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[Q] Signalstrength and mobile internet connection issues

I often have issues with my signal being at 1 or 2 bars where friends of mine (Galaxy S3 and iPhone 4, but same operator) have like 4 or 5 bars. Sometimes people cant even call me even though my phone shows 1 bar of signal.
Buts thats not the worst thing. My mobile internet connection seems to not work EVERYTIME I'm in some kind of tunnel, sometimes even in normal houses. It shows that it tries to get information (arrow up and down) but it doesn't (it even switches from H to 3G, which doesnt even make sense). In the end it tells me the networks not working.
Does anybody have similar issues?

Some boost mobile user reported similar behaviour.

I've flashed the ICS radio and signal is much stronger. While running the jb update I would have full bars and still get 'bad connection please turn on WiFi to connect to the internet' 4g full signal would do the same thing. Until I flashed ICS radio of course.
---------- Post added at 10:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 AM ----------
Edit. Probably the network, looks like jb radio is the same one, weird though my signal is much stronger now. Must have been a placebo, + the network being 'optimized'
Edit. Can any one verify the boost mobile jb radio? 'its the number under settings next to baseband'
Mine is 1.12.50.0516

russellvone said:
I've flashed the ICS radio and signal is much stronger. While running the jb update I would have full bars and still get 'bad connection please turn on WiFi to connect to the internet' 4g full signal would do the same thing. Until I flashed ICS radio of course.
---------- Post added at 10:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 AM ----------
Edit. Probably the network, looks like jb radio is the same one, weird though my signal is much stronger now. Must have been a placebo, + the network being 'optimized'
Edit. Can any one verify the boost mobile jb radio? 'its the number under settings next to baseband'
Mine is 1.12.50.0516
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my replacement phone. Let's see if this One SV has the same problems. If so, I'll tell them to give me a different phone, I can't use it like that. I'll tell you guys.

I got a new one. It's a non LTE though. But it works way better now. Driving through tunnels makes my mobile Internet disconnect for a second now, but I guess that's pretty normal. Before it didn't work at all in tunnels. Maybe it had to do something with the LTE variant.
Gotta check if the phone signal got stronger too.
By the way I'm writing this while being in the subway station.
Sent from my HTC One SV using xda app-developers app

My LTE SV has roughly the same reception as my old phone, the Desire, which has always had great reception for me. So in your case it must have been either a defective terminal or maybe some weird software issue.
It's a shame, though, that they've replaced your SV with a non-LTE one. You did pay for the LTE version, that's what they should've replaced it with.

Well, something is still not right with this phone. Even though my mobile internet is working as intended now, I still have big connection issues. Sometimes (at least 5-10 per week) I lose my signal completely, which shouldn't be too much of a problem if it lasted for like 10 seconds or so, but it doesn't reconnect on its own. I have to restart my phone every time. People often can't call me for hours because I don't notice that it lost its signal once again.
I will call them and tell them I want a different phone as I'm still paying for it. I can't use this one anymore or at least not for my job.
Sent from my HTC One SV using xda app-developers app

Well, now that's weird. I mean OK, you might get one bad terminal, but to have it replaced and still have the same issues...?
It might be that your radio/ROM isn't compatible with the network, or maybe you have a bad SIM card. Try and replace the SIM, see what happens.
I live in a bad signal area. I usually get 1-2/5 bars on WCDMA and 3-4/5 GSM bars. Sometimes when the phone switches connections it'll take 2-5 seconds to do so, but i've never had it remain offline etc.
Could you please tell us where you're from/what operator you're subscribed to?

TVTV said:
Well, now that's weird. I mean OK, you might get one bad terminal, but to have it replaced and still have the same issues...?
It might be that your radio/ROM isn't compatible with the network, or maybe you have a bad SIM card. Try and replace the SIM, see what happens.
I live in a bad signal area. I usually get 1-2/5 bars on WCDMA and 3-4/5 GSM bars. Sometimes when the phone switches connections it'll take 2-5 seconds to do so, but i've never had it remain offline etc.
Could you please tell us where you're from/what operator you're subscribed to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm from germany and my operator is o2. I contacted them again. They told me they can only send me another replacement phone, which wont change anything for sure.
My problem really isnt that it doesnt have signal for a short time period. My problem is that it stays like that for hours!

Please stop quoting the post you're answering to if said post is right above yours. It clutters up the forum.
Right then. So ask for a LTE replacement - that's what you've paid for, that's what they should give you, and see if the problem persists. If it does, use the phone without an SD card for a few days, try not to install any „toggle” software (like 2g/3g toggle widgets etc.) and replace your SIM card (it should either be free or cost you some 2 EUR - that's what Vodafone charges here in RO). If the problem still persists, it must be a network issue.
If you have a few minutes, try this: Settings -> Mobile Data -> Network Operators -> Search Networks, give the phone a few minutes to look for networks, then when it displays the network list, tap on yours and allow it to register. See if this changes anything.

