Hello all, I have the xv6800, dcd rom 3.3.4 and activesync and internet sharing setup on Windows just fine. However, I have recently gotten a MAC, and I have not been able to get the internet sharing to work via BT or USB. I can understand BT cause I was never able to get it set up on windows either. I don't mind the USB connection, it's alwasy been more stable and a snap to set up with the ROM. However I can't get it working on the MAC. Is there a driver or app that needs to be installed on the mac side? The only think I remember doing on the WIN side is installing the modem driver.
On Mac, I have installed Missing Sync installed and I have been able to attach and sync my winmo phone without issue, so I know I have connection. but I cannot get the internet sharing to work. I checked out the verizon site and they state that they do not make a modem driver for the mac os.
I should also mention that I have winXP set up on the mac thru VMware, but I have been unsuccessful getting this to work the way my original windows laptop is setup. I dont want to set it up that way anyway if I can avoid it.
I am curious if anyone has this working via USB?? I apologize if this has been covered elsewhere. I couldn't find anything related and certainly not specific to this ROM.
I did find this, http://www.keithtastic.com/post/3997...-to-sprint-htc, but it states to buy an app called USB Modem program from www.mobile-stream.com. but wouldnt the ISC app on the dcd rom provid the same functionality?
Thanks for any/all help
i use BT in OSX... system prefs, bluetooth, setup a connection to the phone(+ button)... hit the bluetooth icon on the menubar, select the phone -> connect to network, thats all i have to do.
bmorrisj said:
i use BT in OSX... system prefs, bluetooth, setup a connection to the phone(+ button)... hit the bluetooth icon on the menubar, select the phone -> connect to network, thats all i have to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then just use internet sharing form the phone as normal?
no offense but that didnt help at all. I can connect my phone via BT themac sees it, but all I can do is browse device. I need to set up a connection with my phone to the mac and get online via my phone. I dont careif its bluetooth or not. I have the new macbook btw, if it matters
goon55: Like you, I always used a VM workaround to tether back when I had a Mac. I haven't tried this, but I've heard Syncmate allows Internet Sharing on Mac systems. Good luck!
I have no issues connecting my macbook for my 6800.
After you set it up like the other poster told you to, you should have a phone icon next to the bluetooth icon at the top right of the screen. click the phone icon then "connect bluetooth".
goon55 said:
no offense but that didnt help at all. I can connect my phone via BT themac sees it, but all I can do is browse device. I need to set up a connection with my phone to the mac and get online via my phone. I dont careif its bluetooth or not. I have the new macbook btw, if it matters
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also when setting up the BT relationship, make sure you select the network services (i believe, there are one or two services you can check)...on the phone make sure you start BT and internet sharing (with BT selected) and when you go to the BT menu on the mac, your phone name should be under "devices", expand your phone name and select connect to network.
just trying to clarify a bit.
i had it
i had bt working for a bit and then was disconnected abruptly.
after deleting the profiles of the pairings on both the titan and the mac, it still wont share the connection although the phone will be connected in bt system prefrence pane, (where you select devices).
when it worked, i would select the phone in the device select, and underneath clicking on the gear to a menu option to 'connect to network'
it worked that wayfor 3 mins.
also, when i configure the device, if i set the phone to internet share while the mac is discovering the services, i get two options to select instead of just one:
access the internet
use device as network port.
edit: got it, apple talk active
best software you can use is http://www.wmwifirouter.com/ it works over BT or wifi and uses your phone's regular data access address which means you don't get tethering charges. NOTE I use the free version, and I have tried the tiral and although it does work, my mogul does not seem to like it and has little quirks after I install it (wifi turns on when I reset even if the switch is off, I don't why but its there).
Hi everyone, I've been trying to use my Windows Mobile phone as a modem for the Macbook, but so far I only see people being able to connect via BT. Problem with that for me is that BT drains both my laptop and phone battery quicker, so I'm trying to find a solution to connect via USB instead. Has anyone been able to surf on their Mac using their Windows Mobile phone as a modem via USB cable?
What you want is Mobile Stream USB Modem for Windows. Windows here being Windows Mobile, it works with my Mac.
