[Solved] LTE Not Working on Samsung S4 Mini/T-Mobile - General Questions and Answers

Hi,
I recently decided to upgrade my data plan with T-Mobile to LTE. Despite the upgrade (and the additional expense) I'm not getting LTE. All I can get is 2G service, even after extensive consultation with the local T-Mobile store. The folks there have been extremely helpful, but to no avail. Here are the details. The phone is a Samsung S4 Mini LTE (GT I9195). I am running CM 13.0 (serranoltexx). The phone APN settings match those published by T-Mobile, and are consistent with those found on other sites.
Searching the internet, I found reports of this problem with a number of suggested remedies ... none of which have worked. It does seem that the OS is causing the problem, since these reports all began with CM 12. I am more than willing to upgrade or downgrade to another OS to solve the problem. I had considered installing an earlier versions of CM, since reports of this problem have all been post-CM 11. The difficulty with that solution is that I haven't found a site where old CM releases are still available. I also would have no problem moving to a non-CM OS, but I'm clueless as to which custom ROM I should be installing.
Any and all suggestions would be welcomed.

Checked with another cell provider that offers LTE on a GSM network, and discovered that my S4 mini has full LTE data service on their network. So I went back to the T-Mobile store. They told me they had just received information about their upgraded network (VoLTE ... whatever the heqq that is). While their new phones (and they really hoped I would buy a couple to replace our two GT-I9195s) are fully supported, older devices will not work with that technology.
So, it looks like it's goodbye T-Mobile (and we've been their customers since their service was VoiceStream), and hello Cricket!

Related

Let's solve radio problems in Canada

Alright, so I'll start by saying I have already looked at the following 3 threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=930008
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928661
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974275
So why am I bringing this up? Plain and simple, almost all the carriers in Canada have officially launched the Nexus S around mid-April of this year (both AWS and CDMA versions). All of these related threads have had no activity since before then. As a subscriber of Wind Mobile, I'll speak specifically for this carrier, however the information I hope to collect in this thread might be relevant to all our Canadian carriers.
Being factory unlocked, a lot of people have already brought the Nexus S into Canada prior to our carriers launching this device (myself included). Along with that, we've experienced a number of small issues regarding connectivity. The problem? More than likely, it's the radio. Issues with network selection, 3G data (APN's), and text messaging (SMSC settings). While there have already been workarounds and fixes noted for these problems (see threads linked above), they don't always work for everyone, and now that Wind has this device in their official lineup, maybe now we can find some relevant answers.
The question that comes to mind first and foremost, is what is the factory default radio that ships with the Wind Mobile version of the Nexus S? Wind had to have worked with Samsung and/or Google to bring this device to the carrier, so it's obvious that the technical departments worked on optimizing a radio to work best on the network. If we could find out exactly which baseband this is, that could help a lot of people. If required, we may also need a radio dump if one doesn't already exist for whichever version it is. Ontop of that, we should learn how the SMSC is set up from stock (however the radio alone might fix that as well).
Now to keep this thread open to all Canadians, let's gather the same information from all other Canadian carriers as well. Once we make some progress, I can update this OP with all the information gathered.
Your mission? Help us build a database of Canadian radios. If you have purchased your Nexus S from corporate stores since officially launching in Canada (not dealers/re-sellers - they could have imported them) and haven't modified your ROM and/or radio, your information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!
Post reserved for future use, if needed
Does anyone have the CSC or radio for Wind?
Not one person?

[Q] Bought Used & Has Problems - What Should I Do?

