Related
So I've confirmed today that there is in fact an LTE issue with the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition, and thankfully, it's software based. Hopefully, Google and/or Samsung implement a fix in short order. In the meantime, here's the cause (so that you can prevent the issue), and here's the workaround (so that you can correct the issue if you're affected).
Background:
Comparing the Google Play Edition to the Touchwiz Edition, there is a setting that is slightly different on both phones. If you go to Settings --> Wireless & Networks --> More --> Mobile Networks --> , you will see a setting; either "Use only 2G networks/saves battery (GPE)," or "Network Mode (TW)."
The Network Mode on Touchwiz allows you to toggle between available network modes based on carrier, usually 3 individual settings and a full Automatic setting. The 2G Networks setting on the Google Play Edition is the cause for concern here. It's directly ported from the Nexus 4, and here's where the problem lies.
Cause:
While both devices have numerous hidden network modes, the toggle only allows for you to switch between two modes; GSM Only, and WCDMA Preferred. GSM Only occurs when the box is ticked. This sets you on Edge-only for battery savings. WCDMA preferred tells the phone to look for GSM/UMTS (Edge/3G/H), but to prefer the latter if both are available, even if the latter has a weaker signal. Did you see LTE in the equation? If you noticed that it's absent, here's why.
The S4 has an additional mode; LTE/GSM (Auto PERL). This sells the phone to switch between LTE/H/3G/Edge based on signal strength and T-Mobile's/AT&T's APN settings and roaming list. The S4 GPE comes with this mode on by default. If you tick the 2G box, you'll go to Edge only. If you untick the box, instead of going back to LTE/GSM, you are sent to WCDMA Preferred. Now, you're stuck between 2G/3G/H, or 2G only. LTE is gone. Nice oversight by Google/Samsung
The "Fix":
Because this is an issue with the firmware, there is no permanent fix. However, there are easy user-facing applications that will allow you to toggle LTE back on. The one I'm using is LTE Setting (Google Play Link). From the main page, go down about 2/3s of the way and you'll see a drop-down menu. Select "LTE/GSM (Auto PERL)" to restore LTE. Now, the next time that you set your phone to 2G Only for the sake of battery savings, you'll need to use this app again to restore LTE compatibility.
I've enclosed two pictures. The first is the setting as it appears in the Google Play Edition. The second is as it appears in a Touchwiz model, and why the Touchwiz variant does not have this problem.
i had this problem when i have flashed 3 various roms so i have to flash back a rooted stock rom which you can find in this forum (in my case XXUBMGA). after flashing i checked Settings --> More (under wireless) -->Mobile Networks and there shoud be 4 choices 1. LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) 2. WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) 3. WCDMA only and 4. GSM only. i checked no.1 to see if it worked (after rebooting). then there was no 4G connection on the status bar, so i begin to search for the answer in this forum also. here's a list of what i did to solve my problem.
1. i asked my carrier for an LTE capable SIM (micro SIM)
2. i see to it that there is an LTE coverage in my area for testing
3. LTE is activated in my prepaid account which is separate from internet access.
4. (optional) in settings/more/mobile networks/networks operators i selected manual because it drained my load when my network is not available when connection to LTE coverage of another network.
5. asked from carrier the correct APN
of all the listed steps i made above, it was the SIM card that was at fault, because my carrier gave me a normal sim but was just cut to a micro sim so i insist to have a pre manufactured micro sim. you can google for answers but i don't think this is a bug. i have read plenty of lte issues during my search and all point to coverage, SIM card and requesting the carrier for an LTE activation on your account.
hope this helps
I've edited the original post for clarity. I apologize for any confusion that I have caused.
Bug has been submitted to and acknowledged by Google. It's evident in the latest 4.3 leak, so no idea if the fix makes it into the final push, or a subsequent update.
Bug has been fixed as of last night's OTA to 4.3.
Hi everyone, I'm new in the forum although been following it quite some time.
I have a problem with my i9505. After a trip to Korea my phone hasn't been able to get 3g connection at all in China Unicom network before the trip there was no problems. (I wasn't able to get network in Korea at all btw). Now connection is always with EDGE and GSM only.
Anyways the firmware I have been using is the new (3g connection with this firmware worked fine before the trip)
United Kingdom BTU (September 2013)
PDA: I9505XXUDMH8
CSC: I9505OXXDMHA
Version 4.2.2
After the problem occurred I have done factory reset and cleared cache. Also tried the new german BTU PDA: I9505XXUDMH5, CSC: I9505OXADMH5 Version 4.2.2
Also tried different modems: ZCUCMH1, XXUDMH8 and now it is XUBMGA - none of these work. I can select all LTE/wcdma/gsm and wcdma only, gsm only etc settings from the phone but only gsm or wcdma/gsm works. Other modes don't even find any networks (in Korea it didn't find any networks with any mode)
Factory reset and clear cache was done after every flash.*#0011# shows only GSM 1800 available so for some reason it seems that the phone thinks it is just a gsm phone or does it get it from the network?
