Modern tablets on Android often do not have a slot for SIM cards, and mobile data on them is available only through access point from a smartphone. But what to do if the phone also does not have a physical SIM card - for example, it is used as a media player, a backup device, or works via eSIM? It turns out that distributing Wi-Fi from phone to tablet without SIM is quite possible, and there are at least 5 proven methods for this.

Many users mistakenly believe that Without a SIM card, a smartphone cannot become a source of Internet. In fact, the limitation is not due to the lack of a physical card, but to the operator or firmware settings. In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from standard functions Android to bypassing software locks, including the use of USB cable, Bluetooth and even external adapters. Important: some methods require root access or specific conditions, but most solutions work on “clean” devices without modifications.

Before proceeding to the instructions, make sure that your phone generally supports the function modem mode. On some budget models (especially those made in China), this option can be disabled at the firmware level. It’s easy to check: go to Settings → Wireless networks → Modem mode. If there is no item, you will have to use alternative methods from the last sections of the article.

Also pay attention to the version Android. Since Android 10Google has tightened its policy for distributing Internet without an active SIM, but workarounds still exist. If your smartphone works on Android 12+, we recommend that you first try methods with USB cable or Bluetooth —they often work on new devices.

1. Standard modem mode (if the phone was previously connected to the network)

Even without a physical SIM card, the phone could remain operator profile —for example, if an eSIM was previously used or the device was connected to the mobile network through other equipment. In this case, the standard modem mode can work.

To check this option:

  1. Open Settings → Wireless networks → Mobile network.
  2. See if the operator's name is displayed in the status bar (even if there is no signal).
  3. If the operator is detected, go to Settings → Wireless networks → Modem mode.
  4. Activate Wi-Fi access point and configure the network name/password.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) the access point may automatically turn off after 5-10 minutes if there are no devices connected to it. To avoid this, immediately connect the tablet to the created network.

If the operator is not detected, but you are sure that the phone previously worked with the mobile data, try resetting the network settings: 

Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth
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2. Distributing the Internet via USB (USB-ethernet)

The most reliable way to distribute the Internet without a SIM is to use USB connection. This method works even on phones with a blocked Wi-Fi modem, since it uses a different data transfer protocol.

Setup instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the tablet via USB cable (preferably original).
  2. On your phone, select the mode Transfer data via USB (usually appears in the notification shade).
  3. Go to Settings → Wireless networks → Modem mode.
  4. Activate the option USB modem.

Additional settings may be required on the tablet:

  • 🔧 If the connection is not detected, turn on USB debugging v Settings → For developers.
  • 📱 On some tablets (for example Samsung Tab S), you need to manually select the connection type: Settings → Connections → USB → Ethernet.
  • 🔄 If the Internet does not appear, restart both devices.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 13+ The USB modem may not work without an active SIM card due to Google restrictions. In this case, try the method with Bluetooth or an external adapter (section 5).

Connect the original cable|Enable data transfer on the phone|Activate the USB modem in the settings|Check the USB settings on the tablet-->

3. Using Bluetooth to distribute the Internet

If Wi-Fi and USB do not work, try Bluetooth modem. This method is slower (speed up to 3 Mbit/s), but more reliably bypasses operating system restrictions.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. Pair your phone and tablet (enter the same PIN code if required).
  3. On your phone, go to Settings → Wireless networks → Modem mode.
  4. Activate Bluetooth modem.
  5. On the tablet in the Bluetooth settings, find the connected device and enable the option Internet access.

Features of the method:

  • 📶 The speed will be lower than by Wi-Fi, but enough for messengers and light surfing.
  • 🔋 Battery consumption is minimal compared to Wi-Fi.
  • 🛠️ Samsung may require installation of additional software - Samsung Flow.

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the Bluetooth modem at the firmware level. If the option is inactive, try resetting the network settings or using third-party applications (section 4).

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If the Bluetooth modem does not turn on, try first connecting to any Wi-Fi network on the phone (even without Internet), and then activate the distribution. Sometimes this will "unlock" the feature.

4. Third-party applications to bypass restrictions

If standard methods do not work, software from third-party developers will help. The best applications for distributing the Internet without SIM:

Application Root required Speed Features
NetShare No High Works via VPN, bypasses operator blocking
PdaNet+ No Medium Supports USB/Bluetooth, but requires installation on both devices
ClockworkMod Tether Yes Maximum Only for firmware with root, full control over the modem
WiFi Tether Router No Low Simple interface, but often disconnects on new Android

Instructions for NetShare (the most universal option):

  1. Download and install NetShare on your phone from Google Play.
  2. Launch the application and select the mode Wi-Fi Hotspot.
  3. Press Start Hotspot and wait for the network to be created.
  4. On the tablet, connect to a new access point (the password will be displayed in the application).

