[GUIDE][MOD] Guide to Enable Mobile Hotspot & Tethering on Q-Link Wireless & Bypass Bandwidth Throttling - Android General

QLink Wireless
4G-LTE/5G Network
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GUIDE TO ENABLE MOBILE
HOTSPOT & TETHERING
* NON-ROOT METHODS *​UPDATE May 27, 2023:
As of the time of posting, native hotspot and tethering continues to function on the QLink Wireless 4G-LTE/5G network. However, it seems that QLink (or perhaps even the host network, T-Mobile) has implemented yet another bandwidth throttling protocol -- one that cannot be circumvented by connecting to a VPN server. According to reports by QLink subscribers -- and in my own experience -- downlink speeds of 4G-LTE data are potentially unthrottled when plans are refilled by QLink on the 1st of each month's billing cycle. But, after using only perhaps 2 - 3 GB of data, the bandwidth is then throttled to a maximum of 2 Mbps for the remainder of the billing cycle. (Unless, of course, subscribers exceed the 29 GB monthly allotment of "unlimited" data, after which bandwidth is throttled down to nearly unusable speeds.) For the time being, I will not remove the VPN bandwidth throttling section from this thread. I am leaving it intact for reference purposes only. Again, at this time, QLink's bandwidth throttling cannot be bypassed by utilizing a VPN.​
OBJECTIVE & SCOPE:
QLink Wireless has implemented restrictions that prevent the sharing of 4G-LTE/5G data via Android's native hotspot & tethering feature on many Android-based mobile devices. However, there are several Android devices not affected by these restrictions. The purpose of this guide is to provide an alternative means for sharing QLink Wireless 4G-LTE/5G data on Android devices which cannot use the native hotspot & tethering feature. Hence, before proceeding further, take a moment to configure the native hotspot & tethering feature on your QLink device, then enable mobile hotspot and try connecting another WiFi enabled device to your QLink smartphone or tablet. If this endeavor is successful, your native hotspot & tethering capabilities are intact and, thus, the workarounds outlined below are not needed. In order to bypass QLink's bandwidth throttling restrictions, see the section below titled BANDWIDTH THROTTLING.
OVERVIEW:
QLink Wireless is one of the top providers of mobile phone service to thousands of eligible subscribers of the FCC-based Lifeline program, an initiative funded by the federal government to help eligible low-income individuals & households afford mobile phone service and mobile devices.
Currently, QLink subscribers who are also approved for the EBB are allotted a free monthly service plan that includes unlimited calling, text messaging and 4G-LTE/5G mobile data. Normally, the plan would include unlimited calling and text messaging with 4.5 GB data. The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), renamed to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) on January 1, 2022, provides eligible subscribers with an unlimited monthly mobile data allotment versus the normal 4.5 GB per month limit.
QLink has taken steps to cap the maximum download speed of subscribers' 4G-LTE data to 2.0 Mbps. In addition, QLink configured its latest SIM cards to disable data sharing via Mobile Hotspot, Bluetooth or USB Tethering. This guide provides instructions to bypass QLink's data throttling cap and set up a mobile hotspot access point for sharing your unthrottled QLink 4G-LTE/5G data with other WiFi-enabled devices.
PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY:
This guide is premised on the presumption that you are using an Android-based smartphone or tablet for your QLink mobile plan, as the apps provided in the downloads section below are Android APKs. For Method 2, outlined below, you will need your QLink Android mobile device and a PC or laptop running on a compatible build of Windows 10 or 11.
BANDWIDTH THROTTLING:
Bandwidth throttling occurs when a mobile service provider implements any restriction that slows down or otherwise decreases a subscriber's maximum download and/or upload speeds on the respective 4G-LTE/5G mobile network. This is often confused with data usage throttling, which occurs when a subscriber exceeds the 4G-LTE/5G mobile data allotted in a monthly mobile plan during a billing period. With bandwidth throttling, however, the total amount of data used is not the relevant factor, but rather the maximum download/upload speed of the cellular data itself is the focal point. Bandwidth throttling is also commonly called a data speed cap. For all intents and purposes of this guide, the terms bandwidth throttling and data speed cap are the same.
As mentioned previously, when QLink made the switch from Sprint to T-Mobile's nationwide 4G-LTE/5G network, a server-sided throttle was put into place to restrict the maximum 4G-LTE download speed to around 2.0 Mbps. This speed cap took effect when QLink sent out the upgraded GSM SIM cards to subscribers. To bypass this restriction, you simply need to connect to a reliable VPN server. This will increase 4G-LTE download speeds from 2 Mbps to upwards of 40 Mbps, depending on signal strength, device capabilities, and other factors. I have not verified the increase on 5G data connections, but it is safe to assume the improvement will be substantial. Do this before setting up your hotspot via the instructions below if you want to share the unrestricted data with other devices. Otherwise, your hotspot will be sharing throttled data. For a good, free VPN service, I recommend using ProtonVPN. It is very simple to set up. Download the app from the link provided below, install it on your QLink device, open the app, grant the requested permissions, and follow the on-screen prompts to set up and connect to a VPN network. ProtonVPN is also available for free on Google Play Store. If you already use a VPN service, or have another preferred service, any reliable VPN server should suffice.
MOBILE HOTSPOT METHODS:
In a nutshell, QLink Wireless employs network restrictions which prevent subscribers from sharing mobile data via Android's native hotspot & tethering feature.
There are a number of different methods and setups that can be used to successfully bypass QLink's mobile hotspot & tethering restrictions. I will cover a couple of these methods, based on their ease of setup, cost and efficiency. (I try to outline only those methods that do not require the purchase of apps or services.) For the first method, you will need only your active QLink Android device and a couple of free apps, both of which are available in the downloads section below. ​DEVICE CONFIGURATION:
During the past couple of months, sone members have reported that they are unable to bypass QLink's data speed cap, notwithstanding a viable VPN connection. I can confirm that as of September 8, 2022, connecting to a VPN server continues to circumvent the data speed cap on my QLink device. For the sake of clarity, and as an avenue for members to troubleshoot issues in this regard, I wanted to specify the setup of my device. I am presently using AdGuard VPN, and have recently used ProtonVPN on my QLink device. These are the present APN settings on my QLink device:​
Code:
Name: QLink Wireless LTE
APN: qlink
Proxy: Not set
Port: Not set
Username: Not set
Password: Not set
Server: Not set
MMSC: http://wholesale.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc
MMS proxy: Not set
MMS port: Not set
MCC: 310
MNC: 240
Authentication type: Not set
APN type: default,supl,mms,hipri,fota
APN protocol: IPv4/IPv6
APN roaming protocol: IPv4/IPv6
APN Enable/Disable: Enabled
Bearer: Unspecified
MVNO type: None
MVNO value: Not set
My Preferred Network Type within the cell radio menu (*#*#4636#*#*) is set to LTE/UMTS auto (PRL).
DISCLAIMER:
This guide is strictly for educational purposes. The procedures used to bypass mobile hotspot restrictions may or may not violate the terms of the customer agreement as set out by QLink Wireless. I have not reviewed these terms nor any other QLink Wireless subscriber terms, conditions or guidelines. Therefore, by proceeding further, you are assuming sole liability and responsibility for adhering to the customer terms and conditions set forth in your subscriber agreement with QLink Wireless. Accordingly, I am thus absolved of any civil liability that may arise from the steps or procedures outlined in this guide.
I. METHOD 1 -- PDANet+ WiFi Direct AP
This setup is very straightforward. Download the PDANet+ APK file from the link below and install it on your QLink mobile phone. Download and install the companion FoxFi app as well. Both the PDANet+ and FoxFi apps can be updated via the Google Play Store or by the app market/repo of your choosing. You may also visit the PDANet official website which always hosts the most current APK builds for download. http://pdanet.co
Open FoxFi, grant any permission requests, then select WiFi Direct Hotspot. This will open the PDANet+ app, where you will enable the same option, WiFi Direct Hotspot. At the top of the interface, framed in blue, you will notice some connection information. Now, on the mobile device with which you want to share your QLink phone"s data connection, you have a couple of options. Using the standalone option, open WiFi settings on the device you want to share with. Select the SSID name displayed in the blue header on the PDANet+ UI. Enter the password displayed in that blue box as well. Below the password field, tap Advanced Options > Proxy, then choose Manual. For the Proxy hostname enter 192.168.49.1. Just below that field enter 8000 for the Proxy port. Now hit connect. If everything is correct, the connection will be established and will be validated in the top box of your PDANet+ app interface. Keep in mind that you will only need to configure these parameters one time on the device you want to share your internet connection with. Thereafter, the device will save the settings and will even auto-connect to the PDANet+ hotspot whenever in range, depending on your connection preference settings. To test the connection and data speed, open your mobile browser and go to https://fast.com.
In addition to the standalone option, you may also install the PDANet+ app on any device with which you want to share your data. You will simply select "Connect to a PDANet Hotspot" on the desired device and follow the connection prompts.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PDANet+ software integrates features such as alternate UUID porting, DNS resolvers and local proxy tunneling to keep data sharing undetected by your carrier. Nevertheless, it is strongly advised that you enable the Hide Tether Usage option anytime you are sharing your mobile data connection with other devices, regardless of whether you are using WiFi Direct, Bluetooth, USB tethering, or the legacy connection protocols provided by FoxFi. ​
II. METHOD 2 -- Using EasyTether to Set Up a Windows 10/11 Mobile Hotspot
As inferred by the title, this method will require a PC or laptop running on Windows 10 (Build 1603 or newer) or 11. You will also need a good quality USB data syncing cable. Both the EasyTether Android app and its PC client companion app are available in the downloads section below. In a nutshell, you will first be establishing a tethered internet connection by sharing your QLink phone's mobile data with your Windows PC or laptop. That internet connection can then be used to set up a native mobile hotspot on Windows. This access point can be used to share internet with multiple devices at once.
First, download the EasyTether app and PC client from the below link. Install the app on your QLink device and install the client-side software on your PC/laptop. Go ahead and enable USB Debugging on your phone at this time as well. Open EasyTether on your QLink device and select USB setup wizard. This option will provide you with step-by-step guidance on establishing a tethered internet connection. It also provides links for drivers and helps with troubleshooting should you have any difficulties. Once a tethered internet connection is in place, let's set up a Windows Mobile Hotspot. The following provides instructions for both Windows 10 and 11.
A. WINDOWS 10 (Build 1607 & Later)
If you are running Windows 11, skip down to those instructions. Open Windows Settings and select Network & Internet. On the left sidebar, choose Mobile Hotspot and turn it on. In the box titled Share my internet connection from, choose your tethered connection. Click on the Edit icon to set a network name for your mobile hotspot as well as a network password.
B. WINDOWS 11
Click the Start button, then select Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot. For Share my connection from, choose your tethered internet connection. For Share over, choose the protocol by which you want to share your tethered connection -- WiFi or Bluetooth. (WiFi is generally the fastest and is set as the default.) Select Edit to name your mobile hotspot network, set a network access password, and select a network bandwidth (2.4 GHz/5 GHz). Now save your preferences and turn on Mobile Hotspot.
DOWNLOADS:
PDANet+ v5.23.2 / FoxFi v2.20
EasyTether v1.1.19 & PC Client
ProtonVPN: Private, Secure APK
NOTE:
PDANet+ v5.23.2 Android Support
It should be noted that the current build of the PDANet+ Android app and PC Client, v5.23.2, supports virtually all Android release versions up to, and including, Android 11. I am personally using the PDANet+ v5.23.2 app on Lineage 19.1 (Android 12.1 base) with no issues. Although the PDANet+ codebase has not yet been updated for official Android 12 or 13 support, v5.23.2 should have no issues running properly on most current Android 12/13 based mobile devices. The PDANet+ development team has an excellent track record for keeping things up-to-date and working smoothly, so I have no doubt that official support for the latest Android release versions is imminent. Nevertheless, should you have any problems with the APK or accompanying PC Client, visit the official PDANet+ support & FAQ page here http://pdanet.co/help/
General questions and bug reports may be initiated by completing and submitting the form provided here:
PdaNet+ Help
Likewise, should you have any issues with EasyTether, you can visit the developer's official support page on their site here Mobile-Stream Site Support​

