Wifi Tethering (Hotspot) with LG Optimus V

The LG Optimus V from Virgin Mobile has the capability to tether wirelessly and share a 3G connection with any WiFi enabled device, as it is a Froyo 2.2 device. This article will lead you through the steps necessary to do so.

As a disclaimer, I have to say that 3G tethering is against Virgin Mobile's Terms of Service. I can't advocate the violation of any binding agreements, but I'll be providing these techniques for educational purposes.

First of all, you need to check your Android version. You can do this under Settings > About Phone > Android Version. If you're running Android 2.2.1, your phone is able to use hotspot tethering. HOWEVER, if you're running Android 2.2.2 or later, wifi tethering has been blocked outright. Don't worry if you're one of these people - skip down to the bottom of this article to find the section "Tethering in 2.2.2+".




Wifi Tethering:


If your phone is running 2.2.1, you're almost good to go from the start. The only thing you have to do is download a hotspot app from the Android Market. The reason this works is because in 2.2.1, the option to tether through wifi was simply hidden from the settings menu, rather than blocked.

1.) Download the hotspot app. There are many apps that will work, but I suggest Hotspot Toggle or Quick Settings . Hotspot Toggle is pretty straightforward, but Quick Settings requires an extra step. In Quick Settings, press the Menu button, choose Advanced Settings, and then drag the "Wifi Hotspot" bar up into the visible settings area.

2.) Run the app. For Hotspot Toggle, just click the widget. For Quick Settings, choose the "Wifi Hotspot" setting. The notification bar should alert you that you've activated the hotspot. From the notification bar, you can change hotspot settings such as SSID. Then, just go to your wifi-enabled device and connect to your phone. You're done!


Tethering in 2.2.2+:


After 2.2.2, VM blocked wifi hotspot toggling altogether. To tether with your phone after this update, you'll have to tether with a wired connection. To do this, install the Android app "EasyTether". There is a lite and a pro version available (check here to see how to get any app for free). EasyTether will have included instructions for how to tether with your computer, but here are the basics.

Your phone must have USB debugging enabled. Then, you must install the LG Optimus V phone drivers to your computer (should be easy enough to find, just google "optimus v drivers"). After that, install the free EasyTether PC application. Again, just search for it. After that, you should be able to follow the on-screen instructions on the phone to plug your phone thru USB to your computer and share the 3G connection.

Questions? Leave a comment below.