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.
I have a SGS5 (SM-G900F) downgraded to Kitkat. (4.4.2)
I can use LTE with one operator A (4G shows in statusbar, speedtest measures above 50Mbits).
I bought a sim for operator B but I cannot switch to LTE mode in Mobile Data Settings -> Mobile Networks -> Network Mode. Any option with LTE is simply not available.
I tested the sim for operator B on an iPhone 6 plus, it works just fine.
I have found some guide for secret codes and walked through it to force LTE. It works, but it does not switch to 3G automatically when I receive a call (it does this with the card of operator A)
So I know that my phone does support both operators frequency bands, I can force it to work, but I want to have the convenience of automatic switching on a phone call.
Is there a list somewhere in the software that has flags for networks to enable and disable LTE options in the menu ? Can I edit this ? Where is it ?
Will updating my Android version fix this ? ( I would really prefer to avoid this, since I use SnoopSnitch )
Operator A is: Vodafone (DE), A1 (AT)
Operator B is: HoT (AT)->MVNO for T-Mobile (AT)
So maybe this was a bad idea but I'm on boom mobile (verizon mvno) and thought I could save some money and picked up a sprint s7 edge on sale, I just had it unlocked and they flashed it to the 935u unlocked version. The problem is I can't connect to the verizon network, after playing around with it a bit I got it to connect to the verizon lte network but still no voice. In my meager attempts to troubleshoot I noticed I have the options under network mode of
LTE/3g/2g -->> this picks up all networks in my area (Verizon, Sprint, ATT, Tmobile, US Cellular)
3g/2g --> only shows ATT and Tmobile
3g --> only shows ATT and Tmobile
2g --> only Tmobile
So I'm thinking my phone isn't setup right to connect to cdma networks which I thought the 935u rom was supposed to do. Anyone have any tips on how i can further troubleshoot this?
Thanks in advance.
edit: Well I installed a program called 4g LTE switch and set it to cdma only and I was able to make a phone call (3g data also worked) like that but changing it to LTE/cdma wouldn't let me make a call but LTE data worked, if i leave it set to LTE/cdma and reboot it switches back to LTE only.
edit2: Maybe it's trying to connect to volte which isn't offered for Verizon MVNO's yet but i don't see any settings available to disable that.
edit3: When set to LTE/CDMA I could sometimes make outgoing calls, sometimes I would get the double dial prompt, it was very slow to switch between LTE and CDMA so I would miss incoming phone calls.
I threw in the towel and just flashed the latest Verizon rom and it's working properly.
Hello Xda community
i recently bought a9 pro a910f international version from Aliexpress
the first thing i did is updating the software via ota from originally nogut to
also nogut but apparently a small update.
My problem is i can get only 4g/lte but i cant make or receive any calls ???
if i switched from network mode to GSM Only i could make calls but i lose internet.7
i have Lycamobile sim card , i live in Belgium
do you think its fault in software , i already flashed and downgraded and upgraded through
odin and using original firmware without any luck
i think its band issue maybe a9 pro is not compatible with my service provider
but i am not expert there
Help please
Sir you can download other firnware that works on you country and flash via ODIN is easy or just flash other modem but need more instructions
Thank you very much for your reply
I tried 3 original firmwares so far but no use.
You said something about modem ?
I have no idea about that ? Is it not already in the firmware ?
I flashed 2 firmwares: Malaysia and India using 4 files method with odin.
But with no use.
I will try to flash all other regions .
But i think it could be hardware fault?
To make or receive calls on 4G, at least one of these have to be working:
CSFB (circuit switched fall back) from 4G, where CS is not available, to 3G or 2G;
VoLTE/IMS (voice over LTE,4G);
VoIP software...
Below: 4G=LTE, 3G=UMTS/WCDMA, 2G=GSM. Those are 3 RATs, selecting only one is sometimes "RAT lock".
4636 can usually be opened without root.
Set network to 4G/3G/2G in the settings app, not 4G(LTE) only.
Set network to LTE/UMTS auto (PRL) in 4636, should also CS to 2G.
Set network to LTE/WCDMA in 4636. (4G/3G).
Check CSC features for anything related to this, remove or modify if rooted.
Check current CSC, install, open stock recovery.
Install CSC with VoLTE (IMS 'APN') set up for the mobile network operator, if available.
Disable VoLTE provisioned in 4636 if it's not available?
