If you want to use Android’s built-in tethering option on your Android device even if your carrier blocks it, you can follow the easy steps in this guide.

In many countries, mobile data costs a lot. And in such countries, if the carrier provides unlimited data plans, they want to make sure that the data is only used on the mobile device. They don’t want you to tether your mobile data connection to your PC and that is the reason why they block it. While this may not be a problem for unlocked phones; it sure is a huge issue when you are buying your phone directly from the carrier such as Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc. In this guide, we will show you how to bypass this restriction and use Android tethering even when the carrier blocks it.

Use Android Tethering on Carrier Devices

Depending on whether or not your device has root access, the options you have left vary a lot. We have provided the available options to do this for both rooted and non-rooted Android devices separately.

1. Android Devices without Root Access

If you have an Android device that is not rooted then your options are limited and 3rd party apps are the only choice. The problem is that the results hugely vary from device to device. Even on the same device, what works today may not work tomorrow. This is because – any vulnerability that the apps are using to get the job done will found and fixed by the carrier. That said, below are the apps that we recommend to use tethering on carrier locked devices.

FoxFi

FoxFi is a pretty popular app on the Google Play Store for anyone looking to use tethering on carrier devices. The only downside is that AT&T and Sprint have both blocked the app from showing on the Google Play Store on their networks. If you are using one of the two carriers, then you might want to try other apps. The free version of the app will turn off after the timed usage limit but you can turn it back on. There is also a paid version that allows you to use without any interruptions.

Download

NetShare

NetShare allows you to create WiFi Hotspot to share cellular data or extend your existing WiFi connection just as a WiFi Repeater. NO TETHERING PLAN OR Tether fees required. The best thing about this app is that it supports all Android devices running Android 6 and above (according to the developers).

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PdaNet+

PdaNet+ is another similar app that makes use of the “WiFi Direct Hotspot” feature of Android that works on all Android devices running Android 4.1 and above. The app helps you connect computers and tablets to your phone using WiFi but there is a catch. You will have to either install a support app or setup a proxy depending on what device you are connecting to the phone. You can activate “WiFi Direct Hotspot” in PdaNet+ then tap the “Help!” button for detail instructions.

Download

2. Android Devices with Root Access

When you have rooted your Android device, then you do not have to depend on 3-rd party apps. Rather, there are a couple of ways by which you can re-enable the Android’s built-in tethering option and let’s look at them both in detail below:

Related: How to Install Magisk & Root Android with TWRP

Using Magisk Module

If you have rooted your Android device with Magisk, then your job is half done. All you have to do is to install and enable a Magisk Module called as ‘Tethering Enabler‘ on your Android.

Note: Tethering Enabler has been removed from Magisk Repo, but you can still manually download and flash it on your device with Magisk – Download Tethering Enabler Magisk Module

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to downloads section.
2. Search for ‘tethering’ and you will see the ‘Tethering Enabler‘ magisk module.
3. Simply tap on it and tap on ‘Install’.
4. Once the installation completes, reboot your device.

Using Xposed Module

Xposed is not what it was once and is not being actively developed either. If your device supports Xposed, and you have it on your device, follow the below steps:

1. Open the Xposed Installer app.
2. Go to ‘Downloads’ section.
3. Search for ‘tethering’.
4. Tap on the ‘X Tether‘ Xposed module that shows up and install the same.
5. Reboot your device once the installation completes.

Once you have enabled the built-in Android tethering on your Android using any of the above methods, then you can normally use it from your Android device settings. No additional steps/apps are needed.