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[Q] Captivate Unlocked, How to scan networks manually and set n/w to 2G/3G?

Hi,
I am using Samsung Captivate(unlocked) in India on Airtel's network.
Under 'Network Operators' menu, phone displays a read-only setting called 'Default Setup'. there is no way I can scan network manually.
this is problem for me while I am roaming. while roaming, I want the setting to be 'manual' so that I can hop onto my fav network.
usually(in any other phone), there would be a setting to set the network to manual or automatic mode.
other problem is that, there is no place to set the network mode(i.e 2G/3G).
are there any tweaks I can do to enable these settings on Captivate.
I am on JH7 update with out any kind of root.
Thanks

You would have to type in the apn fields manually then. Unless theres a secret menu somewhere which I haven't found yet. Oh and for the 2g 3g theres multiple threads on the q and a section about that
Yay no more fc

This is for me who came back from Dubai and found my stupid captivate would not connect back to AT&T network.
I could not chnage the network as "default setup" was greyed out and phone gave continued warning could not connect to etisalat ( dubai provider).
I found out through a lot of hard searching that I needed to use samservmode then
DEBUG SCREEN > PHONE CONTROL > NETWORK CONTROL -> PLMN AUTO/MANUAL set to AUTO
That fixed it and got me back on AT&T
tytdfn said:
You would have to type in the apn fields manually then. Unless theres a secret menu somewhere which I haven't found yet. Oh and for the 2g 3g theres multiple threads on the q and a section about that
Yay no more fc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

same here
Thanks for this thread.
i just returned from Nigeria and much to my surprise in Atlanta I couldn't get the
AT&T network back on.

doesn't work
I tried the app and it's not working. But for some reason AT&T is back on the air.
So I'm OK for now but can't get the Default Mode to turn to automatic.
Anything else i need to do to phone so SamServMode will work. Or am I not saving the changes properly?

Latest VZW OTA/Firmware update 4.4.3 removes 'New APN' setting.

I noticed that under Network settings for Global or GSM, the New APN feature to manually add an APN for different sim is gone. Looks like it's an auto detect feature now. I travel overseas for business alot and use pre-paid SIM cards. Not all prepaid sim cards have the data APN coded. I just found out on my trip here to Taiwan and couldn't get data on my phone because the option for adding the APN is no longer available. I tried multiple settings, different ROM's and no good. Only when I downgraded my firmware did the option come back. Glad I'm rooted, it sux, but had to downgrade and reflash back to the old 4.4.2 firmware/rUU and run custom ROM. Until this is addressed by verizon, there will be no way to manually add an APN.

rudyo78427 said:
I noticed that under Network settings for Global or GSM, the New APN feature to manually add an APN for different sim is gone. Looks like it's an auto detect feature now. I travel overseas for business alot and use pre-paid SIM cards. Not all prepaid sim cards have the data APN coded. I just found out on my trip here to Taiwan and couldn't get data on my phone because the option for adding the APN is no longer available. I tried multiple settings, different ROM's and no good. Only when I downgraded my firmware did the option come back. Glad I'm rooted, it sux, but had to downgrade and reflash back to the old 4.4.2 firmware/rUU and run custom ROM. Until this is addressed by verizon, there will be no way to manually add an APN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding Screen shots for reference from my testing on my device Using 4.4.2 firmware and SkyFall Rom 2.7 and 4.4.3 firmware running both SkyFall 3.2 and RKDN rom 1.4 & final version tested.

Update: Figured the APN issue thing out
Thanks to member DOTTAT for giving me the direction I needed to get the APN assignment issue resolved. I just needed to do things differently for getting the APN to load up. Basically had to to to the 'Network Preferences' section to add the network my SIM cards are registered on. This is a long list to scroll through. After I selected the network, there is multiple options to add the network type (GSM,UMTS,LTE, etc.) Had to enable three different versions then reboot the phone. After, there were two APN's that automatically populated and I was able to edit. Thanks again to DOTTAT for the direction. :laugh::good:

rudyo78427 said:
Thanks to member DOTTAT for giving me the direction I needed to get the APN assignment issue resolved. I just needed to do things differently for getting the APN to load up. Basically had to to to the 'Network Preferences' section to add the network my SIM cards are registered on. This is a long list to scroll through. After I selected the network, there is multiple options to add the network type (GSM,UMTS,LTE, etc.) Had to enable three different versions then reboot the phone. After, there were two APN's that automatically populated and I was able to edit. Thanks again to DOTTAT for the direction. :laugh::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good man... Glad this will be useful for all. Might even take some guess work out of some of the weirder apns.