Imei code shows up normally in the "about phone" menu and I also called China Unicom operator and they said that they don't even block any imeis so that shouldn't be the problem. Internet also works so the apn settings are ok, just that it is on edge only and doesn't even try to get to 3g.
I also tried the simcard with my friends i9505 and it got working connection with H+ immediately. I tried her working card on my phone and it was still only in gsm/edge mode. Her phone had xxubmga/xxbmg3 software inside so I tried the same modem with no luck.
One thing is that I can't downgrade the phone anymore since I installed the SELinux forced UK stock firmware. Also knox warranty is 0x1 since I cfrooted the phone at one point when I had gps problems. Still even after that the phone has worked normally with the said uk stock firmware for a long time. It seems that the korea network messed the phone up somehow?
Anyways, any tips about how to fix the problems would be greatly appreciated.
Waatu said:
Hi everyone, I'm new in the forum although been following it quite some time.
I have a problem with my i9505. After a trip to Korea my phone hasn't been able to get 3g connection at all in China Unicom network before the trip there was no problems. (I wasn't able to get network in Korea at all btw). Now connection is always with EDGE and GSM only.
Anyways the firmware I have been using is the new (3g connection with this firmware worked fine before the trip)
United Kingdom BTU (September 2013)
PDA: I9505XXUDMH8
CSC: I9505OXXDMHA
Version 4.2.2
After the problem occurred I have done factory reset and cleared cache. Also tried the new german BTU PDA: I9505XXUDMH5, CSC: I9505OXADMH5 Version 4.2.2
Also tried different modems: ZCUCMH1, XXUDMH8 and now it is XUBMGA - none of these work. I can select all LTE/wcdma/gsm and wcdma only, gsm only etc settings from the phone but only gsm or wcdma/gsm works. Other modes don't even find any networks (in Korea it didn't find any networks with any mode)
Factory reset and clear cache was done after every flash.*#0011# shows only GSM 1800 available so for some reason it seems that the phone thinks it is just a gsm phone or does it get it from the network?
Imei code shows up normally in the "about phone" menu and I also called China Unicom operator and they said that they don't even block any imeis so that shouldn't be the problem. Internet also works so the apn settings are ok, just that it is on edge only and doesn't even try to get to 3g.
I also tried the simcard with my friends i9505 and it got working connection with H+ immediately. I tried her working card on my phone and it was still only in gsm/edge mode. Her phone had xxubmga/xxbmg3 software inside so I tried the same modem with no luck.
One thing is that I can't downgrade the phone anymore since I installed the SELinux forced UK stock firmware. Also knox warranty is 0x1 since I cfrooted the phone at one point when I had gps problems. Still even after that the phone has worked normally with the said uk stock firmware for a long time. It seems that the korea network messed the phone up somehow?
Anyways, any tips about how to fix the problems would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a shot in the dark, try *#*#4636#*#*
Under Phone Information > Preferred Network, Make sure you have the proper network selected. I had a similar issue connecting to LTE, it kept defaulting to WCDMA.
dratsablive said:
Just a shot in the dark, try *#*#4636#*#*
Under Phone Information > Preferred Network, Make sure you have the proper network selected. I had a similar issue connecting to LTE, it kept defaulting to WCDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The code did't work but I got to that menu via ShowService Mode app. Chose wcdma all which also set the default network in settings to wcdma only.
Anyways no luck I checked with *#0011# and it keeps jumping between three screen No service, No sib19 or sib19 received. At one point it showed hdsp0, etc but I didn't get the chance to capture that screen. Attached are the files.
Just noticed in the service menu that the NAS information - MM reject information list says "Type 1, Cause 15 460-01, UMTS"
I guess this means that the phone is not allowed in 3g network? Operator problem, phone problems or sim problem?
I'd think it is not sim problem since it works in another phone but could the operator still be blocking or not recognizing the phone as umts device? Should call operator? Though they said they don't use blacklist at least or could the korean network had ruined some phone's own network capability database somehow?
Edit: also noticed in service mode that there is plmnsearch going on so it is trying to find suitable basestation to connect but I guess it can't find one. It gives NoCellAvailable(5) error. Crappy modem? although as said previously it used to work. I'm also in Shanghai city center where my friends' phones work just fine - and mine used to.