Sorry sir. I'm just pressing that reply button. Didn't know about the one under it.
I just found out something pretty retarded. I went for the network settings and chose the network mode "GSM/WCDMA" instead of "GSM/WCDMA/LTE" and it instantly jumped to 5 bars from 1. It's the fricking LTE network.
By the way i made a mistake. it was a LTE version replacement from the beginning.

Yupp, thats what i always do: let the phone always work in the best available network (set by me to GSM Only).
This Network is pretty stable at my place and its also battery saving because it don't search/switch for another net.

Well that's quite crappy though. I didn't buy a LTE phone and a contract that allows me to use it, just to find out that it doesnt work as intended.
God I hate it.
I told them that this is the problem and they're just sending me a new sim card. Don't really expect this to help, but let' try out and afterwards I'll just contact them again.
At least the phones stable now...

Well, it's not the phone's fault. It's the operator's fault. Their LTE network is not developed enough. You should be happy, though. Vodafone Romania does advertise LTE, but the coverage is somewhere near 0.01% of the country (mostly near Vodafone shops or by the seaside). So where i live i don't even get LTE. And i live in the capitol. :laugh:

Thats what i think. LTE is far away from stable and everywhere available.
Near to me is a village, where you can't use a mobile phone, because there is NO network at all, lol.

What?! In DE? I thought that only happened in the East!

Yupp, in the middle of "DE"...
Lol, don't wanna live in this village. Many jokes and so, you can imagine

My connection is crazy good. Better than WiFi..... I'm loving it.

russellvone said:
My connection is crazy good. Better than WiFi..... I'm loving it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
russellvone, you're lucky.
In the area I'm in a bunch of Boost customers had serious signal strength issues starting last week, and data feels like it's been throttled to 2g/EDGE while we all get "4G" on our status bars.
Service feels like it's been declining, and I've only been with them since June of this year.
PRL updates did nothing.
I used Tmobile prepaid for my personal phone since the Nexus S launched, then a Galaxy Nexus.
The only reason why I didn't get a Nexus 4 was that I thought I was missing out on something without LTE.
I got the SV for free, so I didn't exactly choose Boost.
I just needed something to hold me over a few months.
Now, I won't care if the Nexus 5 has LTE or not, I'm buying one and going back to Tmo.
The SV is fine, the service.....that makes it or breaks it for me.

Nexus 5 cell reception issue?

Anyone using a nexus 5 on T-Mobile in the NY city area getting very bad reception I'm not sure if there's an issue with the device or tmobiles service coming from an HTC one that had excellent reception I think there might be something wrong with my device
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

dashraider said:
Anyone using a nexus 5 on T-Mobile in the NY city area getting very bad reception I'm not sure if there's an issue with the device or tmobiles service coming from an HTC one that had excellent reception I think there might be something wrong with my device
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you getting excellent HSPA+ reception, but the phone isn't switching to LTE or connects to LTE, but jumps back to HSPA+?
Go to a T-Mobile store and tell them about your situation (don't chat with them online because that did not fix my situation). The rep that I spoke with called tech support and they did some sort of reset on my account. I also asked for a new SIM and was given that new ISIS SIM. As soon as my phone booted, it was on LTE and stayed on LTE. I was like you, thinking that my device was messed up, but T-Mobile fixed it.

No if you check the discharge chart I posted the phone is just completely loosing service but I haven't tried getting a new Sim yet I'll try that and see if it helps
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

fix?
dashraider said:
No if you check the discharge chart I posted the phone is just completely loosing service but I haven't tried getting a new Sim yet I'll try that and see if it helps
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get a new SIM yet? Is the issue solved? I'm having the same issue...my signal is terrible but I haven't tried to get a new sim.

waqas1988 said:
Did you get a new SIM yet? Is the issue solved? I'm having the same issue...my signal is terrible but I haven't tried to get a new sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried the new sim seemed to improve it a little in some areas but overall still terrible hard reset it and still had the issue so i called last night and set up an rma

dashraider said:
tried the new sim seemed to improve it a little in some areas but overall still terrible hard reset it and still had the issue so i called last night and set up an rma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having connectivity problems as well in Dallas. Very spotty connection, especially inside buildings.

dashraider said:
Anyone using a nexus 5 on T-Mobile in the NY city area getting very bad reception I'm not sure if there's an issue with the device or tmobiles service coming from an HTC one that had excellent reception I think there might be something wrong with my device
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
I'm in NYC (East Village area) - I'm generally on LTE but it does switch to H from time to time. How can I check connection on my phone like you have in your screenshots?

