I've been using the phone for a few days, and I'm not going back to my iPhone 4S now. Too many goodies on the GS4 Active and Android. I've resolved most of the issues I've been running into by myself (disabling some bloatware, installing stuff from the Google Play store, replacing the ****ty stock camera app with Camera Zoom Fx, etc).
So I tried to use internet tethering (mobile hotspot), and it is disabled. It tells me that Mobile data is not available or invalid SIM. The phone is an AT&T phone (I537), and I'm using it on the Fido network here in Canada on the 3G APN (not the LTE APN). Fido has internet tethering free by default (as it should be), I used it on my iPhone 4S, so I'm guessing that it is my phone which has the feature disabled even though my provider and data plan support it.
Do you think I could use the same trick that the regular GS4 guys are using to enable it, by changing some stuff in the TetheringProvision.apk file? I read it in the link below:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-tutorials/how-to-wifi-tether-att-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337/
Or is there a specific way that we can use to enable this feature? Thanks...
EDIT: Here is a full detailed guide, I just went through the process myself. Many thanks to bluesphere0 for the help!
Overview of steps:
>>> Root
>>> Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot
>>>* Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot
>>> Root
1) Start by rooting the device: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2347793
NOTE: For step #3 in that thread, after the apk installs, you will eventually be brought to a completion menu with 'Done' and 'Open' options. Choose the 'Open' option and it will tell you that you should have root access now. If you accidentally tap 'Done', you can just reinstall the apk again.
2) Get SuperSU on the Play Store. Open it, update the binaries, etc. Your device should be fully rooted at this point. You can check this by downloading Root Checker on the Play Store, but this is unnecessary.
>>> Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot
3) Enable USB Debugging (Settings > More > About Device > tap the Build Number about 10 times > back button > Developer options > check USB debugging). This is required by App Quarantine in order to quarantine files.
4) Get App Quarantine from the Play Store, tap the wrench icon at the top right, uncheck 'Hide system services', hit the back button, then tap on 'TetheringProvision' and tap on the lock icon at the top right. If successful, it will lock it up in the 'Quarantine' tab at the right. Check to make sure that it is in there. This 'freezes' the file which is responsible for locking down the hotspot functionality.
Alternatively, it may be possible to get away with just renaming the TetheringProvision.apk and TetheringProvision.odex files, but you may not be able to use ES File Explorer to do this, even if you have root access. It didn't work on my device even though I had root access. The solution is to get ROM Toolbox Lite, use the Root Explorer tool and rename it from there.
>>> Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot
5) Get ES File Explorer from the Play Store. Tap the hard key for menu, scroll down and tap on Net Manager. Tap on Settings at the bottom, select 'Use the system AP setting', enter an SSID (recommended to be short with no spaces, like 'MyName_GS4_Active'), and a password. Tap on OK. Tap on the back button. Tap on 'Create a hotspot network'. It will say 'Establishing Network...turning on', followed by 'Now you are using AP, SSID is...', AP password:, and an 'Exit' button. It may say 'Unfortunately, Settings has stopped' after this, but IGNORE it. Your hotspot is still active - look at the top left of the phone, you will see a wifi symbol in a blue icon, this is your indication that your hotspot is working.
Notes:
To turn ON the Wifi Tethering:
1) ES File Explorer > hit the menu key > Net Manager > Create a hotspot network.
You CANNOT turn on the hotspot using the built-in menu in TouchWiz/Android.
To turn OFF the Wifi Tethering:
2a) Pull the notification menu down (swipe down from the top of the phone), tap on 'Tethering or hotspot active' under the 'Ongoing' section, turn it off.
OR
2b) Settings > Connections > More networks > Tethering and portable hotspot > turn it off
OR
2c) ES File Explorer > menu > Net Manager > tap the Exit button at the top (under the details for your hotspot).
NOTES:
* For turning off the Wifi Tethering, I've found that the fastest way is option 2a.
* For AT&T phones: "Use foxfi and enable the proxy service it will mask your tethering." - dave5777
Gorgenapper said:
I've been using the phone for a few days, and I'm not going back to my iPhone 4S now. Too many goodies on the GS4 Active and Android. I've resolved most of the issues I've been running into by myself (disabling some bloatware, installing stuff from the Google Play store, replacing the ****ty stock camera app with Camera Zoom Fx, etc).
