Android: Tethering with CyanogenMod 4.2.3.1 via Bluetooth, Wifi or USB
by mmayhew on Oct.30, 2009, under Android, Technology
Tethering allows you to share your phone’s Internet connection with another device, such as your laptop or desktop computer. Most wireless companies charge a hefty fee for air cards or tether access but with your Android device running CyanogenMod you only need your existing data plan.
USB Tethering
As of CyanogenMod 4.2.3.1, USB tethering is built right into the ROM.
- Go to Settings
- Wireless Controls
- Check ‘Internet Tethering’
If your Android device is connected to your PC via USB, the OS should recognize a new USB adapter and voila, Internet access via USB!
Here are some screen shots of my G1 and Ubuntu 9.04 laptop:
WiFi Tethering
If you don’t have a USB cable or want to connect multiple devices, Wifi tethering is awesome! This is by far, my favorite method of tethering. For all you geeks out there, this option basically creates an ad-hoc wifi network, handles dhcp and becomes a router/wifi gateway. Sweet huh?
This is done with a program called Wireless Tether for Root Users. The program is very self explanatory but here are some rough steps:
- Open Wireless Tether for Root Users
- Menu -> Setup
- Make sure “Use Bluetooth” is unchecked
- Scroll down and set SSID
- If you want to use WEP, check “Enable WiFi-Encryption” and then choose “Change Passphrase”
- Press back
- Start Tethering!
- From your wifi-enabled device, re-scan and select your SSID
- Ta Da!
Wireless Tether for Root Users will use the notification area to show your connected. You can enabled MAC-filtering and allow or dis-allow certain devices.
Check out these awesome screenshots:
Bluetooth Tethering
I have to apologize because I can’t talk to Bluetooth Tethering other than it’s possible and it’s awesome. The same app, Wireless Tether for Root Users, offers Bluetooth Tethering but my laptop isn’t bluetooth enabled so I can’t test and provide feedback.
But speaking of Bluetooth, as of CyanogenMod 4.2.3.1, Bluetooth OBEX is working! If you have Bluetooth enabled, you can share files, contacts and images via Bluetooth. Check out the screenshot below:
If you have any questions on Tethering, CyanogenMod or Android in general, please comment and I’ll respond. Below are some useful links relevant to this post:
CyanogenMod – http://www.cyanogenmod.com
CM 4.2.3.1 on XDA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=567610
Wireless Tether for Root Users: http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/
November 1st, 2009 on 2:05 pm
Hi Micheal, Just a quick unrelated question. What weather app is that you’re using? -Tom
November 1st, 2009 on 4:47 pm
Tom- I’m using WeatherBug on the Android. It shows the temp. in the notification area.
You can configure it to show black text or white text. I normally use a theme that is black.. That’s why it has white text that you can barely read.
I had just flashed CyanogenMod 4.2.3.1 before doing the screen shots, so it overwrote the theme.
Just wanted to explain the white on white text.
Thanks,
Michael
November 4th, 2009 on 6:14 pm
hi micheal, did you know why my laptop it wont reconize my g1 im trying to use usb tethering but it wont work,if you can please help me out? thank you!
November 5th, 2009 on 4:49 am
Hey, good article. You did a good job outlining all the tethering options for Android all in one place. I am sure a lot of people will find that useful. Keep it up!
November 5th, 2009 on 8:10 am
Sorry Daniel, I have no clue. I would recommend hooking your G1 to another laptop/desktop. If it works, then it’s probably an issue with your laptop. If it doesn’t work, it’s probably an issue with the G1.
November 5th, 2009 on 8:11 am
Thanks Chuck. Glad you liked it.
November 6th, 2009 on 9:34 am
Hi, i m running your latest rom and have downloaded wireless tether for root users. But some how it just does work for me it just keeps saying”unable to start tethering. Please try again!
Why is that and how can i resolve this?
thanks
ps – i like your rom btw
November 6th, 2009 on 12:07 pm
Hey Zero, Glad you found my Blog and find it useful but CyanogenMod is not my ROM. I’m a fan of it, just like you.
I’m not sure why you are having trouble with Wireless Tether for Root Users. Did it prompt you for root access? If not, check your SuperUsers app for permissions.
If you can’t figure it out, head over to XDA and poke around.
November 7th, 2009 on 5:10 pm
Please, let me know witch tmobile 3g phone allows tethering with bluetooth. I wish for the cheaspest one.
November 7th, 2009 on 8:45 pm
Martins2012, I don’t keep up with all t-mobile phones. Just the Android devices.
November 8th, 2009 on 4:13 pm
I am running cm 4.2.3.1 and I enabled usb tethering. Plugged into usb on my laptop. It said found new hardware. I clicked on install automatic and then it tells me not able to install new hardware. I currently tether via bluetooth bc wifi kills phone battery. I want usb tether so phone charges at same time. Please help.
November 12th, 2009 on 9:08 am
Can anyone confirm the this tethering option is functional with android 1.6? I cannot get it to work.
November 12th, 2009 on 9:43 am
Kipp- It only works if you are running a rooted version of 1.6 such as CyanogenMod. The USB Tethering option is limited to CyanogenMod 4.2.3+. The Wifi Tether for Root Users app is limited to Android phones with root access.
December 20th, 2009 on 9:47 am
I’m also trying to tether via usb, and have the same driver issue in windows that others do. Seems like the driver needs to come from the windows android sdk, but when I try to point driver installation to the sdk, no usable drivers show up… anyone know where to find the windows driver that enables tethering?
December 25th, 2009 on 2:26 am
Hey, that’s some great information you got there. I subscribed to your feed, hope to hear more soon!
December 31st, 2009 on 10:25 pm
Can you use this on a T-Mobile Motorola Cliq Phone. Thanks
January 6th, 2010 on 1:11 pm
For those with driver issues, you need to install this on your Windows machine first
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=445436
January 13th, 2010 on 3:07 pm
Bluetooth USB Dongle that i bought at dealextreme.com for <$2 works great on my 5-6 year old Thinkpad.
January 26th, 2010 on 8:50 pm
Which is the safest way to root my mytouch?
July 1st, 2010 on 1:01 am
Will this work on,a moto cliq