AceKingNYC said:
I'm in NYC (East Village area) - I'm generally on LTE but it does switch to H from time to time. How can I check connection on my phone like you have in your screenshots?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its in battery under settings and then tap on the battery chart also by the end of yesterday my phone spent about 30% of the day with out signal according to cell standby in the battery settings my HTC one that I've gone back to using has signal almost 100% of the time

Android.Addiction said:
I'm having connectivity problems as well in Dallas. Very spotty connection, especially inside buildings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If every other phone you had before this one had much better service I would suggest getting it replaced with mine if I walked inside just about any building even single story stores and homes it would loose signal

dashraider said:
If every other phone you had before this one had much better service I would suggest getting it replaced with mine if I walked inside just about any building even single story stores and homes it would loose signal
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Click to collapse
The problems you describe were while using T-Mobile on a Nexus 5? I've only had T-Mobile service about a week now, before that I always used AT&T on samsung android phones (S4, Note II, etc). And service was always very strong on AT&T.

dashraider said:
Anyone using a nexus 5 on T-Mobile in the NY city area getting very bad reception I'm not sure if there's an issue with the device or tmobiles service coming from an HTC one that had excellent reception I think there might be something wrong with my device
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Anecdotally, I'm having terrible reception in NYC as well. At home and in the office, barely one bar, frequently none.
Over the past 2 years on an HTC Sensation 4G, have typically had no reception problems in these same areas - 2-3 bars at all times.

Android.Addiction said:
The problems you describe were while using T-Mobile on a Nexus 5? I've only had T-Mobile service about a week now, before that I always used AT&T on samsung android phones (S4, Note II, etc). And service was always very strong on AT&T.
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Click to collapse
I've had T-Mobile for years and never had connection issues as bad as this so im hoping it was just a faulty device and not the device in general just getting poor reception

BKPhil said:
Anecdotally, I'm having terrible reception in NYC as well. At home and in the office, barely one bar, frequently none.
Over the past 2 years on an HTC Sensation 4G, have typically had no reception problems in these same areas - 2-3 bars at all times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds like the same issue im having ill update when ever i get my replacement to see if anythings changed

We have the same issue with Nexus 5 with Tmobile in greater NYC metro area. When i tried with my old Samsung mobile there is no issue and it works fine. The problem, I can't make and receive any calls. Most of the callers told me, it goes to voice message after couple of rings. I didn't get even single ring and voice mail message. Frustrating Nexus 5.

My friend and I have the same problem too.
Both 16gb White
What colour of nexus 5 you guys have?
I see some have white, maybe white causes this issue??

Having the same issue as well. I have a 32gb white model and I randomly lose all bars when my friend calls me. It is very random and only happens a few times. Going to go and switch out the SIM from T-Mobile and have them reset my line and see if that fixes the problem.

king23adrianc said:
My friend and I have the same problem too.
Both 16gb White
What colour of nexus 5 you guys have?
I see some have white, maybe white causes this issue??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
32GB black with miserable cell reception here, so not a color issue.
Maybe an LTE issue? Might explain why our old devices got better reception, if they were using older gen signals/antennas? Not that we'd want to in the long term, can we disable the LTE services and live off the previous gen, at least to test?
---------- Post added at 12:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------
Boweezie said:
Having the same issue as well. I have a 32gb white model and I randomly lose all bars when my friend calls me. It is very random and only happens a few times. Going to go and switch out the SIM from T-Mobile and have them reset my line and see if that fixes the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get lots of complete dead drop outs too, even on Wifi. One moment cruising along, the next I'm disconnected, the next I'm back on. Something is not right with this device.

Hmm I need to also find some time to visit a t-mobile store and check out why my reception just drops and gets spotty all of the sudden sometimes.
I have the 32gb white model. I never get LTE while two of my friends with Nexus 5 that were next to me both got LTE.
I also had my signal drop to 0 in a starbucks before, and I never had that happen with my previous Nexus 4, was frustrating since I couldn't get the promo code for my starbucks reward drink x.x

Ok guys Google is definitely on its game with replacing your your nexus 5 placed my RMA Sunday night got it today and I can report my new phone is working as it should I wouldn't say it gets as good a signal as my one did but a minimal difference that you would expect between two different devices so if your having an issue call up Google tell them you already spoke to T-Mobile about your service issues and they couldn't help you and that your certain its a device issue as a side note their RMA process has you basically buy a new device and send them the old one
Also I had a black 32gb so I don't think the color matters
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

After my research, When we switch back to 2G (GSM Only) option there is no issue with voice calls but the data speed is very slow as expected. It seems that there is an issue with T-mobile towers LTE/3G/4G for voice calls. Below is the problem with Sprint network, looks like same thing happening for Tmobile.
s4grudotcom - sprint lte connectivity issues due to circuit switched fallback technology.
If you need voice calls high priority like me, give a try to switch GSM only.it shows E network on signal bar.

Nexus 5 dropping me off Network ??

So I got my nexus 5 on Friday and its perfect none of the mentioned defects was having some small issues with the notification light but that's all. However I noticed once a day since getting it I go to use my phone and it says emergency only / Rogers and I won't be able to make calls or receive calls. Anyone else experiencing this problem ?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

I'm on Bell and for some reason sometimes I'd have no signal out of no where then it'll jump back to full bars the next second... Really annoying unless this is a normal thing for the Nexus 5
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

I'm on Rogers and I get this too. I usually fix it by going into network mode and change it to 3G and back to LTE immediately.
I still get incoming calls even though I can't dial out until I do the above change.

