Database Develop

[MOD] WORKING Hotspot/Tethering WITHOUT Tethering Plan !CONFIRMED WORKING ON WEBTOP!

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

[MOD] Native Hotspot- Working 4G

This mod will enable native hotspot to work w/ 4G
You will need a root file explorer and sqlite editor to complete this mod.
Your choice to flash this- Do a back up
After that- GET S-OFF
Sunshine will cost you, but is well worth it.
Instructions:
1) Flash the attached aroma installer in recovery.
2) Select the appropriate option, click install, and reboot. Upon reboot your phone will optimize
3) Once rebooted, navigate to /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases with a root explorer
4) Open the cdmaapn.db with a sqlite editor and select carriers.
5) Scroll over until you see the block of apns with a 1 in the current column
6) In that block you want to edit the apn labeled Internet. Open it and delete hidden. Just leave it blank, and hit save.
7) Go to settings>mobile data. You will see a new option named Access point names. Tap that, and then tap the apn
8) In the Apn type section add ,dun. IMPORTANT- no spaces. So you would end up w/ default,mms,supl,hipri,dun w/ no space after.
9) Tap the Apn protocol and change it to IPv4.
10) Reboot. After booting back up, tether should be good to go
Notes:
1) The flash will install a script that disables IPv6 for wlan0. If you need that don't flash this
2) It is a good idea to forget any wifi networks that you regularly connect to, and reconnect
3) When you are not tethering you can switch the APN protocol back to IPv4/IPv6 if you choose, though I have found no benefit to doing so
Credits:
@OMJ- He put the aroma installer together. It would be a lot more complicated to get this on your phone without it. I have been working on this for a good while, but didn't have 4G in my area until last week. Without he and @benny3 testing, this would have been a while longer coming out.
I have tested this on the following Bad Boyz roms- Stock Rooted, L w/ Sense 6, and L w/ Sense 7
EDIT: Please do a profile update after doing this.
EDIT2 New option added for Non- Bad Boyz sense 7 ROM's HERE

huge kudos to @chas123 for figuring this out!
Chas put a lot of time into this, make sure you thank him!!!

this 1

This is amazing work and a huge step forward.
I have a question for you though.
Is there a way to cut out any of these steps by flashing a modified file to the corresponding location?
My idea is to write a modified cdmaapn.db to /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases
and possibly even a modified APN config.xml.
Would it be the same across roms?
I know most would frown on this because if you want the goods you should be able to make a few edits and reboot, but if it can all be done by flashing something in recovery or through the same aroma, it could save time and cut out user errors.

dopy25 said:
This is amazing work and a huge step forward.
I have a question for you though.
Is there a way to cut out any of these steps by flashing a modified file to the corresponding location?
My idea is to write a modified cdmaapn.db to /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases
and possibly even a modified APN config.xml.
Would it be the same across roms?
I know most would frown on this because if you want the goods you should be able to make a few edits and reboot, but if it can all be done by flashing something in recovery or through the same aroma, it could save time and cut out user errors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was tried. Flashing a modified database causes the phone to fc, and revert back to the old apns. Sprint doesn't use the apn config file. It uses a .dat file in /system/customize

Is this mod only for badboyz or can it be use on any rom?

carrilloevo said:
Is this mod only for badboyz or can it be use on any rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should work on any rom. There is an option in aroma for roms w/ init.d support that doesn't flash our boot

Question @Chas. Is this for those that have a tether plan? Do you have the tethering option from sprint? I don't have tethering plan and after the adjustments i can connect but data will disconnect after loading a few pages on my surface. Thanks!

itsachirpthing said:
Question @Chas. Is this for those that have a tether plan? Do you have the tethering option from sprint? I don't have tethering plan and after the adjustments i can connect but data will disconnect after loading a few pages on my surface. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of this is necessary with a tethering plan. If you want to post up a logcat of when the data disconnects I'll look at it.