{Mod edit: Quoted post has been deleted}
Indeed there are numerous apps and utilities available for safely sharing 4G-LTE/5G data from QLink enabled devices. Thanks for sharing.

What can I use for iPhone

jak369 said:
What can I use for iPhone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would highly recommend using PDANet+, which has been ported for the iOS platform. Full instructions and download links are available at the official PDANet website here:
PdaNet -- Use your iPhone as a Wireless Router for your PC/Mac
Use your iPhone as Wireless Modem, Wireless Router
junefabrics.com
As a caveat, you will need to apply a jailbreak to your Apple device and use the Cydia app market to install PDANet. This is because Apple does not host the PDANet app on the Apple App Store, and because installing apps from unknown sources is not natively permitted on stock iOS.
If you are not comfortable with this type of modding, and if you are financially able, it would be far simpler to acquire a very cheap unlocked or T-Mobile compatible Android smartphone, which you can use just for purposes of sharing your QLink 4G-LTE-5G mobile data via hotspot or tethering. There are many pre-owned Android devices which would suffice within the $10 price range on eBay and Swappa.

Viva La Android said:
I would highly recommend using PDANet+, which has been ported for the iOS platform. Full instructions and download links are available at the official PDANet website here:
PdaNet -- Use your iPhone as a Wireless Router for your PC/Mac
Use your iPhone as Wireless Modem, Wireless Router
junefabrics.com
As a caveat, you will need to apply a jailbreak to your Apple device and use the Cydia app market to install PDANet. This is because Apple does not host the PDANet app on the Apple App Store, and because installing apps from unknown sources is not natively permitted on stock iOS.
If you are not comfortable with this type of modding, and if you are financially able, it would be far simpler to acquire a very cheap unlocked or T-Mobile compatible Android smartphone, which you can use just for purposes of sharing your QLink 4G-LTE-5G mobile data via hotspot or tethering. There are many pre-owned Android devices which would suffice within the $10 price range on eBay and Swappa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I’m on the qlink network with an ios 6

Is there any other app I can use without jail breaking my phon

jak369 said:
Is there any other app I can use without jail breaking my phon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will check

Is there anything newer than pdanet, or at least actively maitained? AFAIK it hasn't been updated in a couple of years.

Alkuam said:
Is there anything newer than pdanet, or at least actively maitained? AFAIK it hasn't been updated in a couple of years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. The present builds of PDANet+, however, do fully support the WiFi Direct data sharing protocol, which continues to work on QLink and most other MVNOs currently. I'm.running it on both an Android 11 and Android 12 devices with no issues. The changelog for the current PDANet+ v5 23 APK build indicates that the codebase and libraries have been updated to support Android versions from 4.1 to 11. So, this should also work on most Android 12 devices with no issues.
Are you having trouble with PDANet+?

Viva La Android said:
I will check
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've researched your inquiry regarding hotspot & tethering services for Apple iOS. Unfortunately, I'm not finding anything feasible that does not first require an iOS jailbreak procedure. The fact that Apple does not natively permit third-party apps from unknown sources greatly limits your options.

Viva La Android said:
True. The present builds of PDANet+, however, do fully support the WiFi Direct data sharing protocol, which continues to work on QLink and most other MVNOs currently. I'm.running it on both an Android 11 and Android 12 devices with no issues.
Are you having trouble with PDANet+?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No trouble that was the fault of PDAnet, had to try my phone's different usb modes so it would stop disconnecting (turned out to be "charge only" mode).
I was just curious if there was anything still being updated in the event that pdanet and easytether stop working for some reason.

Alkuam said:
No trouble that was the fault of PDAnet, had to try my phone's different usb modes so it would stop disconnecting (turned out to be "charge only" mode).
I was just curious if there was anything still being updated in the event that pdanet and easytether stop working for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, PDANet+ is actually an actively maintained project. Although the last codebase update was December, 2020, the introduction of WiFi Direct data sharing support and native Android 11 support has required no further updates to this point. I'm sure when Android 13 launches this fall, the devs will see fit to update the codebase again to keep things running smoothly an all newer devices.
Glad you figured it out. I have ran into the same issue before myself, and ironed things out once I changed the USB mode from charging only to USB Tethering.
To answer your question fully, there are dozens of apps just like EasyTether and PDANet+. I chose those two for this thread because members can use the builds I provided without having to pay a fee.

Viva La Android said:
I've researched your inquiry regarding hotspot & tethering services for Apple iOS. Unfortunately, I'm not finding anything feasible that does not first require an iOS jailbreak procedure. The fact that Apple does not natively permit third-party apps from unknown sources greatly limits your options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They zuck

qlink is not giving me unlimited data I was wondering if there was a way to enable that @ can I just put my sim into an android phone so I can download the pda app

Sure, you can put your QLink SIM in any GSM unlocked or T-Mobile compatible Android smartphone. Then, use the links and instructions I provided above to download and set up PDANet+ w/FoxFi. As far as your data limit, there is no known way to enable unlimited data on an otherwise limited QLink data plan. You can, however, use PDANet+ to share data via WiFi Direct or USB Tethering without QLink being aware that you are hotspotting. Your sharing usage will count against your available data balance; however, QLink will not be aware that the data is being shared.

Thanks for sharing this with us I was able to get it to work

Using a z fold 2 followed all directions I can get it to tether wont wifi direct unless i turn vpn off but my laptop hotspot settings won't allow me to change anything, it says connected through broadband... windows 11 thanks for the tips

So, to make sure I'm clear, you cannot enable WiFi Direct Hotspot on your Z Fold 2 phone unless you first disable your phone's VPN connection, correct?

Yes but I've been tethered using wifi share beta through pda+ and that was working fine but now it seems even when on a VPN I'm capped at 2mbs

Ollipopbean said:
Yes but I've been tethered using wifi share beta through pda+ and that was working fine but now it seems even when on a VPN I'm capped at 2mbs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I suspect that QLink has somehow figured out a way to enforce the speed cap even when internet traffic is routed through a VPN server. I, too, have been experiencing the same thing on my end -- speeds once again capped at 2.0 Mbps or less. I'm going to run some diagnostic tools on the network later today and see what's going on. If I can pinpoint QLink's protocol I'll try to find a remedy for bypassing it.

Related

[Q] Is there a way to enable android hotspot without tethering

Hello all,
I am looking for a way to run my android as a wireless router (not as an access point or a tether).
I am putting together a distributed app with components running on multiple devices. It works fine when I have the Wi-Fi enabled on my android and I have a wi-fi router to connect to, but I need to run this where I won't necessarily have the wi-fi router available.
Basically, I want to run a private network using my android as both my core app, and as a wifi-router/dhcp server, without allowing devices that connect to my android to have access to the internet through my device.
I've seen many apps and threads that all cover how to use the built-in access point, or how to configure the device as a hotspot, but these all discuss tethering and how to get past the limits (or snooping) of your provider and not how to set up a private network.
Is there a way, or an existing app that will allow me to set up a private network as I describe? If not, is there something I can do within my server code to enable the Access Point and disable Tethering at the same time?
Thanks in Advance
F.F.