Once you set it up, your phone is seen as a USB Modem and you dial from the Mac to this port. There is a free trial, take time to test it, read the forums, I had some initial issues to get it work right, but now it is good, I ended up purchasing it.
Tried BT sharing too, but too instable and drops. Tried the WiFi sharing, but eats battery...
Only downside: as you dial the data modem, it will fail if it is already in use (background email checking on your phone...). I have to disconnect the data connection on the phone to be able to dial from the Mac, otherwise it reports Port Busy.
Thanks for the recommendation, will try it out. Any other solutions in the meantime to connect and share the Internet connection from my Windows Mobile phone to Mac via USB?
I had the same problem, and tried everything recommended in the thread - no dice. I ended up just installing WMWifiRouter and that works like a champ.
http://networkjew.com/2009/03/30/tether-windows-mobile-phone-mac/
This is for cingular, but I'm sure this can be attempted no matter what the provider.
I've been looking for a solution as well, and have yet to find one for USB Internet Sharing on a Mac. I currently just use Bluetooth with an external charger on the phone and laptop since it'll eat the battery of both quickly.
Hello all,
Running UnNamed 1.04v with entropy's latest (10/20) kernel.
This problem also happened with Unnamed 1.03, with entropy's 10/16 kernel.
This problem also happened with a completely stock ROM, rooted with the CWM kernel.
USB tethering works as normal.
Wifi tethering works sporadically. My laptop can connect (windows 7, lenovo X201), it works for a few minutes, then ceases to work. The WIFI icon gives a yellow exclamation mark saying that it has no internet connection.
I reinstalled windows 7 recently, the same thing occurs.
Updated the intel WIFI 6300 drivers, same thing occurs.
I changed DNS settings to OpenDNS, the same thing occurs.
What leads me to believe this problem isn't because of my laptop is the following...
When tethering ceases to work on my laptop and I try to disable tethering on the phone under settings>wireless and network>tethering and portable hotspot, it takes around 5-7 seconds then says "Error". The WIFI tethering icon remains in the notification bar as if tethering is still enabled. If I check the box next to tethering to "enable" it again, tethering finally turns off and the blue tethering icon removes itself from the notification bar.
If I turn off tethering before it craps out on my laptop it turns off normally within 1-2 seconds without saying "error."
This has been reproducible over 15 times.
It happens whether or not the hotspot is encrypted with WPA2, the SSID is hidden or not, or is completely open.
Any ideas why this is? WIFI tethering was rock solid on my old infuse 4G, and it really comes in handy during lunch time at my university when the wifi is saturated to the point where its completely unusable.
logcat/dmesg
Mines does the same thing. USB tethering works without issues, however wireless gives me issues. When I connect via wireless, it works for about 30 seconds then my laptop gives me a limited connectivity signal (tablet just connects but no internet). Tried turning off my wireless hotspot and I got the same symptoms you had, with the Error.
Running stock rooted with latest Entropy DD experimental Kernel. Tested on different kernels and the same thing happens (ZedoMax kernel and Entropy non-experimental kernel).
There was a report a while back that stock wi-fi tethering will cease to work if your phone screen turns off (even though you have wi-fi sleep policy set to never). Sounds like another bug in the current Samsung ROM. And in that case, the guy paid for tethering plan and is using the phone totally stock without rooting.
That is definitely unfortunate. I'll have to test it with the screen to see if that works. I tried to upload a screenshot but for some reason it won't allow me to post .png images. That is also crappy because that's what our screen shots are formatted as! (OT - anyone know how to change this?)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/35462802/SC20111025-085244.png
foxbat121 said:
There was a report a while back that stock wi-fi tethering will cease to work if your phone screen turns off (even though you have wi-fi sleep policy set to never). Sounds like another bug in the current Samsung ROM. And in that case, the guy paid for tethering plan and is using the phone totally stock without rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, logcat/dmesg of the errors. If a person has a problem, and it might be kernel related, it isn't going to get fixed without either a logcat/dmesg or the ability for the kernel developer to reproduce the problem.
