You have a couple of options as to how to do it as well. If you have a rooted device, you have a much better option: re-enable Android’s built-in tethering.
The app works quite similar to FoxFi and even looks the same with that old school UI design from Android’s Gingerbread days. This works thanks to technology from PdaNet, which is another app you can use.
The app also allows USB tethering and Bluetooth Tethering which do work on every Android phone. FoxFi’s Play Store page has information specific to different carriers, phones, and Android versions in case you encounter any problems.Īlthough the WiFi tethering does not work on every Android phone that exists, it does work on most phones. You should then be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network from your laptop, tablet, or any other Wi-Fi-enabled device. Choose a network name (SSID) and password for your WiFi hotspot. Just open it and enable the Activate WiFi Hotspot checkbox. Must read: How to Control Android Devices with Text Messages According to the developers of FoxFi, these carriers should not be able to block the second listing “due to the latest FCC tether rules.” If you’re on an AT&T or Sprint network you might have to install FoxFi (Sprint/AT&T only). The app is the same but is a different listing on the Play Store so it isn’t blocked, yet. However, AT&T and Sprint have both blocked the app from showing on the Google Play Store on their networks. Clearly, this is not an ideal solution, but if your device is not rooted, third-party apps are your only choice.įoxFi happens to be a pretty popular app for tethering. Even if it does work now, it might not continue to in the future. A single third-party app does not always work on every phone.
You have a few options for bypassing the carrier block and one of them includes using a third-party app. If you get an error message when trying to tether that says “Account not set up for tethering” it means your carrier has blocked it. Carriers, in general, expect to be paid an additional fee if you want to use your phone’s data connection to access the Internet from a laptop, tablet, or another device. But some carriers block this feature, which is available on every Android phone if you buy your phone directly from them. Being able to tether your phone’s internet when you’re out somewhere with no Wi-Fi can be a lifesaver. While it is not a problem in most parts of the world, sharing your data connection is not as simple or free in some parts such as the United States.