For those of us with Android head units and iPhones the ability to create and connect to mobile hotspots has been awkward or costly at best. You either needed a dedicated mobile hotspot and the costs associated with that, or use the iPhones hotspot capability and manually enable it each time. Android users have been lucky to simply use Tasker and create an event. I had been using the manual method on my iphone for quite some time until I discovered ActIf.
With a jailbroken iphone you can download from Cydia one of the most popular tweaks- Activator. I'm not going to get into everything is does but its similar to Tasker but not as robust. There is an add-on called ActIf that adds additional capabilities to Activator and with this you can create an event where when your phone connects via Bluetooth to your Android head unit, that Activator will turn on your WiFi hotspot, and vice versa when you disconnect from Bluetooth. With the addition of an App like TetherMe you can keep your WiFi hotspot broadcasting until your Android head unit connects to the network.
While not as elegant as a dedicated mobile 3G hotspot, it is free and once configured requires absolutely NO input or effort from the user. I keep my phone in my pocket most of the time now. Hope this helps somebody.
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Hello, I need some experienced developer confirmation on a few things.
Is it possible to code an app that will allow a device (Android or iOS) to create a hotspot and link several other devices with each other, allowing files to be transferred with each other WITHOUT tethering the host device's data network? Just a simple router with no internet I suppose.
Adhoc won't work because most mobile devices will have issues connecting to an adhoc network.
If possible, I would like for the code to allow the hotspot to not only connect the devices via WiFi but not kill the mobile data connection when each device connects to the WiFi hotspot. Essentially connecting to the hotspot and data network at the same time; the connections working simultaneously but completely separate from each other.
In a perfect world I would like to get this coded cross-platform: ie Android/iOS and maybe even Windows/Mac.
A tough question I know, but thanks for any responses. My primary concern would be Android, because it seems like it would be more suitable to make this happen, and I actually own one.
Syn Ack said:
Hello, I need some experienced developer confirmation on a few things.
Is it possible to code an app that will allow a device (Android or iOS) to create a hotspot and link several other devices with each other, allowing files to be transferred with each other WITHOUT tethering the host device's data network? Just a simple router with no internet I suppose.
Adhoc won't work because most mobile devices will have issues connecting to an adhoc network.
If possible, I would like for the code to allow the hotspot to not only connect the devices via WiFi but not kill the mobile data connection when each device connects to the WiFi hotspot. Essentially connecting to the hotspot and data network at the same time; the connections working simultaneously but completely separate from each other.
In a perfect world I would like to get this coded cross-platform: ie Android/iOS and maybe even Windows/Mac.
A tough question I know, but thanks for any responses. My primary concern would be Android, because it seems like it would be more suitable to make this happen, and I actually own one.
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Maybe disable data and try a hotspot app? If you have a wired and wireless connection on a computer, turn it into a hotspot, using apps like Connectify (on Windows).
MrObvious said:
Maybe disable data and try a hotspot app? If you have a wired and wireless connection on a computer, turn it into a hotspot, using apps like Connectify (on Windows).
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Thanks, I've already actually been able to accomplish that with one of the many WiFi tether apps. I am actually wanting to know if it's possible that I can code a version of that, that doesn't require root, works on most phones, creates a hotspot (doesn't just use the stock one), and doesn't use data. I suppose I could deal with it disabling data. As long as it never ever deals with data while the app is on, because I would prefer to not deal with carrier issues.
Alternatively I wouldn't mind using Bluetooth as long as I can connect the host device to more than one client devices, where the host device acts as a server. Can Android connect several devices via bluetooth?
Syn Ack said:
Thanks, I've already actually been able to accomplish that with one of the many WiFi tether apps. I am actually wanting to know if it's possible that I can code a version of that, that doesn't require root, works on most phones, creates a hotspot (doesn't just use the stock one), and doesn't use data. I suppose I could deal with it disabling data. As long as it never ever deals with data while the app is on, because I would prefer to not deal with carrier issues.
Alternatively I wouldn't mind using Bluetooth as long as I can connect the host device to more than one client devices, where the host device acts as a server. Can Android connect several devices via bluetooth?
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I don't think you can do multiple Bluetooth. Honestly you'd be better trying to do it from a computer/router.
MrObvious said:
I don't think you can do multiple Bluetooth. Honestly you'd be better trying to do it from a computer/router.
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That's the thing, we're trying to do this for our app with no extra devices. No worries I'll keep brainstorming.
You might want to check out an app called JoikuShare (sorry, can't post links yet).