Every time I go for dinner at the local taco place, I tether my Tab 10.1 and the phone's screen remains off. Therefore, kernel developer CANNOT reproduce this issue. So the backup is logcat/dmesg.
Sounds like WIFI sleep policy is shutting it off with screen off.
I need to clarify: it's not my issue (I do not use tethering as of now) and I have no way to verify or test because I haven't rooted my phone yet. I only need to root my if I need to enable tethering. But bugs like this doesn't worth my trouble to root the phone.
Here the original thread that reported this issue: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1291814
It is probably one of those bugs that affects some but not others, e.g AP mobile data usage bug and WiFi sleep policy stuck in NEVER even if you change to turn off while sleep.
Tested to see if I had a screen off bug but that wasn't the case.
Now I need to learn how to use alogcat...
Dungeon47 said:
Sounds like WIFI sleep policy is shutting it off with screen off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wifi sleep policy only affects when the device is using wifi in client mode
sopdogg said:
Tested to see if I had a screen off bug but that wasn't the case.
Now I need to learn how to use alogcat...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have problems, logcat/dmesg aren't of much use.
I can already get reference "known working" logcats/dmesgs from my own device.
Edit: Oh wait, in your case it's a problem whether screen on or off? misread you.
No problem, thanks for looking into my issue!
My issue is that wifi tethering doesn't work at all. USB tethering works without any hiccups. Error message appears after a short time and/or when I turn off the wireless hotspot.
I sent you a PM.
I am having the same issues, regardless of rom /kernel
Does anyone know if this phone supports infrastructure wifi when the tethering is working properly? Trying to plan a car computer with a galaxy player 5 up front and dlna hard drive in back and hopefully tie it all together w the gs2
Entropy, i'll be PMing you a logcat in a few minutes.
Edit: PM sent.
ALSO: this problem occurs if the screen is on or off.
I am running Nilsp business ics 3.x, s-on as of now, I have been using the Wifi tether app that Nilsp added to the rom with the profile set to Galaxy Nexus (CDMA/LTE) and the routing fix checked, and it works for the most part. What happens is my laptop will be connected to the wifi from the phone but it can't access the internet because it says "limited access" with a little exclamation sign next to it. It is not that the phone is not connected to the internet though because my buddy's iPad will be connected to the internet at the same time and it will be working fine for him. Could be a problem with the phone, could be a problem with my computer, I don't know. My computer will connect to other wifi signals just fine. Very confused on this matter. Anyone got any answers?
Jacrushar said:
I am running Nilsp business ics 3.x, s-on as of now, I have been using the Wifi tether app that Nilsp added to the rom with the profile set to Galaxy Nexus (CDMA/LTE) and the routing fix checked, and it works for the most part. What happens is my laptop will be connected to the wifi from the phone but it can't access the internet because it says "limited access" with a little exclamation sign next to it. It is not that the phone is not connected to the internet though because my buddy's iPad will be connected to the internet at the same time and it will be working fine for him. Could be a problem with the phone, could be a problem with my computer, I don't know. My computer will connect to other wifi signals just fine. Very confused on this matter. Anyone got any answers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probably the laptop:
make sure you don't have any static-ip settings on your wifi adapter. Let the phone get an IP dynamically. Also don't set any specific dns entries either. I had difficulty from both angles if I didn't just let the wifi-tether app dictate the network settings to the laptop.
Also, do you have any custom firewalls on your laptop? The phone defaults to the 192.168.2.0/ network, so it's not the same as your home router, which is probably 192.168.1.0/
My laptop does that as well but the limited access for about a minute or so but then works fine. Im not sure what causes it
Boot to safe mode with networking (f8 on boot up) and see if it connects.
If it works in safemode with networking then you have a firewall issue.
I can assist further if it is the case
Ok so yeah I am haiving the same problem as hardfallen87. I'm sorry but I don't think I completely understand everything you guys have said to try and help. I sort of understand the IP address stuff but I can't find any settings like that anywhere on the computer. And no I do not have any custom firewall installed.
