Tethering

Android's tethering module that runs the Wi-Fi hotspot and USB, Bluetooth and Ethernet tethering. You can disable it, with a caveat: read what stops working first.

What it does

This package is the open source build of the Tethering Mainline module, which shares the phone's connection with other devices over a hotspot, USB, Bluetooth or Ethernet and handles carrier tethering checks. Phones with Google apps usually run Google's build, com.google.android.networkstack.tethering, instead, so this one is often absent or idle there. It runs only while a hotspot or tethering connection is active.

If you disable it

The hotspot and tethering stop working. Nothing else depends on it.

How to disable it

On most phones Settings greys out Disable for this package, so ADB is the way to turn it off. The commands below work without root and can be undone.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.networkstack.tethering

adb shell pm enable com.android.networkstack.tethering

The stronger option removes it for your user only; the original copy stays on the phone and a factory reset brings it back. Prefer disabling: it is easier to undo.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.networkstack.tethering

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.networkstack.tethering

New to ADB? Set it up in about ten minutes.

Data and battery

Routes traffic for devices connected to your hotspot.

Where it appears

• Made by Android Open Source Project.
• Android versions: 11 and later.