So I use BT Infinity at home which gives me access to BT WiFi when i'm out and about which is great, saves me data on my phone plan, but the annoying thing is that my neighbour, and one of my partner's neighbours both have BT Home Hubs which provides said BT WiFi, but both mine and my partner's WiFi is way faster then both the other connections but my phone keeps preferring to connect to BT WiFi instead of our own networks, is there any fool proof way to prioritise which WiFi network the phone will choose, I.E if i can put mine and my partner's connections at the top of the list, and make sure BT WiFi is lower down that if either of the two I want can be found then it won't connect to BT WiFi?
Using an o2 Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge on Android 7.0 (un-rooted)
Thanks in advance
There's no built in function of Android but you can use third party apps such as this one.
andiling said:
There's no built in function of Android but you can use third party apps such as this one.
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I've tried that one, maybe i'm not setting it up properly but hasn't solved the problem, really wish android would implement a feature built in that just says if X saved network is available ignore Y network
I didn't use the app recently but you can set up priorities for networks based on their SSD and you just need to put the most preferred one on top. In the settings you can determine at which signal quality the network should be changed and the interval for checking. If you like you can post screens to see...
My android head unit doesn't seem to be able to autouconnect to wifi. Here is my settings:
I use an iPhone iOS 13.1 with bluetooth connection. That works fine as its autoconnects when turning on the head unit. To engagen the phones Wifi I have to toggle the "hot spot on /off " on the phone as the head unit will not fint it otherwise.
As I understand the Iphone doesn't seem to be able to connect as the hot spot setting changes to off in the same time the Iphone autoconnects to a Wifi-network.
Any workarounds?
Im thankful for all suggestions.
Greetings from Sweden
From what I understand, an iPhone needs to be on the WiFi Hotspot screen to be able to allow other devices to connect.
I'm sure it's a security thing. However, it is annoying if you're trying to use the device as a hotspot. Android doesn't behave in this way.
I'm not an iPhone expert so maybe others will have another idea. My thought is to either purchase a dedicated hotspot (they make some that are also OBD readers, offer keyless entry, etc) or switch to an Android device.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
So Xfinity is transitioning all of their public hotspots to 5ghz frequency wifi.. the motive behind this is pretty obvious (they want to keep low end and older model phones off their public network..with them now functioning as a wireless provider, people using out of service and/or low end phones as "wifi phones" cuts into their business.)
Obviously this doesn't really effect users that have active data plans or users that have a relatively new and/or high end phone, but for the other 80% of us this essentially makes a great deal of our "technological arsenal", which could be used as wifi repeaters, music players, security cameras, and so much more, essentially obsolete.
So to circumvent this all you really need is one phone that is 5ghz frequency capable (most newer phones, most Motorolas and Samsungs and pretty much every not super crappy LG phone can do so.) You also need an app called "netshare" (if your 5ghz compatible phone is rooted then I'd recommend "netshare+" as it allows one to reshare the wifi without any proxy forwarding assuming you have active Xfinity credentials), and your also need psiphon pro on all the phones receiving the wifi signal (unless your 5ghz phone is rooted, using netshare+, and is signed into Xfinity hotspots with a valid Xfinity account.). If you won't be using anything but chrome itself then you can get by without psiphon.. but generally speaking most people will use messenger and YouTube and whatever else so, if/when you establish a connection on your receiving devices go ahead and download psiphon.
Once you're connected with an LG or Samsung sometimes depending on model you can simply set your hotspot to reshare the wifi connection (and of course set the band to 2.4ghz), but not every model supports this. (If yours does, congratulations. You're finished), however if it won't allow you to use your hotspot without a sim card or whatever, simply open netshare. Go-to configure name/password or something of the sort. Some models will allow you to change the frequency to 2.4ghz here. If it doesn't (Motorola devices generally don't) simply open wifi direct in advanced options in wifi and connect your 5ghz phone to a receiving 2.4ghz.. just long enough to open netshare and share your wifi signal(this will force it to 2.4ghz, rather than the 5ghz default it would be if not already connected with a 2.4ghz). Once netshare is on and sharing your wifi connection go back to wifi direct settings and end the connection with the 2.4ghz device.. then reconnect as you would any other wifi network
DIRECT-WHATEVER-THE-NETWORK
RanDOM8S
etc..
But be sure to go-to advanced options, proxy settings, change to Manuel.
Proxy hostname "192.168.49.1"
Proxy port "8282"
All without the quotes obviously.
Now you should be able to browse on chrome. If you haven't already, download psiphon pro, and go-to options Proxy settings. Connect through http proxy. Host address "192.168.49.1"
Port "8282".
Then connect. Your receiving devices should now be connected (through your 5ghz phone of course, using it as a hub), and most of your apps working as long as psiphon is on and connected properly.
(This is my first tutorial so please go easy on me. Obviously constructive critique bus appreciated, but please go easy on me fellows.. I'm a bit of a newbie..lol)
And I plan on adding pictures and revising later on depending on wording and whatnot.. but I wanted to at least release a preliminary method of connecting to the newer 5ghz hotspots.. because about a month ago I know I could've used it.. even if it wasn't refined.. anyways thanks for reading, and good luck compadres!!