Still haven't really fixed this problem. I'm still constantly getting limited access on my PC from my phone's WiFi tethering app. I am now running Nils Business ICS Sense 4 version 2.6 and am S-off but it seems no matter what ROM I use it doesn't make a difference. Any help is appreciated...
Dalamar1320 said:
Boot to safe mode with networking (f8 on boot up) and see if it connects.
If it works in safemode with networking then you have a firewall issue.
I can assist further if it is the case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to work in safe mode ok.
Hi I recently restored my s3 to factory reset but after that I am not able to connect any devices (phones or laptop )with wifi tethering
Prior to reset it was working fine. I have not rooted my phone.
Do I have to reset it again? Any other possible solutions?
Can you explain it in more detail? If using hotspot, are your phone close enough with the device you want to paired? Did you try bluetooth or usb tethering? Did your phone have data connection?
Having major issues with tethering on my SGS3 aswell.
When I recieved the phone, stock out of the box, I was unable to get tethering working, it worked for 10-60mins then automatically turned off.
I rooted the phone, and tried various tethering apps, and finally (after a couple of days) managed getting FoxFi to give me a stable tether.
Now I've installed the latest FW, and Im back to square 1 (or even further back), FoxFi puts up an access point, but after being connected 10-60mins, tethering stops working, and the connection dissapears from the list on my computer. FoxFi still reports it's running, so I have to turn it off, then back on to get another 10-60 minutes.
Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep: Always
Build Number: IMM76D.I9300XXBLH3
Android Version: 4.0.4
Considering trying Cyanogenmod, but I really like the stock room and wish to stay on it.
USB tethering is out of the question, as I use it for Xbox360, PS3, talet etc.
For those wondering, usually having 10/8 mbps @ 80ping, limited to 20GB traffic a month, aint that bad tbh.
Might just gotta get me a proper and wired internet connection instead.
Anyone got any idea what so ever what might cause this? Ill be more than willing to post logs etc, just tell me how.
One more thing, some of the tethering apps gives Ad Hoc error, FoxFi the only I've not getting this error on (of those Ive tried atleast).
I've searched around for some solid technique or, preferably, app that allows you to trick apps into thinking you are using Wifi when in reality you are still on 3g/4g.
- I am NOT looking for alternatives or workarounds for a specific app
I found it crazy that the iPhone has over a dozen apps, tweaks, etc that can easily do this type of thing, but the only stuff I've found on the subject for android were either ridiculous techniques that don't work, or people questioning WHY you'd want to do this...
If anyone has ANY information on this subject, please tell.
Is there a reason why this is so much harder on Android than on iPhone? I'd be happy to learn exactly what the problem is here.
bump
Im also interested on this. I have unlimited data and i find it ridiculous that devs make apps to only work on wifi. I use to use 3g unrestrictor all the time back when i had my iPhone.
bump
bump again...
Well i know this works with certain android games like zenonia and modern combat which require wifi not data connection so you can try it with other stuff. You have to be rooted.
The first step is to turn your Wi-Fi on and*download Android Wi-Fi tether app*available in Market.
Once you have the app downloaded, launch the app and go to Menu > Settings > Change > Setup Method and select Softap option.
Now start tethering and drag down the notification bar.
In case your Wi-Fi icon is still enabled, it means that you have done it right so far.
Do not press the Wi-Fi toggle icon and launch the game you want to play
-------------
I am a dishonest man, and you can always honestly trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly it's the honest ones you have to watch out for.
xMrArnoldx said:
Well i know this works with certain android games like zenonia and modern combat which require wifi not data connection so you can try it with other stuff. You have to be rooted.
The first step is to turn your Wi-Fi on and*download Android Wi-Fi tether app*available in Market.
Once you have the app downloaded, launch the app and go to Menu > Settings > Change > Setup Method and select Softap option.
Now start tethering and drag down the notification bar.
In case your Wi-Fi icon is still enabled, it means that you have done it right so far.
Do not press the Wi-Fi toggle icon and launch the game you want to play
-------------
I am a dishonest man, and you can always honestly trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly it's the honest ones you have to watch out for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't work.. My wifi is turned off as soon as the tethering starts. What app exactly am I supposed to use?
Thanks!