Waatu said:
Just noticed in the service menu that the NAS information - MM reject information list says "Type 1, Cause 15 460-01, UMTS"
I guess this means that the phone is not allowed in 3g network? Operator problem, phone problems or sim problem?
I'd think it is not sim problem since it works in another phone but could the operator still be blocking or not recognizing the phone as umts device? Should call operator? Though they said they don't use blacklist at least or could the korean network had ruined some phone's own network capability database somehow?
Edit: also noticed in service mode that there is plmnsearch going on so it is trying to find suitable basestation to connect but I guess it can't find one. It gives NoCellAvailable(5) error. Crappy modem? although as said previously it used to work. I'm also in Shanghai city center where my friends' phones work just fine - and mine used to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to contact your provider and see if your account is setup for 3G, otherwise it will not access that network.
dratsablive said:
You need to contact your provider and see if your account is setup for 3G, otherwise it will not access that network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called the operator and they "refreshed" my 3g settings. Also my sim worked with my friends phone as H+ so it should be activated. Can operator choose the device to attach to 3g network by phone/imei instead of sim ?
It's supposed to be by IMEI.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using xda app-developers app
anyone any idea? is it because of the imei number?
hey guys, could anyone resolve this problem?
happens to me since I got my s4 after performing root and debradign
excuse my English I use google translate.
same issue with my i9505
Hi every one, I own samsung galaxy s4 i9505
im in Philippines there are three telcos that i know here, and my phone was a smart telecom locked,
i went to technician for open line to all network (globe, sun)
it was then unlocked but when i check my data connection it seldom get an H or H+ connection it always in E sign,
when i went back to the tech he says its normal!....
am I getting the right answer its NORMAL?
pls help.
thx
Waatu said:
Hi everyone, I'm new in the forum although been following it quite some time.
I have a problem with my i9505. After a trip to Korea my phone hasn't been able to get 3g connection at all in China Unicom network before the trip there was no problems. (I wasn't able to get network in Korea at all btw). Now connection is always with EDGE and GSM only.
Anyways the firmware I have been using is the new (3g connection with this firmware worked fine before the trip)
United Kingdom BTU (September 2013)
PDA: I9505XXUDMH8
CSC: I9505OXXDMHA
Version 4.2.2
After the problem occurred I have done factory reset and cleared cache. Also tried the new german BTU PDA: I9505XXUDMH5, CSC: I9505OXADMH5 Version 4.2.2
Also tried different modems: ZCUCMH1, XXUDMH8 and now it is XUBMGA - none of these work. I can select all LTE/wcdma/gsm and wcdma only, gsm only etc settings from the phone but only gsm or wcdma/gsm works. Other modes don't even find any networks (in Korea it didn't find any networks with any mode)
Factory reset and clear cache was done after every flash.*#0011# shows only GSM 1800 available so for some reason it seems that the phone thinks it is just a gsm phone or does it get it from the network?
Imei code shows up normally in the "about phone" menu and I also called China Unicom operator and they said that they don't even block any imeis so that shouldn't be the problem. Internet also works so the apn settings are ok, just that it is on edge only and doesn't even try to get to 3g.
I also tried the simcard with my friends i9505 and it got working connection with H+ immediately. I tried her working card on my phone and it was still only in gsm/edge mode. Her phone had xxubmga/xxbmg3 software inside so I tried the same modem with no luck.
One thing is that I can't downgrade the phone anymore since I installed the SELinux forced UK stock firmware. Also knox warranty is 0x1 since I cfrooted the phone at one point when I had gps problems. Still even after that the phone has worked normally with the said uk stock firmware for a long time. It seems that the korea network messed the phone up somehow?
Anyways, any tips about how to fix the problems would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
--------------------
I have the same problem. An internationally unlocked Samsung S4 I9505 (LTE) lost its 3G connectivity during a visit in South Korea. The strange thing is that there was connectivity during the first two days of the visit and only then it lost connectivity (there were no reception bars and an icon similar to 'no parking' appeared. Also - searching for service provides did not yield any provide). Only after landing few days later in Taiwan, reception was restored. But, it seems that from then on, the telephone operates only on GSM. Setting it to 'WCDMA only' results in the same 'no parking' icon and no data.
Will greatly appreciate any advice that will help me restore the WCDMA operation.
Same problem after visiting Korea. Have you find a solution?
Waatu said:
Hi everyone, I'm new in the forum although been following it quite some time.
I have a problem with my i9505. After a trip to Korea my phone hasn't been able to get 3g connection at all in China Unicom network before the trip there was no problems. (I wasn't able to get network in Korea at all btw). Now connection is always with EDGE and GSM only.