A very useful and understandable tutorial, this is exactly what I was looking for, because I have a rather old phone model.
Thanks for the useful tutorial! The fastest speeds from Xfinity are available to almost all customers, as opposed to just customers within reach of a 5G tower.
My SM-T500 won't let me connect to my smartphone with bluetooth tethering if Wifi is on.
I have a Wifi device with no internet that I need to connect my tablet to.
To have internet on the tablet I need to establish a connection via bluetooth with my smartphone but the tablet says "To use Bluetooth tethering, turn off Wi-Fi on this device."
Does anyone know how to overcome this limitation that Samsung has imposed.
I can't understand why Samsung creates these restrictions.
seems to me you having problems with your imei, and maybe also corrupt your imei this could probitly come from the flashing process...i have this problem by myself if i find some solution i will let you know and you please too if you find a solution
terrano306 said:
My SM-T500 won't let me connect to my smartphone with bluetooth tethering if Wifi is on.
I have a Wifi device with no internet that I need to connect my tablet to.
To have internet on the tablet I need to establish a connection via bluetooth with my smartphone but the tablet says "To use Bluetooth tethering, turn off Wi-Fi on this device."
Does anyone know how to overcome this limitation that Samsung has imposed.
I can't understand why Samsung creates these restrictions.
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Why not connect both your tablet and the other device to the smartphones wifi hotspot?
lewmur said:
Why not connect both your tablet and the other device to the smartphones wifi hotspot?
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Thanks for replying.
I will try to elaborate better.
On my boat I have a wireless fishfinder that communicates with an android device through a hotspot that the fishfinder itself creates. This hotspot does not have internet because it only serves to send the data to the android device. In my case the SM-T500.
On the SM-T500 I also use some marine navigation apps that work offline but with less functions than if they were connected to the internet. Without internet I don't have some real-time data.
Of course I could use the smartphone instead of the SM-T500 but it's much harder to read a nautical chart on a 6" device than on a 10" tablet. Even worse if the sea is rough.
I just can't understand why Samsung blocks such simple functions unnecessarily.
I guess it's live and learn and run away from Samsung when buying another device.
terrano306 said:
Thanks for replying.
I will try to elaborate better.
On my boat I have a wireless fishfinder that communicates with an android device through a hotspot that the fishfinder itself creates. This hotspot does not have internet because it only serves to send the data to the android device. In my case the SM-T500.
On the SM-T500 I also use some marine navigation apps that work offline but with less functions than if they were connected to the internet. Without internet I don't have some real-time data.
Of course I could use the smartphone instead of the SM-T500 but it's much harder to read a nautical chart on a 6" device than on a 10" tablet. Even worse if the sea is rough.
I just can't understand why Samsung blocks such simple functions unnecessarily.
I guess it's live and learn and run away from Samsung when buying another device.
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Samsung doesn't block it, Android does. It's just a function of how it works. It doesn't support two wireless connections at once. Blame the fishfinder for choosing such a weird way to connect. You could always switch back and forth between the two hotspots.
If I were you, I'd just buy a cheap tablet like a used Amazon Fire HD to connect to the fishfinder. It doesn't take a fancy device to perform that simple task.
lewmur said:
Samsung doesn't block it, Android does. It's just a function of how it works. It doesn't support two wireless connections at once. Blame the fishfinder for choosing such a weird way to connect. You could always switch back and forth between the two hotspots.
If I were you, I'd just buy a cheap tablet like a used Amazon Fire HD to connect to the fishfinder. It doesn't take a fancy device to perform that simple task.
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i would say the same thing if you ask me......
lewmur said:
Samsung doesn't block it, Android does. It's just a function of how it works. It doesn't support two wireless connections at once. Blame the fishfinder for choosing such a weird way to connect. You could always switch back and forth between the two hotspots.
If I were you, I'd just buy a cheap tablet like a used Amazon Fire HD to connect to the fishfinder. It doesn't take a fancy device to perform that simple task.
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Click to collapse
You are right. I just chose this fishfinder because I have two small boats and it allows me to switch between them and not have to walk around with lots of wires behind.
I blamed Samsung because my Xiaomi smartphone doesn't have this function blocked and is on the same android version as the SM-T500.
I don't know about the Amazon tablet. I currently use several marine navigation aid applications on my SM-T500 and sometimes I notice that it can barely get the job done. And the SM-T500 was one of the cheapest tablets I've found with GPS.
Either way, I'm already resigned. I do exactly as you said and I switch between the fishfinder hotspot and the one on my smartphone to get internet.
It's not perfect but it does the trick.