How to Combine Starlink with a Tethered Android Device on a Mac
Use Your Starlink Internet with a Tethered Android Smartphone at Once for More Reliable and Faster Connectivity on macOS
You may ask yourself why use two Internet sources at the same time, like Starlink and a tethered Android smartphone or tablet. The benefits of doing this with a channel bonding app like Speedify include getting a faster, more stable and secure Internet.
In this guide you will learn how to use your Starlink satellite Internet connection via Wi-Fi together with a tethered Android mobile device for better Internet.
You can get a secondary Internet connection via a different ISP. Examples include DSL, cable, or cellular connections. Speedify can bond your Starlink satellite connection with any number or combination of other Internet connections and will intelligently distribute your online traffic among them for optimal performance. Plus, if you get disconnected from Starlink in the middle of an important video call or file transfer, Speedify will seamlessly failover to your other working Internet connection(s) without skipping a beat.
NOTE: For best results, use Internet connections from different sources. In general, joining the same upstream network multiple times (such as the same router via Ethernet and Wi-Fi) will not improve performance.
3 Steps to Combine Starlink Internet and Tethered Android on a Mac
Step 1: Connect to Your Starlink Wi-Fi Hotspot
First - make sure you setup your Starlink according to the instructions you received in the package. This includes setting up your new Starlink Wi-Fi network, along with your password.
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. (If Wi-Fi is off, choose "Turn Wi-Fi on.") Select the Wi-Fi hotspot associated with your Starlink connection and enter the password to connect.
Need help with this step? Visit Apple’s knowledge base to learn more.
Step 2: Connect the Android Device to Your Mac and Enable USB Tethering
In order to get your Mac to properly interface with your Android device’s USB tethering mode, you’ll need to install some additional software.
INSTALL THIRD-PARTY DRIVER
HoRNDIS is a driver for macOS that allows you to use your Android device's native USB tethering mode to get Internet access. Download and installation instructions can be found here.
HoRNDIS support for macOS Catalina (v10.15) is still in beta.
ENABLE USB TETHERING
Once installed, connect your Android to your Mac using a USB cable. A notification will show at the top of the screen on your Android device - swipe down from the top of the screen > Touch and hold Hotspot > Turn on USB tethering.
Need help with this step? Visit Google’s knowledge base to learn more.
Next, on your Mac visit System Preferences, click Network, then select your Android device from the list on the left. In the right pane deselect the “Disable unless needed” checkbox under Status.
Please note that when USB tethering an Android phone, if that phone is connected to Wi-Fi, the tethering will share the Wi-Fi connection and not the cellular connection. In order to use the cellular connection from your Android phone into the mix, enable mobile data and turn off Wi-Fi on your smartphone.
NOTE: Some mobile carriers limit or charge extra for tethering. We recommend checking with your carrier. Additionally, Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Step 3: Download and Install Speedify
Last but certainly not least, download and install Speedify. Once running, Speedify will automatically detect your Starlink connection and any other available Internet connections and combine them for increased speed, security, and stability.
You can manage settings, view statistics, and even apply limits to individual connections by either clicking/tapping on them from the Dashboard or by navigating to the desired connection through the main Settings menu.
Speedify will work quietly in the background to optimize performance including prioritizing streaming web traffic to avoid stuttering, buffering and disconnects.
When using Starlink Internet, Speedify is the only VPN that makes your online experiences faster, more reliable, and more secure.
Download Speedify
Speedify is the only app that combines your wifi, cellular, wired, and even your friend’s phone signals – into one ultra-fast and super secure link that keeps you all connected for the best possible live streaming, video calling, or just posting to your favorite app.
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