so I tackled this problem from a "what would I implement if I were AT&T and wanted to force a tethering package on subscribers?" Point of view, and worked backwards from there.
Many have tried the solution already posted, and I give credit to the poster of that original "fix" while respectfully pointing out that using this "fix" accomplished AT&T deleting my data package twice, and provisioning a tethering plan automatically once, all automatically done by the system. This was not the solution I was looking for.
So, without further introductions/banter on my part, here is the step-by-step... I will try to keep explanations to a minimum for now, if they are asked for I will put them in post #2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great find on unlocking there crap !! btw if you delete the apn type or the apn all together for the tethering etc you wont have to do the wifi on off thing, you have to do that because sometimes its still defaulting to the apn that is strictly tethering
airbillion said:
Good work richhed!
Wifi hotspot works, but it does not seem to work with the hd dock over 3g only with wifi. There must be another check somewhere along the way. Too bad, hopefully we canfigure it out soon though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does , i would check your settings again , jsut because the blue tethering active comes up does not mean it is tethering an active connection, recheck your settings and try again, working fine here
t0dbld said:
Yes it does , i would check your settings again , jsut because the blue tethering active comes up does not mean it is tethering an active connection, recheck your settings and try again, working fine here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried it on the laptop dock or the hd dock?
The wifi hotspot works for my ipad.
I'll check again, but for me when I start up firefox on the hd dock it hangs on: checking att for plan....
Edit:
Just tried it again on my hd dock after a reboot and it now works! Thanks
richhed said:
If there is enough demand I'll write an alternate tutorial on how to do this using free tools.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I for one would be interested in a tutorial with the alternative method!
Nice job! This hack is based on the same principle as the TBH NVRAM tether hack that we released for Droid devices except yours is done by changing the APN in the system and ours is done by changing the Tethered NAI(Network Access Identifier) strings in the NVM because that is where the carrier data authentication components are actually stored in CDMA phones. With GSM all of that is stored in the SIM card itself and is not accessible in the NVM.
The change does functionally the same thing, that being making all data use appear to the network as internal data rather than flagged as an externally tethered device.
Congratulations!
uhm I tried this, when i launch with internal viewer, i cannot edit. but when i try to launch with the db editor, it wont open cuz it says no network connect (since we turned on airplane mode)
EDIT: nvm I needed to download the editor from the market since I didnt have one installed.
Can we delete all of the other APN settings without ill-effect?
ikenley said:
I'm using the Atrix in Australia on the 3/Vodafone network, is there a way I can get it to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ikenley,
I am less familiar with your network, and I'll also need more information:
1) Are you using a US, AT&T branded Atrix?
2) What are the DEFAULT, working APN(s) for 3/Vodafone "smartphone" data plans?
3) Do these APN(s) require login credentials, and
4) Do they proxy their smartphone data plan
Unfortunately, if the answer to #4 is yes, then the answer is no, it (probably) won't work. Also, if they require a login, it depends on the type.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
fl13dl1c3 said:
I for one would be interested in a tutorial with the alternative method!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, I was hoping that you wouldn't say that
Every time I personally tried I couldn't get it to stick on reboot, I think I may have been doing something wrong with the chown or something. Give me a few days I'll keep at it ;-)
BTW, if you have a basic knowledge of adb, and bash or busybox or any linux based command line terminal, basically you follow all steps the same except when you are editing the .db you'll need to copy that file to the sdcard, then to your pc, then edit it, then copy it back to sdcard, then back to /data/data/com.android.provider.telephony/databases/ and THEN you have to use adb shell to chown/chmod the file to the proper settings. I think it may be that the group ownership is changed to sdcard when you move the file... Anyway I'll work on it.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Blatantly ripped off from richhed's thread. I'm a cheap [email protected]$#^&* so I wanted to enable wifi hotspot without paying for apps. Here's how.
I'm writing these instructions for Win7 x64, and assuming that your USB drivers and busybox are working. YMMV. No, I won't help you fix your phone if you brick it, and won't be responsible if it doesn't work for you.
1. Download Superoneclick 1.6.5 for rooting your phone. Your phone needs to be rooted, if you haven't done this yet you need to do it now.
