USB Reverse Tethering?

[akuki]

Has anyone been able to "reverse tether" in Lollipop? I'm trying to save data use until I can fix or replace my Nexus 5.

Internet searches show I'm not the only Nexus 5 owner to lose use of the wifi setting in the Wireless & Networks settings. The wifi switch is grayed out, and screen continuously reads "Turning Wi-Fi on...". I followed all the recommended steps, then read it may be hardware since a factory reset didn't correct the problem. Until I send the phone in or buy a new one, this capability would be useful. In fact, why aren't we able to use such a feature already with an unlocked Google phone?

 

[B. Diddy]

Have you tried using Bluetooth tether from some other phone?

 

[akuki]

Edit: Sorry, of course the laptop I want to tether to does have bluetooth. Just never thought of bluetooth for the phone's Internet connection. Cordless is better If this is what you mean, I'll start searching how to. Thanks.

I don't have another smartphone. Should I be testing Bluetooth reverse tethering another phone for some other reason?

From Nexus 5 via the Android Central App

 

[B. Diddy]

A phone can act as a hotspot via Bluetooth--i.e., you can share the phone's mobile data web connection to another device via Bluetooth. But in order for your Nexus 5 to be able to be to connect to the web via a Bluetooth connection, you need a device that can act as a Bluetooth tether. I'm not sure if a laptop can do that. That's why I was suggesting tethering from some other phone.

 

[dan1431]

AFAIK, Bluetooth tethering provides DATA from the phone to another device, not the other way around, but if I am wrong and the phone can use another devices Internet connection, I would be happily wrong.

Dan

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[B. Diddy]

Yeah, I've never tried it myself. But it sounds like it should work: How to Tether via Bluetooth in Android - 6 Easy Steps

 

[akuki]

My issue wasn't with getting mobile data, it was only having mobile for Internet. Apparently the Connectify app will do USB reverse tethering I was looking for, in addition to other connectivity tasks.

Here's where I found out about it.

But, the better news is my wifi button is back. Turned out to be the T-Mobile app that was causing my problems.