Tethering with your Android phone

So you’re in a place without wifi (or with wireless that costs money, which to me is the same thing) and you’d like to use your laptop/tablet/etc…now what? My job’s wireless was out for a while, and even though we had some wired computers, I really wanted to sit at my desk with my computer, rather than use a communal machine. I did, however, use one of those those wired connections to search for a solution.

I first started with Barnacle Wifi Tether, which was recommended on an XDA-Developers forum. I used the settings that worked for some other Galaxy S owner, but to no avail.

Then, following instructions given on another thread, I downloaded Android Wifi Tether, which is a Google project. It only works on rooted phones, though, so make sure you’ve rooted your device before trying this app. Make sure you select the build that works on your phone. Once Wireless Tether is installed on your phone, take a look at the security settings. It would be wise to update the suggested passphrase if you keep the default encryption method. What I like most about this method is that, not only is it convenient, it’s also fairly fast. Keep in mind that you’re tethering using your data connection, so this is really only a good idea if 1) you have an unlimited data plan or 2) somebody else pays your phone bill.

It should go without saying, but maybe it’s not, so please be aware that I am not responsible for any damage that may occur to your phone  in your attempts to duplicate my awesomeness. You follow these steps at your own risk.