Anyways the firmware I have been using is the new (3g connection with this firmware worked fine before the trip)
United Kingdom BTU (September 2013)
PDA: I9505XXUDMH8
CSC: I9505OXXDMHA
Version 4.2.2
After the problem occurred I have done factory reset and cleared cache. Also tried the new german BTU PDA: I9505XXUDMH5, CSC: I9505OXADMH5 Version 4.2.2
Also tried different modems: ZCUCMH1, XXUDMH8 and now it is XUBMGA - none of these work. I can select all LTE/wcdma/gsm and wcdma only, gsm only etc settings from the phone but only gsm or wcdma/gsm works. Other modes don't even find any networks (in Korea it didn't find any networks with any mode)
Factory reset and clear cache was done after every flash.*#0011# shows only GSM 1800 available so for some reason it seems that the phone thinks it is just a gsm phone or does it get it from the network?
Imei code shows up normally in the "about phone" menu and I also called China Unicom operator and they said that they don't even block any imeis so that shouldn't be the problem. Internet also works so the apn settings are ok, just that it is on edge only and doesn't even try to get to 3g.
I also tried the simcard with my friends i9505 and it got working connection with H+ immediately. I tried her working card on my phone and it was still only in gsm/edge mode. Her phone had xxubmga/xxbmg3 software inside so I tried the same modem with no luck.
One thing is that I can't downgrade the phone anymore since I installed the SELinux forced UK stock firmware. Also knox warranty is 0x1 since I cfrooted the phone at one point when I had gps problems. Still even after that the phone has worked normally with the said uk stock firmware for a long time. It seems that the korea network messed the phone up somehow?
Anyways, any tips about how to fix the problems would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I experienced the same problem and it also started at Korea (a strange co-incidence). It lost all network connections in Korea for 2 days and when I continued my trip and flew to Taiwan, the connection restored (without me doing anything). But a few weeks later I did note that everything is very slow and I found that the phone operates only as GSM (I was not aware to this because it was set to select automatically between LTE/WCDMA/GSM). Since then, it seems to operate only on GSM (if i set to 'WCDMA only' - it will not connect and a grey no- connection icon appears (similar to "no parking" street sign). I Did try 'almost everything'. I rooted, installed lolipop and back to Kit Kat (this morning). To my surprise, i had a few hours of normal operation (the letter H above the data icons as opposed to E when it operates on GSM). but after a couple of hours - "no parking" sign again and it will not work when set to 'WCDMA only' (and will operate when set to 'GSM only' but of course very slow data transfer). Very frustrating! Have anyone find a solution??
Huro
I'm suffering from the SAME problem, only on Brazillian network operator VIVO.
I was using it normally, then suddenly one the I got only EDGE data, no 3g and no 4g anymore.
I've tried EVERYTHING and I can't fix this crap, Did anyone ever got a solution on this?
nO fix for the problem?
experiencing same on stock 4.4.2 unrooted
Anyone with solution for this problem . Should i take my phone to samsung service center ? Can they repair it ?
I got a solution, it worked for me now 3g 4g working....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2998527
Dude you saved my phone!!! THANKS A LOT
Hi everyone,
I have an unlocked Galaxy Note 4, this was not my original phone. It should be the Canadian variant of the phone (SM-N910W8) and I am trying to use it with Rogers.
I have tried installing every stock firmware that was made available to the phone (2-3 variants of 4.4.4 and 1 variant of 5.0.1) including a nightly build of CM12.1
Regardless of the firmware, the phone connects to cellular networks and shows only the 4G indicator. The 4G will only work randomly, and I should have LTE in my area, it doesn't connect to LTE at all. I have a Note 2 and my sim card is fine and the Note 2 connects correctly. Cellular randomly disconnects and then comes back on
I have the APN settings set correctly as well; the phone should also auto-detect the provider's settings during set up anyways.
I'm not sure what the previous user did with the phone. The IMEI sticker under the phone indicates the phone is the SM-N910W8 model, and download mode confirms this. When i press *#06# in the dialer, a different IMEI appears, i checked that it is the SM-N910T (T Mobile) variant. Either variant should work properly under Rogers.
Hopefully someone can help me out before I write this thing off:
1. Can the fact that there are different IMEI numbers impede the phone from connecting to Rogers properly (i figure not since it does intermittently connect and work)
2. How come LTE never appears (all APN settings are correct and *#2263# is set to automatic, there is no network connection if set to just LTE/GSM mode)
3. The T-Mobile stock firmware will not install through ODIN in download mode, the update fails
Thanks everyone
I've been back and forth with Samsung over this. My new S8 (the unlocked USA version, SM-G950U1) has a poor signal in some office buildings, frequently losing signal entirely. Other phones at the same time and place have a strong signal with 4G LTE service. We've tried reflashing the software, changing the sim card, and booting it in safe mode. The same sim card in a different phone gets a signal. I've run Open Signal on multiple phones at the same time to compare results and to show to service reps so they can see what's happening, though that gets me no closer to understanding the source of this problem.
