Android Hotspot Name Automation

TL;DR

Automatically change your Android hotspot name (SSID) using Tasker and AutoTools plugin. This guide shows you how to set up a profile that updates the hotspot name based on time, location or other triggers.

Prerequisites

• Android phone with Tasker installed (https://tasker.coogi.cz/)
• AutoTools plugin for Tasker (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.automatiq.autotools)
• Root access is not required for newer Android versions (API 29+). Older versions may need root.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Install and Configure AutoTools:
   • Open Tasker.
   • Go to the ‘Plugins’ tab.
   • Tap on ‘+’ button to install plugins, search for ‘AutoTools’ and install it.
   • After installation, grant all necessary permissions when prompted. This is crucial for AutoTools to function correctly.
2. Create a New Tasker Profile:
   • In Tasker, tap the ‘+’ button at the bottom of the ‘Profiles’ tab.
   • Choose your trigger. Common options include:
     • Time: Change the hotspot name at specific times (e.g., morning/evening).
     • Location: Change the name when you arrive or leave a location.
     • State: Change based on Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth status etc.
3. Configure the Trigger (Example: Time):
   • If you chose ‘Time’, set the start and end times for when the hotspot name should change. For example, 07:00 to 23:00.
   • Tap the back arrow to return to the profile creation screen. Tasker will prompt you to create a new task. Tap ‘New Task +’.
4. Create the Hotspot Name Change Task:
   • Give your task a name (e.g., ‘Change Hotspot Name’).
   • Tap the ‘+’ button to add an action.
   • Select ‘Plugin’ -> ‘AutoTools’.
   • Choose ‘Set SSID’.
5. Configure the ‘Set SSID’ Action:
   • In the ‘Set SSID’ configuration screen:
     • SSID: Enter the desired hotspot name. For example, “Home Hotspot”.
     • Interface: Select your Wi-Fi interface (usually wlan0). You can find this using a terminal emulator app and running

       ip addr show

       . Look for the interface associated with your Wi-Fi connection.

     • Hidden: Leave unchecked unless you want to hide the hotspot SSID.
6. Add a Second Task (Optional):
   • Repeat steps 4 and 5 to create another task for changing the hotspot name back to its original value when the trigger condition is no longer met. For example, if you changed it to “Home Hotspot” at 7am, create a second task to change it back to “MyHotspot” at 11pm.
7. Enable the Profile:
   • Make sure the toggle switch next to your profile name in Tasker is turned ‘On’.
8. Testing and Troubleshooting:
   • Test if the hotspot name changes automatically at the configured time or location.
   • If it doesn’t work:
     • Double-check all permissions granted to Tasker and AutoTools.
     • Verify that the Wi-Fi interface is correct in the ‘Set SSID’ action.
     • Check Tasker’s run log (long press on profile -> Run Log) for any errors.