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Enable your phone's hidden tethering feature with Hotspot Control
Tethering functionality on Android devices is no doubt convenient for users. Unfortunately, some devices are subject to carrier branding and therefore modified to have the ability of creating their own local networks disabled. The functionality may be even unavailable when no SIM is present. With the Hotspot Control app, however, users can bypass said issues that prevent creating portable hotspots, allowing their devices to connect with each other.
Developed by Chainfire, the app comes with a straightforward interface to complete a simple task. To allow tethering, just turn on the Wi-Fi, input a name and password, and then enable the access point. A password is always present for security purposes and uses WPA2 AES + TKIP encryption. The app is friendly even to the average user since, in most cases, rooting is not required.
Take note that Hotspot Control is used for establishing local connections only. As per the description in the Play Store, the app is not created with the purpose of circumventing the carrier-implemented protection used to prevent sharing a mobile device’s Internet through tethering. Users have submitted reviews with varying results upon using the app. Depending on how carriers deactivated the tethering option, certain devices are not compatible with the app while some others are lucky enough to actually gain Internet access.
Hotspot Control works on devices running on Android 4.0.3 and up. It only requires a measly 80k storage space and can be downloaded for free. Also check out the issues, results, and suggestions that are further discussed at an XDA Developers forum thread.