dottat said:
Sounds good man... Glad this will be useful for all. Might even take some guess work out of some of the weirder apns.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize but I did not see the steps to get the apn settings access. I've got the HTC One M7 for Verizon on 4.4.3 and can not change apn settings. What would the steps be? Thank you so much for any and all help.

thewhiz7 said:
I apologize but I did not see the steps to get the apn settings access. I've got the HTC One M7 for Verizon on 4.4.3 and can not change apn settings. What would the steps be? Thank you so much for any and all help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The info is in the last couple posts.

dottat said:
The info is in the last couple posts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured I'd bump this thread rather than start a new one... It seems I and many other Verizon M8 users have encountered the same problem:
I get no list of network APNs under "Network Preferences." There are zero entries, even though a message pops up to say the list is full.
I tried manually entering the MCC/MNC numbers for my carrier abroad (Claro Brazil) but this doesn't resolve the problem. I am stuck with only voice but no mobile data service.
Has anyone found a solution to this? Verizon tech support of course insists "just pop in the SIM and it should work automatically" as does the Brazilian carrier.

Does anybody know where in the phone the APN settings are stored, to edit them manually?

Help request: LTE Data works,"no service" otherwise. IMEI/number, but no texts/calls.

Help request: LTE Data works,"no service" otherwise. IMEI/number, but no texts/calls.
Software: Android 5.0.1 Skydragon M8 v2.0 Sense 7
Many people have posted issues with LTE where their cellular signal was fine for "2G" functions like calls and texts.
I'm having the opposite problem. After leaving airplane mode (landing at an airport today), I have a "No Service" message in the status bar drop down (notification tray), and the Settings>Network information page shows "Not Registered." However, I do have an IMEI (see details below). However, LTE data works perfectly fine.
I've obviously tried changing the settings in Settings>Mobile Data (preferred network to Global / LTE / LTE/legacy 3GPP mode) connection type global/auto/LTE/etc), to no avail. If LTE is connected it works flawlessly, but I cannot make calls or texts, and show not registered on the network. Data roaming is set to deny, but even allowing roaming does not change the situation.
Before this happened, I HAD gone through all the XTended Settings, and even 'looked' at (but did NOT change) some advanced settings pages, including the 'hidden' HTC network info page ( *#*#4636#*#* ). Again, however, I didn't change anything -- unless by accident?!
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Anyone know if I may have inadvertently changed something and can change it back (a setting that would persist in the hardware through NANDROID restores and factory resets...). Or, any other advice to restore the cellular service connection to normal?
I've tried a full NANDROID restore (multiple times) to a working copy, and a factory reset. I have limited access to a PC since I'm traveling, so re-flashing the VZW firmware or stock recovery or lollipop/verizon RUU would be challenging.
I did spend a good 45 minutes (at a library, my only PC access!) searching the forums and web, but to no avail.
Settings information:
OPperator Name: Verizon
Signal Strength -114 (I've had better but still have the same issues)
Mobile Network type: LTE
Service state: In service
IMS service state: Not Registered
Roaming: Not Roaming
Phone Identity page:
IMEI shows up (15-digit number...how can I verify I didn't mess this up?)
Phone Number is correct
IP Address: 100.66..... (looks good)
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

Same here
I'm having the same issue. When i try to make a call my LTE bars drop to nothing and it says call failed no network available. Any ideas or help would be nice. I was using venom rom as well. I'm currently trying to flash the newest RRU to see if that resets things. I'm wondering if it somehow my sim card. I took it from my droid turbo. I've made sure to turn off advanced calling on my VZW account though.