Pdanet hotspot blocked on Boost Mobile as of March 1st 2018

As of midnight March 1st 2018 PdaNet+ seems to be blocked for users of Boost Mobile for the mobile hotspot feature. My girlfriend said that the hotspot quit working last night at midnight. When I got home I checked with both her device and my own and both now send you to the login page of boost mobile. I was able to work around it, by using the usb tether option in pda net. Then after connecting the phone to my windows 10 pc (tethered) I enabled the built in windows hotspot. To be clear the hotspot within the pdanet windows application did not seem to work. I am wanting to get feedback on if others are having the same issue. The two devices that I have that are affected are an LG Xpower and an LG Stylo 2. Also note that the USB tether option is not as fast as the hotspot option, so this is a major letdown since this is my only internet...
Pdanet
Yes, having the same issue with Pdanet and Boost Mobile. So frustrating since I don't have other internet options right now. Have you heard of any other apps that will work with Boost?
These maybe helpful.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kha.prog.mikrotik
or
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kha.prog.root
Strange, I use Boost and around that same time Utorrent (tried Vuze and Bitlord too) lost their ability to connect to peers via my USB tether or Bluetooth. They would work with my hotspot but PDA has always been restricted by my monthly hotspot data cap (not sure if that's a universal thing) so I'll have to wait a few more days before I know if that's been cut off too.
My VPN (private internet access) stopped working as well. It gets to 'authenticating' and wont go any further.
Im not using a app, im using a custom rom, Wicked X and i an confirm my hotspot is not working right either. its unlimited plan but now it has a 8GB hotspot add on when that was never there. it appeared on March 5th for me.
When the 8GB is up i can only access internet on my desktop, and my tablet. nothing else. and my desktop, torrents and steam downloads dont connect and just sit there at 0.
My friend has stock rom with the mobile hotspot limit bypass through sqlite editor and his did the same thing mine did but a few days prior to me.
Im wondering if this has to do with Net Neutrality being Repealed.
Also phone i am using is
Samsung Galaxy S3 L710
His phone is
Samsung Galaxy S4 L720T
I'm having the same problems with all my devices lg stylo rooted on 5.1.1 and lg g3 rooted on 5.0.
Seams to me that Sprint/Boost mobile have caught up with us leaving us S.O.L.
I'm just about fed up with boost mobile and considering moving to Cricket or Metro. ?
use fox fi 2.19
/[/URL]
Sephious said:
As of midnight March 1st 2018 PdaNet+ seems to be blocked for users of Boost Mobile for the mobile hotspot feature. My girlfriend said that the hotspot quit working last night at midnight. When I got home I checked with both her device and my own and both now send you to the login page of boost mobile. I was able to work around it, by using the usb tether option in pda net. Then after connecting the phone to my windows 10 pc (tethered) I enabled the built in windows hotspot. To be clear the hotspot within the pdanet windows application did not seem to work. I am wanting to get feedback on if others are having the same issue. The two devices that I have that are affected are an LG Xpower and an LG Stylo 2. Also note that the USB tether option is not as fast as the hotspot option, so this is a major letdown since this is my only internet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use fox fi not the updated 2.20 got to this sight download 2.19 and use this cause they disabled the tethering on 2.20 foxfi 2.19 android-apk
Yes I am have the same from at&t has my hot spot blocked I paid for the unlimited plan but obviously it is limited they can control my phone
Boost Mobile hotspot - whether your paying for it or not(this works on several carriers including AT&T, Cricket, MetroPCS, be careful on tmobile), get pdanet, or use wifi direct built in if you can, on the device you want internet on either use pdanet to connect or manually connect.
Connecting Manually
--------------------------
go to WiFi settings connect to the direct-whatever-phone-name, go to wifi settings if it doesnt show options to change proxy settings and click to change proxy to manual make sure to tick the option if its there to use for all connections
proxy - 192.168.49.1
port - 8000
PdaNET+ & Boost Mobile
----------
using p2p/torrent will use your hotspot data and when you run out no more though, trying to find a way around this btw(if anyone knows msg me pls.)
using regular web doesnt use hotspot data
Cricket/AT&T
----------------
so far unlimited use, torrent or not
MetroPCS
------------
so far as far as i can tell unlimited, just make sure to hide tether usage in pdanet