So I tried to use internet tethering (mobile hotspot), and it is disabled. It tells me that Mobile data is not available or invalid SIM. The phone is an AT&T phone (I537), and I'm using it on the Fido network here in Canada on the 3G APN (not the LTE APN). Fido has internet tethering free by default (as it should be), I used it on my iPhone 4S, so I'm guessing that it is my phone which has the feature disabled even though my provider and data plan support it.
Do you think I could use the same trick that the regular GS4 guys are using to enable it, by changing some stuff in the TetheringProvision.apk file? I read it in the link below:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-tutorials/how-to-wifi-tether-att-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337/
Or is there a specific way that we can use to enable this feature? Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just follow this. It worked for me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44931952#post44931952
bluesphere0 said:
Just follow this. It worked for me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44931952#post44931952
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the tip! I figured it out after a while, here is a full write up based on your directions and on bada bing's directions. Step by step, detailed, etc.
Overview of steps:
* Root
* Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot
* Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot
* Root
1) Start by rooting the device: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2347793
NOTE: For step #3 in that thread, after the apk installs, you will eventually be brought to a completion menu with 'Done' and 'Open' options. Choose the 'Open' option and it will tell you that you should have root access now. If you accidentally tap 'Done', you can just reinstall the apk again.
2) Get SuperSU on the Play Store. Open it, update the binaries, etc. Your device should be fully rooted at this point. You can check this by downloading Root Checker on the Play Store, but this is unnecessary.
* Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot
3) Enable USB Debugging (Settings > More > About Device > tap the Build Number about 10 times > back button > Developer options > check USB debugging). This is required by App Quarantine in order to quarantine files.
4) Get App Quarantine from the Play Store, tap the wrench icon at the top right, uncheck 'Hide system services', hit the back button, then tap on 'TetheringProvision' and tap on the lock icon at the top right. If successful, it will lock it up in the 'Quarantine' tab at the right. Check to make sure that it is in there. This 'freezes' the file which is responsible for locking down the hotspot functionality.
* Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot
5) Get ES File Explorer from the Play Store. Tap the hard key for menu, scroll down and tap on Net Manager. Tap on Settings at the bottom, select 'Use the system AP setting', enter an SSID (recommended to be short with no spaces, like 'MyName_GS4_Active'), and a password. Tap on OK. Tap on the back button. Tap on 'Create a hotspot network'. It will say 'Establishing Network...turning on', followed by 'Now you are using AP, SSID is...', AP password:, and an 'Exit' button. It may say 'Unfortunately, Settings has stopped' after this, but IGNORE it. Your hotspot is still active - look at the top left of the phone, you will see a wifi symbol in a blue icon, this is your indication that your hotspot is working.
Notes:
To turn ON the Wifi Tethering:
1) ES File Explorer > menu > Net Manager > Create a hotspot network.
You CANNOT turn on the hotspot using the built-in menu.
To turn OFF the Wifi Tethering:
2a) Pull the notification menu down (swipe down from the top of the phone), tap on 'Tethering or hotspot active' under the 'Ongoing' section, turn it off.
OR
2b) Settings > Connections > More networks > Tethering and portable hotspot > turn it off
OR
2c) ES File Explorer > menu > Net Manager > tap the Exit button at the top (under the details for your hotspot).
Personally for turning off the Wifi Tethering, I've found that the fastest way is option 2a.
Anyone try this with AT&T yet?
fegarciaii said:
Anyone try this with AT&T yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, use foxfi and enable the proxy service it will mask your tethering.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
You can turn on wifi tether in android just like normal once doing the tetherprovision hack. It will popup with the you must activate message like normal, but the hotspot still activates and works fine. This eliminates the need to us es file explorer to turn it on.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 AM ----------
Fegarciaii, ive been using on att for weeks with no issues.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
dave5777 said:
Yes, use foxfi and enable the proxy service it will mask your tethering.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'll give that a try. Seems like I tried using foxfi, but ran into a wall. Didn't try to enable the proxy service though...
Just wanted to mention something here in case there are others out there as dumb as me
See, I have bounced back and forth between carriers over the years, and have become so accustomed to their greedy "you must pay us extra for tethering" crap, that one of the first things I do with all my new phones is figure out how to beat any tethering restrictions on it. Same for my new i537. Came here and found the right threads, starting playing with FoxFi and removing the provisioning apk's, etc.