Drhoot said:
I'm having the same issue. When i try to make a call my LTE bars drop to nothing and it says call failed no network available. Any ideas or help would be nice. I was using venom rom as well. I'm currently trying to flash the newest RRU to see if that resets things. I'm wondering if it somehow my sim card. I took it from my droid turbo. I've made sure to turn off advanced calling on my VZW account though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this same issue, running from ruu then rooted. I didn't noticed until I started seeing voice mail notifications but never heard the phone ring. When I tried to dial out I got the immediate call lost message. I couldn't figure what was causing it so I just did a reset. I made sure not to restore any systems data from prior to the Lollipop upgrade. At this point everything is working, the only thing I haven't installed yet is the xposed framework and sense 6 toolbox.

mc_365 said:
I had this same issue, running from ruu then rooted. I didn't noticed until I started seeing voice mail notifications but never heard the phone ring. When I tried to dial out I got the immediate call lost message. I couldn't figure what was causing it so I just did a reset. I made sure not to restore any systems data from prior to the Lollipop upgrade. At this point everything is working, the only thing I haven't installed yet is the xposed framework and sense 6 toolbox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of reset did you do? I know my issue is slightly different, but I did a full RUU-flash yesterday (latest lollipop version) and still no luck. Unfortunately I'm out of the country now and access to a computer is limited, and I don't even have a SIM card yet to check if cellular service would work anyway.
I do intend to do a flash of the stock recovery and radios once I have the time and access, but that may be a while...
Still, I'll keep checking this thread to see if anyone posts any other options

lifebringer123 said:
What kind of reset did you do? I know my issue is slightly different, but I did a full RUU-flash yesterday (latest lollipop version) and still no luck. Unfortunately I'm out of the country now and access to a computer is limited, and I don't even have a SIM card yet to check if cellular service would work anyway.
I do intend to do a flash of the stock recovery and radios once I have the time and access, but that may be a while...
Still, I'll keep checking this thread to see if anyone posts any other options
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go into settings and to Backup & Reset , this will return your phone to a fresh install and remove all non bundled apps.
Before doing the reset try going into Settings then Call then change Preferred Network to Global, or toggle from LTE then back to Global.

Can someone explain how APN setting configuration actually works?

So, let me explain the problem I had as context for my question.
I have a HTC M8 from Verizon that is totally unlocked (bootloader, SIM, etc) and rooted. I am running a recent version of LineageOS
My wife has a Samsung Galaxy S5 from Verizon that is rooted. She is running the latest available stock firmware from Verizon (with some bloat removed).
On the Verizon network with our Verizon SIM cards neither of us could edit APN settings.
We have been off contract for a while and just switched to Total Wireless.
I had 0 issues with my phone as the proper APN for Total Wireless was obviously loaded properly into my phone when I put in their SIM.
My wife OTOH was not able to get any internet access and upon examining her settings I noticed she lacked the newer TRACFONE.VZWENTP APN that my phone had.
I was not however able to edit her APN settings.
From everything I was finding online it seemed that the phone was clearly unlocked since the TW SIM worked to make/receive phone calls. Also it appeared people were stating that the presence of an APN is a function of the SIM and that if the APN wasn't there or I couldn't add it, then the SIM was the problem.
In the end I was able to install build.prop editor and make the following changes:
Code:
ril.sales_code=LOL
ro.csc.sales_code=LOL
This allowed me to add an APN. I copied the settings from my HTC *exactly* (triple checked) and still no Internet.
Finally I chose the option "Reset to default" and it appeared that it deleted the APN I added and added another TRACFONE.VZWENTP that was just slightly different then what I had on my phone (it set the "Bearer" option to 'LTE' instead of 'unspecified'). Everything then worked.
This experience leaves me to believe the following:
1) The ability to edit the APNs is a function of the ROM, not the SIM, since I was able to edit with build.prop and then make the change.
If this is the case however, why would a custom ROM like LineageOS not have this unlocked by default???
2) The APN is actually stored in the SIM card.
This must be the case because when I "Reset to default" there was nowhere that it could have gotten these changed settings from other than the SIM card as it was unable to even reach out to the internet at the time (wifi was off).
This was all just such a hassle and there are hundreds of posts out there about people in similar situation who state they can't access their APN settings.
If my wife's phone wasn't rooted I would not have been able to use build.prop editor to make the APN editable and then I would never have been able to get internet. What could I have done in that situation?
Again - my issue was resolved, but I am trying to understand specifically how these things are controlled and unlocked - especially for someone who doesn't have root access to their phone.

