Hotspot App that works with Jelly Bean

[habeebee27]

Hello,

I just updated to Jelly Bean on my Droid Razr last night. The update itself went well, but afterwards my hotspot app Fox Fi is no longer working as a Wifi Hotspot. It'll only work as a USB tether or Bluetooth network, neither of which is what I need. When I try to activate it Wifi Hotspot the message is that Verizon has blocked it on Jelly Bean. I'm upset because that App was very helpful and I used it alot. I'm hoping Verizon will allow Wifi hotspot again soon.  In the meantime, is there another hotspot app anyone can recommend?

Thanks!

[habeebee27]

Just wanted to add that going to the Share Everything plan is not appealing to me because I'd be paying more!

[Spiral]

The problem is that FoxFi has not (or can not) update their app to make it work with the Jelly Bean OS.  I suggest sending the app developers an email requesting they update the app so that it works with your new OS. 

Sorry, I do not know of any other apps to give you the same capabilities while using Jelly Bean.  I personally have not upgraded my RMHD to JB as I did not want to lose the advantage FoxFi provides to my smartphone experience.

[habeebee27]

Thanks for the reply Seems the problem is on Verizon's end because they're blocking the feature.  I'm hoping it'll get straightened out soon. Yeah if I had known beforehand this would happen, I probably wouldn't have updated either lol. Oh well, things are always 'interesting' after a system update

[Ann154]

Maybe they are "blocking" it because you aren't paying for it correctly?

I pay for the mobile hotspot feature on my account and the stock hotspot settings work for me on my Nexus and Thunderbolt.

[habeebee27]

I get where you're coming from but Verizon allowed the App to work on ICS. And they included hotspot in the new Share Everything plans at no cost. I don't think they'll be able to stop it for much longer anyway because I hear they'll probably be legally forced to allow hotspot apps. From what I've read, the government is calling it double-charging data and they won't be allowed to stop other options from being available; I can't post a link right now, but a quick google search will bring up information for anyone interested in reading more.

[Spiral]

If you look at the compatibility list from the FoxFi web site you see that devices using Jelly Bean are not supported (NOT A CARRIER ISSUE).  The application needs to be updated to work with the new OS.

http://foxfi.com/help/devices.php

[habeebee27]

Thanks for the link Hmmmm the message in the App said 'your carrier might have blocked this feature on Jelly Bean'. They might be playing the blame game, or maybe that's a generic message not applicable to everyone.  I'm hoping it's on Fox Fi's side cause an update would hopefully fix it! I guess I'll just have to be a bit patient.

[jgikas]

Verizon has not blocked foxfi/pdanet.  They can't because they got sued last summer and must allow all third party wifi hotspot apps to be used.

The problem is that pdanet needs to update the app to be compatible with jelly bean.  It'll come soon-ish.

[jgarza222]

"Quoted by someone else...I have to use PDANet 3.5 on my GS2 and Pdanet Tablet on my Transformer Prime. You start up Pdanet on the phone. It starts Foxfi. Select Bluetooth. Then go to the tablet and start Pdanet Tablet. I was lost until I found this combo"

The above steps does work with PDANet and Jelly Bean on cell phone. I have a Droid 4, Verizon basic data plan, and a Galaxy 2 Tablet. Click later when tablet insists a WiFi connection is necessary and prompt goes away from then on. - Thanks.

http://forums.androidcentral.com/sprint-galaxy-nexus/215496-free-wifi-tether-stock-jelly-bean-2.html...

[goddss6]

PDANet and PDAnet Tablet, in bluetooth mode,  while great for general web surfing, doesn't work well with most apps.  I can't use most of the apps that require internet, such as Dish, HBOGO, Netflix, Candy Crush, Ruzzle and Dice with Buddies, just to name a few. 
I hope that Foxfi does an update soon for Jellybean.  My kids are driving me nuts not being able to use their tablets with internet connection when we are on the go. 

[jgarza222]

Sorry. Never mind.

Missed your point you didn't need Bluetooth. But it works if pdanet tablet (free) is installed on tablet, too. I guess you have a different situation. I'll try with my son's laptop maybe to see if that's your limitation.

[#13]

If you have a Verizon unlimited data plan, tethering/hotspot is not free.  There is a charge of $30 per month for unlimited hotspot or $20 per month for 2GB.  If you have Verizon Share Everything, tethering/hotspot is included at no additional charge.  If you are on a Verizon tiered data plan, tethering/hotspot is not included.  You can pay for the Verizon hotspot feature at $20 for 2GB or you can use a 3rd party app if you can find one that works.  This is in accordance with the FCC ruling.

[goddss6]

Before the update however, people on the unlimited data plan were able to use the foxfi app without any issues.  But since the new update we receive a message from foxfi stating that "Your carrier has blocked WiFi mode in Jelly Bean (android 4.1 or above). Please use USB mode or Bluetooth mode instead."

[jgarza222]

habeebee27,

I see the problem. My laptop doesn't have bluetooth. Will let you know if I find anything.

[goddss6]

I see that no one from VZW has even touched this issue.  I'm pretty sure they don't want to own up to disabling the hotspot feature with this new update...

[rjwski]

I had the exact same experience.  I have a Motorola Droid 4.  FoxFi worked until I did the update this morning. My tethering feature under system settings now no longer works either.  I have a limited data plan and am always way under my usage.  So perhaps FoxFi needs to update its App, but why do the built in functions for my phone tethering no longer work?  Went to a Verizon store and they played with lots of phone features and worked with tech support to try to get the features to work again.  No luck.  Verizon Wireless tells me I have to change to the unlimited data plan now to use this feature or pay the $20 tethering fee.  Both of which will cost me more money.  It appears the FCC fined Verizon Wireless $1.25 million last year for blocking access to tethering apps for consumers on limited data plans. I'll give it a few days to see if this magically gets resolved.  If not, I'll be filing a complaint with the FCC.

[#18]

I'm not sure how many times someone needs to explain this.  If you have an unlimited data plan with Verizon, if you want to use tethering/hotspot, you have to pay $20 for 2GB or $30 for unlimited.  This is in addition to paying $30 for your unlimited data plan.  If you have the Verizon Share Everything plan, the tethering/hotspot feature is included at no additional charge.  If you are on a Verizon tiered data plan, the FCC ruled that Verizon cannot block you from using a 3rd party app, if you can find one that still works.  However, if you want to use the Verizon tethering/hotspot feature, you have to pay $20 for 2GB.  Those are your choices.

[habeebee27]

We understand how it's SUPPOSED to work but that's not what's actually happening. After upgrading to Jelly Bean, 3rd party hotspot/tethering apps no longer work. Not just foxfi. After i started this thread, I downloaded a dozen apps trying to find one that works with no luck. The point is, something is wrong with hotspot/tethering and Jelly Bean that needs to be fixed. I think it's on Verizon's side because of how many apps are affected.  So at this point, I guess we're waiting for an update/patch/fix. I just hope Verizon is aware and working on it.

[#20]

Actually, it's not up to Verizon to make sure 3rd party apps work. 

[goddss6]

Yes, we understand this.  What we are saying, however, is that before the newest update, that those on the unlimited data plan were able to use a third party tethering app.  This was after the FCC ruling last year.  It is with this new update that we are now unable to.  Just because I am on an unlimited plan shouldn't mean that I have to pay more to tether my phone to my tablet when I am out and about.  I pay for my data too.