2. Download SQLite database browser on your PC and unzip to some folder. Remember where this is.
3. Plug phone into PC and turn airplane mode on.
4. Open a command prompt as administrator (right-click, open as administrator)
5. Navigate in the command prompt to where your Superoneclick is unzipped (for me, it's in a folder on my desktop)
6. Run 'adb shell'
** note** all commands from step 7 to step 12 are in the ADB shell
7. su (if you rooted in step 1, you may have to allow access, watch your phone as it may ask)
8. mv /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.old
9. chmod 777 /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases
10. chmod 664 /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.old
11. exit
12. exit
13. in the same command window which your second 'exit' command dropped you to, type 'adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.old ./telephony.db'
14. Run SQLite database browser and open the telephony.db file that you downloaded to the Superoneclick folder in the last step.
15. Click 'browse data' and select table 'Carriers'
16. You should see a long list of APN settings for various carriers, the ones you are interested in are rows 4, 6, and 7. Highlight row 4, named 'AT&T US HSDPA'. Scroll ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT where the title of the last column says "preloaded." Double-click the field that says 'true', and in the resulting dialog box change the "true" to "false" and click "Apply Changes". Repeat this step for rows 6 and 7.
17. Edit the 'type' (3rd last) field of row 6. Right now the field says 'tether'. Double-click and change it so that it says 'default,agps,fota,supl,tether' and apply changes.
18. Change the 'apn' (6th) field in row 6 from 'broadband' to 'wap.cingular' and apply changes.
19. Click 'save' and exit the DB browser.
20. Back in the command window, type 'adb push ./telephony.db /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.new'
21. Run 'adb shell'
** note** all commands from step 22 to step 32 are in the ADB shell
22. su
23. cd /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases
24. su radio
25. cp telephony.new telephony.db
26. chmod 660 telephony.db
27. rm telephony.new
28. exit
29. cd ..
30. chmod 771 databases
31. exit
32. exit
33. Disable airplane mode
34. Go to Settings>Wireless + Networks>Mobile Networks>Access Point Names. Select radio button for AT&T Tether.
35. Reboot phone.
36. Mobile Hotspot will still validate but will turn on when using this APN. You might have to switch APN's after a reboot, I've had to and at least one other user has had to.
If you ever want to revert, we saved the file as /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.old in step 10. Just 'su' and 'cp' that puppy overtop of the existing telephony.db, remembering of course to enable airplane mode.
Not trying to start anything, but theres already a pretty good thread on this bro.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list
2.07 works flawless
lsxrx7 said:
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list
2.07 works flawless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for me as well
lsxrx7 said:
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list
2.07 works flawless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this without modifying the sql db's??
stop linking android-wifi-tether.
Infrastructure AP (what this and richhed's method and others enable) > Adhoc (what android-wifi-tether enables)
Google the differences. Ill give you a couple reasons to start
1) a lot of corporate laptops disable adhoc connections
2) Adhoc only allows WEP - crackable in 30 seconds, a huge security risk. Infrastructure allows WPA2...
so if you dont care about any of those, then yes, android-wifi-tether is fine... and much simpler.
andy2na said:
stop linking android-wifi-tether.
Infrastructure AP (what this and richhed's method and others enable) > Adhoc (what android-wifi-tether enables)
Google the differences. Ill give you a couple reasons to start
1) a lot of corporate laptops disable adhoc connections
2) Adhoc only allows WEP - crackable in 30 seconds, a huge security risk. Infrastructure allows WPA2...
so if you dont care about any of those, then yes, android-wifi-tether is fine... and much simpler.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweet. thanks bro
andy2na said:
stop linking android-wifi-tether.
Infrastructure AP (what this and richhed's method and others enable) > Adhoc (what android-wifi-tether enables)
Google the differences. Ill give you a couple reasons to start
1) a lot of corporate laptops disable adhoc connections
2) Adhoc only allows WEP - crackable in 30 seconds, a huge security risk. Infrastructure allows WPA2...
so if you dont care about any of those, then yes, android-wifi-tether is fine... and much simpler.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Number 2 is kinda a mute point as if your using your phone to tether i doubt its going to be your primary connection. Also the fact that your not even going to see your phone after about a 100ft for tethering it would be pretty easy to narrow down someone hacking into your wep
LancerV said:
Number 2 is kinda a mute point as if your using your phone to tether i doubt its going to be your primary connection. Also the fact that your not even going to see your phone after about a 100ft for tethering it would be pretty easy to narrow down someone hacking into your wep
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Number 2 is pretty important; it only takes about a minute to hack through WEP when the connection is in use.