⚠️ Attention: Applications like PdaNet+ may require disabling the standard modem mode in settings Android. Also, some antiviruses (for example, Avast) block their work - add the application to the exceptions.

Why do applications require a VPN?

Many apps for distributing the Internet create a virtual network (VPN) to bypass Android restrictions. It's secure, but may conflict with other VPN services on your device. If, after activating the modem, another VPN stops working (for example, to bypass blocking), disable it.

5. External USB modem or Wi-Fi adapter

If software methods do not help, the only option left hardware solution is to connect an external modem. This method is suitable for phones with support USB OTG (almost all models after 2018).

What you will need:

  • 📡 USB modem (for example, Huawei E3372 or ZTE MF823) or 4G router with a USB port.
  • 🔌 OTG cable (or adapter USB-C → USB-A).
  • 📱 Phone with support USB-ethernet (checked in the modem settings).

How to connect:

  1. Insert the SIM card into the USB modem and activate it.
  2. Connect the modem to the phone via OTG cable.
  3. In the notification shade, select the mode Ethernet or USB modem.
  4. Activate Wi-Fi distribution in the phone settings.

⚠️ Attention: Not all USB modems are compatible with Android. Before purchasing, check the list of supported devices on the manufacturer's website. For example, modems Huawei often require the installation of proprietary software. HiLink.

Critical nuance: some phones (for example, Google Pixel or OnePlus with pure Android) block the distribution of the Internet from external modems without root access. In this case, only firmware with a modified kernel will help.

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A USB modem is the only way to get stable Internet on a tablet if. the phone is completely deprived of support for SIM cards (including eSIM).

6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods work, they remain technical workaroundsThey require more effort, but are guaranteed to produce results.

Method 1: Firmware with a modified kernel

  • 🔧 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
  • 📥 Download the kernel from support Native Tethering (for example, FrancoKernel).
  • 🔄 After flashing the firmware, activate the modem mode - restrictions will be removed.

Method 2: ADB commands to force the modem to turn on

If the phone recognizes the commands ADB, you can manually enable distribution: 

adb shell

settings put global tether_dun_required 0


settings put global tether_entitlement_check_enabled 0

After completion, reboot the device and check for the option Access point in the settings.

Method 3: Using a second phone as a bridge

  • 📱 Take the second phone with an active SIM card.
  • 🔗 Connect it to the Internet and activate the access point.
  • 📶 Connect the first phone (without SIM) to this network.
  • 🔄 Now distribute Wi-Fi from the first phone to tablet.

⚠️ Attention: Modifying the firmware or kernel can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device. Before flashing the firmware, make a backup copy of your data via TWRP or Google Drive.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi distribution without SIM

Is it possible to distribute Wi-Fi from a phone without a SIM if it has never connected to a mobile network?

Yes, but with reservations. If the phone has not previously activated the operator profile (even via eSIM), a standard access point will not work. In this case, the following will help:

  • USB modem (section). 2),
  • Bluetooth (section 3),
  • External USB modem (section 5).

On some firmware (for example, FlymeOS on Meizu) the access point is activated even without a SIM, but the speed limited to 1–2 Mbit/s.

Why does the access point automatically turn off after 5 minutes?

This is standard behavior Android to save battery. To disable the timeout:

  1. Install the application Keep Wi-Fi Alive from Google Play.
  2. Enable the option Turn battery optimization for the application Settings.
  3. Or use the ADB command: 
    adb shell settings put global wifi_idle_ms 0
Does Wi-Fi distribution work without SIM on iPhone?

No. iOS hard-wires the function Modem mode to the active SIM card (including eSIM). You can bypass this limitation only:

  • Via USB (required iTunes on PC),
  • Via Bluetooth (speed up to 1 Mbit/s),
  • Using jailbreak and tweak TetherMe.

There are much more workarounds - see the sections above. Android There are many more workarounds - see sections above.

Is it possible to distribute the Internet from a tablet to a phone without a SIM?

Yes, if the tablet has:

  • A slot for a SIM card (insert an active SIM card and distribute Wi-Fi),
  • Connection to another access point (for example, a home router),
  • An external USB modem (similar to the section 5).

If the tablet also does not have a SIM, use Bluetooth modem or connect both devices to the same network via USB hub.

Which operators block the distribution of Wi-Fi without SIM?

The problem is not with the operators, but with the device’s firmware. However, some manufacturers by default disable distribution without an active SIM:

  • Samsung (on firmware for Russia/CIS),
  • Huawei (on devices with EMUI 10+),
  • Xiaomi (on models for China without global firmware).

Solution: install global firmware or use the methods from section 4 (third-party applications).