How I Fixed the Samsung One UI 8 USB Tethering Bug (ADB Method)

[tanajijedhe]

Introduction:

After the One UI 8 update, countless Samsung users reported a frustrating bug: the USB tethering option was grayed out and wouldn't enable. While common troubleshooting steps like checking the APN settings or swapping USB cables failed, a clever workaround using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) has proven to be a reliable solution. This guide will walk you through the precise steps to get your USB tethering working again, bypassing the glitch with a simple command.

Part 1: First Attempt – The APN Method (Optional)

Before using ADB, it's worth trying the APN fix, as it has resolved the issue for some users. This method focuses on ensuring the "dun" (dial-up networking) APN type, which is critical for tethering, is properly configured.

Quick Tip for the DUN APN Method

• Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names.
• Edit your active APN.
• In the APN type field, add ,dun to the end.
• Save the APN and restart your phone. 

Note: If the APN type field is locked, create a new APN and copy all settings from the old one, but include ,dun in the APN type field. 

If this quick tip doesn't solve your problem, proceed to the ADB method below.

Part 2: Prerequisites – Setting up ADB on your computer:

Before we can use the ADB command, you need to set up the tool on your computer and enable developer mode on your phone.

1. Enable Developer Options on your phone

• Go to Settings > About phone > Software information.
• Tap on "Build number" seven times. A message will appear saying "Developer mode has been enabled."

2. Enable USB Debugging

• Go back to the main Settings menu.
• Select Developer options.
• Scroll down and enable USB debugging.

3. Install ADB on your computer

• Download the official Android SDK Platform Tools from Google's developer website.
• Unzip the folder to a simple location, like C:\adb.
• Connect your phone to your computer with a USB data cable.
• When a prompt appears on your phone asking to "Allow USB debugging," tap "Always allow from this computer" and then "Allow."

 

Part 3: The ADB workaround:

This is the key part of the fix, where we simulate a screen tap on the USB tethering toggle using ADB commands.

1. Open your command prompt or terminal

• On Windows, navigate to the adb folder you unzipped. Type cmd into the address bar and press enter.
• On macOS or Linux, open a terminal and navigate to the folder using the cd command.

2. Open the Tethering Settings menu on your phone

• Check the device is connected using below command:

  adb devices

• Run the following command:

  adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TetherSettings

• This will immediately open the "Mobile Hotspot and Tethering" menu on your phone's screen.

3. Find the screen coordinates

• The exact position of the "USB tethering" toggle can vary by phone model and screen size.
• Go back into your phone's Developer options and enable "Pointer location".
• Navigate back to the tethering menu and observe the coordinates at the top of the screen as you move your finger over the USB tethering toggle. The coordinates you found (400 800) are a good starting point.

4. Execute the "tap" command

• With the tethering menu still open on your phone, return to your command prompt and run the tap command with the coordinates you identified.
• Example. Here 400 800 is my device coordinates yours may be different.

  adb shell input tap 400 800

• If the toggle doesn't activate, try slightly different coordinates until it works.

5. Confirm the connection

• After the command executes, the USB tethering toggle on your phone will switch on.
• Your computer should then prompt you to allow the new connection. Click "Yes" or "Allow", and your internet connection will be established.

Conclusion

This method works because it forces the underlying system to activate USB tethering, bypassing the bug in the user interface that prevents a manual tap. It's a testament to the power of ADB as a tool for solving Android issues, especially when standard fixes fail.

If you are a Samsung user frustrated by this One UI 8 bug, give this ADB workaround a try. It is a quick and reliable fix that will restore your USB tethering functionality until Samsung releases a permanent patch.

NOTE: This is a one-time fix. After completing this process once, you will not need to use the ADB method again. You can then off the usb debugging option in developers mode and also can off the developers options. Your USB tethering will continue to work normally till  another system update potentially reverts the fix.

[meself]

Ok