@chas123
The sql edit can be done via a script flashed in recovery. Hit me up for more info and I can link you to scripts I've put together in the past

itsachirpthing said:
Question @Chas. Is this for those that have a tether plan? Do you have the tethering option from sprint? I don't have tethering plan and after the adjustments i can connect but data will disconnect after loading a few pages on my surface. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you reboot the phone after the changes?

Yes, I have. I'm running Badboyz sense 6 rom. Had no issues with root explorer or sqlite making the changes to the db. I'll try to get a log cat

This worked like a charm on my Bad Boyz Sense 7 ROM.
Thank you for your hard work on this.

chas123 said:
None of this is necessary with a tethering plan. If you want to post up a logcat of when the data disconnects I'll look at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a log. Log should begin when I use the tether in the quick settings. I connect my windows surface pro 2. Everything connects and I am able to successfully browse for a couple minutes then the data connection on my phone will disconnect then reconnect several seconds later. I have to reset the tether connection to get back online. Does this on 3g and 4g. I have flashed the aroma file and made the edits as necessary. Think this is related to this being a windows device which would be red flag to tethering without a plan? If this device was pinging a MS server for an update it would be very obvious. On the plus side my market WiFi tether app works good, however having the native app to work would be great. Many thanks for your contributions.

RonMac said:
This worked like a charm on my Bad Boyz Sense 7 ROM.
Thank you for your hard work on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What devices were you tethering? Just curious.

itsachirpthing said:
Here is a log. Log should begin when I use the tether in the quick settings. I connect my windows surface pro 2. Everything connects and I am able to successfully browse for a couple minutes then the data connection on my phone will disconnect then reconnect several seconds later. I have to reset the tether connection to get back online. Does this on 3g and 4g. I have flashed the aroma file and made the edits as necessary. Think this is related to this being a windows device which would be red flag to tethering without a plan? If this device was pinging a MS server for an update it would be very obvious. On the plus side my market WiFi tether app works good, however having the native app to work would be great. Many thanks for your contributions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you put a google browser on that device?
I tested w/ a HP envy hybrid device w/ chrome. Everything worked fine- email, internet, etc...
Edit: Are you on a vpn?
You are s-on?

OP amended

I was able to connect my Galaxy Tab 3 and my Xbox One and was able to stream netflix on both of them. I wasn't able to get my Acer desktop running Win 8.1 to connect though. Gonna try the tether app and see if that makes a differnece.
itsachirpthing said:
What devices were you tethering? Just curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

RonMac said:
I was able to connect my Galaxy Tab 3 and my Xbox One and was able to stream netflix on both of them. I wasn't able to get my Acer desktop running Win 8.1 to connect though. Gonna try the tether app and see if that makes a differnece.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IE whatever was not tested w/ this. If there is a large contingency w/ this problem, I will have to look into the reporting algorithms.

WiFi Tether app is working with my desktop FYI.
chas123 said:
IE whatever was not tested w/ this. If there is a large contingency w/ this problem, I will have to look into the reporting algorithms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Has anyone been able to get a Marshmallow N6 to tether yet?

I tried the old Lollipop trick - using an sql editor to dig in /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/
Now, when I looked in that directory, it was empty. Looks like they moved those settings elsewhere to try to force more people to pay carrier tethering extortion fees.
Anyone know how to get a Marshmallow Nexus 6 to tether? Without paying? Hold the sanctimonious lectures.

yes, i tether every day, no issues. but my tmobile plan includes 7gb tethering. if you want to tether illegally, go back to lolipop. oh, btw, i dont have to pay for tethering, as tmobile lets me tether enough, legally.

What's illegal about tethering? The FCC already told Verizon that tethering was not illegal, nor is it theft. Contrary to popular belief, I too pay my phone bill. What's so magical about tethered bits that makes them such a burden on the carriers compared to non-tethered bits?

meldroc said:
I tried the old Lollipop trick - using an sql editor to dig in /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/
Now, when I looked in that directory, it was empty. Looks like they moved those settings elsewhere to try to force more people to pay carrier tethering extortion fees.
Anyone know how to get a Marshmallow Nexus 6 to tether? Without paying? Hold the sanctimonious lectures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No lectures. Flash Chroma 6.0 As of now if is basically a stock ROM with very very few baked in goodies.