Just today I figured out that tethering is included, free, with my plan anyway.
Doh!
Been fighting a non-existing restriction all this time... I didn't realize that AT&T now *lets* me tether up to the limits of my plan without any additional charges. So if you are reading this trying to figure out how to tether for free, you might want to check if you need to even bother first...
IMissPalmOS said:
Just wanted to mention something here in case there are others out there as dumb as me
See, I have bounced back and forth between carriers over the years, and have become so accustomed to their greedy "you must pay us extra for tethering" crap, that one of the first things I do with all my new phones is figure out how to beat any tethering restrictions on it. Same for my new i537. Came here and found the right threads, starting playing with FoxFi and removing the provisioning apk's, etc.
Just today I figured out that tethering is included, free, with my plan anyway.
Doh!
Been fighting a non-existing restriction all this time... I didn't realize that AT&T now *lets* me tether up to the limits of my plan without any additional charges. So if you are reading this trying to figure out how to tether for free, you might want to check if you need to even bother first...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea.... I'm going to check my plan. I'm just so used to AT&T screwing me ... just switched from years with the iPhone and always had mine jailbroken and used tethering everytime I was on a business trip.
Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
IMissPalmOS said:
Been fighting a non-existing restriction all this time... I didn't realize that AT&T now *lets* me tether up to the limits of my plan without any additional charges. So if you are reading this trying to figure out how to tether for free, you might want to check if you need to even bother first...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on a different carrier with an unlocked Active this tutorial helps out a lot. I got mine factory unlocked from ATT but neither wifi nor bluetooth tether works without doing all the above I have the wifi working now but bluetooth tethering, while now visible with a checkmark, still doesn't work at all.
I can -sort of- understand why cell companies lock their software down (money, fear of losing customers, etc...) but I don't particularly care for it when I buy the phone outright and should be able to use it any way I wish. They'll unlock it fine but I'm SOL on other highly sought after options like this. Sure I can download an app to bluetooth tether, but why should I when it's an option in the settings?
fixfi workaround s4 active
When you activate tethering and it comes up telling you to call 611, instead of clicking OK just hit the home button to minimize foxfi.
Rob
Avail211 said:
If you're on a different carrier with an unlocked Active this tutorial helps out a lot. I got mine factory unlocked from ATT but neither wifi nor bluetooth tether works without doing all the above I have the wifi working now but bluetooth tethering, while now visible with a checkmark, still doesn't work at all.
I can -sort of- understand why cell companies lock their software down (money, fear of losing customers, etc...) but I don't particularly care for it when I buy the phone outright and should be able to use it any way I wish. They'll unlock it fine but I'm SOL on other highly sought after options like this. Sure I can download an app to bluetooth tether, but why should I when it's an option in the settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rgwicks98 said:
When you activate tethering and it comes up telling you to call 611, instead of clicking OK just hit the home button to minimize foxfi.
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know I can install foxfi as a workaround, but I shouldn't have to.
FWIW, I don't use ES File Explorer due to the root access issues, I just use the ATT hotspot app for wifi tether and it works fine (after freezing the TetherProvisioning of course) It works for me just fine. I also have Wanam Xposed installed and checked the disable tether provisioning, not sure if it makes any difference though.
Avail211 said:
I know I can install foxfi as a workaround, but I shouldn't have to.
FWIW, I don't use ES File Explorer due to the root access issues, I just use the ATT hotspot app for wifi tether and it works fine (after freezing the TetherProvisioning of course) It works for me just fine. I also have Wanam Xposed installed and checked the disable tether provisioning, not sure if it makes any difference though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is "TetherProvisioning" the only one you froze OR uninstalled?
I can't never use the built-in tethering, I kept getting on "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped". Tried this with FoxFi, Wifi Tether and a host of other tethering apps..
The app, say Wifi Tether and FoxFi, will have the notifican saying "tethering running" or something like that, but there is not blue icon that usually shows up when tethering is ACTUALLY active. Tried to connect from my MacBook and Galaxy Note 8.0 - yep - no tethering active.
My S4 Active is rooted, stock ROM.