Its network problem not the nexus 5
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I have the similar problem i'm on rogers and if the signal gets weak it will show signal strength in the home screen, i can surf the internet(data), but will not send text messages or make calls, if I try to make a call it say "cellular network not available", if i turn air plane mode on then off it reconnects right away. this has never happened with my GE Galaxy S4

benetton said:
I have the similar problem i'm on rogers and if the signal gets weak it will show signal strength in the home screen, i can surf the internet(data), but will not send text messages or make calls, if I try to make a call it say "cellular network not available", if i turn air plane mode on then off it reconnects right away. this has never happened with my GE Galaxy S4
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Click to collapse
I have the exact same issue guys, I hope that it has nothing to do with our nexus 5's.

im getting this error too. darn! its not normal for a phone to be like that. never happened to my previous one.
there must be something wrong with the phone.
im on Fido.
but its only happening to canadian network? weird.
maybe they're torturing people who didnt buy from them? lol

It looks like I have a similar issue.
My connection sometimes gets lost. Some sort of hiccup when connected to mobile network.
No issues found on WIFI

I'm on a hspa network in Canada and wanted to report that I get worse reception with the N5 than I did with my Galaxy S2. I hope it is easy fixable with a new modem flash or other update.
Just wanted to contribute in case there is anyone working on this and wanted some more info.

I had to change my data plan because, according to T-Mobile (US) it was not compatible with the phone. I could get emails and SMS text messages but could not get Internet data services (kept being prompted to log onto the network and presented with the T-Mobile logon screen). Lost my unlimited data, which I was grandfathered into (but found out that they were throttling me at 5 GB which I don't usually hit). I knew they would eventually make me change my plan anyway and was able to get a new 4.5 GB plan at the same price. Since T-Mobile will be offering this phone very soon (tomorrow? they're taking pre-orders now), I guess a lot of long-time customers will be pushed off their unlimited data plan.

I have the same problem!! It's really annoying - mine gets dropped every 2-5 mins! Is there a way to fix it? Is it the N5 or Rogers network?

I have the same problem in Belgium:
https://productforums.google.com/forum/m/#!msg/nexus/T5ey4dttBOA/v9OaGzPxESwJ
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

scutie88 said:
I have the same problem!! It's really annoying - mine gets dropped every 2-5 mins! Is there a way to fix it? Is it the N5 or Rogers network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are constantly getting poor signal it might be the handset. If you have good signal, and can use data, but have "Emergency calls only" instead of a carrier name, it's probably a carrier issue.
I am on Fido and have randomly had the same problem. There's another thread somewhere, and most if not all people reporting the problem are Rogers/Fido customers.

trendiggity said:
If you are constantly getting poor signal it might be the handset. If you have good signal, and can use data, but have "Emergency calls only" instead of a carrier name, it's probably a carrier issue.
I am on Fido and have randomly had the same problem. There's another thread somewhere, and most if not all people reporting the problem are Rogers/Fido customers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right here man
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2525583
good point though... i don't see anyone from other canadian carriers complaining.

I also have this problem. I am on Fido in BC. Sometimes it will completely cut off the network signal from full bars to no service, similar to no sim card installed. It goes back to normal in about 5-6 seconds by itself but its definitely annoying.

SeraldoBabalu said:
right here man
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2525583
good point though... i don't see anyone from other canadian carriers complaining.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were some bell users complaining about it in the other thread as well
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

yeah its the phone and not the network, I switched my Rogers sim to my old phone and get full bars

I too am experiencing this and i'm in the UK. Just wanted to let you know that this may be more widespread thank we think.

Same issue with Tmobile
definitely the phone and not the carrier. I have a samsung galaxy s2 and n5 and it only happens on n5. Both on tmobile in portland oregon

phishncode said:
definitely the phone and not the carrier. I have a samsung galaxy s2 and n5 and it only happens on n5. Both on tmobile in portland oregon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a software issue. I switched to a different ROM and kernel.
Cataclysm ROM and bricked Kernel.
So far, the connection is solid with this combo.

Signal problem - Emergency only

My Nexus 5 has been exhibiting this problem pretty much since I got the phone.
Randomly it will go into Emergency Calls Only mode. Turning airplane mode on/off or rebooting will fix the issue for a few hours but the phone will eventually lose signal again.
I've factory reset - same problem.
I've flashed the google factory image - same problem.
Phone bootloader is locked and not rooted.
It was happening probably once every 12 hours but today alone it's happened 3 times in 8 hours. This does not occur on any of my other 4 phones including Nexus 4 and Note 2.
I contacted Google to get a replacement and it should arrive by Friday.
My question is: has anyone else experienced this issue? I've seen sporadic similar reports peppered here and there but nothing that I can confirm is the exact same issue as mine.