Working Options for Unlimited Tetherting, Hotspot, Carrier Check Bypass Methods

Some research into bypassing T-mobile’s tether restrictions reveals there are several things carriers can do to detect hotspot usage and block those packets:
-is hotspot data sent through a second anp?
-does carrier mark the packets coming through the wlan interface?
-do they filter by user agent strings?
-do they view the ttl?
-do they block urls that phones do not use?
-do they have a monitoring app pre-installed? (ex delete com.tmobile.pr via titanium backup)
Getting around these restrictions while using the native hotspot functionality requires work-arounds that I did not go far enough to successfully implement. One cannot by default edit the APNs for instance. I had to set up a duplicate, but theorize T-mobile was still routing to the hotspot APN I could not edit. With root access (which I have) it should be possible to achieve success, but I have found satisfactory non-root ways of achieving unlimited internet with MetroPCs (owned by T-mobile). I have, however, compiled a number of resources and may look back into what hacks must be used on the native app in the future. If anyone has a good guide on how you're getting hotspot with the Nougat LG V10 please post!
It stands to reason that one must use a non-native application to disguise the tether usage, or significantly modify the native one. After stalling with the mods, I pursued the non-native of attack and found (2) independent working ways to get unlimited tethered internet.
Wifi Tethering apps
I tried various wifi tether apps and without additional modifications or configuration I could not get them to work including:
-native hotspot (which works despite not having a hotspot plan, but t-mobile blocks)
-Wifi tether router by Fabio Grasso ($2.90) (requires root access)--(t-mobile was blocking the connection)—in discussion with developer on how to get working, will update. UPDATE: After back and forth with dev, he recommended using a VPN. His app does route the VPN through the hotspot connection if that feature is toggled. I have not tested. Potentially, changing the TTL of the computer may do something.
-Open Garden Wifi Tether—crashed when attempting to start service
Wifi Direct apps:
Wifi apps such as NetShare (red-themed play store entry is completely free, several paid versions) which use the native wifi direct functionality create a proxy server through which you can connect to via wifi. These DO WORK without additional modifications, but most native desktop apps on your computer cannot access the internet. All websites will load however. You have to set up your internet connection as through a proxy server on the client side but do not need to install additional software. A GOOD OPTION TO HAVE. I have found that one sometimes may need to stop and start the service to get it to give you internet access. The way I do it is start then quickly bring up the wifi menu, computer recognizes the network and connects quickly. If there is too much of a delay between starting and connecting via the client Netshare(Pro) doesn’t seem to work without a quick disable/enable afterwards.
USB tethering apps:
Rely on the phone’s native USB debugging feature in the hidden developer tools menu. (Go to about phone, software info, and tap on build repeatedly until enabled.) NO ROOT required. I tested Easy Tether ($9.99) and ClockWorkMod Tether ($4.99). Both worked well. PDAnet+ may also fall into this category but I have not researched. THIS IS MY PREFERRED METHOD so far. It is also possible to USB tether to certain types of wifi routers and thus get wifi for the home.
-There are PC, Mac, or Linux applications and drivers which must be installed on the computer side.
-Must have USB debugging enabled, and USB options set to Photo Transfer (Media Transfer does not work, and why I originally failed with ClockWorkMod…otherwise probably would have not pursued root!)
-These USB tether apps have the benefit of reducing the heat generated by your phone (no wifi signal generation), so runs cooler (think chips last longer) and uses less energy than when you have wifi hotspot enabled. For this reason, and for the phone being so handy when connected to my laptop, I actually prefer this method. Plus you have access to the pictures and DICM folders of internal storage so you can transfer stuff to the phone fairly immediately. To get full access, however, you’ll have to switch to MTTP mode, which on LG phones such as this V10 will break the internet connection. Other phones may not have this particular issue.
Bluetooth Tether apps:
Easy Tether and probably PDAnet+ support Bluetooth tether. With easy tether I wouldn’t suspect any issues at all using this.
Potential other methods WHICH SEEMED PROMISING, I sorted through a lot! For your inspiration:
-One youtuber mentioned using a desktop hospot application + PDAnet+ to get legit wifi hotspot functionality. The desktop PDAnet+ application apparently disguises the tethering operation. Video here: https://youtu.be/D98abWOkkQI
-Exposed framework and tether for rooted devices (did not try): https://highonandroid.com/android-a...n-rooted-android-att-t-mobile-sprint-verizon/
-Claims you’ll be able to tether any rooted android with this rooted wifi app and particular settings (similar to wifi tether router) https://highonandroid.com/android-a...android-smartphone-or-tablet-universal-guide/ (UPDATE: I tried, app is not compatible with the phone)
See comments section of this article for the below quotes: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/hide-data-usage-get-truly-unlimited-tethering-tmobile-one/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The main issue I see people having is the lack of apn editing. This has been my setup for four years now
-Dd-wrt with iptables to edit the ttl value to 65 -Change TTL on windows PC to 65 so that it appears data is coming from the phone. (41 in hex = 65 in dec) https://social.technet.microsoft.co...o-live-ttl-in-windows?forum=w7itpronetworking
-Changed apn of hotspot to match the apn of normal mobile date. Doesn’t matter if you use fast.xxxx.com or alpha/beta BUT YOU CANT USE THE ORIGINAL HOTSPOT APN it’ll say mobile web or some ****. If you do you will be routed through their hotspot server and tracked. I’ve done this on iOS and android.
-FOR THE FOLKS THAT SAY THE VPN DOESNT WORK. Once again you MUST change the apn AND you have to make sure that your traffic is actually being routed through the VPN, in my experience on both android and iOS hotspot traffic bypass your phones VPN, and VPN on the router/computer traveling through the phone can be tracked if the phone isn’t the one using the VPN, to make it force traffic through the VPN I had to use the for data option in the tether me app on iOS. These things all work if you do it properly.”--Wifi tether router does have this VPN routing function but I have not tested.
"My COMBO works for me on T-Mobile unlimited.
Nexus 5x – rooted 6.01 with “settings put global tether_dun_required 0”
PLUS
Asus n31u router (w/ net.ipv4.ip_default_ttl = 65, bridge mod)
Works for Window 7 desktop and laptop, chromebook, and tablets. All about 80 Gigs last month”
“The TTLstands for “time to live” it is a counter on the data you send for its maximum hop count, or the number of devices it can travel through, for ever device it goes down by one, windows has a default TTL of 128, while Android has one of 64, if you change the TTL for windows to 65 when it gets to the phone the TTL will go down by one makeing it equal 64 the same as the phone. There are more adwanced way to do this so you can run a whole network off this by using a router with either DD-wrt, Tomatos or open-wrt or a dedicated pc running either pfsense, linux, or freebsd to act as a router and mangle the TTl on the fly, the benefits of this is it gets ALL of the data(windows seem to miss a small amount arohnd 5%) and its possible to edit the User agent in ways that dont mess up websites with squid and just appending the device.”
Reserved
For USB tether clients, ClockWorkMod seems to be programmed in a lower-level fashion and produce significantly less heat than running Easytether. I will be monitoring and update.
Arr123 said:
Some research into bypassing T-mobile’s tether restrictions reveals there are several things carriers can do to detect hotspot usage and block those packets:
-is hotspot data sent through a second anp?
