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
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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'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?