Switch back to cellular when wifi has no internet, but keep wifi connected - Networking

tl;dr: When my phone (Sony Xperia Z5 compact, Android 6) connects to a wifi with no internet, I want to use the local network on the wifi but use the internet from my mobile data. Instead what happens mobile data doesn't switch back on while connected to wifi with no internet.
I have been trying to find a solution for this since forever. My camera creates a local wifi connection which I can connect to to view the camera as well as controlling it. The downside is that while connected to this network my cellular data gets switched off, despite this wifi network not having any internet. So while using my camera I have no way to access the internet. It wasn't a huge problem up until recently when the app I use is introducing livestreaming. I really want to use it but I am unable to find any way how to keep my phone connected to this wifi network (and being able to use it), while any internet data goes over 4G. I am using android 6.0.1. I am quite sure I was able to do this on my previous phone with an older Android version but I cannot find said option (smart network switch or something?) anymore in the wifi settings. Nor any recent similar topics with people with the same question? Anyone that knows more about this?
My phone is rooted. If I need to do any system changes I can do that.

I didnt get what you were trying saying.Do you know that you cant use mobile data and wifi simultaneously unless your device is rooted.If your phone is rooted then try using "download booster"

hh950430 said:
I didnt get what you were trying saying.Do you know that you cant use mobile data and wifi simultaneously unless your device is rooted.
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Err, sorry, lol. I have wifi network that has no internet, just a local network. I'd like to be connected to that wifi network AND be able to use internet over my mobile data both at the same time. As it is right now, my mobile data gets disabled even when the wifi network has no internet access.
I have talked to two friends of mine about it and both say this is already possible in Android. One friend sent me a screenshot of an option he has in his wifi settings called 'Switch to mobile data' which gets enabled when the wifi network has no internet. My other friend said he doesn't have this option but claims it has been a default feature of Android since lollipop. He tested it on his phone and indeed it works as expected. Both have an unrooted phone with stock Android. So now there is me with my brand new phone and Android 6 and I can't find this option nor does it seem to do what I want by default. I'm confused.
As I mentioned, my phone is rooted so if there is a way to turn this feature on using root, I can totally do that if someone knows how.

As i said try using "Download Booster" It allows you to use wifi and mobile data at the same time just google it.

hh950430 said:
As i said try using "Download Booster" It allows you to use wifi and mobile data at the same time just google it.
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Click to collapse
That appears to be just a download manager if I am correct? I don't need to download anything. I just want to be able to use my existing apps to use my mobile internet when I am connected to wifi (that has no internet).
This is the exactly the thing I'm after. Screenshot from my friend's phone (LG G4 with Android 6.0): (*link removed). My other friend who also has this functionality working has a Nexus 5 with Android 6.0.1.
* Forum doesn't let me post screenshots.. But basically in his wifi settings he has an option called "Switch to mobile data". The box says "Internet unavailable via connected Wi-Fi. Stay connected to Wi-Fi, but use mobile data. Data charges may apply."
Again, I have Sony Xperia Z5 compact with Android 6.0.1 and I can't find this. Have I bought the wrong phone or is it fixable? At this point I am more than happy to even take a custom rom route.

You cannot use wifi and internet at the same time as they are completely different hardware components, using different air waves, so there's no conflicts between them. Better use internet through your wifi or use bluetooth tethering.As for the "switch to mobile data option" it disconnectes you from your wifi if it has no internet and connects you to your mobile data so it doesnt lets you use your wifi and mobile data at the same time

hh950430 said:
You cannot use wifi and internet at the same time as they are completely different hardware components, using different air waves, so there's no conflicts between them. Better use internet through your wifi or use bluetooth tethering.As for the "switch to mobile data option" it disconnectes you from your wifi if it has no internet and connects you to your mobile data so it doesnt lets you use your wifi and mobile data at the same time
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Click to collapse
It actually clearly mentions that it keeps connected to the wifi. He tested it and indeed he could use the local network on the wifi side and use the internet through his mobile data simultaneously. Both friends haven't rooted their phones or anything. This is just a default functionality for them. I have now tested it also on my older phones (Oneplus One and HTC One M8) and all phones can't have both connections open at the same time.
This wifi network is created by my camera by the way and I can't change much about it. The DJI drone I control does the same thing. When I am connected to the camera or drone I lose my mobile internet connection.
I don't have any other device that has access to internet here. We don't have cabled internet, only mobile internet.
Interestingly, in the developers options there is an option called "Mobile data always active" ("Always keep mobile data active, even when Wi-Fi is active"). I've tried it many times, rebooted my phone but this doesn't actually do anything. Even with this option on when wifi is connected the mobile data gets turned off.