-does carrier mark the packets coming through the wlan interface?
-do they filter by user agent strings?
-do they view the ttl?
-do they block urls that phones do not use?
-do they have a monitoring app pre-installed? (ex delete com.tmobile.pr via titanium backup)
Getting around these restrictions while using the native hotspot functionality requires work-arounds that I did not go far enough to successfully implement. One cannot by default edit the APNs for instance. I had to set up a duplicate, but theorize T-mobile was still routing to the hotspot APN I could not edit. With root access (which I have) it should be possible to achieve success, but I have found satisfactory non-root ways of achieving unlimited internet with MetroPCs (owned by T-mobile). I have, however, compiled a number of resources and may look back into what hacks must be used on the native app in the future. If anyone has a good guide on how you're getting hotspot with the Nougat LG V10 please post!
It stands to reason that one must use a non-native application to disguise the tether usage, or significantly modify the native one. After stalling with the mods, I pursued the non-native of attack and found (2) independent working ways to get unlimited tethered internet.
Wifi Tethering apps
I tried various wifi tether apps and without additional modifications or configuration I could not get them to work including:
-native hotspot (which works despite not having a hotspot plan, but t-mobile blocks)
-Wifi tether router by Fabio Grasso ($2.90) (requires root access)--(t-mobile was blocking the connection)—in discussion with developer on how to get working, will update. UPDATE: After back and forth with dev, he recommended using a VPN. His app does route the VPN through the hotspot connection if that feature is toggled. I have not tested. Potentially, changing the TTL of the computer may do something.
-Open Garden Wifi Tether—crashed when attempting to start service
Wifi Direct apps:
Wifi apps such as NetShare (red-themed play store entry is completely free, several paid versions) which use the native wifi direct functionality create a proxy server through which you can connect to via wifi. These DO WORK without additional modifications, but most native desktop apps on your computer cannot access the internet. All websites will load however. You have to set up your internet connection as through a proxy server on the client side but do not need to install additional software. A GOOD OPTION TO HAVE. I have found that one sometimes may need to stop and start the service to get it to give you internet access. The way I do it is start then quickly bring up the wifi menu, computer recognizes the network and connects quickly. If there is too much of a delay between starting and connecting via the client Netshare(Pro) doesn’t seem to work without a quick disable/enable afterwards.
USB tethering apps:
Rely on the phone’s native USB debugging feature in the hidden developer tools menu. (Go to about phone, software info, and tap on build repeatedly until enabled.) NO ROOT required. I tested Easy Tether ($9.99) and ClockWorkMod Tether ($4.99). Both worked well. PDAnet+ may also fall into this category but I have not researched. THIS IS MY PREFERRED METHOD so far. It is also possible to USB tether to certain types of wifi routers and thus get wifi for the home.
-There are PC, Mac, or Linux applications and drivers which must be installed on the computer side.
-Must have USB debugging enabled, and USB options set to Photo Transfer (Media Transfer does not work, and why I originally failed with ClockWorkMod…otherwise probably would have not pursued root!)
-These USB tether apps have the benefit of reducing the heat generated by your phone (no wifi signal generation), so runs cooler (think chips last longer) and uses less energy than when you have wifi hotspot enabled. For this reason, and for the phone being so handy when connected to my laptop, I actually prefer this method. Plus you have access to the pictures and DICM folders of internal storage so you can transfer stuff to the phone fairly immediately. To get full access, however, you’ll have to switch to MTTP mode, which on LG phones such as this V10 will break the internet connection. Other phones may not have this particular issue.
Bluetooth Tether apps:
Easy Tether and probably PDAnet+ support Bluetooth tether. With easy tether I wouldn’t suspect any issues at all using this.
Potential other methods WHICH SEEMED PROMISING, I sorted through a lot! For your inspiration:
-One youtuber mentioned using a desktop hospot application + PDAnet+ to get legit wifi hotspot functionality. The desktop PDAnet+ application apparently disguises the tethering operation. Video here: https://youtu.be/D98abWOkkQI
-Exposed framework and tether for rooted devices (did not try): https://highonandroid.com/android-a...n-rooted-android-att-t-mobile-sprint-verizon/
-Claims you’ll be able to tether any rooted android with this rooted wifi app and particular settings (similar to wifi tether router) https://highonandroid.com/android-a...android-smartphone-or-tablet-universal-guide/ (UPDATE: I tried, app is not compatible with the phone)
See comments section of this article for the below quotes: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/hide-data-usage-get-truly-unlimited-tethering-tmobile-one/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The main issue I see people having is the lack of apn editing. This has been my setup for four years now
-Dd-wrt with iptables to edit the ttl value to 65 -Change TTL on windows PC to 65 so that it appears data is coming from the phone. (41 in hex = 65 in dec) https://social.technet.microsoft.co...o-live-ttl-in-windows?forum=w7itpronetworking
-Changed apn of hotspot to match the apn of normal mobile date. Doesn’t matter if you use fast.xxxx.com or alpha/beta BUT YOU CANT USE THE ORIGINAL HOTSPOT APN it’ll say mobile web or some ****. If you do you will be routed through their hotspot server and tracked. I’ve done this on iOS and android.
-FOR THE FOLKS THAT SAY THE VPN DOESNT WORK. Once again you MUST change the apn AND you have to make sure that your traffic is actually being routed through the VPN, in my experience on both android and iOS hotspot traffic bypass your phones VPN, and VPN on the router/computer traveling through the phone can be tracked if the phone isn’t the one using the VPN, to make it force traffic through the VPN I had to use the for data option in the tether me app on iOS. These things all work if you do it properly.”--Wifi tether router does have this VPN routing function but I have not tested.
"My COMBO works for me on T-Mobile unlimited.
Nexus 5x – rooted 6.01 with “settings put global tether_dun_required 0”
PLUS
Asus n31u router (w/ net.ipv4.ip_default_ttl = 65, bridge mod)
Works for Window 7 desktop and laptop, chromebook, and tablets. All about 80 Gigs last month”
“The TTLstands for “time to live” it is a counter on the data you send for its maximum hop count, or the number of devices it can travel through, for ever device it goes down by one, windows has a default TTL of 128, while Android has one of 64, if you change the TTL for windows to 65 when it gets to the phone the TTL will go down by one makeing it equal 64 the same as the phone. There are more adwanced way to do this so you can run a whole network off this by using a router with either DD-wrt, Tomatos or open-wrt or a dedicated pc running either pfsense, linux, or freebsd to act as a router and mangle the TTl on the fly, the benefits of this is it gets ALL of the data(windows seem to miss a small amount arohnd 5%) and its possible to edit the User agent in ways that dont mess up websites with squid and just appending the device.”
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently been looking into this as well. I've currently been using the new pdanet with with wifi direct but it seem to be hit or miss when getting a internet connection when using the proxy method. I have a few devices where i cant install the interface so im looking for reliable method
Few scenarios im looking at. The first one you cover quite a bit, was wondering if your using IPV4 or IPV6 with your different apn settings? 2nd scenario is being able to tether when connected to wifi like from a hotel and being able to pass that to other devices and the 3rd is being able to pass along a vpn connection if connected to free wifi places
