GUIDE How to use Android USB Tethering on M1 Macs

[EliteMacx86]

How to use Android USB Tethering on M1 Macs

An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers implementation of Android USB Tethering on M1 Macs.

Overview
Generally, on Macs, only iPhone USB tethering works, but Joshua developed a kext HoRNDIS where you can use your Android phone and use USB tethering on your Mac. That worked upto Big Sur on Intel Macs. Since Apple released their new M1 Macs, also known as the Apple Silicon Macs, the kext no longer works unless you rebuild it and configure your M1 Mac.

Enabling Android USB Tethering on M1 Macs
To enable the Android USB Tethering on your M1 Mac, follow the steps below.

SETP 1: Setting up Security and SIP

1. Shut Down your Mac.
2. Press and hold power button and it will load the startup options.
3. Select Options and click on Continue.
4. Click on Utilities and then select Startup Security Utility.
5. Login into your account, and when prompted, enter your password.
6. From the options, select Reduced Security and also select two other options available.
7. Click on OK.
8. From Utilities, open Terminal.
9. Type:

csrutil enable --without kext

10. When prompted, type y and press enter key.
11. Close Terminal.
12. Restart your Mac.

STEP 2: Downloading and Installing HoRNDIS
The next step is to download and install the kext to enable USB tethering.

1. Download the kext attached at the bottom of this post.
2. Copy the kext to your Desktop.
3. Open Terminal
4. Type:

sudo cp -R /Users/yourusername/Desktop/HoRNDIS.kext /Library/Extensions

5. Open System Preferences>Security & Privacy.
6. Unlock. When prompted, enter your password.
7. Enter the command in the step #4.
8. When prompted, enter your password.
9. From Security & Privacy, you'll see that there is a new option. Click on Allow.
The system will build cache and will prompt you to restart.
11. Restart your Mac.
12. Enable Mobile Data on your Mac.
13. Connect your Android phone using a cable to your M1 Mac.
14. Enable USB Tethering and you should be connected.

 

[sskelA]

The process is a bit complicated, but at the end it works

 

[EliteMacx86]

The process is a bit complicated, but at the end it works

Glad that it works for you!

 

[sskelA]

Usb link speed: Up to 480Mb/s

Which seems are max speeds of USB 2.0

Is there any way to get to speed of USB 3.0 ?

 

[EliteMacx86]

Usb link speed: Up to 480Mb/s

Which seems are max speeds of USB 2.0

Is there any way to get to speed of USB 3.0 ?

That's because tethering speed is probably limited, up to a certain extent and even when using 5G Network band, the cable should be able to provide the max speed as your network allows. The speed shouldn't be limited as its connected via cable.

 

[jdo]

@EliteMacx86 thanks for this!
is there a chance you can also look up making https://github.com/chris1111/Wireless-USB-Big-Sur-Adapter work for M1 macs?

 

[EliteMacx86]

@EliteMacx86 thanks for this!
is there a chance you can also look up making https://github.com/chris1111/Wireless-USB-Big-Sur-Adapter work for M1 macs?

I can have a look. However, testing is needed. What USB WiFi Adapter do you have? Also, on M1, it's already equipped with WiFi.

 

[jdo]

sorry, didn't look good enough - I'm using TP-Link T2UH and apparently it's a mediatek and unsupported by the drivers he linked to.

yes my MBP M1 Pro has WiFi, but I'm using it as a workstation in a place where the WiFi is weak.
also, I have issues with the country code of the WiFi (have to restart it every time I leave the house because of other WiFi networks near).

I thought this would solve it.

maybe I'll buy a "supported" adapter and check here again (if you'd still be able to help).
again sorry for the goose chase

 

[EliteMacx86]

sorry, didn't look good enough - I'm using TP-Link T2UH and apparently it's a mediatek and unsupported by the drivers he linked to.

yes my MBP M1 Pro has WiFi, but I'm using it as a workstation in a place where the WiFi is weak.
also, I have issues with the country code of the WiFi (have to restart it every time I leave the house because of other WiFi networks near).

I thought this would solve it.

maybe I'll buy a "supported" adapter and check here again (if you'd still be able to help).
again sorry for the goose chase

Makes sense. For testing, i'll provide you with instructions.

 

[jdo]

I couldn't find the option to send you a PM so writing here -
I forgot I had another adapter with a realtek 8821CU chip (like this https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Adapter-Wireless-External-Receiver/dp/B07YDFZWT8)

so if you can still take a look - I will be able to test