Update 3.27.2011 : If you are a Spint customer and downloaded or automatically received the most recent system update this Hotspot method no longer works. If you haven't updated, njoi.
I recently got an LG Optimus S and I absolutely love it. Just wanted to get that out of the way.
It has a ton of features for an 'entry level' Android phone and a well-updated, recent version of the Android OS (2.2.1) that seems to not find its way to less expensive Android phones (I'm looking at you, Cricket).
One feature on the Optimus S which I was personally excited about was its ability to act as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Of course, I then found out it was $30 extra per month on my bill to have this luxury so I sort of forgot about it until.....
Earlier, I was researching rooting my Optimus S and came across two different articles both claiming to allow you to utilize the Portable Wi-Fi hotspot feature just by downloading a free app from the Android Marketplace. I tried the first method (found here) and while the hotspot function seemed to turn on on the phone, I was unable to connect to it with my laptop, even with full reception on the phone.
Then I came across a, seemingly, even simpler method that has worked aces thus far. Here's how to do it:
- Download Quick Settings from the Android Marketplace, AppBrain or your app dispensary of choice. There are several different apps that carry the name 'Quick Settings', you want the one with the green 'gears' icon. Just click the link earlier in this bullet point and it will take you directly to the app.
- Once you have downloaded and installed Quick Settings and start the application: Click your phone's 'Menu' key followed by 'Customize' in the Quick Settings app.
- Scroll down until you find the Wi-Fi Hotspot option. Once located, touch to the right side of the Wi-Fi Hotspot bar (see screenshot) and drag the bar to the top of the list of options.
- Exit out of Quick Settings and go to your phone's normal settings menu where you would normally activate the Hotspot feature. On the LG Optimus S, for example, you would press the phone's 'Menu' key, 'Settings' on the touchscreen, 'Wireless & Networks' and finally 'Portable Hotspot'.
- Simply tap the check box to turn the Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot on and it should notify you within a few seconds (it has taken as long as 30 seconds on mine) to confirm it has been turned on. You will also see a blue 'Hotspot' icon in the taskbar at the top of your screen (see screenshot).
- You can use your phone's normal Portable Hotspot settings as well if you would like to secure your network (recommended).
Comments (3)
Luckily (and depending on what phone you have), rooting your Android device can be relatively easy. In my case with my Lg Optimus S, the actual rooting process took me about 15-20 minutes total. If you're interested in rooting your device, I would highly suggest reading up more about rooting itself and find a walk-through guide for your specific phone. Check out http://forum.androidcentral.com/. The forums are full of information on rooting as well as the most current user submitted guides for rooting most Android devices.
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