This is beyond annoying!
I too have struggled to find a solution to this problem. I do not have a WAN connection to my home network. It is LAN only. I have four PC's, three Sonos speakers, two hdhomerun TV tuners, and various hand held devices that all use the LAN. All I want to do is be able to use my Moto X Pure to control Sonos and file sync to my LAN via wifi and simultaneously use mobile data for WAN stuff. I know the mobile connection is active with wifi enabled because I can see it when running if config, up route show etc... I am trying to learn about the routing tables to see if I can fix this myself. I love my android devices and am loyal, but this is beyond dumb! Any suggestions????

How to fix for android
okay so for anyone who doesnt know still go into the about phone option in your phone settings, then click on kernel version, build model, etc til one pops up with a flash notification saying click so many more times and youll become a dev. once you done that go into the developer menu and scroll too wifi assist or force mobile data upon wifi connection. exit out , open your app , bobs your uncle

Thank you for the answer.
I tried with my Huawei but it doesn't work. Could you tell with which phone you made it work ? Thank you !!

Ok here we go, after 12 years this my first post.
Above suggestions related with developer options nothing to do with OPs requirement. Those option only allows the device rapidly switch to mobile data when the WiFi signal gets weak. Since you always close to your DSLR camera it solves nothing because WiFi signal is always strong.
Root cause of the problem is you can not have 2 default gateways (i.e. router address) for your networks in any operating system (Actually you can but you have to set static routes, which is a pain in the ass for regular users)
iOS handles this in a very simple way. Set your wifi connection to static IP address instead of DHCP and leave your default gateway or router address blank. Viola you can have 3G/LTE data while you connected your camera and now you can sent your downloaded pictures via Whatapp while you still connected to your camera via WiFi. (In my case Panasonic Lumix)
I stumbled upon this thread via Google since I needed the same thing now with Android. But iOS way failed. Actually I am shocked that you cannot leave WiFi Gateway address blank in Androdid 8.0! Save button grays out if you leave it blank. This is really weird. At least with Galaxy S8 Duos with Android 8.0
So anybody know how to setup a WiFi network without a default gateway, please share.

Is this phone specific or something? Never had that happen, I have no problem with wifi being on without internet and using cell data.
I don't think the UI really exposes anything like it directly but you can technically have multiple gateways; it's not something your average user will understand (policy routing)..
Having said that, if you're attached to an AP you should at least see a /24 route out your wireless interface (standard dhcp lease). It's quite common for the AP to have client isolation but are you sure you're not using something like Wifi Direct or even adhoc?

Similar Experience
I have been through this experience long ago. All I did was to sell the phone and bought a new one.

