[Galaxy S 4 Active General] Gorgenapper:
I've been using the phone for a few days, and I'm not going back to my iPhone 4S now. Too many goodies on the GS4 Active and Android. I've resolved most of the issues I've been running into by myself (disabling some bloatware, installing stuff from the Google Play store, replacing the ****ty stock camera app with Camera Zoom Fx, etc).

So I tried to use internet tethering (mobile hotspot), and it is disabled. It tells me that Mobile data is not available or invalid SIM. The phone is an AT&T phone (I537), and I'm using it on the Fido network here in Canada on the 3G APN (not the LTE APN). Fido has internet tethering free by default (as it should be), I used it on my iPhone 4S, so I'm guessing that it is my phone which has the feature disabled even though my provider and data plan support it.

Do you think I could use the same trick that the regular GS4 guys are using to enable it, by changing some stuff in the TetheringProvision.apk file? I read it in the link below:

http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-tutorials/how-to-wifi-tether-att-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337/

Or is there a specific way that we can use to enable this feature? Thanks...

EDIT: Here is a full detailed guide, I just went through the process myself. Many thanks to bluesphere0 for the help!

Overview of steps:

>>> Root

>>> Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot

>>>* Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot

>>> Root

1) Start by rooting the device: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2347793

NOTE: For step #3 in that thread, after the apk installs, you will eventually be brought to a completion menu with 'Done' and 'Open' options. Choose the 'Open' option and it will tell you that you should have root access now. If you accidentally tap 'Done', you can just reinstall the apk again.

2) Get SuperSU on the Play Store. Open it, update the binaries, etc. Your device should be fully rooted at this point. You can check this by downloading Root Checker on the Play Store, but this is unnecessary.

>>> Quarantine 'TetheringProvision' to disable the software lock on hotspot

3) Enable USB Debugging (Settings > More > About Device > tap the Build Number about 10 times > back button > Developer options > check USB debugging). This is required by App Quarantine in order to quarantine files.

4) Get App Quarantine from the Play Store, tap the wrench icon at the top right, uncheck 'Hide system services', hit the back button, then tap on 'TetheringProvision' and tap on the lock icon at the top right. If successful, it will lock it up in the 'Quarantine' tab at the right. Check to make sure that it is in there. This 'freezes' the file which is responsible for locking down the hotspot functionality.

Alternatively, it may be possible to get away with just renaming the TetheringProvision.apk and TetheringProvision.odex files, but you may not be able to use ES File Explorer to do this, even if you have root access. It didn't work on my device even though I had root access. The solution is to get ROM Toolbox Lite, use the Root Explorer tool and rename it from there.

>>> Use ES File Explorer to configure and turn on the hotspot

5) Get ES File Explorer from the Play Store. Tap the hard key for menu, scroll down and tap on Net Manager. Tap on Settings at the bottom, select 'Use the system AP setting', enter an SSID (recommended to be short with no spaces, like 'MyName_GS4_Active'), and a password. Tap on OK. Tap on the back button. Tap on 'Create a hotspot network'. It will say 'Establishing Network...turning on', followed by 'Now you are using AP, SSID is...', AP password:, and an 'Exit' button. It may say 'Unfortunately, Settings has stopped' after this, but IGNORE it. Your hotspot is still active - look at the top left of the phone, you will see a wifi symbol in a blue icon, this is your indication that your hotspot is working.

Notes:

To turn ON the Wifi Tethering:

1) ES File Explorer > hit the menu key > Net Manager > Create a hotspot network.

You CANNOT turn on the hotspot using the built-in menu in TouchWiz/Android.

To turn OFF the Wifi Tethering:

2a) Pull the notification menu down (swipe down from the top of the phone), tap on 'Tethering or hotspot active' under the 'Ongoing' section, turn it off.

OR

2b) Settings > Connections > More networks > Tethering and portable hotspot > turn it off

OR

2c) ES File Explorer > menu > Net Manager > tap the Exit button at the top (under the details for your hotspot).

NOTES:

* For turning off the Wifi Tethering, I've found that the fastest way is option 2a.

* For AT&T phones: "Use foxfi and enable the proxy service it will mask your tethering." - dave5777