Sorry for the necropost, I just wanted to point out that currently the only method you can use to hide tethering from T-mo is PDANet with it's "Hide Tether Usage" feature.
All other methods are detected and if you have tethering, will count against your tethering allotment.
majikfox said:
Sorry for the necropost, I just wanted to point out that currently the only method you can use to hide tethering from T-mo is PDANet with it's "Hide Tether Usage" feature.
All other methods are detected and if you have tethering, will count against your tethering allotment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. Just wanted to make sure since I wanted to try the TTL method, but that is also blocked by T-Mobile correct?
TTL 65 didn't work on my computers, but 85 and 99 did. So don't be afraid to try different things.
However, the phone should be able to modify the TTL before it forwards the packet. How is there not an app that does this, or is there a setting or hack we can do to make it change the TTL as it passes through the phone?
edit: have searched more and learned some apps do, but they don't work on my phone. Not sure why.
I have metro pcs with 15gb of hotspot data.. i run out every month.. once my data runs out i use hotspotvpn. A free app on the google play store and it works for everything.. been doing it for months..never had any issues
CHEEF WALKING-FROG said:
I have metro pcs with 15gb of hotspot data.. i run out every month.. once my data runs out i use hotspotvpn. A free app on the google play store and it works for everything.. been doing it for months..never had any issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one do you use? I saw a few that had the same name
Same here metro
13crigby said:
Which one do you use? I saw a few that had the same name
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im also wondering which app you're referring to. Theres quite a few with that name
CHEEF WALKING-FROG said:
I have metro pcs with 15gb of hotspot data.. i run out every month.. once my data runs out i use hotspotvpn. A free app on the google play store and it works for everything.. been doing it for months..never had any issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me third the request. I just clocked through 8 or 9 different apps with that name. Who is the publisher?
Thanks!
Bypass With Termux
I've done this for ever and it's not going to be restricted to who you have but it will 100 percent get around any data throttling.
Download Termux app and install openssh-server on it. Go ahead and hotspot your phone, then run ifconfig inside Termux to get your current tethering local IP. It will be the only 192. spit out when you run ifconfig. Save this. Run sshd -dD inside Termux which starts an openssh server waiting to be connected to in debug mode to audit traffic. Now pop onto a PC or router you can SSH into, whatever and connect it to your hotspot from your phone. Now SSH tunnel all the traffic from the device back through the openssh server your running on the Termux app. Now that you are on the same local network you can SSH tunnel into that IP address you saved earlier. As long as you make sure all your traffic passes through the tunnel it 100 percent shows that all your internet is being used by Termux app not your hotspot app so you need no other spoofing of hops or anything because to your phone and carrier you are just using a bunch of data in termux, you do it right you will never be throttled I've used 150GB data multiple times.
Step by step > https://github.com/RiFi2k/unlimited-tethering
RiFi2k said:
I've done this for ever and it's not going to be restricted to who you have but it will 100 percent get around any data throttling.
Download Termux app and install openssh-server on it. Go ahead and hotspot your phone, then run ifconfig inside Termux to get your current tethering local IP. It will be the only 192. spit out when you run ifconfig. Save this. Run sshd -dD inside Termux which starts an openssh server waiting to be connected to in debug mode to audit traffic. Now pop onto a PC or router you can SSH into, whatever and connect it to your hotspot from your phone. Now SSH tunnel all the traffic from the device back through the openssh server your running on the Termux app. Now that you are on the same local network you can SSH tunnel into that IP address you saved earlier. As long as you make sure all your traffic passes through the tunnel it 100 percent shows that all your internet is being used by Termux app not your hotspot app so you need no other spoofing of hops or anything because to your phone and carrier you are just using a bunch of data in termux, you do it right you will never be throttled I've used 150GB data multiple times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is amazing. How do I use my Windows PC to connect to the openSSH server to create the traffic tunnel? Also, how do I force my Windows 10 traffic through the tunnel?
I am guessing with Putty and then setup SSH proxy in a browser to force traffic? Won't that only allow browser based traffic through the tunnel and not all traffic from the Windows computer?
VICosPhi said:
This is amazing. How do I use my Windows PC to connect to the openSSH server to create the traffic tunnel? Also, how do I force my Windows 10 traffic through the tunnel?
I am guessing with Putty and then setup SSH proxy in a browser to force traffic? Won't that only allow browser based traffic through the tunnel and not all traffic from the Windows computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I am an everyday linux user and for me personally I use sshuttle to route everything back through the tunnel because it already handles the TCP over TCP problem because the guy that wrote it is a boss. This here explains that.
If I was on windows I would go with their vagrant solution because then you get the benefit of sshuttle and all your responsible for is making sure all traffic goes through the VM. Also you could use something like proxycap and putty works as well although I guess it's slow people have said.
Browser traffic can be handled with SOCKS proxies.
I feel like it's a pretty great solution overall and can benefit some people so I started a repo and I'll fully document how it works, I'm just too tired tonight so keep an eye out https://github.com/RiFi2k/unlimited-tethering and I'll step by step linux and windows for everyone as much as possible, plus if anyone else has scripts and whatnot feel free to contribute.
RiFi2k said:
So I am an everyday linux user and for me personally I use sshuttle to route everything back through the tunnel because it already handles the TCP over TCP problem because the guy that wrote it is a boss. This here explains that.
If I was on windows I would go with their vagrant solution because then you get the benefit of sshuttle and all your responsible for is making sure all traffic goes through the VM. Also you could use something like proxycap and putty works as well although I guess it's slow people have said.
Browser traffic can be handled with SOCKS proxies.
I feel like it's a pretty great solution overall and can benefit some people so I started a repo and I'll fully document how it works, I'm just too tired tonight so keep an eye out https://github.com/RiFi2k/unlimited-tethering and I'll step by step linux and windows for everyone as much as possible, plus if anyone else has scripts and whatnot feel free to contribute.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, will read up on this. Adding your github to my bookmarks as well. :good:
RiFi2k said:
I've done this for ever and it's not going to be restricted to who you have but it will 100 percent get around any data throttling.
Download Termux app and install openssh-server on it. Go ahead and hotspot your phone, then run ifconfig inside Termux to get your current tethering local IP. It will be the only 192. spit out when you run ifconfig. Save this. Run sshd -dD inside Termux which starts an openssh server waiting to be connected to in debug mode to audit traffic. Now pop onto a PC or router you can SSH into, whatever and connect it to your hotspot from your phone. Now SSH tunnel all the traffic from the device back through the openssh server your running on the Termux app. Now that you are on the same local network you can SSH tunnel into that IP address you saved earlier. As long as you make sure all your traffic passes through the tunnel it 100 percent shows that all your internet is being used by Termux app not your hotspot app so you need no other spoofing of hops or anything because to your phone and carrier you are just using a bunch of data in termux, you do it right you will never be throttled I've used 150GB data multiple times.