You are not crazy! This has happened to me as well. Google Play bought 32GB white model.
I only noticed it after turning off LTE in a spotty service area. I would still show several bars of 3G or H as if I was connected but my carrier info (Fido, Canadian) would read emerg. calls only. Stranger still, I could receive texts but not send them. Airplane mode on and off fixed the issue, but it would randomly reoccur.
I'm back in a good H+ service area and haven't noticed the issue again.
---------- Post added at 04:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:03 PM ----------
I'd like to add that I don't know if disabling LTE had anything to do with the problem but that is when I first noticed it.

Posted a reply last night but I guess it never came through
Same here tho my signal would be full bars then the next moment it's gonna have no bars and then showing emergency call on lock screen.... I'm guessing it's the phone problem... Is this a defect?
Well tell us if anything changes with the new Nexus because I don't really feel like calling them for a replacement then unrooting and all of that over again if it's the phone itself or maybe it's just Canadians

i hope this is just a bug coz i dont wanna return the phone coz i already put the screen protector. lol.
happened to me in the morning.... didnt happen again after. but who knows when it will happen again.

It's a double-edged sword. Glad to know I'm not the only one but at the same time it sounds like a somewhat common issue.
Mine also show good signal when this happens. I've never switched LTE on or off so I don't think it is related to that.
I'll keep you posted on the new device. I should receive it on Friday.

maybe this is happening to everyone... thought it mightve been my new sim but i guess im wrong ima bookmark this thread so i can find it on friday ahah

This is a common issue so it probably affects all phones. I also have a problem with not receiving voicemail notifications. Fortunately I still seem to receive calls when it's in emergency mode.
I'm getting a replacement phone on Monday due to black specks on the screen, but I suspect these issues will also show up in the new phone.

I was on WiFi over home's Fios over N router, updating apps - "Google +" as a matter of fact, when it happened, lost connection & just dropped while downloading. Hit "Retry" button & it resumed - unlikely a problem unique to LTE or HSPA (mobile data) signal from the carrier.
Now, of course, mine (rooted, odex Rom, stock kernel & adv. power menu, and no other mods) is optimized for maximum battery life with non-default settings, and Google Now listen turned off, etc. - new T-Mo micro-Sim that's on PAYG voice plan only & LTE not turned on - since I'm still playing with Talkatone app for voice calling instead of using minues.
Keeping in mind that we are pioneers "field testing" the newest 4.4 KitKat OS for Google with this hot selling device - expect an update or patch from them soon ... probably later.

Same problem on a almost perfect nexus 5 no other issues what so ever so I'm kinda worried that my replacement device may have one of those other defects that people are reporting. Fingers are crossed for a software update that fixes this issue so I can reject the replacement device and keep this one. BTW Also a Canadian phone on rogers here
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

It's quite possible that it is a Rogers/Fido problem.

im truly hoping its a software bug, because i too have this issue. Im on the white 32gb model, with a new SIM also on AT&T.
crossing fingers and toes that its just to it being the new OS's bugs.

I'm on Bell and so far not a single hiccup.

I had the same issue, perfect phone otherwise, RMA replacement is much better no signal loss so far.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

FloppyDrive said:
It's quite possible that it is a Rogers/Fido problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called rogers he said it shouldn't be a problem but he gave me a reset anyways told me to take my sim card out for a little while. I hope this can be fixed because if not its a deal breaker I can't afford to be missing calls and so on. I'm hoping it's a KitKat problem that is fixed with a update
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 09:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 PM ----------
LVOV said:
I had the same issue, perfect phone otherwise, RMA replacement is much better no signal loss so far.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carrier are you with ?and how long have you been using the replacement phone ?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

1. New SIM
2. Worked fine in the T-Mobile store - got 4.4 OTA in the store over LTE.
3. Came home - "No Service" (even if the T-Mobile network is listed, could not register)
4. Call T-Mobile support - Teir1 then Teir2 - Phone is not registering on the network.
5. Inserted the same SIM in the Samsung SGH-T989 - all four bars with H+
6. Back to the store - SIM exchange.
7. Same problem - call Google - Advance Replacement
This is the story, the new phone I've been using for two days without any issues.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Same problem here on O2 in the UK, google sending a warranty replacement out. Only fitted a spigen screen protector yesterday !

My friend and I have the same problem too.
Both 16gb White
What colour of nexus 5 you guys have?
I see some have white, maybe white causes this issue??