Yea think you missed it completely
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Thanks for this, I will try this out this weekend.
Bakano said:
is this without modifying the sql db's??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I flashed Motorola Atrix 4G U4_1.5.2 last night, restore my apps with mybackuppro this morning and this was the first thing I tried.
Just loaded it. Didnt have to do jack. Changed SSID, changed encryption. Not letting me change password, wanking the 13 character requirement when I enter a 16 character ASCII password is too short.
But the app worked beautifully. I have tried the other methods, modding db's. That didn't work until I added this below.
Tether without at&t tethering plan: (thanks to Fixter)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...&postcount=193
after doing this. mobile hotspot is still greyed out in settings. It says 'high speed coverage required'. granted i am on edge with no way to test 3g atm. I am wondering if this is normal and if there is a way to enable the hotspot over edge? (yes i know it would be impractically slow)
Finally got around to doing this and it worked great.
A few corrections to your steps.
Step 3. Plug phone into PC. (I know stupid explanation, but some people may forget.)
Step 15. Select Table 'Carriers'
Step 34. 34. Go to Settings>Wireless + Networks>Mobile Networks>Access Point Names. Select radio button for AT&T Tether.
Finally, I had a ton of APNs listed in my phone. Something like 80. The ATT ones were listed near the bottom. I am not sure if this is because who I purchased my phone from, Walmart, but maybe you should give some description of rows 4,5, and 6 so that people will not get confused. I figured it out fine, but you never know.
Finally, this works in webtop, but it appears that on every reboot of the phone you have to change the APN setting when you first use webtop. It doesnt seem to matter if you are already in tethering, you have toswitch away and then switch back. After you do this once everything works fine until the next reboot.
Thanks again.
andy2na said:
2) Adhoc only allows WEP - crackable in 30 seconds, a huge security risk. Infrastructure allows WPA2...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't so much someone could access your wifi tether, but more that the data can be captured and easily decrypted. Anything you do over that connection may as well be broadcast for all to see. (Unless you're using https etc for everything)
I use the android-wifi-tether app on bluetooth only, unfortunately it also sucks battery more than the usb port on my mac can supply so the battery depletes in a few hours.
Thank you to the OP for providing a way to enable the built-in tethering.
krkeegan said:
A few corrections to your steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, OP fixed.
Thanks for the step by step
I am not sure if it made any difference to it working, but as I'm with Telstra (Australia) I added 'default,agps,fota,supl,tether' to the entry for "Telstra Internet" and it works perfectly.
Not sure if this has been beaten to death yet, but do we for sure know that AT&T cannot track this? How are connection speeds?
I've read a few posts expressing concerns about AT&T automatically switching people to the tether/4GB plan (I have the 2GB plan), and also slow (<1mbit) download speeds. Can someone shed some light on this?
i think they can tell when we swtich from "phone" to "wap.cingular," it showed a record of me switching between the two. I also looked up my data usage and got 2 reports of usage rather than just one. still my data plan has remained unchanged. this also happened when i would switch out my sim card b/w my windows 7 samsung focus and my dell streak, and att didn't do anything. i figure if they contact me about this i can just say i've been swapping my sim card between phones. don't think they can tell the difference there (may be wrong).
I've been using the phone for a few days, and I'm not going back to my iPhone 4S now. Too many goodies on the GS4 Active and Android. I've resolved most of the issues I've been running into by myself (disabling some bloatware, installing stuff from the Google Play store, replacing the ****ty stock camera app with Camera Zoom Fx, etc).
So I tried to use internet tethering (mobile hotspot), and it is disabled. It tells me that Mobile data is not available or invalid SIM. The phone is an AT&T phone (I537), and I'm using it on the Fido network here in Canada on the 3G APN (not the LTE APN). Fido has internet tethering free by default (as it should be), I used it on my iPhone 4S, so I'm guessing that it is my phone which has the feature disabled even though my provider and data plan support it.