Try wifi tether for root users.
---------------------
Give me a thanks if i helped
Lg Lucid running Cm10
w/ Cm10 Kernel
Asus Tf700 running Cromi-X 4.6.5
w/ Max's v4 kernel
Some Android games and application require a Wi-Fi connection due to the large amount of data that they use. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, however, you won't be able to use the apps or play the games, even if you have a fast 3G connection. You can trick your phone into believing that the Wi-Fi is connected by saving a small text file to your SD card so the phone will play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi when it's only connected to 3G.
Things You'll Need
PC
Data cable
Text editing app
Instructions
1) Launch a text editing program on your computer and type "FALSE" in all caps. Save the file and give it the name "qaWifiOnlyMode.txt" exactly with all the lower-case and capital letters duplicated precisely, otherwise the Android operating system won't see the file. Close the text editing program.
2) Plug your Android device into your computer and drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification area. Tap "USB Connected" and then confirm that you want to mount your SD card as a drive on the computer.
3) Find the qaWifiOnlyMode.txt file on your computer and click to select it. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the file. Browse to the location of your Android device's SD card on your computer. In the base(root) directory, not in any sub-folder, press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the text file to the card.
4) Drag down the notification area on your Android device and tap the USB connection to disconnect the device from the computer. Unplug the USB cable. Your device will now play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi even if it's only on 3G.
Diablo67 said:
Some Android games and application require a Wi-Fi connection due to the large amount of data that they use. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, however, you won't be able to use the apps or play the games, even if you have a fast 3G connection. You can trick your phone into believing that the Wi-Fi is connected by saving a small text file to your SD card so the phone will play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi when it's only connected to 3G.
Things You'll Need
PC
Data cable
Text editing app
Instructions
1) Launch a text editing program on your computer and type "FALSE" in all caps. Save the file and give it the name "qaWifiOnlyMode.txt" exactly with all the lower-case and capital letters duplicated precisely, otherwise the Android operating system won't see the file. Close the text editing program.
2) Plug your Android device into your computer and drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification area. Tap "USB Connected" and then confirm that you want to mount your SD card as a drive on the computer.
3) Find the qaWifiOnlyMode.txt file on your computer and click to select it. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the file. Browse to the location of your Android device's SD card on your computer. In the base(root) directory, not in any sub-folder, press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the text file to the card.
4) Drag down the notification area on your Android device and tap the USB connection to disconnect the device from the computer. Unplug the USB cable. Your device will now play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi even if it's only on 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this whole text file thing didn't work for me. Do you have to be rooted for this to work?
It didn't work for me either and I'm rooted
Work for anyone
Did the above fix work for anyone?
.txt thing didn't work for me either and I'm rooted]
I am having a rooted phone with busybox and this text file trick doesn't work.
Sent from my GT-S5360 Gadget of Mass Destruction using xda-app
Using CWM........Busybox Commands........No I use my hands
I've been searching for a way to fool apps into thinking their on WiFi. No luck.
I hate to beat the dead horse but I switched from an iPhone to a HTC One and its turning out to be a bad deal. Your telling me all these yrs and no one has been able to make one of the most basic apps the iPhone can get via cydia yet.
We should start a bounty ...
I'll throw in 100 to start it off with.
omf05 said:
I've been searching for a way to fool apps into thinking their on WiFi. No luck.
I hate to beat the dead horse but I switched from an iPhone to a HTC One and its turning out to be a bad deal. Your telling me all these yrs and no one has been able to make one of the most basic apps the iPhone can get via cydia yet.
We should start a bounty ...
I'll throw in 100 to start it off with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty pathetic really
I'll be abroad next week and wanted to catch a bit of the French Open Tennis but one of the TV apps I'm using requires a wifi connection. The fact there is no workaround yet is almost as idiotic as the morons who implement this "feature" in their apps.
Why should I care if someone is dumb enough to rinse their 1GB Data limit when I have unlimited 4G internet?
I asked about this in the Xposed forum, since it seems like an Xposed module might be the way to trick apps into thinking you're on wi-fi.
