"Free" tethering internet connection-sprint

[jejb]

I'm about to go buy a couple of Evo 4's for the wife and I. They would be 2.2 versions. But I have a question. I did some searching and am still confused, so sorry if this is a noob beating a dead horse.

I'm used to HTC phones, but only running WM OS's. I was able to tether my 6700, TP and TP2 for a "free" internet connection on my laptop while traveling, etc. I don't use it much, but it's a VERY important feature when I need it. I know I can get "hotspot" service from Sprint for an additional charge, but I don't want to pay for something I don't use very often (and am used to getting free!).

So, the obvious question, is that still possible with the 2.2 droid OS? And if so, can I go to encrypted sites with it, like my bank, etc?

Thanks much!!!

[subzero1313]

if you root your phone you can get free wifi tether

[Squirrelxss]

Im still thinking about rooting my phone. Im just kinda scared. will i lose all my data?

[mikewest]

Originally Posted by subzero1313

if you root your phone you can get free wifi tether

more specifically there is an apk called FREE WIRELESS ANDROID TETHER

You can read about it and download it here:

android-wifi-tether - Project Hosting on Google Code

You do have to be rooted, which you can find out about here:

unrevoked


As far as "encrypted websites" goes, your computer will act just like normal as it in connected with the "wireless router" that you phone acts as. You can certainly go to you banks website, although depending on the bank, it may ask you extra questions for "security" reasons - if it does not recognize the IP address... (ie: what high school did you go too, etc...whatever security measures that YOUR bank uses.)

I have had no issue with any of the major banks, HSBC, Wells Fargo, Chase, BofA, nor with my local credit union. This portion really is a non-issue and you should not worry any more (or less) than you would with any other wireless connection.

[mikewest]

Originally Posted by Squirrelxss

Im still thinking about rooting my phone. Im just kinda scared. will i lose all my data?

No Squirrel, assuming nothing goes wrong, you will not lose your data.

[Squirrelxss]

Mind if i Pm you to ask a few q's?

[cruise350]

There are some new hiccups with rooting so don't just jump in without reading first. The newest Evos are coming with some changes to the hardware and the bootloader so you have to know what you have and choose the right root method.

This is what you need to know, hardware version, hboot version, and software version number. You can find 2 of these in the phone menu/settings and the other you'll have to enter the bootloader to find.

First, go to menu/settings /about phone and select hardware info, at the top will be hardware version.

Second, hit the back key, and then select software info, on the 5th line it will have the software number.

Next power down your phone by holding the power button and selecting power off. Then when phone shuts down, while continuing to hold the volume down button press the power button, the phone will enter the bootloader and on the second line will say HBOOT with a number, this number is very important for which root method.

If your software version is 3.29### or lower and you don't have HBOOT 2.02 you can use unrevoked at unrevoked. This is one of the easiest methods to root.

If you have software version 3.30.651.# or HBOOT 2.02 unrevoked will not work and you will have to use this method: [ROOT][GUIDE] HBoot 2.02 S-OFF - Like a Boss Edition! - Updated 11/20/10 - xda-developers

[mikewest]

Originally Posted by Squirrelxss

Mind if i Pm you to ask a few q's?

me? if you meant me, go ahead and PM me.

[cruise350]

If you don't want to root you phones, PDAnet has a version for android that works without rooting. You have to tether with the USB cable not wifi and you have to pay for the program if you want to go to secured websites.

[mrtomaso]

check out easytether, I believe you can get it from market.

Not as easy as some, but it gets the job done and it's got a wizard to walk you through.

There are free and paid versions available, I haven't had a problem with the free version.