Do you think I could use the same trick that the regular GS4 guys are using to enable it, by changing some stuff in the TetheringProvision.apk file? I read it in the link below:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-tutorials/how-to-wifi-tether-att-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337/
Or is there a specific way that we can use to enable this feature? Thanks...
EDIT: Here is a full detailed guide, I just went through the process myself. Many thanks to bluesphere0 for the help!
Overview of steps:
>>> Root
>>> Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot
>>>* Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot
>>> Root
1) Start by rooting the device: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2347793
NOTE: For step #3 in that thread, after the apk installs, you will eventually be brought to a completion menu with 'Done' and 'Open' options. Choose the 'Open' option and it will tell you that you should have root access now. If you accidentally tap 'Done', you can just reinstall the apk again.
2) Get SuperSU on the Play Store. Open it, update the binaries, etc. Your device should be fully rooted at this point. You can check this by downloading Root Checker on the Play Store, but this is unnecessary.
>>> Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot
3) Enable USB Debugging (Settings > More > About Device > tap the Build Number about 10 times > back button > Developer options > check USB debugging). This is required by App Quarantine in order to quarantine files.
4) Get App Quarantine from the Play Store, tap the wrench icon at the top right, uncheck 'Hide system services', hit the back button, then tap on 'TetheringProvision' and tap on the lock icon at the top right. If successful, it will lock it up in the 'Quarantine' tab at the right. Check to make sure that it is in there. This 'freezes' the file which is responsible for locking down the hotspot functionality.
Alternatively, it may be possible to get away with just renaming the TetheringProvision.apk and TetheringProvision.odex files, but you may not be able to use ES File Explorer to do this, even if you have root access. It didn't work on my device even though I had root access. The solution is to get ROM Toolbox Lite, use the Root Explorer tool and rename it from there.
>>> Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot
5) Get ES File Explorer from the Play Store. Tap the hard key for menu, scroll down and tap on Net Manager. Tap on Settings at the bottom, select 'Use the system AP setting', enter an SSID (recommended to be short with no spaces, like 'MyName_GS4_Active'), and a password. Tap on OK. Tap on the back button. Tap on 'Create a hotspot network'. It will say 'Establishing Network...turning on', followed by 'Now you are using AP, SSID is...', AP password:, and an 'Exit' button. It may say 'Unfortunately, Settings has stopped' after this, but IGNORE it. Your hotspot is still active - look at the top left of the phone, you will see a wifi symbol in a blue icon, this is your indication that your hotspot is working.
Notes:
To turn ON the Wifi Tethering:
1) ES File Explorer > hit the menu key > Net Manager > Create a hotspot network.
You CANNOT turn on the hotspot using the built-in menu in TouchWiz/Android.
To turn OFF the Wifi Tethering:
2a) Pull the notification menu down (swipe down from the top of the phone), tap on 'Tethering or hotspot active' under the 'Ongoing' section, turn it off.
OR
2b) Settings > Connections > More networks > Tethering and portable hotspot > turn it off
OR
2c) ES File Explorer > menu > Net Manager > tap the Exit button at the top (under the details for your hotspot).
NOTES:
* For turning off the Wifi Tethering, I've found that the fastest way is option 2a.
* For AT&T phones: "Use foxfi and enable the proxy service it will mask your tethering." - dave5777
Gorgenapper said:
I've been using the phone for a few days, and I'm not going back to my iPhone 4S now. Too many goodies on the GS4 Active and Android. I've resolved most of the issues I've been running into by myself (disabling some bloatware, installing stuff from the Google Play store, replacing the ****ty stock camera app with Camera Zoom Fx, etc).
So I tried to use internet tethering (mobile hotspot), and it is disabled. It tells me that Mobile data is not available or invalid SIM. The phone is an AT&T phone (I537), and I'm using it on the Fido network here in Canada on the 3G APN (not the LTE APN). Fido has internet tethering free by default (as it should be), I used it on my iPhone 4S, so I'm guessing that it is my phone which has the feature disabled even though my provider and data plan support it.