CS could be disabled in the menu, probably not, (*#2683662#, etc) Example, in this example CS is disabled, leaving only PS (data). (Exynos! Likely differs on Snapdragon) UE Setting and Information > Setting > Protocol > NAS > CEMODE Setting > [3]CEMODE0(PSonly/DC)(*), UE Setting and Information > Setting > Protocol > NAS > Network Control > SERVICE DOMAIN > [3] PS ONLY. Edit: it works on GSM.
Ask the mobile virtual network operator about "circuit switched fall back", have the question elevated to the ones higher in position.
Etc.
Bryan48765 said:
To make or receive calls on 4G, at least one of these have to be working:
CSFB (circuit switched fall back) from 4G, where CS is not available, to 3G or 2G;
VoLTE/IMS (voice over LTE,4G);
VoIP software...
Below: 4G=LTE, 3G=UMTS/WCDMA, 2G=GSM. Those are 3 RATs, selecting only one is sometimes "RAT lock".
4636 can usually be opened without root.
Set network to 4G/3G/2G in the settings app, not 4G(LTE) only.
Set network to LTE/UMTS auto (PRL) in 4636, should also CS to 2G.
Set network to LTE/WCDMA in 4636. (4G/3G).
Check CSC features for anything related to this, remove or modify if rooted.
Check current CSC, install, open stock recovery.
Install CSC with VoLTE (IMS 'APN') set up for the mobile network operator, if available.
Disable VoLTE provisioned in 4636 if it's not available?
CS could be disabled in the menu, probably not, (*#2683662#, etc) Example, in this example CS is disabled, leaving only PS (data). (Exynos! Likely differs on Snapdragon) UE Setting and Information > Setting > Protocol > NAS > CEMODE Setting > [3]CEMODE0(PSonly/DC)(*), UE Setting and Information > Setting > Protocol > NAS > Network Control > SERVICE DOMAIN > [3] PS ONLY. Edit: it works on GSM.
Ask the mobile virtual network operator about "circuit switched fall back", have the question elevated to the ones higher in position.
Etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am completely lost
what is 4636 ? how can i open it ?
what should i google
you seem quite knowledgeable about this
can you point me to what should i google about please ?
mhd1st said:
i am completely lost
what is 4636 ? how can i open it ?
what should i google
you seem quite knowledgeable about this
can you point me to what should i google about please ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4636 is basically a menu that comes with Android that allows the selection of network modes for SIM 1, including those that are not available in the usual settings. It has a few other features, but it's not relevant to this. On Samsung (Gingerbread, etc) , it was previously launched by *#*#4636*#*# in the phone app, like other devices. In the network mode "LTE only"/"4G only", calls by circuit switched fall back aren't available (can't automatically switch to 3G or 2G). If it's not changeable in the usual settings, look for it there.
How to open it? Well, there are many apps that open 4636, both with, and without root. Not necessarily the menu before it "Testing".
What to Google... anything above?
thank you for your efforts trying to help me
i tried those but still not working
Set network to 4G/3G/2G in the settings app, not 4G(LTE) only.
Set network to LTE/UMTS auto (PRL) in 4636, should also CS to 2G.
Set network to LTE/WCDMA in 4636. (4G/3G).
the first picture is before i try to calling to my phone from another phone
the second picture is after i call the phone from another phone
how to : Check current CSC, install, open stock recovery ?
Just acquired an Essential Phone. Had a LG G5 (H830) and now I own a PH-1. Well every time I want to use the Video Calling feature the call drops. I get the LTE+ icon with full bar on the status bar, however once in a while the signal appears to become weak. I have both the "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode" and "Carrier video calling" turned on. It used to work with the LG G5 but now it's just frustrating not to be able to use this feature anymore. Anyone else having this problem? PH-1 is running Android 9. Am I missing anything?
I contacted the Essential support team to which they replied the following:
"If you are accessing Video Calling through the dialer, this would be an advanced carrier service and your carrier would be the best point of contact for troubleshooting if it is not working correctly.
Other than the toggle for enabling this feature (under Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced >Carrier Video Calling) there are no other settings that would control this feature, and the routing for the data traffic is handled by the carrier.
From the help page for this service on T-Mobile and MetroPCS, they both list that Voice over LTE (VoLTE or Enhanced 4G LTE Mode) needs to be enabled if you are connected to LTE, and Wi-Fi Calling needs to be enabled if connected to WiFi. Both of the settings are also found under the Mobile Network > Advanced link provided above in Settings, so that might be a quick thing to check.
It is also possible that basic troubleshooting for cellular connections might help with the issue that you have noticed. Sometimes just rebooting can help fix odd network issues as you grab a fresh connection with the network, and we also have the option of resetting your network settings. This will restore all network settings to factory defaults, and might correct what you have noticed."
Thanks for your help guys