For me, the issue is with PdaNet+. I have unlimited data with T-Mobile, and I can pair my tablet via bluetooth and use my phone's data on my tablet. However, some apps don't work because they don't detect a data connection (ie: wi-fi), even though there is one. I can browse the internet. I can browse Google Play. But I can't download anything from Google Play, because it keeps waiting for a network connection. I can use Facebook, but I can't use the Facebook Messenger.
The work-around I can use at home is to use a virtual wi-fi router program on my laptop, connect my tablet to my laptop's wifi, and then connect my tablet via PdaNet+ bluetooth. Even there's no data going through the wi-fi, it still "tricks" my tablet into thinking there's a network connection, and it proceeds to download through bluetooth. Of course, this only works at home or if I have my laptop with me.
Yeah, I can always just tether my phone to my laptop and run my tablet off the laptop's virtual wi-fi router (which I typically do), but that's slower, and again, only works when my computer is with me.
Planterz said:
I asked about this in the Xposed forum, since it seems like an Xposed module might be the way to trick apps into thinking you're on wi-fi.
For me, the issue is with PdaNet+. I have unlimited data with T-Mobile, and I can pair my tablet via bluetooth and use my phone's data on my tablet. However, some apps don't work because they don't detect a data connection (ie: wi-fi), even though there is one. I can browse the internet. I can browse Google Play. But I can't download anything from Google Play, because it keeps waiting for a network connection. I can use Facebook, but I can't use the Facebook Messenger.
The work-around I can use at home is to use a virtual wi-fi router program on my laptop, connect my tablet to my laptop's wifi, and then connect my tablet via PdaNet+ bluetooth. Even there's no data going through the wi-fi, it still "tricks" my tablet into thinking there's a network connection, and it proceeds to download through bluetooth. Of course, this only works at home or if I have my laptop with me.
Yeah, I can always just tether my phone to my laptop and run my tablet off the laptop's virtual wi-fi router (which I typically do), but that's slower, and again, only works when my computer is with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you provide a little more detail in how to do this? What program are you using on your laptop? So the phone is running PDANet and then you connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth. Then after that you connect your tablet to the laptop's virtual wifi router?
Don't know if I understood completely but thanks in advance.
taino211 said:
Could you provide a little more detail in how to do this? What program are you using on your laptop? So the phone is running PDANet and then you connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth. Then after that you connect your tablet to the laptop's virtual wifi router?
Don't know if I understood completely but thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have T-Mobile's Unlimited plan, which has unlimited data and 5gb free hotspot. My phone is a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH T399. On my phone I have PdaNet+ installed, with the full unlock key purchased ($8).
There's a free one to try, to make sure it works with your phone; whether it works or not depends on the phone itself, the version of Android it runs, and the provider from which you got it (if you didn't get an unlocked version). For example, a particular phone might work fine with T-Mobile, but the Sprint version of that phone might not. That's why there's the free version - to test before purchasing. The limitation with the free version is that it times out after about ~10 minutes and you have to reconnect.
PdaNet can connect to your computer in 3 ways. Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering. Again, depending on your phone, carrier branding, and Android version, some methods may work while others won't.
Wifi works just like any wifi hotspot. However, depending on the afore mentioned conditions, wifi hotspot might not work the way you want it to. For example, on my T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH-T399, using the wifi hotspot on PdaNet also loads up the pre-installed T-Mobile hotspot, which drains the 5gb mobile hotspot allotment. I haven't found a way to break that on this phone. On other phones (like Nexus devices), I know there are ways to only use your phone's data, and not the hotspot allotment, but frankly, these are very complicated and need a VPN subscription (ie: more money) to work. Wifi hotspot use is often broken anyway, depending on your carrier and Android version.
Bluetooth and USB tethering work differently than wi-fi, but otherwise work essentially the same way as each other. Both require a companion program to be installed onto your computer. A good idea is to keep a copy of this program on your phone, so you can install it on other people's computers if necessary (and perhaps the USB drivers for your phone as well).
