Tethering/hotspot problem with Z3 after Lollipop update (23.1.A.0.690)

[jonmorris]

Since doing the update, I can no longer share my Internet connection with a computer, using a Wi-Fi hotspot or direct connection (USB tethering).

In both cases, I can still set it up and my Mac connects via Wi-Fi (but with 'Internet unreachable') or USB (red in Network settings) - even though I have a working connection that I can use fine on the phone itself.

It worked fine with Kitkat and the APN settings are unchanged.

At least one other person on Xda-developers has confirmed the same problem so far, and I suspect a lot of other people may not be aware as yet, or have not even realised the problem lies with the phone and not their data connection. Suffice to say, I am sure many more people will be noticing this in the coming days/weeks.

To give further information, I am on Three (UK) with the One Plan that offers unlimited tethering.

Advice?

[Lord_viridis]

But the firmware you updated to is Supported by threes tethering settings?
It could be anything within the firmware, especially the modem part that is not allowing the tether from an uncertified network.

[jonmorris]

Three UK has added a new APN for its new tariffs that are limited (tethering) and I believe it's called '3PortableHotspot' or similar. It's currently only used on iOS devices, where Apple allows networks to separate ordinary data and tethered data.

Android doesn't appear to have any such way to separate this, and the Z3 has no way of letting me select a separate APN for tethering, and in any case I actually use the same settings anyway.

[Lord_viridis]

But the z3 firmware you currently are using, is not meant for three UK, this is exactly why each network gets to customise the modem settings of a firmware before release.
I know though what you mean as in it works for mobile Web browsing but not when tethering..
It's probably an error when simultaneously using WiFi and data
I'm waiting for a UK or at least western Europe version before I reflash

[jonmorris]

---

@Viridis wrote:
But the z3 firmware you currently are using, is not meant for three UK, this is exactly why each network gets to customise the modem settings of a firmware before release.
I know though what you mean as in it works for mobile Web browsing but not when tethering..
It's probably an error when simultaneously using WiFi and data
I'm waiting for a UK or at least western Europe version before I reflash

---

I've installed the generic firmware, not a network specific version.

It must be a problem, and I've read elsewhere that there are tethering issues on other Lollipop devices.

[stockyvillage]

Has worked on all versions of lollipop including the latest 5.1 on Nexus phones that are on 3 UK and on the one plan.Its still called portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Have a Nexus 5 on 5.1 next to me on the one plan

[jonmorris]

I can confirm the same problem now exists on the Xperia Z2 after the Lollipop update.

[jonmorris]

There appears to be a fix here;

http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/lollipop-tethering-t3058923

which contains a link to this; https://pmf.silvrback.com/fixing-tethering-on-android-kitkat

Bad news if it means we're going to see more Android devices coming that restrict/block tethering, but of course that's what the networks want - or at least to be able to tightly control it, and charge extra in some cases.

[Lord_viridis]

But you can't make that statement based on a firmware your network hasn't certified or tested for its services,
Once three devices get the certified and tested firmware for those devices on that network configuration, then you can judge it as released, until then it's your choice to use the firmware from another region and your risk too.

[stockyvillage]

@virdis did tell them in my earlier reply nothing wrong with hotspot on 3UK with lollipop Have used it no problem on 5.0, 5.0.1 and now 5.1 on a Nexus 5.Haven't flashed this Z3 as I don't need too