Oh - I just wanted to add that I worked with Total Wireless over chat for close to an hour while I was researching this on my own.
I helped them out from the beginning by telling them that I thought the APN was the issue and the block head kept telling me that I needed to edit my APN settings.
When I continued to tell him they were greyed out and I couldn't do it he just kept repeating as if they have never experienced this before and there *must* be a way for me to edit my APN settings.
I haven't had a build on my HTC or my wife's G5 that I can remember where I have ever been able to edit them manually, so I would expect that grayed out APN settings are pretty standard. Ofc I may have had a total moron over chat (likely), but he seemed to be consulting either their internal KB or another associate - so the fact that it was so difficult for them to figure this out (in fact they never did, I did) and they never would likely have if my phone wasn't rooted is very perplexing to me as to the root problem.

Question SOLVED: Edit Greyed out APN on Pixel 7 Pro? (No Root)

UPDATE: FOUND SOLUTION IN 3RD POST BELOW!
So im rooted on my Pixel 7 Pro.
Im experiencing daily occurances where my phone goes into NO SERVICE.
Toggling data on or off doesnt work.
Only restarting the phone works.
Which brings me to this..
I have Visible wireless which is Verizon based.
Problem is I cant edit APN what-so-ever.
Its greyed out. So fine tuning my APN is off the table.
However I do have root and I do have access to my build.prop file (even though FX explorer wont let me mount to write which is another problem).
Does anyone know how to work around this APN block or point me in another forums fix?
Im on Factory Unlocked Pixel 7 Pro Android 13.

missionman said:
So im rooted on my Pixel 7 Pro.
Im experiencing daily occurances where my phone goes into NO SERVICE.
Toggling data on or off doesnt work.
Only restarting the phone works.
Which brings me to this..
I have Visible wireless which is Verizon based.
Problem is I cant edit APN what-so-ever.
Its greyed out. So fine tuning my APN is off the table.
However I do have root and I do have access to my build.prop file (even though FX explorer wont let me mount to write which is another problem).
Does anyone know how to work around this APN block or point me in another forums fix?
Im on Factory Unlocked Pixel 7 Pro Android 13.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this app, and enable apn editing. If it lets you after that you'll be able to. But it doesn't work on Verizon, you can add an apn but only edit the name of it.
GitHub - kyujin-cho/pixel-volte-patch: Rootless replacement for persist.dbg.volte_avail_ovr patch
Rootless replacement for persist.dbg.volte_avail_ovr patch - GitHub - kyujin-cho/pixel-volte-patch: Rootless replacement for persist.dbg.volte_avail_ovr patch
github.com

