How to Enable Wi-Fi Hotspot Tethering on Rooted Android

Wi-Fi tethering is an incredibly useful feature, allowing you to share your mobile data with other devices. However, some carriers block this functionality unless you subscribe to their tethering plans. Fortunately, if you have a rooted Android device, you can bypass these restrictions and enable Wi-Fi tethering without needing additional subscriptions. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to enable tethering on your rooted device using different methods.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, you’ll need to make sure your device meets the following requirements:

• Rooted Android Device: This guide assumes your phone is rooted. Root access gives you permission to modify system files that are typically locked down.
• Magisk or a Root Manager: Magisk is one of the most popular rooting tools because it allows for systemless rooting. We will also use it to install a specific module that enables tethering.
• ADB and Fastboot: If you’re comfortable using command-line methods, you’ll need ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot installed on your computer.
• Terminal App (Optional): Apps like Termux or a terminal emulator can help execute commands directly from your phone.

Enabling Wi-Fi Tethering with Magisk

If you prefer not to use command-line methods, you can enable Wi-Fi tethering using Magisk and a few simple tweaks.

1. Install Magisk: If you don’t already have Magisk installed, download and install Magisk on your rooted device.
2. Install the Tethering Module:
   • Open the Magisk Manager app on your device.
   • Search for and install the MagiskHide Props Config module. This module allows you to edit system properties without modifying actual system files.
3. Edit the build.prop:
   • You can do this via a terminal emulator or by using ADB. Enter the following command to set the net.tethering.noprovisioning property to true:

     su
     getprop net.tethering.noprovisioning
     setprop net.tethering.noprovisioning true

4. Reboot the Device: After making the changes, restart your device. Once the device boots up, try enabling Wi-Fi tethering from your phone’s settings.
5. Verifying the Tethering Functionality: Use the getprop net.tethering.noprovisioning command again to ensure that it is now set to true.

This method is widely supported on devices running Android 9 or later, particularly Google Pixel phones.

Command-Line Method to Enable Tethering

For those comfortable with command-line tools, another method involves using ADB commands to directly start or stop the Wi-Fi hotspot. This is useful if you prefer not to install any modules or apps.

1. Set Up ADB: If you haven’t done so already, download ADB and Fastboot tools and set them up on your computer.
2. Connect Your Device: Ensure your device is connected to your computer via USB and that you have USB debugging enabled in your phone’s developer options.
3. Enable Wi-Fi Tethering: Enter the following command to start the Wi-Fi hotspot:

   adb shell service call wifi 47

4. Stop Wi-Fi Tethering: If you want to stop the hotspot, use the following command:

   adb shell service call wifi 49

These commands interact with the Wi-Fi service to start and stop the tethering feature. The command number (47 for starting and 49 for stopping) may vary depending on your Android version, but this method should work for most devices running Android 11.

Troubleshooting

• Carrier Detection: Some carriers can detect when you’re tethering and may throttle your data or block tethering entirely. To avoid this, you can use a VPN app while tethering to mask your internet traffic. Apps like VPN Hotspot may be helpful in this situation.
• No Internet on Tethered Devices: If your tethered devices connect but cannot access the internet, try restarting both your phone and the tethered device. Additionally, ensure that your mobile data is enabled and functioning properly.
• Magisk Module Not Working: If the Magisk module doesn’t work, try an alternative module like Tethering Enabler. You can download it directly from XDA forums and install it via recovery.
• ADB Not Recognized: If your computer doesn’t recognize ADB commands, make sure ADB is installed correctly and your phone’s USB Debugging mode is turned on. Restarting your phone or using a different USB cable can sometimes solve this issue.

Wi-Fi tethering on rooted Android devices offers a great way to share your mobile data without carrier limitations. Whether you choose to modify the system properties using Magisk or execute commands via ADB, the process is straightforward. Just remember that rooting and modifying system files can have risks, so proceed carefully and always back up important data beforehand.