Mobile Hotspot and USB/Bluetooth Tethering in Lockdown Mode

Administrators or support technicians may need to access the Android Tethering (Hotspot) settings on devices operating in Lockdown mode within SOTI MobiControl. Lockdown mode restricts access to system menus, preventing users from opening the native Settings app to modify network-sharing options.

To resolve this, a script can be executed through SOTI MobiControl to launch the Tethering settings activity (com.android.settings/.Settings$TetherSettingsActivity) without disabling Lockdown.

Supported Devices:

• Android Version: Primarily supported on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and later.

• Device Models: Functionality may vary depending on the device model; it is recommended to test on specific devices before deployment.

Potential Limitations:

• OEM Customizations: Some manufacturers (e.g., Samsung, Zebra) may customize or restrict access to certain settings, potentially altering or blocking the tethering activity.

• Android Versions: Changes introduced in Android 13 and later versions may impact the availability or behavior of this activity.

Recommendations:

• Testing: Prior to deployment, it is essential to test the script on target devices to ensure compatibility.

• Documentation: Refer to the device's official documentation or support channels for additional information on accessing tethering settings programmatically.

• Alternatives: If the specified activity is unavailable, consider utilizing alternative methods or intents, such as com.android.settings/.TetherSettings, to access tethering settings.

1. To begin, open the SOTI MobiControl console and navigate to the Lockdown profiles section. You can either create a new profile or edit an existing one.
   
2. Next, click the plus (+) button to add a new home screen item.
3. In the Display Name field, choose a name for the item (e.g., "Tethering Settings"). For the Package Name or URL, enter the following script:
   com.android.settings/.Settings$TetherSettingsActivity.
   
4. If you see the message "No Results Found," ignore it and select Add.
5. Save the profile and assign it to the devices you wish to target.

Once the profile is applied, check the device to ensure the new option appears. When you select the new option, it will take you directly to the Mobile Hotspot and Tethering settings screen.



Finally, when you're done, simply select the Back button or close the settings screen to return to the lockdown interface.