Tethering

The Mainline module behind 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 Google's build of the Tethering Mainline module, which shares the phone's internet connection with other devices over a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB, Bluetooth or Ethernet. It also handles carrier entitlement checks for tethering and the hardware offload that saves power while sharing. It updates through Google Play system updates and runs only while a hotspot or tethering connection is active.

If you disable it

The hotspot and every form of tethering stop working. Nothing else is affected.

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.google.android.networkstack.tethering

adb shell pm enable com.google.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.google.android.networkstack.tethering

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

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

Data and battery

Routes traffic for devices connected to your hotspot; it does not inspect personal content.

Where it appears

• Made by Google LLC.
• Android versions: 11 and later.