Look, not to sound petulant, but all of this obviously does not work. It is just bunch of untested "what ifs" and even in the best case scenario (phone acting as a hotspot for your computer) is this a real hotspot? The way I see it, a real hotspot would let any device connect to it without the device being modified. What if I want to connect an IoT device? Should I modify its TTL? This is preposterous and half-assed. It is obvious that no one knows exactly how T-Mobile is detecting hotspot use and no one knows how to prevent hotspot detection on the phone without modifying the connected device.

  • de0u replied to this.

    traveller
    As has been mentioned above, this does not work in MacOS.

      AlanZ It is obvious that no one knows exactly how T-Mobile is detecting hotspot use [...]

      Earlier in this thread is some highly plausible information about non-TTL methods.

      AlanZ [...] and no one knows how to prevent hotspot detection on the phone without modifying the connected device.

      That is a strong claim, e.g., see:
      https://github.com/GrapheneOS/os-issue-tracker/issues/30 (but note that management requests that people express interest via the thumbs-up button, not by a text comment).

            de0u
            Thanks. I gave it a "thumbs-up" so hopefully one day. As for the above techniques - they didn't work for me. Always detected by T-Mobile.

              felikcat
              Then why don't I experience any issues, or others comment similar things on the apps? You say over complicated, how's the less complicated ones working for ya?

                5 months later

                I need unlimited tethering to work correctly on the phone, not by modifying a whole bunch of stuff on your computer. What if I need to supply unlimited internet to a IOT device, that can't be modified?
                In that sense, no, GOS does not remove carrier restrictions.

                  • [deleted]

                  • Post #53

                  AlanZ True. One might say that's a privacy issue also.

                    AlanZ GOS does not remove carrier restrictions.

                    GrapheneOS does remove carrier restrictions. There's nothing GrapheneOS can do about a provider blocking network traffic when they detect something they don't like.

                    GrapheneOS does not, to my knowledge, change the behavior of how hotspots work. Those aren't the same thing. It may be possible to make a change to avoid detection, but I don't know for sure.

                      3 months later

                      I know this post is old but for those who are still seeking ways to tether with a restricted carrier here's another option:
                      https://www.technadu.com/how-to-share-a-vpn-connection-on-android-without-root/258827/

                      Note that this option doesn't work if you can't turn on hotspot at all.

                      Also, a few things not mentioned on the article:

                      1. make sure to manually select an IP address for the http proxy from the app's settings besides 0.0.0.0, otherwise connected devices can't find the internet. (This may be a GrapheneOS-only thing)
                      2. it also routes DNS traffics if you enabled Private DNS on your phone.

                      Again, not confirmed with T-Mobile but hope somebody finds this helps.

                        GrapheneOS The way I understand it is that if you raise TTL by 1 on a Laptop connected to a GOS device hotspot you have to remove the "dun" parameter from the APN.

                        If that's correct why is this the case? Why do I have to remove "dun" then?

                          LKnet
                          Also make sure to allow local lan connection if you're using a VPN defaults to block it (i.e. Mullvad).

                            a month later

                            LKnet
                            AlanZ

                            Confirmed using Every proxy app to bypass hotspot limit with T-Mobile. I didn't use a VPN (although I will be trying that next).
                            My Path -
                            T-Mobile Cell Service
                            Pixel 8 Pro
                            Every Proxy
                            Mobile hotspot
                            Windows 11

                            Without every proxy, I got exactly 600kbps using testmy.net to test download speed. (My tether limit was exceeded this morning and I was warmed by text I would only get 600kbps)

                            With every proxy, I got 155mbps.

                            So, great success for me. I don't yet have GrapheneOS though so I can't say how that would affect things. Currently using OEM OS...

                            Thanks for the help, LKnet

                                  mbsill

                                  Did you have to do anything on the Windows PC (adjust TTL, so on)?

                                    I solved this issue real easy. Just used a VPN. Make sure it's a VPN that does not leak DNS.

                                      2 months later

                                      If you want to remove throttling on a windows computer all you need to do is open command prompt as administrator and then type in this command netsh int ipv4 set glob defaultcurhoplimit=65 . Im using Verizon and not getting any throttling at all.

                                      If you want to configure your phone so it does this automatically it wont be possible with grapheneOS or any device on Android 14.

                                      In order to get this to work I downgraded to Android 13 the oldest official version I could find from google and then rooted the device with magisk. I then installed the magisk TTL module and now any device that connects to my hotspot bypasses the limits. I did this yesterday and it's working 100%. This is with a Pixel 7 using an MVNO on Verizon's network.

                                      However this opens you up to all types of vonorbilties as the boot loader is unlocked. In my case it doesn't matter because it is being used as a backup modem in PFSENSE for my main fiber line but if you are using the phone as your primary phone it could easily be hacked.

                                      If anyone needs help with this setup let me know

                                      GrapheneOS So if we remove the DUN from the APN configuration it would be the same as changing TTL to 65 or 64 or whatever is working for the provider in question.

                                        4 months later

                                        locked i always notice how smart your posts are. do you have any more info on this? or are you being obtuse to let people know there's a way bu they need to figure it out and you don't want to post all info?