What I did was go into APN settings and switch from WAP selection (which it had by default) and put PHONE and I've yet to get the signal drop again. Although now I never see the small H in the signal. Its always showing LTE
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

This happened to me today. I went into the Access Point Names menu and found my APN unselected (I have only one configured). After re-enabling the radio button everything was fine. Don't know how this could have happened since the phone has been up for a day.

same problem.. didn't see this topic and opened a new one btw..
so you're saying that a replacing n5 will solve the problem?
as what i read everywhere it seems a problem affecting almost all canada's roger and italy's tim users.. so something related to network/carrier/texts/calls..
it happens (to me) after every sms received and even if "emergency call" is displayed, data continue flowing like a charm.. btw if rma will solve this i'll be happy to do BUT i'm afraid it'll be just a waste of time

Calls made when on LTE keep getting dropped

About 3 out of 5 times when I make a call when I am originally on LTE the phone call drops. I am on AT&T and when I make a call it switches from LTE to H+ then all of a sudden it just completely drops signal and thus the call and about 3 seconds later regains signal. Does anyone know what may be causing this issue or has had this issue? I am on 4.4.4 Stock with Root.

Well dropping calls isn't normal, but dropping from LTE to H+ is. VoLTE isn't really a thing yet. Calls don't work over LTE, so when you make a call it automatically drops to H+. That's normal behavior.
Did this just start happening out of the blue? Or always done that? Make sure you have the correct APN settings. If so try calling your provider and see if there's anything they can do for you.

RoyJ said:
Well dropping calls isn't normal, but dropping from LTE to H+ is. VoLTE isn't really a thing yet. Calls don't work over LTE, so when you make a call it automatically drops to H+. That's normal behavior.
Did this just start happening out of the blue? Or always done that? Make sure you have the correct APN settings. If so try calling your provider and see if there's anything they can do for you.
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Sorry forget to mention I knew that was normal for the drop to H+, but yes the signal drop is not. Well it started out of the blue. IS there a thread on here with what should be the correct APN settings? Also my old nexus 5 started to do this before I returned it under warranty for refurbished, then I had a moto G lte for a month worked fine, got a refurbished (due to warranty) and started again.

Here is a graph of my network coverage to show that the signal just drops.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

same problem
jgr208 said:
About 3 out of 5 times when I make a call when I am originally on LTE the phone call drops. I am on AT&T and when I make a call it switches from LTE to H+ then all of a sudden it just completely drops signal and thus the call and about 3 seconds later regains signal. Does anyone know what may be causing this issue or has had this issue? I am on 4.4.4 Stock with Root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine doesn't seem to have any particular count pattern, it happens very randomly, usually when attempting to call someone and once they pickup on their end, my phone would hang up. This happens maybe 40-50%of the time, can't estimate a guess, but i can say that it happens enough to piss me off. I've checked my AT&T APN, which matches to what the carrier has it set, i even went and got my SIM replaced, rebooted in safe mode, gps works, so it's not a third party app causing this. Last resort is factory reset, although I'm almost positive that won't do anything. I'm currently also running android 4.4.4 stock aosp on a 32Gb N5. Device was purchased new in early may 2014, and came with android 4.4.2 preinstalled. The random call drops issue started in early October, a few months well into 4.4.4 update. All I've found online is that i it has something to do with a missing cellular radio, but to be honest, i don't want to mess with those as that may cause further problems. Called Google, and they act like they're clueless about this issue, all they can offer is a replacement, which is nice, but to be honest, it's probably going to happen again even with the new device. My coworker has the same issue with his 16gb N5 black model. If anyone with this device trying out android 5.0 lollipop preview can chime in on if this problem still persists, would be very awesome. I'm going to wait and see when the official android 5.0 comes out, if that fixes the dropped calls problem, then N5 can be used, if not then I'm getting it replaced and reselling it, may go with the moto x+1. So either a good portion of nexus 5 devices are factory defects or this really is a cellular radio problem. Really hope that lollipop will fix this issue.

The APN only handles packet data and not voice so that shouldn't be the issue.
I would try setting your phone to 3G only for a while and see if the drops still occur when you are on 3G prior to the call.

Syndrome666 said:
Mine doesn't seem to have any particular count pattern, it happens very randomly, usually when attempting to call someone and once they pickup on their end, my phone would hang up. This happens maybe 40-50%of the time, can't estimate a guess, but i can say that it happens enough to piss me off. I've checked my AT&T APN, which matches to what the carrier has it set, i even went and got my SIM replaced, rebooted in safe mode, gps works, so it's not a third party app causing this. Last resort is factory reset, although I'm almost positive that won't do anything. I'm currently also running android 4.4.4 stock aosp on a 32Gb N5. Device was purchased new in early may 2014, and came with android 4.4.2 preinstalled. The random call drops issue started in early October, a few months well into 4.4.4 update. All I've found online is that i it has something to do with a missing cellular radio, but to be honest, i don't want to mess with those as that may cause further problems. Called Google, and they act like they're clueless about this issue, all they can offer is a replacement, which is nice, but to be honest, it's probably going to happen again even with the new device. My coworker has the same issue with his 16gb N5 black model. If anyone with this device trying out android 5.0 lollipop preview can chime in on if this problem still persists, would be very awesome. I'm going to wait and see when the official android 5.0 comes out, if that fixes the dropped calls problem, then N5 can be used, if not then I'm getting it replaced and reselling it, may go with the moto x+1. So either a good portion of nexus 5 devices are factory defects or this really is a cellular radio problem. Really hope that lollipop will fix this issue.
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Click to collapse
Yea it wasn't an exact count but like 3 out of 5 says, enough that is annoys me. Tried all those as well and like I said I have a moto g lte that the sim worked in so it isn't the sim. This is my refurb unit, but the other one I have since November started to do the same thing in August as well on 4.4.4 never had an issue before that. Where did you find that if you don't mind me asking? I am comfy enough to mess with that stuff, so i'll give it a shot.