I just edited my build prop... Same as lollipop

meldroc said:
What's illegal about tethering? The FCC already told Verizon that tethering was not illegal, nor is it theft. Contrary to popular belief, I too pay my phone bill. What's so magical about tethered bits that makes them such a burden on the carriers compared to non-tethered bits?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its legal unless you have unlimited data. then its legal for the providers to put limits on tethering. tmobile offers all their limited plans unlimited tethering, but their completely unlimited data plans get only 7gb tethering. why only 7gb? because its meant for your mobile devices, not to add data to your home internet. read the law, understand it, instead of just listening to what others are saying. magical, nothing. but those that are tethering for their home internet are ruining the services for others. anyways, im not innocent, but i actually know what the law says. and it is stealing.

I'm on jdx 4.0 on cricket. I tether no problem and cricket says you can't tether.

I tried editing build.prop and changing apn to ipv4 but no luck... Not sure if I was doing it right, I used to do the database edit with sql editor. Can anyone post what needs to be changed/added?

as long as your carrier allows it, Use Root Browser to edit build.prop open with RB Text Editor and add net.tethering.noprovisioning=true at the bottom. Save reboot

jasonftfw said:
I tried editing build.prop and changing apn to ipv4 but no luck... Not sure if I was doing it right, I used to do the database edit with sql editor. Can anyone post what needs to be changed/added?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to set SElinux to be permissive in marshmellow to edit system files. many dont know this, since their custom kernels have it set to permissive already. but you can get an app(not at the play store) or set it via terminal emulator.

simms22 said:
you need to set SElinux to be permissive in marshmellow to edit system files. many dont know this, since their custom kernels have it set to permissive already. but you can get an app(not at the play store) or set it via terminal emulator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I check my selinux? I thought it was supposed to be listed in about device, or did that move to somewhere else in the new OS?

jasonftfw said:
How can I check my selinux? I thought it was supposed to be listed in about device, or did that move to somewhere else in the new OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its set as enforcing by default. i dont think theres a setting anywhere to check though.
---------- Post added at 04:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:20 PM ----------
i posted a link to a SElinux app in this thread.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/issues-editing-build-prop-marshmallow-t3222551

I edited build.prop in recovery and can tether fine.
Sent from my Nexus 6

Works fine on LightRom with T-Mobile for me.

After I edit build.prob and reboot, my tablet will connect to the hotspot, but it had the exclamation over the WiFi icon and won't connect to anything. Any ideas?

meldroc said:
I tried the old Lollipop trick - using an sql editor to dig in /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/
Now, when I looked in that directory, it was empty. Looks like they moved those settings elsewhere to try to force more people to pay carrier tethering extortion fees.
Anyone know how to get a Marshmallow Nexus 6 to tether? Without paying? Hold the sanctimonious lectures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they are there in the same place, app needs to be updated to be able to see them or something. I tried different apps, was able to see them with one, forgot which one, but wasn't able to edit with the app.