Do you think I could use the same trick that the regular GS4 guys are using to enable it, by changing some stuff in the TetheringProvision.apk file? I read it in the link below:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-tutorials/how-to-wifi-tether-att-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337/
Or is there a specific way that we can use to enable this feature? Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just follow this. It worked for me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44931952#post44931952
bluesphere0 said:
Just follow this. It worked for me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44931952#post44931952
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Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the tip! I figured it out after a while, here is a full write up based on your directions and on bada bing's directions. Step by step, detailed, etc.
Overview of steps:
* Root
* Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot
* Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot
* Root
1) Start by rooting the device: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2347793
NOTE: For step #3 in that thread, after the apk installs, you will eventually be brought to a completion menu with 'Done' and 'Open' options. Choose the 'Open' option and it will tell you that you should have root access now. If you accidentally tap 'Done', you can just reinstall the apk again.
2) Get SuperSU on the Play Store. Open it, update the binaries, etc. Your device should be fully rooted at this point. You can check this by downloading Root Checker on the Play Store, but this is unnecessary.
* Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot
3) Enable USB Debugging (Settings > More > About Device > tap the Build Number about 10 times > back button > Developer options > check USB debugging). This is required by App Quarantine in order to quarantine files.
4) Get App Quarantine from the Play Store, tap the wrench icon at the top right, uncheck 'Hide system services', hit the back button, then tap on 'TetheringProvision' and tap on the lock icon at the top right. If successful, it will lock it up in the 'Quarantine' tab at the right. Check to make sure that it is in there. This 'freezes' the file which is responsible for locking down the hotspot functionality.
* Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot
5) Get ES File Explorer from the Play Store. Tap the hard key for menu, scroll down and tap on Net Manager. Tap on Settings at the bottom, select 'Use the system AP setting', enter an SSID (recommended to be short with no spaces, like 'MyName_GS4_Active'), and a password. Tap on OK. Tap on the back button. Tap on 'Create a hotspot network'. It will say 'Establishing Network...turning on', followed by 'Now you are using AP, SSID is...', AP password:, and an 'Exit' button. It may say 'Unfortunately, Settings has stopped' after this, but IGNORE it. Your hotspot is still active - look at the top left of the phone, you will see a wifi symbol in a blue icon, this is your indication that your hotspot is working.
Notes:
To turn ON the Wifi Tethering:
1) ES File Explorer > menu > Net Manager > Create a hotspot network.
You CANNOT turn on the hotspot using the built-in menu.
To turn OFF the Wifi Tethering:
2a) Pull the notification menu down (swipe down from the top of the phone), tap on 'Tethering or hotspot active' under the 'Ongoing' section, turn it off.
OR
2b) Settings > Connections > More networks > Tethering and portable hotspot > turn it off
OR
2c) ES File Explorer > menu > Net Manager > tap the Exit button at the top (under the details for your hotspot).
Personally for turning off the Wifi Tethering, I've found that the fastest way is option 2a.
Anyone try this with AT&T yet?
fegarciaii said:
Anyone try this with AT&T yet?
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Yes, use foxfi and enable the proxy service it will mask your tethering.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
You can turn on wifi tether in android just like normal once doing the tetherprovision hack. It will popup with the you must activate message like normal, but the hotspot still activates and works fine. This eliminates the need to us es file explorer to turn it on.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 AM ----------
Fegarciaii, ive been using on att for weeks with no issues.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
dave5777 said:
Yes, use foxfi and enable the proxy service it will mask your tethering.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'll give that a try. Seems like I tried using foxfi, but ran into a wall. Didn't try to enable the proxy service though...
Just wanted to mention something here in case there are others out there as dumb as me
See, I have bounced back and forth between carriers over the years, and have become so accustomed to their greedy "you must pay us extra for tethering" crap, that one of the first things I do with all my new phones is figure out how to beat any tethering restrictions on it. Same for my new i537. Came here and found the right threads, starting playing with FoxFi and removing the provisioning apk's, etc.
Just today I figured out that tethering is included, free, with my plan anyway.
Doh!
Been fighting a non-existing restriction all this time... I didn't realize that AT&T now *lets* me tether up to the limits of my plan without any additional charges. So if you are reading this trying to figure out how to tether for free, you might want to check if you need to even bother first...