---------- Post added at 10:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
To OP:
For my ES Explorer, the "Create a network" option is ALWAYS greyed out (not clickable). Is there any specific setup you have to do?
lanwarrior said:
Is "TetherProvisioning" the only one you froze OR uninstalled?
I can't never use the built-in tethering, I kept getting on "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped". Tried this with FoxFi, Wifi Tether and a host of other tethering apps..
The app, say Wifi Tether and FoxFi, will have the notifican saying "tethering running" or something like that, but there is not blue icon that usually shows up when tethering is ACTUALLY active. Tried to connect from my MacBook and Galaxy Note 8.0 - yep - no tethering active.
My S4 Active is rooted, stock ROM.
---------- Post added at 10:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
To OP:
For my ES Explorer, the "Create a network" option is ALWAYS greyed out (not clickable). Is there any specific setup you have to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't get ES File Explorer to work at all, not even view root files (I definitely have it rooted as well, a lot of people have issues with ES for some reason on the Active) I have Wanam Xposed installed with the tethering provision disable box checked, TetherProvision frozen, and I activate the wifi hotspot thru the ATT Hotspot app, not thru settings. It'll sometimes tell me it's stopped, but the wifi hotspot will be active and I can connect with my Nexus or MBP just fine. Bluetooth tether does NOT work though for some reason.
Avail211 said:
I couldn't get ES File Explorer to work at all, not even view root files (I definitely have it rooted as well, a lot of people have issues with ES for some reason on the Active) I have Wanam Xposed installed with the tethering provision disable box checked, TetherProvision frozen, and I activate the wifi hotspot thru the ATT Hotspot app, not thru settings. It'll sometimes tell me it's stopped, but the wifi hotspot will be active and I can connect with my Nexus or MBP just fine. Bluetooth tether does NOT work though for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I did NOT start tethering through settings, just from the 3rd party app, but the error still happened.
lanwarrior said:
Yes, I did NOT start tethering through settings, just from the 3rd party app, but the error still happened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does wifi tether still work though? Mine does even with the error.
EDIT: NVM, I re-read your post stating it doesn't work at all. Idk then, mine works fine after freezing the tetherprovision and enabling wifi tether with wanam xposed.
Avail211 said:
Does wifi tether still work though? Mine does even with the error.
EDIT: NVM, I re-read your post stating it doesn't work at all. Idk then, mine works fine after freezing the tetherprovision and enabling wifi tether with wanam xposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I found out that if I start the tether (3rd party app or built in) the first time after every reboot, the phone hangs, the error pops up and tethering does NOT work.
The 2nd time I started, then it works.
The problem is that the hang took about 10 - 15 seconds. With the 2nd tried, that's a total of 20 - 30 seconds. So I have to wait...
I guess I got used to my old Note where tethering is almost instant.
I don't think you have to get a program to freeze the tether files , just rename them ,, I added a 2 to the name of the apk and odex file . then I fallowed the rest of the directions , and it works great
I have a tethering app I had on my note , installed it and it works for turning on and off , no need to go into the es files to turn it on ..
app is SVTP WIFI HOTSPOT
Check wifi is OFF
lanwarrior said:
Is "TetherProvisioning" the only one you froze OR uninstalled?
I can't never use the built-in tethering, I kept getting on "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped". Tried this with FoxFi, Wifi Tether and a host of other tethering apps..
The app, say Wifi Tether and FoxFi, will have the notifican saying "tethering running" or something like that, but there is not blue icon that usually shows up when tethering is ACTUALLY active. Tried to connect from my MacBook and Galaxy Note 8.0 - yep - no tethering active.
My S4 Active is rooted, stock ROM.
---------- Post added at 10:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
To OP:
For my ES Explorer, the "Create a network" option is ALWAYS greyed out (not clickable). Is there any specific setup you have to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be grayed out in ES EXPLORER if you have your WIFI turned on. You have to turn off the WIFI to activate the HOTSPOT. It cannot both Receive WIFI and be a HOTSPOT at the same time. I tried so many hotspot apps with the active and only ES Explorer worked. Note... you do get a settings stopped warning but it really is working...
I also suggest NOT using the random SSID in ES Explorer, rather set up a system SSID... Is explained in the full step by step post...
This fix is more for AT&T phones running on OTHER networks... in my case, T-Mobile.