[GUIDE][TMO][VZW] Hide Tethering Data with NO 3RD PARTY APPS

If you're like me, a PdaNet customer running Linux who's sad that there's no build of PdaNet designed for Linux for hiding tether usage over USB Tethering, then fear not! After some research I've devised a plan to hide USB tethering usage from carriers that DOES NOT require PdaNet!. I've tested this myself on T-Mobile and Verizon, and on both of these carriers it looks like it works just fine. This does not mean that it will only work with these carriers, these are just the ones I've tested myself (with the exception of the appended notes below). If you have another carrier not mentioned here, please test this out and let me know if it works for you and I'll add it to the OP at the bottom
Here's a precaution I'd take on Android too, just to make sure the carrier really doesn't find anything out:
Go to Magisk Manager and get yourself the OpenDNS or DNSCrypt addon and install that. I think Verizon is catching on that I'm tethering somehow through DNS, even when I use VPN. By setting my DNS on my phone's LTE connection to something that's not-verizon, this should allow me to dodge that. I recommend you doing it too as a precaution
Here's what you have to do for Linux:
1) Hop over to your Linux machine, open a terminal emulator, and type the following commands (with root privileges):
sudo sysctl net.ipv4.ip_default_ttl=65
echo 65 | sudo tee /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_default_ttl
What this does is sets your PC's network packets to have a Time To Live of 65. This is to make it seem like the packets were originated from your phone instead of your PC. Android's default TTL for its packets is 64, so when the PC sends packets to your phone through tethering with a TTL of 65, they have a TTL of 64 by the time your phone sends them out to T-Mobile's towers (the internet).
2) If you want to have the PC's TTL set to 65 on every startup so you don't have to keep entering the two commands above again and again every time you reboot, add the following line to your PC's /etc/sysctl.conf file and save:
net.ipv4.ip_default_ttl=65
Here's what you have to do for Mac: (credits for the instructions and post going to @BrettB0727)
For those wondering how to do this on a Mac, it can be done temporarily using:
Code:
sudo sysctl -w net.inet.ip.ttl=65
Or permanently by creating or editing /etc/sysctl.conf to add
Code:
net.inet.ip.ttl=65
if you end up creating the file, you will need to be sure and do:
Code:
sudo chmod 0644 /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo chown root:wheel /etc/sysctl.conf
Here's what you have to do for Windows:
1) Open up regedit and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters
2) Make a new REG_DWORD entry in there called DefaultTTL and set it to 65
3) Reboot
NOTE: I've found that downloading files can be finicky. I was able to download an MP4 video before without it detecting I was using tethering data, but when I tried to get a .zip file from ModDB T-Mobile found out what I was doing. Just take warning that not all forms of network traffic will be hidden when tethering.
NOTE 2: Confirmed by @triggerlord to work with WiFi Hotspot, as well as with Simple Mobile
NOTE 3: If you're one of those people who have trouble hiding their data with this method, take @niry's advice and see if it helps: he said to remove `dun` type from pcweb.t-mobile.com APN and add it to the end of the fast.t-mobile.com one (if it's not already there)

Lol, this fixed my Simple Mobile (powered by T-Mobile) tethering issues. Nice! This works with the WiFi hotspot feature too BTW.

triggerlord said:
Lol, this fixed my Simple Mobile (powered by T-Mobile) tethering issues. Nice! This works with the WiFi hotspot feature too BTW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to browse the web (hidden) without changing your browsers user agent? I find that if I don't set Chrome to look like Android its 50/50 if it gets hidden or not.
Sent from my Moto G Play using XDA-Developers Legacy app

jasonmerc said:
Were you able to browse the web (hidden) without changing your browsers user agent? I find that if I don't set Chrome to look like Android its 50/50 if it gets hidden or not.
Sent from my Moto G Play using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything works fine. I didn't need to change browser agents or anything. (I'm using chromium though.) I've only tried this via WiFi hotspot. EDIT: And I didn't need to change the APN setting either. Changing the TTL was enough to get it working.

is ma.t-mobile.com working for anyone? i keep getting sent to my.t-mobile.com even after doing what OP suggested. it used to work for me a few weeks back.

shawtydat said:
is ma.t-mobile.com working for anyone? i keep getting sent to my.t-mobile.com even after doing what OP suggested. it used to work for me a few weeks back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe they shut down the website. Haven't been on it myself in months

jasonmerc said:
Maybe they shut down the website. Haven't been on it myself in months
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm afraid that to be the case, but is there another way to monitor tether vs mobile data?

shawtydat said:
i'm afraid that to be the case, but is there another way to monitor tether vs mobile data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be able to in the T-Mobile app on your phone but other than that I think we're screwed now

jasonmerc said:
If you're like me, a PdaNet customer running Linux who's sad that there's no build of PdaNet designed for Linux for hiding tether usage over USB Tethering, then fear not! After some research I've devised a plan to hide USB tethering usage from T-Mobile. Tested and confirmed working with Ubuntu 16.10 and Mint 18.1, with the latest ResurrectionRemix on my XT1607.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When using this method, is the PdaNet app required on the phone?