Thank you TotallyAnxious but I got a working solution that doesnt involve adding modules to Magisk and appears to not require root. I do have Magisk and LSPosed running but this is working on my Visible (Verizon) service.
Ok so Im on a factory unlocked Google Pixel 7 Pro Android 13 (rooted but that doesnt matter and neither does being factory unlocked) with Visible Wireless (Verizon MVNO) and my APN is greyed out. Apparently Visibles carrier update I have for 2023 didnt patch adding apn, they just hid it.
I just downloaded "MIUI Hidden Settings Activity" app in play store by "NetVor - Android Solutions" and opened the "Access Point" shortcut which opens up the hidden by verizon option to add APN and save it! I have my 2nd APN selected right now in settings.
I basically copied everything my carrier APN has except I didnt select "NR" under bearer type which is the 5G connection. It wont let you add "dun" for APN type for tethering/hotspot so I added it in all CAPS as "DUN" and it worked! Tested hotspot and it works great.
Now my phone wont lose service trying to connect to this stupid 5G causing NO SERVICE on my sim.
For many this is how you add APN for troubleshooting.
Important to know: Using this other app called "Network Type Switcher" by "Cracky" in Play Store allows Testing menu which is *#*#4636#*#* on your dialer to "select prefered network type" to remove "NR" (5G) as folks previously have been doing to stick to LTE 4G, however, if your APN bearer allows 5G (NR) then it will try scanning for NR band and when it finds it and cant connect (because of your prefered network type on LTE 4G) it will cause a mismatch and youll lose service showing "NO SERVICE". The only way to fix it is rebooting.
Make sure your Select Prefered Network Type reflects whats in your APN bearer.
In fact as long as you just remove NR (5G) from apn bearer then it wont even scan for it even if your "select prefered network type" allows NR (5G). So no need to change it. Just remove it from your APN bearer and itll stay on 4G LTE.
Removing NR (5G) from apn bearer was my ultimate goal and adding a new apn but If your goal is to just add tethering/hotspot with "DUN" (such as "APN type: default,spul,DUN") then thats all you need to do.
No need to change "select network prefered type".
If you mess up adding a APN and want it deleted just go to settings, network, sims, apn, select the 3 dot menu, reset to default and itll go back to what your carrier set.
I dont think you need root to add APN with this app above. It never prompted for root access and didnt require it. No need to modify build.prop since they just hid the add apn setting.

missionman said:
Thank you TotallyAnxious but I got a working solution that doesnt involve adding modules to Magisk and appears to not require root. I do have Magisk and LSPosed running but this is working on my Visible (Verizon) service.
Ok so Im on a factory unlocked Google Pixel 7 Pro Android 13 (rooted but that doesnt matter and neither does being factory unlocked) with Visible Wireless (Verizon MVNO) and my APN is greyed out. Apparently Visibles carrier update I have for 2023 didnt patch adding apn, they just hid it.
I just downloaded "MIUI Hidden Settings Activity" app in play store by "NetVor - Android Solutions" and opened the "Access Point" shortcut which opens up the hidden by verizon option to add APN and save it! I have my 2nd APN selected right now in settings.
I basically copied everything my carrier APN has except I didnt select "NR" under bearer type which is the 5G connection. It wont let you add "dun" for APN type for tethering/hotspot so I added it in all CAPS as "DUN" and it worked! Tested hotspot and it works great.
Now my phone wont lose service trying to connect to this stupid 5G causing NO SERVICE on my sim.
For many this is how you add APN for troubleshooting.
Important to know: Using this other app called "Network Type Switcher" by "Cracky" in Play Store allows Testing menu which is *#*#4636#*#* on your dialer to "select prefered network type" to remove "NR" (5G) as folks previously have been doing to stick to LTE 4G, however, if your APN bearer allows 5G (NR) then it will try scanning for NR band and when it finds it and cant connect (because of your prefered network type on LTE 4G) it will cause a mismatch and youll lose service showing "NO SERVICE". The only way to fix it is rebooting.
Make sure your Select Prefered Network Type reflects whats in your APN bearer.
In fact as long as you just remove NR (5G) from apn bearer then it wont even scan for it even if your "select prefered network type" allows NR (5G). So no need to change it. Just remove it from your APN bearer and itll stay on 4G LTE.
Removing NR (5G) from apn bearer was my ultimate goal and adding a new apn but If your goal is to just add tethering/hotspot with "DUN" (such as "APN type: default,spul,DUN") then thats all you need to do.
No need to change "select network prefered type".
If you mess up adding a APN and want it deleted just go to settings, network, sims, apn, select the 3 dot menu, reset to default and itll go back to what your carrier set.
I dont think you need root to add APN with this app above. It never prompted for root access and didnt require it. No need to modify build.prop since they just hid the add apn setting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an app, not a module. It actually can work without root as described in the readme.

TotallyAnxious said:
It's an app, not a module. It actually can work without root as described in the readme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ok i misunderstood. Well then if this ends up failing down the road ill give the method a shot you mentioned.
Thank you!