Is it possible to use the Google Galaxy Nexus (GSM) as a wifi hotspot for free without rooting? Can the carriers restrict this feature even if you bought the phone directly from Google Play and are just using a pre-paid SIM card?
Free tethering on Google Galaxy Nexus possible without rooting?
- Thread starter saintforlife
- Start date
Yes, and that wonderful little app is called FoxFi. I use it to tether my phone to my tablet. It's in the Google Play store.
Re: Free tethering on Google Galaxy Nexus possible without rootin
you don't even need foxfi
just use enable "tethering and hotspot" in android settings under network
you don't even need foxfi
just use enable "tethering and hotspot" in android settings under network
Andrew Martonik
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- Aug 12, 2011
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Re: Free tethering on Google Galaxy Nexus possible without rootin
The carrier has no custom firmware on the phone to detect tethering because you're buying it unlocked from Google.
Just turn on the hotspot or tether in Settings and it'll work just fine.
The carrier has no custom firmware on the phone to detect tethering because you're buying it unlocked from Google.
Just turn on the hotspot or tether in Settings and it'll work just fine.
Re: Free tethering on Google Galaxy Nexus possible without rootin
So I have an nexus s that has been unlocked. However ,when I turn
on the tether it shows connected on my tablet but I have no internet?
So I have an nexus s that has been unlocked. However ,when I turn
on the tether it shows connected on my tablet but I have no internet?
Re: Free tethering on Google Galaxy Nexus possible without rootin
Are you on ATT?? It happens to me too. I am JB. Use FoxFi
Insp_Gadget
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- Apr 22, 2010
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If you bought the phone directly from Google or flashed a non-carrier affiliated ROM onto it, then the built-in WiFi hotspot will work fine.
If you purchased the phone through a carrier (regardless of the Nexus branding) the carrier probably put something in place on the device to hamper or block tethering/hotspot because they want you to pay for it (either as a separate service or via one of their contract plans).
These kinds of problems are why some people insist that "Nexus" phones purchased from carriers aren't TRUE Nexus devices (because built-in Android features have been compromised in some way).
As others have said, some 3rd-party apps can work around the blocking/gimping of the built-in function.
I have the phone thru sprint so I'm guessing they have it locked up. I have tried 3rd party and actually had a connection but couldn't get service even tho it was connected. Sorry kind of new to this.. ..
Insp_Gadget
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Sprint most likely blocks it via the phone's serial number (IMEI/ESN), so no matter what you try you're forced to come to them for the feature.
If that's the case, then you may be out of luck. Unless there is some way to clone or spoof the registration of the device. But that would kick the phone off the network. I'm sure Sprint thought of those possibilities.
Third-party apps usually work by finding some loophole or bug to exploit. Once carriers discover the loophole they usually send out a firmware update to lock it back down. That's probably what happened with FoxFi. Those that can use it on other carriers--the carriers probably haven't caught up to the exploit.
Andrew Martonik
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jean15paul
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Re: Free tethering on Google Galaxy Nexus possible without rootin
While it's true that the carrier has no firmware running to detect anything on the phone, I've read that they can still tell from network packets. It can be as simple as knowing what browser you're using, which is data that all browsers send out when you're on the web.
I might be wrong; I'm no expert. I'm just sharing what i've read.
While it's true that the carrier has no firmware running to detect anything on the phone, I've read that they can still tell from network packets. It can be as simple as knowing what browser you're using, which is data that all browsers send out when you're on the web.
I might be wrong; I'm no expert. I'm just sharing what i've read.
I dont think imei or serial number have anything to with it. I gave tmobile my imei number when activated tmobile prepaid sim card. Built-in hotspot works fine..
Insp_Gadget
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That's in YOUR case. People using Sprint (a CDMA carrier whose devices are more tightly controlled) are blocked from using their devices as hotspots without paying extra, unless they find a workaround (usually involving rooting).
Andrew Martonik
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You're right, it doesn't matter about the IMEI. T-Mobile just uses the browser UAstring to "detect" tethering. That's why if they want to, they can still "block" tethering even if you don't have a T-Mobile branded device.
Well that's because you bought a Sprint device from a carrier that likes to block tethering. That's not a surprise at all.
Insp_Gadget
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And you obviously haven't read the thread. I did no such thing. I have an unlocked GSM Galaxy Nexus and was helping someone else (who entered the thread with a Sprint device) to understand why their hotspot wasn't working.
I wasn't referring to GSM devices when I mentioned the IMEI numbers as methods of tracking/blocking. I am well aware of how CDMA and GSM differ. The OP's question was already answered. The Sprint user's question hadn't been.
Do try to keep up, will you?
Have you tried the Open Garden app? That's what I use. Works excellent!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums
I'm confused, just by nature, but this string isn't helping. Here's my deal: unlocked Galaxy Nexus purchased from Google; using a T-Mobile sim; want the unlimited 4G, without throttling, but they say I can only have it if I don't use my phone as a modem. I contend that they could not possibly know that I am using it as a modem other than a wild guess if a significant uptick in usage. Am I correct in that contention, and in the assumption that with a truly unlimited high speed arrangement the carrier cannot tell if I am using my phone as a modem? Thanks in advance for all responses.
Insp_Gadget
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There are only a few ways in which the carrier will detect unauthorized tethering. As you surmised, unless you have excessive usage causing a spike in usage, you'll probably fly under the RADAR. The carrier can only detect "tethering" if they either have an app "bloatware" on your device monitoring what you're doing, or if they do deep packet sniffing, isolating your data feed and checking what kind of app/browser signature is transmitting data. Either way, it's a lot of work for them.
With an unlocked, non-carrier-branded device, you'll probably be okay if you don't abuse it.
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