In most places, this S8 works fine and has a great signal. Any thoughts about what could be causing it? Has anyone else experienced this?
Due to summer travel, I didn't catch the problem until after my 14-day return period. Samsung claims I need to mail them the defective one "for repair" and plan to be without my phone for 9-11 days, which seems absolutely crazy to me. (I made a big fuss and they offered to expedite it, but that's still 5 days without my phone.) Looking for last-ditch suggestions... anyone? Thank you!
Edit - more technical details including network screenshots posted here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/help/galaxy-s8-unlocked-sm-g950u-maintaining-t3680887
Had the same issue. Had to have to repaired.
They changed everything except the screen and frame.
The issue occured after a software update. After repairs the issue returned after the Orea update... but isnt as bad as before. I seem to have lost Band 5.. 850Mhz
My phone also *just* updated to Oreo, and I think the problem may be back in a milder form. I haven't had a chance to really test or debug it, yet.
My best theory has been that the phone was prioritizing non-LTE signals over a weak LTE signal. How I fixed it the first time: enter the BAND service mode via the native dialer by dialing *#2263# (2263 spells BAND). Clear all bands, then select all LTE bands (ONLY LTE) and apply the changes. This forces the phone to use only LTE signals, no matter their strength. It's worth noting that you may need to alter this when traveling through areas without LTE service, by re-entering the menu and selecting all bands and applying the changes.
Good luck! Please let me know if you figure anything out with your phone after its oreo update!
It is because you will not be on the network band that is stronger
Since flashing my phone back to Nougat I still cannot enable band 20 which I need for better signal. So I’m stuck with poor signal
wezzel98765 said:
It is because you will not be on the network band that is stronger
Since flashing my phone back to Nougat I still cannot enable band 20 which I need for better signal. So I’m stuck with poor signal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the unlocked USA version, SM-G950U1 ? If you load the *#2263# service menu, you can't enable/disable LTE band 20?
If that's the case, I'm not sure why that's happening! When you flashed back to Nougat, did that include a flash back to the baseband you were previously on?
I'm using the g950F from UK unlocked to all networks
Almost all networks rely very heavily on Band 20 in my town to provide good coverage- so with our It I have a major problem
Facing same issue - loss of lte signal - s8+ switching to weaker lte band
Just got the S8+ and updated it to the latest OREO. After detailed diagnosis using service codes, the issue is that the phone is definitely prioritize a weaker LTE BAND Signal during radio activity with the network tower.
Getting full signals on with the same SIM card on other phones.
The new service mode is also not operable or I don't know the key yet. Using *#0011# only shows the SERVICE MODE (Stack 1 & Stack 2), but is not navigable using the Q0 and Q 0000 keys.
Anyone found a solution to this problem or do we have to wait for an update to fix this?
Enter the BAND service mode menu via the native dialer by dialing *#2263#
(2263 spells BAND)
If this doesn't work, what android software build are you running? (It still works for me, on my S8, running oreo G950U1UES5CRL2 )
Solved - jan security patch update
Hi, Just got the update for the JAN SECURITY PATCH UPDATE.
Its working fine now. They fixed the bug. So relieved, finally able to use the handset properly now.
Cheers!
dovesong said:
Enter the BAND service mode menu via the native dialer by dialing *#2263#
(2263 spells BAND)
If this doesn't work, what android software build are you running? (It still works for me, on my S8, running oreo G950U1UES5CRL2 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's excellent! And also interesting; I'm still waiting for my Jan update, and I'm hoping the delay means it will be my PIE upgrade... *crosses fingers*
Hi All,
When the VoLTE reboot issue was a thing, I used "Network Signal Guru" to lock the bands of my OP2 to stop the reboots.
Now I have moved country and the bands here are different (and hopefully the latest lineage doesn't suffer the reboot issue). However, the current version of "Network Signal Guru" gives an empty box with an OK button when I click "Lock LTE Bands" so I can't unlock them again.
I tried downloading the same version I used before and it won't work because it detects it's an old version and just opens the Play Store. How can I unlock the bands I locked now?! Is there a replacement app now that Network Signal Guru are overcharging for the pro version?
Please help, I'm stuck with Edge here! :crying:
Check your settings, check APNs, delete the app data for that application and uninstall it (try reinstalling it after)