Hey there, let's break down your question and what you're up against:

The Core Issue with Hotspot APIs #

First off, you’re absolutely right—those old reflection hacks using setWifiApEnabled are long dead. Starting with Android 10 (Q), Google began blocking access to these hidden system methods, and restrictions got even tighter in Android 11+.

Worse, there’s no official, public API for third-party apps to programmatically manage cellular hotspots (mobile data tethering) in the background—the way you can flip the toggle manually from quick settings. The LocalOnlyHotspotManager you’ve seen in Android docs only handles local, Wi-Fi-only hotspots that don’t use cellular data, so that’s not what you need here.

Why the Restrictions Exist #

A big driver here is carrier agreements. As you noted, carriers like AT&T tie hotspot usage to specific billing tiers, and Android’s restrictions align with their requirements to prevent apps from bypassing these controls. Google also tightened access to system-level features to boost device security and stability, so even if carriers weren’t involved, these APIs would likely stay locked down.

Limited Workarounds #

If you need to interact with hotspot controls, your only realistic options for third-party apps are:

• Launch the system’s hotspot settings screen via an intent, forcing the user to toggle it manually:

  Intent intent = new Intent(Settings.ACTION_TETHER_SETTINGS);
  startActivity(intent);
  

• If you’re building a system/enterprise app (with special privileges), there are hidden system APIs, but these are undocumented, version-dependent, and not supported for public use.

Your Frustration About Device Control #

It’s totally valid to feel annoyed about losing control over your own device. The shift toward restricted APIs is part of a broader trend where manufacturers and carriers have more say over device functionality, even if it clashes with the "device-agnostic" ideal of the internet. For now, third-party apps just don’t have the same level of access to system tethering features they used to.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者physiii