IMissPalmOS said:
Just wanted to mention something here in case there are others out there as dumb as me
See, I have bounced back and forth between carriers over the years, and have become so accustomed to their greedy "you must pay us extra for tethering" crap, that one of the first things I do with all my new phones is figure out how to beat any tethering restrictions on it. Same for my new i537. Came here and found the right threads, starting playing with FoxFi and removing the provisioning apk's, etc.
Just today I figured out that tethering is included, free, with my plan anyway.
Doh!
Been fighting a non-existing restriction all this time... I didn't realize that AT&T now *lets* me tether up to the limits of my plan without any additional charges. So if you are reading this trying to figure out how to tether for free, you might want to check if you need to even bother first...
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Click to collapse
Good idea.... I'm going to check my plan. I'm just so used to AT&T screwing me ... just switched from years with the iPhone and always had mine jailbroken and used tethering everytime I was on a business trip.
Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
IMissPalmOS said:
Been fighting a non-existing restriction all this time... I didn't realize that AT&T now *lets* me tether up to the limits of my plan without any additional charges. So if you are reading this trying to figure out how to tether for free, you might want to check if you need to even bother first...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on a different carrier with an unlocked Active this tutorial helps out a lot. I got mine factory unlocked from ATT but neither wifi nor bluetooth tether works without doing all the above I have the wifi working now but bluetooth tethering, while now visible with a checkmark, still doesn't work at all.
I can -sort of- understand why cell companies lock their software down (money, fear of losing customers, etc...) but I don't particularly care for it when I buy the phone outright and should be able to use it any way I wish. They'll unlock it fine but I'm SOL on other highly sought after options like this. Sure I can download an app to bluetooth tether, but why should I when it's an option in the settings?
fixfi workaround s4 active
When you activate tethering and it comes up telling you to call 611, instead of clicking OK just hit the home button to minimize foxfi.
Rob
Avail211 said:
If you're on a different carrier with an unlocked Active this tutorial helps out a lot. I got mine factory unlocked from ATT but neither wifi nor bluetooth tether works without doing all the above I have the wifi working now but bluetooth tethering, while now visible with a checkmark, still doesn't work at all.
I can -sort of- understand why cell companies lock their software down (money, fear of losing customers, etc...) but I don't particularly care for it when I buy the phone outright and should be able to use it any way I wish. They'll unlock it fine but I'm SOL on other highly sought after options like this. Sure I can download an app to bluetooth tether, but why should I when it's an option in the settings?
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Click to collapse
rgwicks98 said:
When you activate tethering and it comes up telling you to call 611, instead of clicking OK just hit the home button to minimize foxfi.
Rob
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Click to collapse
I know I can install foxfi as a workaround, but I shouldn't have to.
FWIW, I don't use ES File Explorer due to the root access issues, I just use the ATT hotspot app for wifi tether and it works fine (after freezing the TetherProvisioning of course) It works for me just fine. I also have Wanam Xposed installed and checked the disable tether provisioning, not sure if it makes any difference though.
Avail211 said:
I know I can install foxfi as a workaround, but I shouldn't have to.
FWIW, I don't use ES File Explorer due to the root access issues, I just use the ATT hotspot app for wifi tether and it works fine (after freezing the TetherProvisioning of course) It works for me just fine. I also have Wanam Xposed installed and checked the disable tether provisioning, not sure if it makes any difference though.
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Click to collapse
Is "TetherProvisioning" the only one you froze OR uninstalled?
I can't never use the built-in tethering, I kept getting on "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped". Tried this with FoxFi, Wifi Tether and a host of other tethering apps..
The app, say Wifi Tether and FoxFi, will have the notifican saying "tethering running" or something like that, but there is not blue icon that usually shows up when tethering is ACTUALLY active. Tried to connect from my MacBook and Galaxy Note 8.0 - yep - no tethering active.
My S4 Active is rooted, stock ROM.
---------- Post added at 10:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
To OP:
For my ES Explorer, the "Create a network" option is ALWAYS greyed out (not clickable). Is there any specific setup you have to do?
lanwarrior said:
Is "TetherProvisioning" the only one you froze OR uninstalled?
I can't never use the built-in tethering, I kept getting on "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped". Tried this with FoxFi, Wifi Tether and a host of other tethering apps..
