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Speck candyshell cases kill GPS signal

If you are going nuts because of a problem with your GPS signal, make sure you remove the candyshell case because it masks the antenna. Inside with no case when I try to get the first fix, I can get 8 satellites in view with GPS test. It isn't enough that AT&T has to throttle your speed; they also have to kill your GPS.

Wow, I have a hard rubber /placstic two piece case from best buy and I have had the hardest time locking into GPS. In the car it can be very glitchy at times. Inside no signal at all. I started the gps test app and had case off and got perfect gps signal. Keeping phone in the exact same location I slowly slid on the case without touching the phone and it indeed killed my gps to no signal at all and did not recover. This was inside also. With the case on it must be perfectly placed in the window to get decent reception. That sucks. I hate taking my case on and off
I was wondering what the deal was. My buddy has a moto droid of some type from verizon. He was in the back seat of the car today and he has some case from verizon, I want to say its rubber or silicone and he was getting instant perfect gps fix while mine was struggling.

I have speck candyshell case and do not have this problem. takes at most 5 seconds to get signal.

This seems to be a problem after you flash a rom and are trying to get the first fix after reboot. Once you get the first fix, it works ok with the case on. So my advice is: for the first fix, take the case off. And if you have a case and you feel like you are getting substandard gps signal, try it with the case off and see.

simulatordos said:
This seems to be a problem after you flash a rom and are trying to get the first fix after reboot. Once you get the first fix, it works ok with the case on. So my advice is: for the first fix, take the case off. And if you have a case and you feel like you are getting substandard gps signal, try it with the case off and see.
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Click to collapse
For me it lasts after the first fix. Even after it has built a cache of all the satellites it stil give issues with the case on trying to get a fix in the car sometimes.

Same here. This is starting to feel like the Captivate. GPS on this phone is definitely flakey with or without a case, though that Speck case seems to make the issue worse.
I've already exchanged the original. The second one worked flawlessly for about a week and now rarely locks on straight away and usually with 30m accuracy.
OTOH, the Atrix would lock on instantly, indoors and accurate to 3m.
Strange things, these devices...

Wow. Thanks for the case tips. Took mine off and so far so good.

Fix for Speck GPS Problem
My HTC Desire HD GPS quit working when I installed a CandyShell case. The GPS signals virtually disappeared (using GPS Test app) when the case was on (or even partially on) but worked just fine with the case off. I only paid $5 for the case, so I thought I would have a stab at fixing the problem. I peeled off the rubber liner behind where the GPS antenna is located on the phone. That resulted in only a very sleight degradation of the signals!

I have always looked at Zagg invisibleSheild style cases... Now i know they dont have one for the DHD but i did buy an off brand one that i do like. The less bulk you add to the phone the better imo.

I've never had a reliable GPS signal on the two years of ownership of this phone.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda premium

Good to know, I wonder if this will be the same problem with the Otterbox Defender case

dfmalone said:
Good to know, I wonder if this will be the same problem with the Otterbox Defender case
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Absolutely not. I can not see any difference in signal strength between Defender on or off. I posted pics in a thread in accessories section. I still have pics but don't remember which is which.
Sent using the power of the dark side

Desire HD's GPS antenna is okay, the connection from the antenna to the motherboard is a piece of **** that is terrible.
Any case that covers up the plastic LED flash cover will degrade GPS signal.

This is pretty unrelated to cases, but I highly recommend this GPS fix. Worked like magic on my Inspire and now I get a lock in less than 30 seconds with or without my Otterbox.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442032

Signal problem with Speck case?

I have the candyshell Speck case and have been battling weak signal issues compared to my Vibrant. At work today I had absolutely no signal all morning long. Granted, the signal is always very weak for me at work and with the Vibrant it would intermittently drop off completely but generally I had enough signal for the phone to adequately provide text and e-mail updates. I was going to check my sim card so I pulled the Speck case off and as soon as I did, I got signal...weak, just like I'm used to with the Vibrant, but at least it was something. I left the case off the rest of the day and the phone behaved very similarly to my old Vibrant.
Obviously the Speck doesn't have any metal which could interfere with the signal, but perhaps with the case being so tight fitting (it's a royal pain to get off!) it is somehow distorting a connection to the antenna or something. I would be curious to know if anyone else could confirm this behavior.

bluemoon737 said:
I have the candyshell Speck case and have been battling weak signal issues compared to my Vibrant. At work today I had absolutely no signal all morning long. Granted, the signal is always very weak for me at work and with the Vibrant it would intermittently drop off completely but generally I had enough signal for the phone to adequately provide text and e-mail updates. I was going to check my sim card so I pulled the Speck case off and as soon as I did, I got signal...weak, just like I'm used to with the Vibrant, but at least it was something. I left the case off the rest of the day and the phone behaved very similarly to my old Vibrant.
Obviously the Speck doesn't have any metal which could interfere with the signal, but perhaps with the case being so tight fitting (it's a royal pain to get off!) it is somehow distorting a connection to the antenna or something. I would be curious to know if anyone else could confirm this behavior.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have the speck case and also have a Vibrant. I have noticed that the signal strength and consistency of the G2X is not as stable nor is it as strong a signal. I am getting a lot of no signal or X when it was just 3 bars of 4G and then drops to nothing. I have tried it without the speck case and I find it makes no difference for me at this time. However my Vibrant does not display an X or no signal and have had no data issues with it. I believe the G2X has enormous potential but right now there are some flaws or issues which I hope can be rectified by soft ware.