Step by step > https://github.com/RiFi2k/unlimited-tethering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had any user tried this already and confirm that it works with metropcs?
Pdanet+ documentation details that only usb tether+hide tether usage works with metropcs. It took me a while to go around all of it, but I haven't tested due to I want to switch carriers to metropcs.
RiFi2k said:
I've done this for ever and it's not going to be restricted to who you have but it will 100 percent get around any data throttling.
Download Termux app and install openssh-server on it. Go ahead and hotspot your phone, then run ifconfig inside Termux to get your current tethering local IP. It will be the only 192. spit out when you run ifconfig. Save this. Run sshd -dD inside Termux which starts an openssh server waiting to be connected to in debug mode to audit traffic. Now pop onto a PC or router you can SSH into, whatever and connect it to your hotspot from your phone. Now SSH tunnel all the traffic from the device back through the openssh server your running on the Termux app. Now that you are on the same local network you can SSH tunnel into that IP address you saved earlier. As long as you make sure all your traffic passes through the tunnel it 100 percent shows that all your internet is being used by Termux app not your hotspot app so you need no other spoofing of hops or anything because to your phone and carrier you are just using a bunch of data in termux, you do it right you will never be throttled I've used 150GB data multiple times.
Step by step > https://github.com/RiFi2k/unlimited-tethering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bro!! Thank you !!
This is great idea, I would try it on my country to see if this works
myself379 said:
Hey bro!! Thank you !!
This is great idea, I would try it on my country to see if this works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure! See the nice thing about this method is that your phone doesn't register any of the data used as coming from the tethering app, it 100% all gets attributed to the Termux app because of the SSH tunnel. So basically there is no way for anyone at your carrier to know, or prove that you actually were tethering at all. If you open up the apps section and check out the part where it shows you how much data each app used you will see what I mean. So basically it really doesn't matter what country / carrier / phone you have, as long as you have access to be able to tether and you have a computer you can use for the SSH tunnel it's impossible for them to throttle you because they can't prove you actually used the data tethering. When you read the fine print about them throttling it basically says the same thing, if they can't definitively prove the data came from tethering it doesn't go on your tethering cap.
Hello RiFi2k,
OK, thanks for the information. I'm trying to translate this into a windows environment(Windows 10 phone and PC).
Here is what I have so far, but a few of your points are unclear. A little clarity would be fantastic.
Translation for Windows 10 phone
Since, I'm on a windows phone there is no Termux app. I guess Termux is used to install the SSH server and gain access to a command prompt, correct?
1. Ok since openssh server is built into the windows phone OS and I can access the command prompt via putty, I should be fine, right.
2. Generate key pair and stored public key on phone. Working fine.
3. Hotspot connection to phone.
4. Run ipconfig(windows) on phone or local machine. On local machine, gateway address is the needed ip, same as hotspot address on phone.
5. SSH Server is started on phone once the phone is placed in development mode.
Can't put server in debug mode on phone, but I'm pretty certain that it's hard coded to listen on port 22.
6. Your instructions on github.com have duplicated the step number 5, which should be 6 and I am having a little trouble sorting through it.
7. I guess the only way to tunnel to the phone is to run a putty session from the Windows machine configured per your instructions.
Are these commands executed on the device or phone?:
ssh -D 8123 -fqgN [email protected].1 -p 22 (ssh client)
sshuttle -r [email protected].1:22 0.0.0.0/0 0.0.0.0 (sock proxy)
Either way, I will need to use putty for the SSH Client portion. What are the switches in your example "-fqgN"? Are the switches concatenated?
-f Specifies a per-user configuration file.
-q Quiet mode
-g Allows remote hosts to connect to local forwarded ports.
-N ???
And finally, depending on where the above commands are run, I will need to find a sock proxy solution, if I want all traffic going through the tunnel.
Again, thanks for all your hard work.
davy4620 said:
Hello RiFi2k,
OK, thanks for the information. I'm trying to translate this into a windows environment(Windows 10 phone and PC).
Here is what I have so far, but a few of your points are unclear. A little clarity would be fantastic.
Translation for Windows 10 phone
Since, I'm on a windows phone there is no Termux app. I guess Termux is used to install the SSH server and gain access to a command prompt, correct?
1. Ok since openssh server is built into the windows phone OS and I can access the command prompt via putty, I should be fine, right.
2. Generate key pair and stored public key on phone. Working fine.
3. Hotspot connection to phone.
4. Run ipconfig(windows) on phone or local machine. On local machine, gateway address is the needed ip, same as hotspot address on phone.
5. SSH Server is started on phone once the phone is placed in development mode.
Can't put server in debug mode on phone, but I'm pretty certain that it's hard coded to listen on port 22.
6. Your instructions on github.com have duplicated the step number 5, which should be 6 and I am having a little trouble sorting through it.
7. I guess the only way to tunnel to the phone is to run a putty session from the Windows machine configured per your instructions.
Are these commands executed on the device or phone?:
ssh -D 8123 -fqgN [email protected].1 -p 22 (ssh client)
sshuttle -r [email protected].1:22 0.0.0.0/0 0.0.0.0 (sock proxy)
Either way, I will need to use putty for the SSH Client portion. What are the switches in your example "-fqgN"? Are the switches concatenated?
-f Specifies a per-user configuration file.
-q Quiet mode
-g Allows remote hosts to connect to local forwarded ports.
-N ???
And finally, depending on where the above commands are run, I will need to find a sock proxy solution, if I want all traffic going through the tunnel.
Again, thanks for all your hard work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so the N is `-N Do not execute a remote command. This is useful for just forwarding ports (protocol version 2 only).` reference https://linux.die.net/man/1/ssh
It's completely fine if you don't have debug mode on when you start the sshd server on your phone, you actually don't technically need any flags. One is debug and one is detached so it runs in the background, which you are generally going to want.
Both those commands are run on your computer, but you only use one or the other. Follow my link to sshuttle they have information for using it on Windows, it will transparently route all your traffic through the tunnel for you already so it's way better than anything else.
So just to recap, you start the sshd (ssh server) on your phone and it will spit out a port. Then you go to your PC and ssh or sshuttle (ssh client) connect to your phone.
I'm around if you need more help!
---------- Post added at 12:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:40 AM ----------
Also once you get it working on Windows with your phone if you don't mind letting me know what version of Windows and what model your phone is, and where the directions hung you up, because I'll mention it all to help the next person.
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm going to have to dig a little deeper. It looks as if Microsoft is doing some kind of filtering on the WiFi interface and blocking this approach. Again, thanks for the great start.