raptir said:
The APN only handles packet data and not voice so that shouldn't be the issue.
I would try setting your phone to 3G only for a while and see if the drops still occur when you are on 3G prior to the call.
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Click to collapse
Already did and it doesn't but is an annoyance then since part of the price of the Nexus 5 is to have LTE and I am not getting the full product then which is not ideal.

cell radio fix
jgr208 said:
Yea it wasn't an exact count but like 3 out of 5 says, enough that is annoys me. Tried all those as well and like I said I have a moto g lte that the sim worked in so it isn't the sim. This is my refurb unit, but the other one I have since November started to do the same thing in August as well on 4.4.4 never had an issue before that. Where did you find that if you don't mind me asking? I am comfy enough to mess with that stuff, so i'll give it a shot.
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Click to collapse
I found it here (just take away the spaces after .com and after 02/): ianmarmour.com /2014/02/02/ google-nexus-5-fixing-modemcellular-issues-on-34g-networks
It's an older post from February, but seems to have the best details and fixes. If you simply search nexus 5 cellular radio issues or nexus 5 4.4.4 call drops, you should find a lot of these recalls from lots of N5 users. I'm tempted to try it, but don't really feel like sorting all my files in case i brick my device. I'm also not sure if ota update will work if i tinker with cell radios. Otherwise that's the page containing all the details you'd need including links and step by step guides. And hey if it works for you, let me know, maybe I'll try it out if it goes well for you.

jgr208 said:
Already did and it doesn't but is an annoyance then since part of the price of the Nexus 5 is to have LTE and I am not getting the full product then which is not ideal.
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Click to collapse
Exactly, i know that's totally possible, but i wouldn't want a smartphone that has no lte and/or hspa+ service at this point in time. This seems to happen wherever lte isn't as strong or available but hspa+ is. I think the modem responsible for switching between lte and hspa+ causes calls to drop. I took note of it a couple hours ago when i attempted to make a few phone calls resulting in instant call drops. Seems to do it while switching from lte to hspa+ network. I just wish Google would stop burying their heads from the outside world like an ostrich, and get in top of this. I mean this is their flagship device until N6 goes on sale. They should seriously fix this issue or at least stop denying that they've never heard of any complaints with their N4 and N5 customers. I love this device, but a simple fix like this not being addressed by Google is not very professional, especially because it's primary function is to call people. I'm really tempted to flash those radios, but really want to see if Google addresses this issue with an official ota lollipop update.

Syndrome666 said:
Mine doesn't seem to have any particular count pattern, it happens very randomly, usually when attempting to call someone and once they pickup on their end, my phone would hang up. This happens maybe 40-50%of the time, can't estimate a guess, but i can say that it happens enough to piss me off. I've checked my AT&T APN, which matches to what the carrier has it set, i even went and got my SIM replaced, rebooted in safe mode, gps works, so it's not a third party app causing this. Last resort is factory reset, although I'm almost positive that won't do anything. I'm currently also running android 4.4.4 stock aosp on a 32Gb N5. Device was purchased new in early may 2014, and came with android 4.4.2 preinstalled. The random call drops issue started in early October, a few months well into 4.4.4 update. All I've found online is that i it has something to do with a missing cellular radio, but to be honest, i don't want to mess with those as that may cause further problems. Called Google, and they act like they're clueless about this issue, all they can offer is a replacement, which is nice, but to be honest, it's probably going to happen again even with the new device. My coworker has the same issue with his 16gb N5 black model. If anyone with this device trying out android 5.0 lollipop preview can chime in on if this problem still persists, would be very awesome. I'm going to wait and see when the official android 5.0 comes out, if that fixes the dropped calls problem, then N5 can be used, if not then I'm getting it replaced and reselling it, may go with the moto x+1. So either a good portion of nexus 5 devices are factory defects or this really is a cellular radio problem. Really hope that lollipop will fix this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factor resetting it won't help, I've tried it already.

jgr208 said:
Already did and it doesn't but is an annoyance then since part of the price of the Nexus 5 is to have LTE and I am not getting the full product then which is not ideal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
part of the price? no. you dont see any phone more expensive because it can handle lte. your issue is with your network, and its signals around you. as we all know that the lte available can not handle voice calls. your isdue involvez lte handing off to H or 3G. thats where your network comes in.