I haven't messed around with Bluetooth much, because the Bluetooth on my laptop (via a dongle) is glitchy as $#@!, and I've never been able to get PdaNet to work with it properly except for a couple times which didn't last. Actually, I've never gotten anything to work properly with Bluetooth on my laptop, so this is probably just a problem with my computer/dongle/drivers, and YMMV. On the few times I've gotten PdaNet or other internet via Bluetooth (which some phones have built-in, and don't require PdaNet at all), speeds have been much, much slower, and I'd rather tether via USB anyway.
I connect my phone's internet to my laptop with USB tether. Make sure USB debugging is enabled, and plug it in. Make sure it's set as a Mass Storage device (4.1 or earlier), or as a Media Device (4.2+). Then on your phone, open PdaNet+ and Activate USB Tether (you can do this before plugging it in, it doesn't matter). On your computer, load PdaNet, and select Connect Internet (USB). If everything has been set up correctly, it should say "Connected", and you can now use your phone's internet on your computer.
Here's the important part:
If you don't have an Unlimited plan, tethering (via any method) will suck down your data. If you do have an unlimited plan, there's an option in PdaNet's settings (on your computer) to "Hide Tether Usage". This uses a proxy or VPN (not sure which) to fool your provider into thinking you're on your phone, and not on your computer. This works for me, with my phone, on T-Mobile. No guarantees that this will work with other phones, or other providers. Try the free version first, monitor your data usage (use your provider's account app, not the built-in Android one), and see if it works for you.
As for the virtual wifi network, there are a couple ways to do this. The PdaNet program for your computer actually has this built into it. Once you're connected, select the "WiFi Share" option, and it'll set up a wi-fi network that you (and others) can use on other devices, like other phones, tablets, computers smart-TVs, etc. Obviously, the computer you're tethered to needs to have wi-fi capability for this to work. But as long as you have a wi-fi modem, it can be turned into a wi-fi router with this option. It's not as strong as a real wi-fi router, but you don't have to buy and network a different piece of equipment either.
There are also stand-alone virtual wi-fi router programs. The one I've used mainly is Virtual Router Manager beta 0.9. A while ago, I tried a newer, non-beta version, but it was extremely unstable, so I went back to the 0.9 beta. I haven't tried any newer version in quite some time. I used this when I had proper internet (cable) in my apartment, but wanted to use wi-fi instead of my phone's data to do downloads or updates on my phone.
Neither the Virtual Router Manager or the WiFi Share option on PdaNet are 100% stable. Every once in a while, something glitches out, and I have to reboot my computer (I usually reboot my phone at the same time, just to be sure). But hey, apart from the $8 for PdaNet+, I get unlimited mobile and home internet for $80/month, so I can't complain.
To recap, I have my phone USB tethered to my laptop (which is plugged into a 42" HDTV) via PdaNet+. I use a virtual wi-fi router option to give wi-fi to my tablet. One internet connection, 3 devices connected.
My problem is that, even though I own a laptop, it practically never goes with my anywhere. It sits on a cooling pad, plugged into 2 external HDDs and my 42" HDTV, and I sit at my couch with a wireless mouse/keyboard. But when I'm away from my apartment, and I have my tablet, there's certain things I can't do on the tablet connected via PdaNet and Bluetooth, because it doesn't have a wi-fi connection, and these certain apps don't detect a network connection.
Planterz said:
I have T-Mobile's Unlimited plan, which has unlimited data and 5gb free hotspot. My phone is a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH T399. On my phone I have PdaNet+ installed, with the full unlock key purchased ($8).
There's a free one to try, to make sure it works with your phone; whether it works or not depends on the phone itself, the version of Android it runs, and the provider from which you got it (if you didn't get an unlocked version). For example, a particular phone might work fine with T-Mobile, but the Sprint version of that phone might not. That's why there's the free version - to test before purchasing. The limitation with the free version is that it times out after about ~10 minutes and you have to reconnect.
PdaNet can connect to your computer in 3 ways. Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering. Again, depending on your phone, carrier branding, and Android version, some methods may work while others won't.