T-Mobile hotspot throttle

So T-mobile is one of the most aggressive throttlers of hotspot usage out there. They basically utilize every single trick in the book to spy on your traffic and see if you are using hotspot.
User agent headers
TTL
Deep state packet
Basically the only way to get around this is to run a VPN from your phone that can tunnel traffic through the hotspot WLAN port so that any connected devices send their traffic through the VPN as a sort of proxy. Or you can use an app like PdaNet which masks all data by utilizing an endpoint client on your laptop to keep all the packet information originating from the phone.
I have tried everthing. I have root, i have edited build.prop, i have added every type of noprovisioning/DUN type command i can find through adb, I have installed magisk modules, I have edited windows TTL settings and used user agent spoofers to make it look like im browing on a mobile device.
Nothing.Ever.Works.
So I'm wonder if any of you have had any success getting unthrottled hotspot to work on t-mobile.

[LMG900TM] VPNs Won't Connect on Mobile Network | Hotspot Doesn't Pass Data

T-Mobile LG Velvet 5G [LMG900TM]
Android 11 [LMG900TM20G]
Carrier Unlocked
Rooted with Magisk
Service by Metro by T-Mobile
T-Mobile APN
---------------------
Straight to the point: I rooted this device in order to unlock the hotspot, run VPN Hotspot app, to serve data to my home network. However, the VPN app will not connect to servers. Without being connected to VPN, it will not serve data to other devices (for some reason, as using VPN should be optional).
The same setup works just fine on my old device, using the same rooting process, apps/VPN, sim, APN, and plan thru Metro.
---------------------
After trying several VPNs, I was able to connect using ProtonVPN free. If memory serves me correctly, it was able to connect using OpenVPN TCP protocol.
But, I'm not wanting to eat my current VPN subscription, and pay for a new one elsewhere.
My typical VPN will connect to servers when connected to WiFi. Just not over the T-Mobile network on this device.
ive tried switching APN to use only IPv4 for regular and roaming connections. Same results. On my other device, there was no problems with VPN connections using standard APN with IPv4/IPv5 selected
Also worth noting that the hotspot will activate, but will not pass any data thru without being connected to (proton) VPN. On other devices, using the same service provider, settings, and methods, hotspot works with or without tunneling thru a VPN connection.
The only use of VPN Hotspot app is to force tethered data thru the VPN tunnel, but not necessary to use data over the stock android hotspot.
---------------------
To summarize, I suspect the inability to pass data over hotspot and/or connect to VPN is rooted in either
Bug in the android 11 ...20G rom
Shenanigans with T-Mobile baking in roadblocks to prevent sharing data without paying and preventing VPN connections on their devices when using their network
The problem has me stumped because the T-Mobile network gives me no problems on my old carrier-free device using this exact setup, settings, options, etc. Kinda rules out the service provider being the problem.
I'm leaning toward this being something T-Mobile baked into the rom to prevent unauthorized data sharing from their devices, despite it being carrier unlocked. I say this because the stock hotspot won't pass data with a direct connection unless you have a VPN connected. VPN has no problem connecting via WiFi. Seems like T-Mobile may be blocking VPN connections on their network when using one of their devices
Or, could just be a bug in the LG system
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At this point, i've transferred service back to my old device (I'm using the hotspot data right now). Figure I'll just toss this Velvet in the phone drawer or sell it, since it won't do what I need it to do. Shame really, cause it's a nice device. Waste of $150+ tho
FWIW the old device is a el cheapo Umidigi A7 Pro I picked up last year for $100. It runs a nearly barebones build of android 10. For the money, I can't complain. It's been dropped, ran over, left outside overnight in the rain. Still ticking.
I live out in the sticks. Only other ISP option is hughesnet satellite (which is practically unusable and expensive). I pick up a couple bars on T-Mobile with my phone in the window. Run hotspot on the device. I have a dd wrt router set as a repeater bridge that connects to the hotspot. Devices in my home connect to the repeater. This allows me to use Chromecast, and all apps function properly (messengers, push notices, etc). Works just like a 'real' internet connection. Decent ping, albeit only pulls down a few megs per second. Still leaps and bounds over sat connection. And I'm paying for the phone anyway, so saves on monthly bills.
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