simms22 said:
part of the price? no. you dont see any phone more expensive because it can handle lte. your issue is with your network, and its signals around you. as we all know that the lte available can not handle voice calls. your isdue involvez lte handing off to H or 3G. thats where your network comes in.
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Click to collapse
Then why does my moto g work fine in the same locations? And LTE isn't more expensive on a phone? Please explain then how a LTE phone is more expensive then the 3g variant. Go compare the moto g to moto g LTE. Defeats your argument.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

jgr208 said:
Then why does my moto g work fine in the same locations? And LTE isn't more expensive on a phone? Please explain then how a LTE phone is more expensive then the 3g variant. Go compare the moto g to moto g LTE. Defeats your argument.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
lol, ok. the moto g variants are an exception to the majority. their already cheap price point being the reason.
those are two different devices, with differing hardware. its possible that moto can catch the signal from a little further away than the n5 can. the n5 was made less expensive because they used less expensive hardware in places. a shorter antenna being one of those places.
---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:44 PM ----------
anyways, if you bought it from google, you can request an exchange.

I wouldn't try any hardware mod, etc as the issue is with the software. This kind of thing happens to me also, regardless of where I am or what network I'm on (tested this with a friends AT&T sim also). In the settings menu my signal strength just says "0" (kid you not ZERO) and sticks there until I manually set the phone to 3g when I go to a place with weak LTE (like a basement).
DISCLAIMER: I am only assuming this as I don't know that much about this topic, but I think stock 4.4.4 doesn't understand that LTE can still be received at worse than -115dbm and causes this fault. It doesn't matter which radio you flash (using the newest dev preview radio on 4.4.4 still has this issue, but on 5.0 it works flawlessly), what network you are on, where you are with strong LTE coverage... If you go to the wrong LTE dead spot you have this issue. It's as if the radio is saying "I'm still good on LTE" and the phone says "-115dbm isn't good we need to switch" and the radio says "I'm still connected to LTE though" and the conflict causes the signal to go to 0. I don't think it's got anything to do with the handoff from LTE to 3G either (but it might, as I said I'm no expert). -115dbm seems to be the doom number for me on LTE with 4.4.4.
Try flashing the new dev preview if you want LTE. No network = 0 bug. Hell I can even get LTE in my basement (at worse than -115dbm, of course). I had to flash back to 4.4.4 though, too many games/apps not updated yet.
Long story short, this is fixed in Lollipop. Less than two weeks...

simms22 said:
lol, ok. the moto g variants are an exception to the majority. their already cheap price point being the reason.
those are two different devices, with differing hardware. its possible that moto can catch the signal from a little further away than the n5 can. the n5 was made less expensive because they used less expensive hardware in places. a shorter antenna being one of those places.
---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:44 PM ----------
anyways, if you bought it from google, you can request an exchange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked until august so your argument is void.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

anactoraaron said:
I wouldn't try any hardware mod, etc as the issue is with the software. This kind of thing happens to me also, regardless of where I am or what network I'm on (tested this with a friends AT&T sim also). In the settings menu my signal strength just says "0" (kid you not ZERO) and sticks there until I manually set the phone to 3g when I go to a place with weak LTE (like a basement).
DISCLAIMER: I am only assuming this as I don't know that much about this topic, but I think stock 4.4.4 doesn't understand that LTE can still be received at worse than -115dbm and causes this fault. It doesn't matter which radio you flash (using the newest dev preview radio on 4.4.4 still has this issue, but on 5.0 it works flawlessly), what network you are on, where you are with strong LTE coverage... If you go to the wrong LTE dead spot you have this issue. It's as if the radio is saying "I'm still good on LTE" and the phone says "-115dbm isn't good we need to switch" and the radio says "I'm still connected to LTE though" and the conflict causes the signal to go to 0. I don't think it's got anything to do with the handoff from LTE to 3G either (but it might, as I said I'm no expert). -115dbm seems to be the doom number for me on LTE with 4.4.4.
Try flashing the new dev preview if you want LTE. No network = 0 bug. Hell I can even get LTE in my basement (at worse than -115dbm, of course). I had to flash back to 4.4.4 though, too many games/apps not updated yet.
Long story short, this is fixed in Lollipop. Less than two weeks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Def wasn't gonna try hardware and only software and great to hear! Did you try out lollipop yet?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

jgr208 said:
It worked until august so your argument is void.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
if it worked until august, then it supports my point of probably being an issue with your network, and not the phone itself.

simms22 said:
if it worked until august, then it supports my point of probably being an issue with your network, and not the phone itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But then why does my moto g work? Why is the issue also all the way from Philadelphia to new jersey to new York. That supports software if you ask me. Also it working it lollipop supports software. Also if it was network I think we would hear more about this issue from other phones as well
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

jgr208 said:
But then why does my moto g work? Why is the issue also all the way from Philadelphia to new jersey to new York. That supports software if you ask me. Also it working it lollipop supports software. Also if it was network I think we would hear more about this issue from other phones as well
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
well, try the lollipop preview, it was working for the other guy, see if itll work for you. if it does, great.