Connect Android to LAN - Here's how

On some Android devices, you can also connect to the Internet using a LAN cable. We show you how this works in this guide.

Connect Android smartphone via LAN cable - the prerequisites

If you want to connect your Android smartphone or tablet to a network using a LAN cable, you should first check whether the device supports so-called OTG cables.

• Not all Android smartphones support OTG. The easiest way to find out is to download the "USB OTG Checker" app. Open the app and click on "USB OTG System" and then on "Result", you will see whether your smartphone is OTG compatible.
• You must also check whether an Ethernet driver has been installed. You should find this information in the device manual, otherwise ask the manufacturer. You can also find out in the settings.
• To do this, call up the settings on your Android smartphone and open "Wireless & networks" here. See if there is an "Other" option listed here. If this is the case, check whether you discover the "Ethernet" option under this point.
• If these conditions are not met, you will unfortunately not be able to establish a connection via an Ethernet cable.

Connect an Android smartphone via a LAN cable - this is how you proceed

The Ethernet function is basically only integrated from Android 3.1. For this guide you need at least Android 4 to run the apps correctly.

• If the Ethernet conditions are given by the manufacturer, you need root rights on your smartphone.
• You then need the BusyBox, SuperSU and Ethernet apps. The latter app activates the correct settings so that you can access the Internet via LAN.
• On the hardware side, you need an OTG cable and a USB / LAN adapter. Make sure that the OTG cable is compatible with smartphones. It is best to read the respective comments of the article.
• If you have all the necessary cables or adapters, you can start establishing the connection. To do this, first deactivate the WiFi on the Android device and, if necessary, the mobile data. Now connect the OTG cable to your smartphone / tablet. Next, you can connect the Ethernet adapter and plug the LAN cable into it.
• Then select "Enable" in the "Ethernet" app.
• Now your smartphone should establish a connection to the LAN network.
• If your device does not establish a LAN connection, although it should actually work, the connection of your smartphone / tablet may not supply enough power. In this case, a USB hub with an additional power source can help. Simply connect it between the OTG cable and USB / LAN adapter.