---------- Post added at 06:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:35 PM ----------
h2447intx said:
I don't think you have to get a program to freeze the tether files , just rename them ,, I added a 2 to the name of the apk and odex file . then I fallowed the rest of the directions , and it works great
I have a tethering app I had on my note , installed it and it works for turning on and off , no need to go into the es files to turn it on ..
app is SVTP WIFI HOTSPOT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need a program but it is easier to remember and undo all the changes with the program. Just uncheck a box verses remembering all the renamed files a few months after you did it... I am OLD.. I forget things.
For some reason, on the ACTIVE, the stock android tethering app still is not functional even after disabling the tethering provision app. At&t did something extra to cripple the ACTIVE.
Again, this is for using the ACTIVE on other than At&t... or at least that was the original tethering problem I was working to fix.
Device Settings Menu Guide, Tips & Discussions
Part 1 - Connections
If you're new to this series or want to see the index, please read Post #2 first.
The post has been updated as per the settings menu in latest Pie update.[/CENTER]
Wifi
Click on any network:
View supported Network speed, allocated IP address, gateway IP.
Toggle 'Auto Reconnect' to allow/disallow device to connect automatically to the network if it's in range.
Hold on any network > Manage network settings > Advanced > Set Static IP and DNS; Set Proxy;
Wifi Direct: Turn on Wifi Direct on a nearby device as well to transfer files wirelessly and fastly (speed up to gateway supported speed).
Menu > Advanced:
Turn on Wi-Fi Automatically: Your device will automatically enable Wi-Fi where you use it frequently. For example, you can disable your WiFi when you go out and you won't need to enable it again when you get back home. Tasker handles this job for me (try IFTTT for simpler setup).
Wi-Fi power saving mode: (On Pie, hop to developer mode) Analyzes your usage pattern and accordingly toggles WiFi. For example, if you get WhatsApp messages every 30 minutes on an average, the device learns about this traffic pattern and can toggle WiFi accordingly to fetch notifications every 30 minutes or whatsoever period is calculated. I keep this disabled as my usage pattern, like most of you, is dynamic. Better use App Sleep or Hibernation Apps like Greenify to save battery. Learn more about this mode here.
Wi-Fi control history: View apps that have toggled Wi-Fi recently. You can figure out if there's any culprit app that is toggling your Wi-Fi frequently when you have explicitly turned it off/on.
Hotspot 2.0: Automatically connects to APs that support Hotspot 2.0 or 802.11u. Network providers are themselves upgrading existing WiFi in public areas like airports and encryption is a must for Hotspot 2.0 so you can trust and rely on it while you don't have to manually guess the right network. Learn more about Hotspot 2.0 here.
WPS push button; WPS PIN Entry: (Pie doesn't support WPS but Google says it's coming back, Read here) Connect the device to WiFi by pushing WPS button on the router or entering WPS PIN in case these are enabled on the router. Learn about WPS here.
Install network certificates: Normally not needed. Some organization would need you to install certificates to access their domains. Same as what you do on PC to install certificates.
View device's MAC address and allocated IPv6/IPv4. Learn about MAC and IPs here.
Bluetooth
When the Bluetooth is ON, you can STOP/SCAN for nearby devices manually. Keep BT on for playing with following settings.
Menu > Advanced:
Dual Audio: Enables your device to connect to 2 different audio devices and play the same audio on both of them. Samsung explains this here.
Media volume sync: In case the connected audio device supports this, you can change the player's volume by your device's volume rockers by enabling this i.e. you don't have to manually raise the volume to the fullest on both your device and the connected player to get the highest volume possible for your house party.
Ringtone sync: Suggest usage?
Bluetooth control history: Similar as 'WiFi control history' above.
Phone visibility: (Moved to Separate section after Bluetooth in Pie, please tell if it works for BT as well) Allow devices (with Samsung Connect) to find your device for connection. You can disable it unless you live in a Smart Home or transfer files from other devices more often. Learn more about this mode here.
NFC and payment
It's turned ON by default on a new phone so do turn it OFF first. Samsung Pay will turn that ON if needed. The best thing about Samsung's flagship - Samsung Pay uses both NFC and MST (no other brand can do this) for payments. In case you don't know about MST (patented by LoopPay), must read here. MST works everywhere so I've keep NFC disabled.
