Using Mobile Internet/Data While Connected To A WiFi Network (IOS/Android)
When attempting to connect an external device like a SkyEcho2, a Stratux, or a PowerFLARM to your phone, you need to ensure that your phone is connected to the external device's Wi-Fi hotspot while also having internet access through 4G/5G mobile data.
It's important to note that this setup is independent of the SafeSky App itself and is instead a configuration specific to your phone's operating system. Below are some common ways to solve this connectivity issue. However, if these methods don't work for your device, please consult your device's user manual for further assistance, as the SafeSky team cannot provide support for individual device configurations.
iOS Devices
This should work out of the box.
iOS 13 and above will automatically detect that your Wi-Fi network does not have Internet and allow you to access other devices on the Wi-Fi network while automatically using your mobile Internet. If not, you can follow these steps to force iOS to use mobile Internet while connected to a Wi-Fi network.
iOS 13 and above instructions
- Go to Settings → Wi-Fi
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network
- Tap the info (i) icon next to your connected network
- Make note of your IP Address and Subnet Mask
- Change Configure IP from Automatic to Manual and enter the IP address and subnet mask
- Do not fill in “Router” — leave it blank
- Save your changes. iOS will show “No Internet Connection” next to your Wi-Fi network
This only affects the current Wi-Fi network. If you connect to another Wi-Fi, iOS will use that network’s Internet connection unless you repeat these steps.
Android Devices
On Android 11 and above, it should work out of the box. Android detects that no Internet connection is available on the Wi-Fi and may prompt you to use your SIM data instead.
You can also manually configure your Wi-Fi or force your phone to always use mobile data.
Android 9 instructions (use mobile data for a specific Wi-Fi network)
- Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi
- Tap and hold your Wi-Fi network name until a menu appears
- Tap Manage Network Settings
- Note your IP Address and Subnet Mask
- Change IP Settings from DHCP to Static
- Remove the Gateway so the field is blank
- Save. Android should no longer attempt to use this Wi-Fi for Internet access
Android 9 instructions (always use mobile data)
Enable Developer Mode
- Go to Settings → System → About Phone
- Tap Build Number repeatedly until Developer Mode is enabled
Toggle Mobile Data Setting
- Go to Settings → System → Developer Options
- Enable Mobile Data Always Active
Android 8 instructions (always use mobile data)
Enable Developer Mode
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Software Information
- Tap Build Number about 7 times until you see “Developer Mode has been turned on”
Toggle Mobile Data Setting
- Go to Settings → Developer Options → Network
- Enable Keep Mobile data turned on
⚠️ Enabling this will force your device to always use mobile data, even on Wi-Fi networks that do have Internet access.
To revert, go back to Developer Options and disable the main toggle at the top.
Android (version 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16+)
On newer Android versions, the operating system prioritises Wi-Fi.
If your Wi-Fi network (e.g., SkyEcho2, Stratux, PowerFLARM) has no Internet, Android may route all data through Wi-Fi and ignore mobile data.
This behaviour varies between manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) and Android versions.
Goal: Stay connected to the device’s Wi-Fi hotspot for data exchange, while your phone uses 4G/5G for Internet.
1. Samsung / One UI: force an app to use mobile data
Samsung devices allow you to force apps to use mobile data even while Wi-Fi is connected.
Path:
Settings → Connections → Data usage → Mobile data only apps
(or Allowed networks for apps) → enable it for SafeSky
This is the cleanest solution on Samsung devices, though some firmware versions show inconsistent results.
Reference: Samsung One UI Tip
Community note: Samsung EU Forum
2. Keep mobile data active (Developer Options)
Ensures mobile data stays available while you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
- Enable Developer Options:
Settings → About phone → (tap) Build number ×7 - Go to
Settings → System → Developer options - Enable Mobile data always active
This setting helps the OS keep both connections alive, allowing routing fallback when Wi-Fi has no Internet.
3. Disable Intelligent Wi-Fi / Auto-switch (Samsung)
Samsung’s “Intelligent Wi-Fi” automatically toggles between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Disable this feature to maintain a stable Wi-Fi link to your external device.
Path:
Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → (⋮) → Intelligent Wi-Fi
Turn off options like Switch to mobile data or Auto switch to mobile data.
Reference: Android Authority – Mobile data & Wi-Fi issues
4. Connect to the hotspot and allow “No Internet”
When joining your external device’s Wi-Fi hotspot:
- Android may warn: “This network has no Internet.”
- Choose Connect anyway or Stay connected
- On some devices, open the Wi-Fi details and enable
Use this network even without Internet
Reference: Android Stack Exchange
5. Advanced workaround (VPN / proxy routing)
If all else fails, you can use a VPN-based routing app (like NetGuard or Drony) to force certain apps to use mobile data even when Wi-Fi is connected.
This method is advanced, may impact battery life, and could be limited by manufacturer restrictions.
⚠️ Notes & caveats
- Features may differ between manufacturers and OS versions.
- On some Samsung S-series devices (Android 14–16), Mobile data only apps may not work consistently.
- Test your setup after any OS update or firmware change.
- Reference: Samsung Community
Stratux: Wi-Fi Direct and Android mobile data
For many users, the Stratux AP mode works fine.
If not, consider using Wi-Fi Direct to connect while maintaining mobile data.
See the Stratux team’s specific workaround.
Other cases
If none of the above works, the issue may depend on your specific device, OS version, or vendor customisation layer.
You can check additional tutorials here.
SafeSky does not offer vendor-specific support. Pilots should refer to their device manual or manufacturer’s help pages for detailed guidance.
Original blog post from jrklein.com