The app, say Wifi Tether and FoxFi, will have the notifican saying "tethering running" or something like that, but there is not blue icon that usually shows up when tethering is ACTUALLY active. Tried to connect from my MacBook and Galaxy Note 8.0 - yep - no tethering active.
My S4 Active is rooted, stock ROM.
---------- Post added at 10:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
To OP:
For my ES Explorer, the "Create a network" option is ALWAYS greyed out (not clickable). Is there any specific setup you have to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't get ES File Explorer to work at all, not even view root files (I definitely have it rooted as well, a lot of people have issues with ES for some reason on the Active) I have Wanam Xposed installed with the tethering provision disable box checked, TetherProvision frozen, and I activate the wifi hotspot thru the ATT Hotspot app, not thru settings. It'll sometimes tell me it's stopped, but the wifi hotspot will be active and I can connect with my Nexus or MBP just fine. Bluetooth tether does NOT work though for some reason.
Avail211 said:
I couldn't get ES File Explorer to work at all, not even view root files (I definitely have it rooted as well, a lot of people have issues with ES for some reason on the Active) I have Wanam Xposed installed with the tethering provision disable box checked, TetherProvision frozen, and I activate the wifi hotspot thru the ATT Hotspot app, not thru settings. It'll sometimes tell me it's stopped, but the wifi hotspot will be active and I can connect with my Nexus or MBP just fine. Bluetooth tether does NOT work though for some reason.
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Click to collapse
Yes, I did NOT start tethering through settings, just from the 3rd party app, but the error still happened.
lanwarrior said:
Yes, I did NOT start tethering through settings, just from the 3rd party app, but the error still happened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does wifi tether still work though? Mine does even with the error.
EDIT: NVM, I re-read your post stating it doesn't work at all. Idk then, mine works fine after freezing the tetherprovision and enabling wifi tether with wanam xposed.
Avail211 said:
Does wifi tether still work though? Mine does even with the error.
EDIT: NVM, I re-read your post stating it doesn't work at all. Idk then, mine works fine after freezing the tetherprovision and enabling wifi tether with wanam xposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I found out that if I start the tether (3rd party app or built in) the first time after every reboot, the phone hangs, the error pops up and tethering does NOT work.
The 2nd time I started, then it works.
The problem is that the hang took about 10 - 15 seconds. With the 2nd tried, that's a total of 20 - 30 seconds. So I have to wait...
I guess I got used to my old Note where tethering is almost instant.
I don't think you have to get a program to freeze the tether files , just rename them ,, I added a 2 to the name of the apk and odex file . then I fallowed the rest of the directions , and it works great
I have a tethering app I had on my note , installed it and it works for turning on and off , no need to go into the es files to turn it on ..
app is SVTP WIFI HOTSPOT
Check wifi is OFF
lanwarrior said:
Is "TetherProvisioning" the only one you froze OR uninstalled?
I can't never use the built-in tethering, I kept getting on "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped". Tried this with FoxFi, Wifi Tether and a host of other tethering apps..
The app, say Wifi Tether and FoxFi, will have the notifican saying "tethering running" or something like that, but there is not blue icon that usually shows up when tethering is ACTUALLY active. Tried to connect from my MacBook and Galaxy Note 8.0 - yep - no tethering active.
My S4 Active is rooted, stock ROM.
---------- Post added at 10:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
To OP:
For my ES Explorer, the "Create a network" option is ALWAYS greyed out (not clickable). Is there any specific setup you have to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be grayed out in ES EXPLORER if you have your WIFI turned on. You have to turn off the WIFI to activate the HOTSPOT. It cannot both Receive WIFI and be a HOTSPOT at the same time. I tried so many hotspot apps with the active and only ES Explorer worked. Note... you do get a settings stopped warning but it really is working...
I also suggest NOT using the random SSID in ES Explorer, rather set up a system SSID... Is explained in the full step by step post...
This fix is more for AT&T phones running on OTHER networks... in my case, T-Mobile.
---------- Post added at 06:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:35 PM ----------
h2447intx said:
I don't think you have to get a program to freeze the tether files , just rename them ,, I added a 2 to the name of the apk and odex file . then I fallowed the rest of the directions , and it works great
I have a tethering app I had on my note , installed it and it works for turning on and off , no need to go into the es files to turn it on ..
app is SVTP WIFI HOTSPOT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need a program but it is easier to remember and undo all the changes with the program. Just uncheck a box verses remembering all the renamed files a few months after you did it... I am OLD.. I forget things.