Android Beam: Allows you to share stuff when you tap your phone with some other-phone-with-already-enabled-NFC.
Tap and pay: Select the default app for Payments and Others. Your default app will open up when you, for instance, tap your phone on an NFC-enabled POS (of course you need NFC to remain ON beforehand). Change 'If open app supports Tap and Pay' to 'Use open app instead of Samsung Pay' in case you want the App's own NFC payment feature, for example, in ICICI's Pockets.
Default NFC Method: By default and normally needed, 'Auto select'. In case you are the curious breed, learn about the different options here.
Flight Mode
Disables your operator's network. Since enabling this will also disable WiFi and Bluetooth altogether, you can turn back these two on without toggling flight mode.
Mobile networks
Data roaming: Enable it if your carrier doesn't charge you for roaming or you're rich enough.
VoLTE calls Primary: You'll see this in case your carrier supports VoLTE calling. #JioWaale
Network mode: By default, 'auto connect'. You can play with the options in case you're facing network mode changing issues or want to save battery (put to 2G only).
Access Point Names: I recommend you to request or configure your operator's settings for the first time even if it had been automatically fetched.
Data usage
Data saver: Formerly known as 'Restrict background data'. Your background apps will stop using network data i.e. you'll receive WhatsApp notifications only when you open the app again. You can also whitelist apps in 'Allow app while Data saver on'. This feature can help a lot in saving battery or making you check the phone less when you're hanging out with your girl. Me no girl so no enable!
Mobile data usage; Billing cycle and data warning: Do check this in a while to review the apps that uses most of your mobile data (maybe you don't need those apps that much on mobile data); Change your operator billing cycle, set data warning and enable data limit in case your operator doesn't give you free GBs.
Wi-Fi data usage; Restrict networks: Like mobile data, you can also review your Wi-Fi usage. Do review it once in a while to identify data-hungry apps that can affect battery and CPU as well; 'Restrict networks' (not available in Pie) helps you define your WiFi networks as 'metered'. It can be useful in a situation where a WiFi network you use is in fact a hotspot running on a device that uses mobile data. You can now restrict apps to use background data as described before in 'Data Saver'.
SIM card manager
Select Icon, Name and Network mode (described above) for the corresponding 'SIM slot' (not the SIM). Select preferred slot for calls, messaging and data. Learn about Smart Dual SIM here.
Mobile Hotspot and Tethering
Mobile Hotspot:
Wi-Fi sharing: In addition to mobile data, you can also share your Wi-Fi. This can be helpful in case you don't want to reveal your network or its credentials or don't know about them.
Menu > Allowed Devices: Enter MAC addresses of clients you want only to connect to your hotspot. Same as MAC filtering in routers.
Menu > Configure Mobile Hotspot; Timeout: Enable 'Hide my device' to stop exposing your SSID. Use 'WPA2 PSK' (Learn about wireless encryption here). 'Power saving mode' is similar to PMS in WiFi Advanced. Keep PMF on by default and change in case client doesn't support; Keep timeout low so that hotspot turns itself OFF earlier in case there's no client or change to 'Never Timeout' if you are going to need it for some time.
Bluetooth tethering; USB tethering: Learn about BT/USB tethering here.
More connection settings
Nearby device scanning: Although it uses Bluetooth Low Energy, I don't live in a Smart Home so have it disabled. If you enable it, you get notifications for nearby devices like TVs that support connections through your device (will annoy you at airports).
Printing: Do download Google Cloud Print and any other printing plugin required by your or your organization's printer.
MirrorLink: Great feature but I don't own a car. Learn more here.
Download Booster: Uses both WiFi and LTE at the same time to download apps over 30MB from Play Store and Galaxy Apps. In case you want that app as soon as possible.
VPN: Configure your VPNs here in case you have. I use Psiphon. You can also manually configure profiles as you do on PC.
Ethernet: Yes, you can use wired connection on your device too. Discussions here.
Private DNS: Pie supports DNS over HTTP/TCP and I recommend reading about this here. I use 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.
