Wireless tethering possible without ethernet connection?

SOLVED! Updated box with lastest libreelec. Tethering and remote app are working.

I have enabled tethering in libreelec settings. I try to connect with my phone and it never gets passed obtaining ip address. I am trying to figure out if my box supports bridging. But first.

Does the box need to be connected to ethernet in order for tethering to work?

I read this worked in another thread. I tried to run "ip link set dev wlan0 master tether". but got "ip: can't find device 'tether'".

This libreelec device will never be on the internet but I would like to be able control it with the kore app.

Thanks for the help.