Wifi works just like any wifi hotspot. However, depending on the afore mentioned conditions, wifi hotspot might not work the way you want it to. For example, on my T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH-T399, using the wifi hotspot on PdaNet also loads up the pre-installed T-Mobile hotspot, which drains the 5gb mobile hotspot allotment. I haven't found a way to break that on this phone. On other phones (like Nexus devices), I know there are ways to only use your phone's data, and not the hotspot allotment, but frankly, these are very complicated and need a VPN subscription (ie: more money) to work. Wifi hotspot use is often broken anyway, depending on your carrier and Android version.
Bluetooth and USB tethering work differently than wi-fi, but otherwise work essentially the same way as each other. Both require a companion program to be installed onto your computer. A good idea is to keep a copy of this program on your phone, so you can install it on other people's computers if necessary (and perhaps the USB drivers for your phone as well).
I haven't messed around with Bluetooth much, because the Bluetooth on my laptop (via a dongle) is glitchy as $#@!, and I've never been able to get PdaNet to work with it properly except for a couple times which didn't last. Actually, I've never gotten anything to work properly with Bluetooth on my laptop, so this is probably just a problem with my computer/dongle/drivers, and YMMV. On the few times I've gotten PdaNet or other internet via Bluetooth (which some phones have built-in, and don't require PdaNet at all), speeds have been much, much slower, and I'd rather tether via USB anyway.
I connect my phone's internet to my laptop with USB tether. Make sure USB debugging is enabled, and plug it in. Make sure it's set as a Mass Storage device (4.1 or earlier), or as a Media Device (4.2+). Then on your phone, open PdaNet+ and Activate USB Tether (you can do this before plugging it in, it doesn't matter). On your computer, load PdaNet, and select Connect Internet (USB). If everything has been set up correctly, it should say "Connected", and you can now use your phone's internet on your computer.
Here's the important part:
If you don't have an Unlimited plan, tethering (via any method) will suck down your data. If you do have an unlimited plan, there's an option in PdaNet's settings (on your computer) to "Hide Tether Usage". This uses a proxy or VPN (not sure which) to fool your provider into thinking you're on your phone, and not on your computer. This works for me, with my phone, on T-Mobile. No guarantees that this will work with other phones, or other providers. Try the free version first, monitor your data usage (use your provider's account app, not the built-in Android one), and see if it works for you.
As for the virtual wifi network, there are a couple ways to do this. The PdaNet program for your computer actually has this built into it. Once you're connected, select the "WiFi Share" option, and it'll set up a wi-fi network that you (and others) can use on other devices, like other phones, tablets, computers smart-TVs, etc. Obviously, the computer you're tethered to needs to have wi-fi capability for this to work. But as long as you have a wi-fi modem, it can be turned into a wi-fi router with this option. It's not as strong as a real wi-fi router, but you don't have to buy and network a different piece of equipment either.
There are also stand-alone virtual wi-fi router programs. The one I've used mainly is Virtual Router Manager beta 0.9. A while ago, I tried a newer, non-beta version, but it was extremely unstable, so I went back to the 0.9 beta. I haven't tried any newer version in quite some time. I used this when I had proper internet (cable) in my apartment, but wanted to use wi-fi instead of my phone's data to do downloads or updates on my phone.
Neither the Virtual Router Manager or the WiFi Share option on PdaNet are 100% stable. Every once in a while, something glitches out, and I have to reboot my computer (I usually reboot my phone at the same time, just to be sure). But hey, apart from the $8 for PdaNet+, I get unlimited mobile and home internet for $80/month, so I can't complain.
To recap, I have my phone USB tethered to my laptop (which is plugged into a 42" HDTV) via PdaNet+. I use a virtual wi-fi router option to give wi-fi to my tablet. One internet connection, 3 devices connected.
My problem is that, even though I own a laptop, it practically never goes with my anywhere. It sits on a cooling pad, plugged into 2 external HDDs and my 42" HDTV, and I sit at my couch with a wireless mouse/keyboard. But when I'm away from my apartment, and I have my tablet, there's certain things I can't do on the tablet connected via PdaNet and Bluetooth, because it doesn't have a wi-fi connection, and these certain apps don't detect a network connection.
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Thanks for the great explanation! This helps quite a bit. I'll give this a shot to see how it goes.