Series - Full Menu Guide Explained
Series - Device Settings Menu Guide
Hey XDA! I just got free from the initial setup of my Galaxy Note9. I don't know how many of you do this but I'm one of a kind that gives a considerable amount of time to explore every setting, feature and every single option whenever I get a new device or even when I factory reset the existing one. It's been years since I have started with this curiosity and I have never found an 'all-in-one' menu guide to explain each and every option in the device. Yes, you could also simply google the option you want to know about but how about compiling all of them in one guide? I don't know if this experiment would work or not but here's I am starting with this. I have spent the past three weeks taking out time whenever I could to compile this guide.
There are a couple of reasons I had decided upon to start with this series. Firstly, I want to help newbies (or even experienced) out there to explore and know about every feature or option your device could offer. I have seen many duplicate threads that are created every day to query fellow users even about an individual but unfamiliar option in the settings. I intend to do my bit to clear this clutter and help potential askers to get answers beforehand. Secondly, this guide could serve as a manual in case you want to find or get briefed about an option. You could then simply 'Find in a page' over the threads or simply use XDA's 'search in the thread' option to save your time. Thirdly, since I've broken the settings into different threads, this could help users engage and discuss over a particular device's super-menu and spread their knowledge, come up with new ideas and explore more of their devices. Fourthly, this series is not constrained to Note9 only. The settings on every Android device out there is similar and you would be able to find any common to your device settings here as well. Fifthly, since I have provided links and sources to some options, this can serve as directory map as well. Sixthly, this guide consists of tips for many options that you won't probably find normally.
This guide is intended and recommended to be read by anyone at least once. If you're reading a thread for the first, I recommend you to open up the corresponding settings in your phone and read the settings description in case there is. All the threads are arranged in the same order as the settings would come up. You could then simply read out my description of the same, my selected configuration and hyperlinks to some articles or videos in case you're the curious breed. This guide is strongly recommended after a fresh start. I want you all to give some time to explore each and every option your device can offer.
Hope this experiment lives up to the marks. Both criticism and appreciation are greatly needed and appreciated. Please comment.
I've tried to explain each option you could find by going deep into any setting. No matter whatever links I have provided, I will feel grateful if you want me to explain any feature more than I have done already. Please ask questions related to any settings. Do provide me suggestions and your take on my configuration. Please provide me with more guides and articles for a particular feature. I want to have the precious contribution of XDA members in this guide. Discussion over any feature, setting, your configuration, did-you-knows and anything else is greatly appreciated. This is a newbie-friendly place so don't hesitate to ask questions - besides the fellow XDA members, I'm always here for you.
Regards,
Paras Lehana
Index
Part 1 - Connections
Part 2 - Sounds and vibration, Notifications, Wallpaper and themes
Part 3 - Display, Lock screen, Biometrics and security
Part 4 - Advanced features, Device maintenance, Apps
Part 5 - Cloud and accounts, Google, Accessibility, General management, Software update, User manual, About phone, Developer options
-- Reserved for FAQs --
Why are you posting this?
There's a very good "USER MANUAL" on the "Samsung"-site available:
User Manual Samsung Galaxy Note9
henklbr said:
Why are you posting this?
There's a very good "USER MANUAL" on the "Samsung"-site available:
User Manual Samsung Galaxy Note9
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You have commented the same query on each of my parts. I have already answered you here where the similar discussion is already going on. Let's discuss there and keep this thread clean. Also, the 'why am I posting this' is already described in the Introductory Post.
Is there a way to toggle the "WiFi networks available" notification off?. It seems Samsung's removed this option from the advanced WiFi menu as well as grayed it out from the advanced notifications panel. Thanks.
astrodemoniac said:
Is there a way to toggle the "WiFi networks available" notification off?. It seems Samsung's removed this option from the advanced WiFi menu as well as grayed it out from the advanced notifications panel. Thanks.
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I tried searching for this on the internet and found that a lot of users are annoyed by this. Did you try disabling Wi-Fi scanning in Connections > Location > Improve accuracy ? Do you even get notifications when your Wi-Fi is turned off? Next time you get this notification, long tap on the notification to know which system package/app is firing this notification. Try disabling it from there. And, can you post screenshot of "advanced notifications panel" where you're seeing grayed out option?
Can the settings menu be sorted alphabetically? in either lineage or stock roms
Problem with 192.168.100.1 address
Everytime I type in the 192.168.100.1 address, I receive a message "Internet Explorer Cannot Display
Webpage". I have tried this several times and it doesn't connect me to the website.