MountainX said:
When using this method, is the PdaNet app required on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't need any apps

triggerlord said:
Lol, this fixed my Simple Mobile (powered by T-Mobile) tethering issues. Nice! This works with the WiFi hotspot feature too BTW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you supply more information.
I'm looking at switching carriers due to my location(In the mountains with just about nothing for service providers) and want to know how much data you actually use.
What's the most data you have used with this TTL method?
Have they throttled you? and if so, how much?
Any information you can supply is extremely helpful. Thank you! =D

I've used 60gb no throttle.

That's awesome. Thank you for that information.

shawtydat said:
is ma.t-mobile.com working for anyone? i keep getting sent to my.t-mobile.com even after doing what OP suggested. it used to work for me a few weeks back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works for me.

jasonmerc said:
What this does is sets your PC's network packets to have a Time To Live of 65. This is to make it seem like the packets were originated from your phone instead of your PC. Android's default TTL for its packets is 64, so when the PC sends packets to your phone through tethering with a TTL of 65, they have a TTL of 64 by the time your phone sends them out to T-Mobile's towers (the internet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, jasonmerc! This put me in the right direction to remove the need for PdaNet on my Mac and also to be able also use my phone as a Wi-Fi Hotspot at full speed on T-Mobile. I'll be looking for your tutorial to bypass T-Mobile's international speed limits!
For those wondering how to do this on a Mac, it can be done temporarily using:
Code:
sudo sysctl -w net.inet.ip.ttl=65
Or permanently by creating or editing /etc/sysctl.conf to add
Code:
net.inet.ip.ttl=65
if you end up creating the file, you will need to be sure and do:
Code:
sudo chmod 0644 /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo chown root:wheel /etc/sysctl.conf

BrettB0727 said:
Thanks, jasonmerc! This put me in the right direction to remove the need for PdaNet on my Mac and also to be able also use my phone as a Wi-Fi Hotspot at full speed on T-Mobile. I'll be looking for your tutorial to bypass T-Mobile's international speed limits!
For those wondering how to do this on a Mac, it can be done temporarily using:
Code:
sudo sysctl -w net.inet.ip.ttl=65
Or permanently by creating or editing /etc/sysctl.conf to add
Code:
net.inet.ip.ttl=65
if you end up creating the file, you will need to be sure and do:
Code:
sudo chmod 0644 /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo chown root:wheel /etc/sysctl.conf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just noticed your reply right now, and I appreciate the steps for doing this on a Mac! I'm going to add these Mac steps to the first post and give you credit for it
As far as international data limits go, I'm not sure I can address that with a fix like this unfortunately.

Still working?
I haven't been able to get over 500kbps using this method. Is this approach still working for folks in 2018?

tatemz said:
I haven't been able to get over 500kbps using this method. Is this approach still working for folks in 2018?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used this in a while, but I'll give it a try soon to see if it still does

tatemz said:
I haven't been able to get over 500kbps using this method. Is this approach still working for folks in 2018?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works in combination with altering the `type` string in the APNs: remove `dun` from pcweb.t-mobile.com one and add it to the fast.t-mobile.com one so it will read `default,supl,hipri,fota,dun`.

niry said:
It works in combination with altering the `type` string in the APNs: remove `dun` from pcweb.t-mobile.com one and add it to the fast.t-mobile.com one so it will read `default,supl,hipri,fota,dun`.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for letting me know about this. I was talking to some people about using this method and they said it was a hit or miss in terms of hiding their tethering usage. I'll update the OP to include what you said as a fix, for people to try out if it's not working

Question Hotspot hack Sprint/T-Mobile?