Just exchanged my G2x and the signal strength is all over the place. Way unstable.

I came from a vibrant. Had 2. Both with way worse signal issues. I mean way.
My g2x is much more reliable.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

The signal strength compared to the radio version that my G1 came with is about the same. After several updates to the radio on my G1, it was rock solid. I hope future radio updates improve signal strength for the G2x as they did with my G1. Already ordered the speck case so I hope it doesn't give me issues.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

I get a better signal with my G2X than I did with my Vibrant.

same here. I got better signal strength than my old Vibrant.

what case do you have and do you have the wifi issue ?

Thinking we could post the cases we got and if wifi is effected at all?
I got T-Mobile gel skin. Black and have wifi issues.

I've got the CaseMate Tough case and haven't had any issues with wi-fi or 4G access.

European model without 4G connectors with Case Mate's Barely There and with WiFi-issues.

smashpunks said:
Thinking we could post the cases we got and if wifi is effected at all?
I got T-Mobile gel skin. Black and have wifi issues.
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Click to collapse
I have the same case but do not have the WiFi issue. I use the phone on my second floor while laying in bed and my router is on the first floor. I am on the opposite side of the house as well and when I hold it in landscape view, I don't lose a single bar.

jrwingate6 said:
I have the same case but do not have the WiFi issue. I use the phone on my second floor while laying in bed and my router is on the first floor. I am on the opposite side of the house as well and when I hold it in landscape view, I don't lose a single bar.
Click to expand...
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Is your router b/g or b/g/n?
Mines only b/g so maybe I need to.upgrade to n...lol

I have the bodyglove kickstand sans kickstand/clip. Works fine, gives a fine grip and no wifi/data loss issue that I can see.

smashpunks said:
Is your router b/g or b/g/n?
Mines only b/g so maybe I need to.upgrade to n...lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have a very good router.
It is : http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/other/ces-2011/31377-ces-2011-d-link-announcements
I can highly recommend this router. To give you a little bit of an idea of the performance you can expect here is a little bit of information.
The router is on the first floor of my house and I live in a 3 story town house. I can be on my second floor or my basement with a WiFi connected device and bars remain full. If I am on my 3rd floor, I intermittently change between full bars and one less than full. It just depends where I'm at on the 3rd floor.
I have had it for 2 months and haven't had to reset anything nor have I had any data cut offs.
My wife is constantly streaming Netflix and Blockbuster On Demand Movies to our TV while I am playing multi player games through PS3 or my Computer. I have never seen a type of lag in my games while she is watching a HD movie. Prior to this router, I used a Linksys E3200 and I would constantly have to reset it just to get back online.

I was having radio and Wi-Fi issues with cases for my SGS2. I think all the newer phones have so much crap crammed in to them that they're all going to be sensitive to interference. I got it a BodyGuardz skin and I carry it in a PDAir belt holster. They have a couple of options for the Sensation that look like they won't interfere with its signals.
http://www.bodyguardz.com/brands/htc?devices=1242

I have this case (and it wasn't $0.65 when I bought it!!):
http://www.amazon.com/SENSATION-SKIN-CASE-COVER-CLEAR/dp/B004XYHXOA
I have the issue and the case has made no difference. It's most noticeable when I hold the phone in landscape, especially if I use just my left hand. It will get bad enough to disconnect from my network completely.
The issue doesn't happen if I'm right next to my router. I've written it off as the Sensation just simply has worse reception than my old phones. I think it reports the current strength incorrectly, hence when I'm further away, it shows a higher signal...and the change looks dramatic when covering the top area.
My old phones (a G1 and a MyTouch 3G) never had any issues.

Body glove kickstand case...no issues so far
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

jrwingate6 said:
I do have a very good router.
It is : http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/other/ces-2011/31377-ces-2011-d-link-announcements
I can highly recommend this router. To give you a little bit of an idea of the performance you can expect here is a little bit of information.
The router is on the first floor of my house and I live in a 3 story town house. I can be on my second floor or my basement with a WiFi connected device and bars remain full. If I am on my 3rd floor, I intermittently change between full bars and one less than full. It just depends where I'm at on the 3rd floor.
I have had it for 2 months and haven't had to reset anything nor have I had any data cut offs.
My wife is constantly streaming Netflix and Blockbuster On Demand Movies to our TV while I am playing multi player games through PS3 or my Computer. I have never seen a type of lag in my games while she is watching a HD movie. Prior to this router, I used a Linksys E3200 and I would constantly have to reset it just to get back online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet thanks ill check that out.. mine is about as cheap as they come.

I got a gel case for my phone and noticed that with it on my wi-fi is weak or no signal from about 40 feet from the router. With the case off it is fine. Also my data 4g is weak with the case on. It goes to 2g only. But Im not sure if its just the signal in my area because I do get better cell signal and have data signal which I didn't have before with my HD2. But as far as wi-fi with my HD2 from the same distance, there was no problems with the signal.