HELP
I'm considering upgrading my S10+ to the S21 Ultra. Before I do I need to know if editing the APN settings will work the same, or are there other factors I need to be aware of.
Hotspotting is my primary way of connecting to the net, and has been for the past 10+ years. If I can't continue to connect in this way with the Ultra, what phones will work?
Yes I'm aware of PDAnet, it will not work for my use scenario. I must hotspot through the phone natively. I use in the range of 60 - 100gb each month. I'm on a grandfathered true unlimited plan.
Screen shots of the APN settings would be greatly appreciated, if applicable.
You can go directly to the hotspotting app if you know what you're doing.
nixnixnixnix4 said:
You can go directly to the hotspotting app if you know what you're doing.
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Would you care to explain? I've used the native hotspot for years.
Can you provide any more information?
I can't tell if you are asking if hotspot works as intended on a stock sprint/tmobile phone? Like paying for the hotspot feature?
It's unclear what your grandfathered plan provides. Does that include unlimited hot spot?
Or are you asking if you can manually configure the APN to override how hotspot works, so you can use it without paying for the hotspot feature, assuming it's not included in your plan?
Are you just asking if you can edit the APN settings at all?
There is just too much uncertainty about what you are asking.
KingFatty said:
Can you provide any more information?
I can't tell if you are asking if hotspot works as intended on a stock sprint/tmobile phone? Like paying for the hotspot feature?
It's unclear what your grandfathered plan provides. Does that include unlimited hot spot?
Or are you asking if you can manually configure the APN to override how hotspot works, so you can use it without paying for the hotspot feature, assuming it's not included in your plan?
Are you just asking if you can edit the APN settings at all?
There is just too much uncertainty about what you are asking.
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I do not have hotspot on my plan.
In order to use hotspot currently, a new APN entry is created adding "dun“ to a field, allowing hotspot to be activated without having a plan.
Here is a thread that explains the current method on older phones:
Sprint Hotspot Hack w/ Android 10
I lost my hotspot hack when I updated my Sprint S10 to Android 10 like everyone else but I just found a fix! It works on my S10 so I’m guessing it’ll work the same for S10+ users. ##3282# then APN Settings (The left clicking to unlock editing...
forum.xda-developers.com
Anyone?
dh350nwo said:
Anyone?
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This forum wants to keep this "hack" on the down low.
All I will tell you is that you need to use some shortcut app that'll punch you through straight to the hotspotting app. This way, the carrier check is avoided.
Also, you MAY need to use a VPN because desktop traffic can become obvious.
An alternative is to VPN/tunnel into your home computer via Wireguard or some other software like ZeroTier or Tailscale.
nixnixnixnix4 said:
This forum wants to keep this "hack" on the down low.
All I will tell you is that you need to use some shortcut app that'll punch you through straight to the hotspotting app. This way, the carrier check is avoided.
Also, you MAY need to use a VPN because desktop traffic can become obvious.
An alternative is to VPN/tunnel into your home computer via Wireguard or some other software like ZeroTier or Tailscale.
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I'm going to try to be vague with this reply. You're saying a MAKER of shortcut app will be needed to get into the functionality of LTE.
Wouldn't the ##data# menu work also? That's what I do now. And by doing so it doesn't show as tethered data used when I check my usage.
You just need to find a way to open the hotspot app directly.
Shortcut apps like this help: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rk.android.app.shortcutmaker&hl=en_US&gl=US
nixnixnixnix4 said:
You just need to find a way to open the hotspot app directly.
Shortcut apps like this help: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rk.android.app.shortcutmaker&hl=en_US&gl=US
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I can already toggle the HS app natively.
I'm not sure we are on the same page.
So I guess getting any help or answers is pointless?
FYI: On Android 12 for Samsung you can add a new APN under Access Point Names without jumping thru hoops. Just tap on add new APN (make sure to copy everything from original APN) and add dun to the apn type field. Save the update and now you have free Hotspot (data counts against your main data bucket).
What about those who already have a restricted hotspot in their plan (high speed hotspot for first 500 MB, then switches to super-slow mode until reset the next billing cycle)?
Would adding a new APN result in unlimited hotspot? I can't tell if those with limited hotspot already enabled, would see any benefit to adding a new APN, or if it would even work?