For some reason, on the ACTIVE, the stock android tethering app still is not functional even after disabling the tethering provision app. At&t did something extra to cripple the ACTIVE.
Again, this is for using the ACTIVE on other than At&t... or at least that was the original tethering problem I was working to fix.
I am learning how to live without root.
I've installed Adblock Plus and use the following steps to create a new APN
1. Go to "more.." in settings for wireless
2. Go to "mobile networks"
3. Go to "Access Point Names"
4. Go into the current enabled one (AT&T PHONE) and write down all settings
5. Create a new one, copying everything and set up localhost:2020 as proxy
6. Select the new APN
From browser, it appears to block the ads. Quick test on some applications also seem to suggest this is working.
Does anyone know if there is any problem with this scheme?
Thanks
Thanks for the detailed instructions!
I just setup and it also seems to be working for me too.
Did you ever find any issues with your approach?
With Vzw there is no way to create an APN.
Worked great on T-Mobile. Thanks!
Does not seem to work for me, running Sony Xperia E3 D2203 on KitKat 4.4.2
Adguard does! But needs improvement on my D Maxx.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57729666&postcount=642
Hey everyone I'm rooted and everything so I've been trying to find a way to get around paying $30 for a hot spot that should come with the phone. anyways I found a way to disable the "you are not subscribed to hot spot" thing but when I connect anything to the hot spot I keep getting errors saying the DNS couldn't resolve server names. I tried for hours with different DNS servers so I'm guessing it's something vm has done. If anyone could help me with this I would greatly appreciate it I used it a lot before I got this phone and now I'm kinda stuck :/
I know from experience that you can usb tether with pdanet and it'll hide your tethering with metro. It will not however hide hotspot HOW EVER you can use its experimental feature internet sharing which is essence creates a hotspot however I've only ever been able to connect to a phone that was with metro AND the phone that was hotspotting was not with metro. Trying to do so with my metro phone give me dns errors as well.
I haven't tried to use USB tethering yet only because some of my things can't be tethered via USB. I just don't see why I'd be getting DNS errors now and never did before. Oh wel. Surely someone here will have a solution for me soon.
schuylar156 said:
I haven't tried to use USB tethering yet only because some of my things can't be tethered via USB. I just don't see why I'd be getting DNS errors now and never did before. Oh wel. Surely someone here will have a solution for me soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if you are rooted, but I'm using Wifi Tether Router (just google an apk file) instead of trying for the native hotspot function.
javierrr13 said:
I don't know if you are rooted, but I'm using Wifi Tether Router (just google an apk file) instead of trying for the native hotspot function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? I tried this app before and it wouldn't broadcast the network. And yes I am rooted. I found a way to partially get the native hotspot working but it's a pain in the butt. If I could figure out how to edit the apn settings I'd have it going in 5 seconds but they're locked and htc phones don't have a "hidden menu" like lg phones.
Weird... Well, If you can't get that working, I'll let you know my current configurations for that app.
keep up the good work guys.
I'm looking for a solution for the hotspot on my 626 from Verizon.
native mobile hotspot and tether on cricket
I was able to use the phone as a wifi hotspot by doing the following:
1) install the following apps: MK explorer, Axel (xml editor)
2) phone must be rooted
3) using MK explorer navigate to the following folder (root directory): /system/customize/ACC
4) make a copy of the default.xml file and rename it in case it gets corrupted
5) run Axel and open the default.xml file for editing
6) scroll down about 80% from the top of the file to find the entry (find didn't work for me):
<app
name="Tethering_provision">
^ <item
type="integer"
name="TetheringGuard_Rule">
. 3 (note:dot is in middle)
7) edit the entry to change the 3 to 0
8) use "save as" and save modified file
9) rename the edited file to default.xml
10) reboot
11) go to settings->more->mobile hotspot and tethering, click on Mobile Hotspot, click on OK, change the hotspot name and password to what you want
12) after this step the phone just sat there so I rebooted
13) hotspot now works
I have no idea if this is hidden from the carrier