Case mate tough case. No issues thus far. Love the case too!
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

Body Glove, zero issues.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

I'm using the Gel Skin case that is sold at the Official T-Mobile store. No problems here at the moment.

Body glove and no WiFi issue however much I "death grip" it
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

TPU case from Amazon (smoked one). I have WiFi issue. 3G does not seem affected.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App

[Q] Poor GPS reception with barely-there case

I got a Case-Mate Barely There" for my Desire S.
I recently noticed that my GPS reception is very poor when this case is on the DS. Blinking icon, not getting any location in Navigation etc.
When I remove the case, after a few seconds the reception is stable and I get a proper location.
Is this something I can fix with a radio update? Or should I just not use that case anymore?
PS Wifi + 3G seem fine all the time.

Quark^2 said:
I got a Case-Mate Barely There" for my Desire S.
I recently noticed that my GPS reception is very poor when this case is on the DS. Blinking icon, not getting any location in Navigation etc.
When I remove the case, after a few seconds the reception is stable and I get a proper location.
Is this something I can fix with a radio update? Or should I just not use that case anymore?
PS Wifi + 3G seem fine all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that you answered your own question....
I'm not good at how these things work, but when you take you phone's case off you holding the phone in your hand could mean that your body is acting as an additional antenna?
Although have you seen this GPS related thread

My investigations of similar GPS case-related issues may be of interest :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1229660
I would NOT expect to see any significant improvement by software or firmware change. When the incoming signal is degraded, there's little that can be done to improve matters.
The GPS and WiFi antennas of the DS are built into the plastic cover around the camera lens and are limited in performance.
I bet that your case is either black rubber gel or metallic - In either instance, I expect that it is absorbing the GPS signal.
Not all types of case will have the same bad effect.
- Steve

Thanks for your link. Interesting and it does confirm my findings.
I've decided to not use the Barely There Case anymore, I've ordered a small but good looking pouch to protect my DS.
I don't use GPS very often, but I do use Wifi a lot and that seems a little better now too (especially for already poor wifi connection).

I also have the Barely There case, but have not noticed any significant difference. The Cygnett case however really blocks out my wifi. Strange isn't it?

Armor Luxury Metal Aluminum Case Cover For Samsung Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910

Just ordered me one of these.. Should be in my mail Monday.. I will post pics and leave a
review when I receive it.. Just thought I share this with yall .. This is a real different looking case
and design..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12148231800...48&var=420419063541&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I love the design, just worried about the signal quality.
I'd still probably order right now if it was anodised in orange!

That is a wild looking case, really dig it. But like @stothy862, I would be concerned about signal quality. And since I never put my phones in my pocket, I would also require a holster.

Say goodbye to your signal......

Looks like a beautiful $40 Faraday cage.

Looks like the back is plastic, so it shouldn't kill the signal too badly.

Yea ik yall right bout signal issues.. but this case is nice hope im not wasting 40bucks.. ill know tomorrow when it comes in.. i still will be posting pics and a review when i get it.

Was looking at this case as well. Waiting for the results.

Armor King
After looking at feedback on amazon, im now in two minds as to get or not. Majority of comments complain of case self destructing or being very weak. Hope your review is not the same, as its a great looking case.

Man this case is bad ass.. been rocking it all day.. No signal lost at all..
here r a few pics sorry if quality sucks.
the only metal is the top frame area and the small metal part on the back. All the button and cut outs all line up perfectly

Sweet case. What color combo looks best with the white Note 4?

I have the white n4. This case is silver and black

Just a lil update. Case is still holding up hasnt fell apart and still no signal lost.. Loving it so far and everyone is asking wth is that..lol

Have you compared signal strength on and off? Not by looking at the bars either...but by actual strength numbers under settings?

erick161 said:
Have you compared signal strength on and off? Not by looking at the bars either...but by actual strength numbers under settings?
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Click to collapse
I second this.

erick161 said:
Have you compared signal strength on and off? Not by looking at the bars either...but by actual strength numbers under settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fatlardo said:
I second this.
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Click to collapse
Well in my house with case off im getting 84-85dbm and with case
im getting 90-92dbm.. i havent notice any kind of signal issues at all.
data is good and no drop calls r muffed feedback when in a call.. when im out and
about today ill look up signal and post those results as well.

what about the rear speakers of the device? they seem to be covered as there is no cut out on the back of the case. are they muffled?

Datblkbro said:
Well in my house with case off im getting 84-85dbm and with case
im getting 90-92dbm.. i havent notice any kind of signal issues at all.
data is good and no drop calls r muffed feedback when in a call.. when im out and
about today ill look up signal and post those results as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you think this case would have signal lose cant find your exact case on ebay i live in australia.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transfor...AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item339aecef3a

dominicstg2 said:
do you think this case would have signal lose cant find your exact case on ebay i live in australia.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transfor...AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item339aecef3a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here you go :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Armor-Luxur...Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&var=&hash=item3399e283a2

Steampunk case. Pretty dope