Can I get some help with WiFi Tether on Droid Maxx xt1080 on 4.4?

[Steve X]

Need help with WiFi Tether on Droid Maxx xt1080 on 4.4

I damaged my Droid Maxx (xt1080) that WAS running 4.2.2 which allowed FoxFi to wifi tether perfectly with my unlimited data plan. I started an install on its own somehow and I did a hard reboot (vol down+pwr button) in my panic. Now it i get the recovery screen and it will boot up for maybe 30 seconds before powering itself down. If anyone knows how to fix this and keep it at 4.2.2 that would be AMAZING. Admittedly I haven't tried the "factory" (reset?) option on the boot screen yet - I fearful that it will default to kit kat and i won't even get the 30 seconds at a time with my old device.

My replacement Maxx device came with 4.4.4 (SU6-7 & 24.3.7.obake-maxx_verizon.en.US), and FoxFi doesn’t support it passed 4.3 on my device.

I really want my tethering back (without paying twice for my unlimited data!).

Supposedly a Daniel Pocock authored this method to unblock tether on 4.4 with no root required:
pmf .silvrback. com / fixing-tethering-on-android-kitkat (if ya needed the source...)

1. Enable developer mode (Go to Settings -> About phone, and click on the build number until the developer mode is enabled).
2. Enable USB debugging under Settings -> Developer options
3. Connect the device with a USB cable to a computer with the Android SDK platform tools installed
4. Start an adb shell: adb shell
5. In the adb shell, run this command: settings put global tether_dun_required 0

I did steps 1-3 (installing, downloading, debugging, and plugging in USB cable).
Problem is I have no idea how to do 4 or 5. Nor do I know if this will even work.

Can anyone help me execute steps 4 and 5, or even comment on accuracy/reliability of this method.

Plan B
While I prefer the laziness and safety of not rooting. I’m willing to do what it takes to get my tethering back. If I end up rooting, I’d like to reduce apps permissions and maybe try a ROM (Lollypop?)… But I’d need much more education on the whole topic, recovery, the whole bit. Obviously some methods are WAY more complicated than others (rootjunky). Tempting are the “easy” root methods like: towelroot, oneclickroot.com, superoneclick?, kingoapp, SRSroot, etc., but again, my knowledge is lacking and I’d happily settle for getting my tether back without rooting if possible.

Plan C
I've seen some pay services online that will root my phone for me, priced $20-40. Depending on their level of support to help secure my rooted device, apps, etc. I'd definitely be willing to pay a reasonable one-time fee to a bonafide expert to just "get er done" rather than struggle to find good info and learn all this. I can't even follow what looked like simple instructions above lol. Any input or recommendations on this idea is welcome as well. (Is the desperation obvious? lol).

Plan D
Waiting...Motorola website says its working on Lollypop for the Maxx/Ultra/Mini. Another site said their 5.1 patch worked better than their 5.0 patch, so they were focusing on 5.1. Or perhaps there will be cool root ROMs for the Maxx with Lollipop soon. This is really a last resort - I need my wifi hotspot asap.

Super Thanks!

PS Sorry for the length!

 

[Avydog]

Hi Steve, thought I could help you, but perhaps not. I don't believe rooting will help you. Foxfi won't be working on Maxx for anything 4.3, 4.4.4, or 5.0, but try this. Install PDAnet+, Open Foxfi, check hash tag ( lower right button), write down that number, erase that number and replace with the word TEST. Did it work? If not, one other suggestion if you are tethering is to find online the free, open source program, virtualwifirouter and make your hotspot from a computer. Foxfi does work on all Samsung's S3-6, notes, etc, so if foxfi is an absolute need for you, buy a used Samsung on eBay. Wish I could've been more help for you. Best of luck.

 

[Steve X]

Avydog, thank you for your reply. I’ve been at this for 36 hours now and I’m no farther along, sadly.

I already had PDAnet+ installed. I did try the TEST trick. While it didn’t work, it did prompt me for the certificate which is farther than it went before. But then it checked for a subscription, and vzw popped up asking for another $30/mo. I already have a virtual wifi router on my laptop, which I have used with PDAnet+. And that will work on trips where I take my laptop…but I need my hotspot while I’m out and about, in and out of my vehicle, etc., most frequently for my ipad(s) - maybe I can hardwire that. Maybe I need to start looking for a dongle router to plug into my phone...not sure. But I really do need to get this wifi tether service working again.

Did you have an opinion about posted 5 step plan?
4. Start an adb shell: adb shell
5. In the adb shell, run this command: settings put global tether_dun_required 0

*Would this work? Or something like it if rooted? My apologies if you’re not a code guy, I’m not either obviously, lol.

I was hoping the 5 step technique above might work, or that rooting might allow me to re-enable native tether...

Almost 150 views and only 1 reply.

**Does anyone know ANY workable way to get wifi tether going again on the Droid maxx? Will rooting the Maxx help?

 

[Avydog]

Wish I could help, but sadly, I have no clue as to the #4-5 steps. I have heard some have rooted their Maxx through rootninja giving them native tether and hotspot and suggest you look to them as they will let you know if your phone can be rooted prior to rooting, although it is a $25 fee if root is possible. Rooting may be your only option at this point, or perhaps a non rooted used Samsung S will solve all your issues. Wish I could've been more helpful. Please keep us posted when you have solved your issue.
And Phil, please let this guy win the Samsung S6 contest!