Today I went looking for a way to use my Droid for tethering. I'd read that Verizon plans to support this officially for like $15/month, but heck, I'm already paying $30/month for internet. Plus I don't want to wait 'till 2010.
Anyways I eventually got it working using some neat software called PDANet, but after what I saw on google, I realized there's no clear cut tutorial on how to get this done. So hopefully this brief tutorial will help =)
So, without further adieu, lets look at how to Tether the Motorola Droid to OSX using Bluetooth:
You will need:
- A Motorola Droid, with a data plan
- A computer running Mac OSX, with bluetooth. (I'm using snow leopard)
Step one:
From the browser on your Droid, navigate to http://junefabrics.com/a and install the PDANet software.
Of course, since Google yanked all the tethering apps from their marketplace at the behest of the telecoms, you must 'allow applications from unknown services' under Android's Settings -> Applications menu before you can install the software.
- You must download version 2.11(beta) or later
Step two:
On your Droid, make sure bluetooth is on, and then run the PDANet application. Press the "Enable Bluetooth DUN" button. If your screen is in the horizontal position you won't be able to see this button, so rotate it.
Step three:
Now you must pair the droid with your OSX over bluetooth. Nevermind if you've already done this, you have to do it again with the PDANet app running.
First, make your Droid discoverable under Settings -> Wireless & networks -> Bluetooth settings.
Next, get on your mac and go to System Preferences -> Bluetooth. Your bluetooth should be on. Add a new device, which will bring up the Bluetooth Setup Assistant. Your Droid should show up (if it's still discoverable), so select it and hit Next. Confirm the pairing on both devices.
After they're paired, the next screen on the Setup Assistant should be called "Bluetooth Mobile Phone Setup". Punch in the following settings, then hit continue:
- Phone Vendor: Motorola
- Phone Model: Generic Dialup
- Username: (leave blank)
- Password: (leave blank)
- Phone Number: #777
Step four:
Last step! Hooray! On your Mac, head on over to your Network settings. Below the list of network devices on the left, click the add button. Select the "Bluetooth DUN" interface, and name it something like "Droid," or "Penelope."
Select your new network device on the left, and add a new configuration from the "Configuration" drop down. Again, name it whatever you like. Put in the telephone number again as #777, and hit Connect.
If all went well, you should now be happily connected to the intertubes via the magic of 3G and Bluetooth! Hooray!