I'm considering upgrading my S10+ to the S21 Ultra. Before I do I need to know if editing the APN settings will work the same, or are there other factors I need to be aware of.
Hotspotting is my primary way of connecting to the net, and has been for the past 10+ years. If I can't continue to connect in this way with the Ultra, what phones will work?
Yes I'm aware of PDAnet, it will not work for my use scenario. I must hotspot through the phone natively. I use in the range of 60 - 100gb each month. I'm on a grandfathered true unlimited plan.
Screen shots of the APN settings would be greatly appreciated, if applicable.

You can go directly to the hotspotting app if you know what you're doing.

nixnixnixnix4 said:
You can go directly to the hotspotting app if you know what you're doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you care to explain? I've used the native hotspot for years.

Can you provide any more information?
I can't tell if you are asking if hotspot works as intended on a stock sprint/tmobile phone? Like paying for the hotspot feature?
It's unclear what your grandfathered plan provides. Does that include unlimited hot spot?
Or are you asking if you can manually configure the APN to override how hotspot works, so you can use it without paying for the hotspot feature, assuming it's not included in your plan?
Are you just asking if you can edit the APN settings at all?
There is just too much uncertainty about what you are asking.

KingFatty said:
Can you provide any more information?
I can't tell if you are asking if hotspot works as intended on a stock sprint/tmobile phone? Like paying for the hotspot feature?
It's unclear what your grandfathered plan provides. Does that include unlimited hot spot?
Or are you asking if you can manually configure the APN to override how hotspot works, so you can use it without paying for the hotspot feature, assuming it's not included in your plan?
Are you just asking if you can edit the APN settings at all?
There is just too much uncertainty about what you are asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have hotspot on my plan.
In order to use hotspot currently, a new APN entry is created adding "dun“ to a field, allowing hotspot to be activated without having a plan.
Here is a thread that explains the current method on older phones:
Sprint Hotspot Hack w/ Android 10
I lost my hotspot hack when I updated my Sprint S10 to Android 10 like everyone else but I just found a fix! It works on my S10 so I’m guessing it’ll work the same for S10+ users. ##3282# then APN Settings (The left clicking to unlock editing...
forum.xda-developers.com

Anyone?

dh350nwo said:
Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This forum wants to keep this "hack" on the down low.
All I will tell you is that you need to use some shortcut app that'll punch you through straight to the hotspotting app. This way, the carrier check is avoided.
Also, you MAY need to use a VPN because desktop traffic can become obvious.
An alternative is to VPN/tunnel into your home computer via Wireguard or some other software like ZeroTier or Tailscale.

nixnixnixnix4 said:
This forum wants to keep this "hack" on the down low.
All I will tell you is that you need to use some shortcut app that'll punch you through straight to the hotspotting app. This way, the carrier check is avoided.
Also, you MAY need to use a VPN because desktop traffic can become obvious.
An alternative is to VPN/tunnel into your home computer via Wireguard or some other software like ZeroTier or Tailscale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to try to be vague with this reply. You're saying a MAKER of shortcut app will be needed to get into the functionality of LTE.
Wouldn't the ##data# menu work also? That's what I do now. And by doing so it doesn't show as tethered data used when I check my usage.

You just need to find a way to open the hotspot app directly.
Shortcut apps like this help: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rk.android.app.shortcutmaker&hl=en_US&gl=US

nixnixnixnix4 said:
You just need to find a way to open the hotspot app directly.
Shortcut apps like this help: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rk.android.app.shortcutmaker&hl=en_US&gl=US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can already toggle the HS app natively.
I'm not sure we are on the same page.

So I guess getting any help or answers is pointless?

FYI: On Android 12 for Samsung you can add a new APN under Access Point Names without jumping thru hoops. Just tap on add new APN (make sure to copy everything from original APN) and add dun to the apn type field. Save the update and now you have free Hotspot (data counts against your main data bucket).

What about those who already have a restricted hotspot in their plan (high speed hotspot for first 500 MB, then switches to super-slow mode until reset the next billing cycle)?
Would adding a new APN result in unlimited hotspot? I can't tell if those with limited hotspot already enabled, would see any benefit to adding a new APN, or if it would even work?