Related

SGS - internet connecting pc problems

Hi,
I live in Australia. I bought a SGS from UK. It has nothing changed in firmware its the same as it comes from the box. (just a few games and apps installed from the android market).
My problem is when I connect the SGS to my laptop through the USB cable and I chose "PC INTERNET" I get a connection but i get a lot of drop outs, I would say being honestly every 5 minutes my connection drops. I live right in the city and my phone has good reception so its not the reception.
I haven't tried teethering (i dont wanna teether coz mobile plans says, NO teethering).
What can I do to fix the drop out connection problem.
if you are using your internet via the LAPTOP over the USB cable, then you need to figure out WHY your LAPTOP is not connecting properly to the Internet.
it takes about 1 min to connect and when it connects i choose HOME connetion. than it works good for 5 mins and it drops out and reconnects itself.
Correct me if I've read your post incorrectly but isn't what you're doing tethering?
From Wikipedia: "Tethering is the use of a mobile device such as a mobile phone to supply Internet access for another device which is otherwise unconnected, using the mobile device as a modem. This can be done through Bluetooth wireless technology, Portable Wi-Fi hotspots, or cables (such as USB)."
well yes and no...
it is teethering but carriers cant prove that.
however
if i do select teether on my phone it says something like this option will use black hole date or something (from my understanding is that it will use different data to my free date) so i choose to try the cable connect than select interent connection.
anyways the problem is still there... has anyone got any solutions or give me some ideas?
thanks
are you trying to use your phone as a modem or not?
if you are, then we can help you there are many ways to do it.
but if you are doing the opposite, using your laptop internet, for your phone to access internet (which doesn't make any sense at all) then we can't help you as it's a laptop problem.
im trying to use my phone as a modem but in a way without carriers finding out im actually using my phone to teether.
my problem is that my connection keeps droping every 5 minutes for 10-30sec.
I use my Galaxy as a modem and I had nothing but hassle when connecting using the cable. I found out its far better to go into settings then wireless settings then switch mobile AP on. Your phone sends the connection over wifi to the pc and gives me no hassle at all.
I reckon the only way your service provider would know is by looking at how much data you use so just be careful and you should be fine. Or find out what your monthly limit is and put a data counter on the phone, I use Netcounter, its free and simple but gives the info you need like daily, weekly and monthly usage
yup, the wireless method is by far the easiest one, and best of all it is build in!
as for your cell phone provider finding out, regardless of what you do, they don't care, they only check how much data you used up, and charge you that amount
well im on 1gb per month. Plenty of data there.
I tried another method today: turn bluetooth on and connect through bluetooth and that seem to works perfectly. I was online for 3 hours without dropping once.
Now I`m wondering why was it dropping with the cable connected? And not even once through bluetooth!
I understand your Problem, but at time i reading your last Post i have an question.
I understand your Posts that you dont use Wireless thether becouse your Carrier dont Allow Laptops to Acces Wireless conections right?
But it makes no difference if you use the cable or a wireless conection to thether your Internet. If you surf under the radar you dont getting into troubles. And there is no blackhole Data when you tether wireless. Its a gprs, edeg, 3g or umts Connection and your Phone manage this automaticly. So now comes my question. Why you dont use the build in wireless tether function which is the fastest and easiest way to connect. You dont need the phone directly near the laptop, you can give it to the point of best data connection, okay and a powerstrip for the akku. But its much faster then the Bluetooth connection, becouse of wlan.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
"And there is no blackhole Data when you teether wireless"
From now on I will use the AP to connect. I thought the carriers (OPTUS) might find out. But since they can't find out than this is the best option. Thanks for confirming they cant find out weather I connected my laptop or just used the date from my phone.
This remind my at the old days where you share your internet connection thru a soho rooter or just another pc with 2 network cards built in. In these early days the Provider says its forbidden to use the connection for more pcs than one. But in fact they never could meassure this and no one ever gets an letter from them or an contract decline/service interuption. The truth is, that there was a kind of law process against them and now the isp's is forbidden to limit the usage of your internet connection to only one device. So that means not that you get unlimited numbers of ip adresses, but you can NAT as much devices you want. Now you get from every ISP a Preconfigured router if you like.
And the same will hapen over a pariod of time to the wireless providers as well. Its your connection so you can use them the way u like it. Its already happend here, you can buy umts router for your home.
Where i live there is no question like this. Just do it. But maybe its becouse of our mentalogiy. If somone says no the typical austrian will do it anyway and gives no dime to what others say. If no one forbid you something then its allready allowed to do. ;-)
Greetings to Australia (the country with the kangaroos) like we here in Austria say. lol
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Thanks for that info. That takes my concerns/stress away. Just didn't wanna receive a thousand dollar bill that's all I cared

Need deep technical advice on Hotspot/Tethering capabilities

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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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).

WiFi Priotity

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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Click to collapse
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...

Can't use cellular data while connect to local only WiFi (GoPro)

Hi, I would like to use my S8 to livestream my gopro (with a self made app based on FFmpeg), for that I need to be connected to the GoPro stream via WiFi and I need to use my cellular data (LTE) to send it to a streaming server.
In my test I noticed this phone is unable to keep both connection open at the same time, it was not the case on my previous LG G4, I was also able to test on a nexus 5X where it worked successfully, so I blame the samsung software (PS: I just did an update, didn't change anything).
I tried every options (and combination possible), keep cell data, agressive wifi/cell, both in dev' settings, also smart wifi (agressive or not) in regular settings... And it didn't change anything (the smart thing only either fully disable the wifi connection to local only wifi or connects fully to it and awaits internet connection).
I found this thread on samsung forum https://us.community.samsung.com/t5...internet-while-connected-to-GoPro/td-p/185875 with no answer...
Do you guys have any solution?
Quick edit: I did try to use "Download booster" thing but it doesn't help, it seems the phone is still using the wifi for DNS, I tried with and without smart switch thing... They really didn't think about people using WiFi without internet connection voluntary??
Thanks
same problem here, i don' t know how to fix it. you can share your code? with other guys we are trying to do a solution to live stream gopro on android , if you want i'll link it to you
It cannot be done as we cannot change our IP, Default Gateway, or Subnet on our WiFi.
With iOS you can, thus why iOS users can use the GoPro and LTE simultaneously.
Enjoy.

Xfinity hotspots are now all 5ghz.. connect with a 2.4ghz phone?

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.

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