How to Hide Android Hotspot Traffic: Comprehensive Proxy Guide

Whether you’re using your Android device as a hotspot for other devices or connecting to various networks, ensuring your secure traffic can protect you from potential threats. One effective method to enhance your privacy is by using a proxy. Let’s explore how to hide your hotspot traffic with a proxy, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.

What is a Proxy?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. When you connect to the internet through a proxy, your requests are first sent to the proxy server, which then forwards them to the destination website. The responses from the website are sent back to the proxy server, which then forwards them to your device. This process helps hide your IP address, bypass geo-restrictions, and filter content.

Why Use a Proxy for Android Hotspot Traffic?

• Privacy
  Routing your traffic through a proxy can hide your IP address and location from websites and online services, making it difficult for trackers to associate data with your online persona. A proxy does not make your Internet activity invisible!
• Security
  A proxy can help encrypt your data, making it difficult for hackers to intercept your traffic.
• Bypassing Restrictions
  Proxies can help bypass carrier restrictions and limitations. Note: violating your wireless carrier’s Terms of Service can result in service termination, and bypassing restrictions may also violate laws.
• Logging
  Proxies can also help log and monitor traffic, which can sometimes be helpful.

Every Proxy

You’ll need:

• A primary Android device
• A mobile internet connection for the primary device
• Any secondary device (Android, iOS, Windows, MacBook, etc.)

Install the Android Application (primary)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gorillasoftware.everyproxy

Connect to the Mobile Network

• Connect the primary Android device to your mobile network. (disable wifi connection if needed)

Start Wi-Fi Hotspot

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi & Network (or similar, depending on your device).
3. Select Hotspot and tethering.
4. Toggle the Wi-Fi hotspot switch to On.
   • Note: Some devices may require setting a hotspot password before enabling the hotspot.

Start the HTTP Proxy in Every Proxy

1. Open the Every Proxy app.s
2. Start the HTTP Proxy.
   • Note the hotspot name, network IP address, and port number. The IP address typically starts with 192.
   • Every Proxy binds the HTTP Proxy to the IP Address 0.0.0.0 by default. It’s recommended to keep this setting unless you want to expose the proxy on a specific IP address.

Setting Up the Secondary Device

The secondary device’s HTTP and HTTPS requests should now be routed through the mobile connection on the primary Android device via Every Proxy. The Every Proxy app on the primary device will show indications that requests are being passed through while browsing the web on the secondary device. This setup ensures that your tethering traffic remains hidden and bypasses any restrictions your mobile network imposes.

3. Enable the Proxy: Turn on the proxy by switching the toggle in the app.

USB Tethering with Tetrd

Note: Tetrd is a paid app, the free version includes restrictions and time limits.

Install the Android Application (primary)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/datasafety?id=com.robskie.tether&pli=1

Download and Install the Server App (secondary)

1. Visit tetrd.app/server to download the server application for your computer.
2. Note for macOS Users  To run the installer, right-click (or ctrl-click) the downloaded file, then select “Open” from the menu, this will bypass the macOS warning.

(Windows Only): Enable USB Debugging

1. Enable Developer Options
   • Open the Settings app.
   • Tap the magnifying glass icon and type “Build number.”
   • Select the first result, then scroll down and tap Build number seven times. You may need to enter your PIN, password, or unlock pattern. A message will appear saying, “You are now a developer!”
   • Note: On some devices, the Build number setting might be renamed. Look for:
   • Version (general)
   • MIUI version (Xiaomi)
   • Software version (Vivo)
2. Turn on USB Debugging
   • In the Settings app, search for “USB debugging” and tap it to open the Developer options menu.
   • Enable USB debugging.
   • Note: USB debugging may turn off automatically when the device is plugged in. Set the USB mode to MTP or File Transfer before enabling USB debugging again.

Initiate Tether Sequence

1. Connect Your Device to Your Computer via USB
   • Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable. Ensure your device is unlocked and its screen is on.
   • Note for Windows Users  If prompted to install drivers, allow the server application to install them to ensure proper communication between your device and computer.

2. Allow USB Accessory Mode
   • After connecting, the server application will switch your device to USB accessory mode. A message will appear asking if you want to open this app when its USB accessory is connected. Press OK to launch the app.
   • Note: If the message doesn’t appear, enable USB debugging again or set the USB mode to MTP or File Transfer.

3. Allow VPN Connection
   • A message will appear asking for permission to set up a VPN connection. Press OK to allow the app to create a local VPN connection for communication between your device and computer.

4. Choose Tethering Mode
   • Once the app is running and connected to the server, go to the home screen and press the connect button.
   • Choose between normal and reverse tethering modes:
   • Normal Mode
     • Share your device’s internet connection with your computer.
   • Reverse Mode
     • Share your computer’s internet connection with your device.
   • Note: When sharing your mobile data connection, you might need to set a different user-agent header to prevent your carrier from slowing down your connection. Go to the app’s advanced settings and toggle the “Set user agent” switch.

5. Establish the Connection
   • Wait until the connection is successfully established. Depending on your device’s and computer’s operating system, this may take a few seconds to a minute.
   • Note: Enabling “High-performance mode” can increase tethering speed. However, it consumes more power and generates more heat.

Alternative Apps

• Android Proxy Server

Additional Tips for Enhanced Security

• Use HTTPS
  • Always ensure that you are using HTTPS connections to encrypt your data and protect it from interception.
• Always Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA/2FA)
  • One-time passcodes add an extra layer of security between hackers and your username and password. While it may be annoying at times, it’s a must.
• Use a VPN
  • NordVPN
  • ExpressVPN
  • Private Internet Access (PIA)
  • Surfshark
    • If you’re using Every Proxy on top of a VPN, you’ll need to exclude Every Proxy from within your VPN app.