Hi everyone. Just to start out, I am completely new to the Android world – I’ve tried to read up on these forums and whatnot but I am definitely a noob. I am coming from Apple, and long story short, I’m tired of iPhones and got myself a Galaxy S3 via Swappa in order to keep my unlimited data plan. It was previously rooted, but I requested that it be restored to stock.
I have been unable to get to a Verizon corporate store to get a sim card and activate the phone, so I’ve been using it on wifi around the house. I am having signal issues with the wif – it works everywhere except in my room. The signal shows as weak and keeps dropping every few minutes. My other devices have a strong signal. I have downloaded various wifi analyzer apps from the Play store, and they all show the wifi signal as really weak.
I searched and found numerous threads that this is an issue with some of the phones. I tried messing with settings (factory reset the phone, the router, did the *#0011# and turned wifi power saving off, changed the "keep wifi on during sleep" from always to never, etc) and nothing fixes it.
I would like to know what you guys recommend. Should I go ahead get a sim, activate the phone, update to Jelly Bean and see if that fixes the issue? I am unable to get the update since I do not have service. I tried to update via Kies, but it says current firmware pda:lg1 phone: lg1 csc: lg1 (vzw) not supported.
Or should I tell Verizon about the problem and see if they will go ahead and replace the phone? I’m not sure how that works since I am not the original owner. I’ve read that they honor the warranty based on the purchase date which is tied to the IMEI number, and not the owner’s name. Not sure how true that is… Also on the box, it says Verizon 4G LTE Certified. Not sure if that means my phone is already a certified replacement or if all the boxes say that. I haven’t been able to find that out.
I’ve read the thread about resetting the phone to return to Verizon. The flash counter screen reads Odin mode, product name: SCH-I535, Custom Binary Download: No, Current Binary: Samsung Official, System Status: Official, Qualcomm Secureboot: Enable. The android version is 4.0.4 and the baseband is I535VRLG1. Does it matter what the kernel, build number and hardware version are? I’m not sure what they should be.
I just want to be prepared when I walk into the Verizon store (which is unfortunately over an hour away), so I’m hoping I can get some opinions and maybe save myself multiple trips. I’m not sure if Verizon will work with me or not, but I figured you guys are the experts and can help me out. Thank you!
It looks like the guy who sold you the phone did in fact fully return you to stock. But it is fully stock based on the oldest stock firmware (I535VRLG1). My advice to you would be to activate the phone, and grab the OTA updates all the way up until the current version (I535VRBLK3).
I used to have all kinds of WiFi connectivity issues with this phone, until I replaced my router. Now it works perfectly. There was no real explanation as to why that was, but this phone does seem to have WiFi connectivity issues, especially with older Routers.
Try updating your software first, and see if the problem resolves with the new firmware. I believe Verizon does base the warranty off of the phone activation date, at least they did years ago in the past, but that may have changed.
Thank you, I appreciate the reply. I read that there was an OTA update issued around October to fix some of the wifi issues, but I wasn't sure if I had it. Once I activate the phone with the sim, do you think there will be any issues receiving the updates? I know nothing about rooting and have been trying to read more about it, but I'm concerned I'll end up causing more problems with the phone before I even get to use it.
The router I have is a free one Verizon gives to use with their dsl service - a Westell Model 327w. It is pretty old, although I think the firmware is up to date. The phone works fine when it is closer to the router and everywhere else in my house, except my room which is upstairs and at the other end of the house. I just figured since my other devices work fine, the S3 should too.
Thanks again.
If you are fully stock, with the stock recovery (which it sounds like you probably are), you should have no problem downloading and installing the OTAs. I believe you will have to take a few them before you get up to the current version.
I can confirm that the stock Verizon GSIII has a few upgrades before you get to 4.1.1 (the latest version)
Thanks guys.
I just remembered that I have a newer router that Verizon sent me, but I never bothered with it because the current one was working. I'll try and set that up and see if the signal improves.
I am hoping to get to the Verizon store soon, but unfortunately things keep happening that prevent me from making the trip. Can't wait to get this phone working though. Just the little bit I've played with it makes it difficult for me to go back to my iPhone.
This is how a noob post should read. Nice job, OP -- very informative and you did some homework.
Other noobs take notice -- this is how you do it. Notice how much help he got?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
If its any consolation, I had wi-fi issues even with a newer Verizon router all the way up to the latest version of the the modem and rpm file (vblk3). With the last and latest (vblk3) update, those problems disappeared. So as stated, I would update the software to the latest and hopefully you should be good. Just to add, my wife had the same problems (same phone) as well so this validates for me that it was a software issue.

Has anyone figured out a work around with Talking and Browsing with Sprint's Spark?

Hello everyone..
I had a Galaxy S3 with Sprint and was happy I was able to browse and talk at the same time but can't anymore because of this Sprint Spark network. I've read hand full of messages about this issue and ppl are still pissed about it. I wished Sprint would have installed 2 antennas into my recently upgraded Galaxy S5 (and other Spark phones) while they are still working out the kinks. I use data and talk all the time, especially if I'm using the GPS. And definitely because I have a side gig where I drive and use GPS and talk on the phone for dropoffs/pickups.
My question is, has anyone figured out a work around to this issue to be able to talk and use data? And I'm not talking about using WiFi.
I was thinking if there's a hack where we can physically replace the antennae with the older LTE antenna,?
If the current Spark is triband, does that mean it should still be compatible with the older LTE versions? Is there a way to disable Spark, and use the other band so we can talk and browse?
Rooting apps?
I have 1 week left before deciding to stay with Sprint, or simply just use an older phone--i suppose the Galaxy S4. Or Tmobile would be the next better affordable carrier, but too bad they don't take corporate discounts anymore.
I hope when VoLTE rolls out, it is compatble with the GS5 and I won't need to get another device and its software related on my end. I read rumours it should have been mid-2015, but now I read some other msgs late 2015, nothing official.
Any thoughts? Thanks.

OnePlus One fully stock - T-Mobile - no signal/carrier connection 52% of the time

My OnePlus One is on latest cyanogen 12.1, completely stock and unrooted. I am noticing high battery drain on cell stand by (42%)
and of that 52% of the time there is no connection to carrier.
Is there a fix for this issue? My wife's Note Edge (SM-N915G on stock KitKat) has no signal issues with T-Mobile. but my OnePlus One show no connection most of the time. Is this a CM12.1 issue or is this a known issue with OPO and T-Mobile combination?
Appreciate the help.
Which baseband?
This could just be because of where you're located. The OPO only supports one of T-Mobile's LTE bands, band 4, while the Galaxy Note Edge supports all three, including band 12, which has much greater range and building penetration.
All of the recent T-Mobile commercials touting improved coverage area and better building penetration are based off of using band 12 on their newer devices which support VOLTE (voice over LTE). All of their new towers incorporate this band in areas that previously had little or no coverage (especially rural and suburban).
If you're in an outlying area with poor band 4 coverage your handset will be constantly trying to lock in on the weak signal and shifting from 3G, 4G, and LTE. Doing this also greatly reduces data transmission speed and reduces battery life.
If you're in an urban area with strong signal acquisition, then forget what I just said, you have another issue.
Hope this helps.
i used OPO on tmobile and it worked fine, depends on many factors including location, time of day and of course the bands used by the device.
karthics4 said:
i used OPO on tmobile and it worked fine, depends on many factors including location, time of day and of course the bands used by the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see from your profile that you reside in the UK. The OP doesn't list his, so I'm operating under the assumption that he's here in the states. My observations and comments in the post above yours, are strictly based on what I know about this device and with T-Mobile USA, as I'm unfamiliar with its operations in other countries.
Odysseus1962 said:
I see from your profile that you reside in the UK. The OP doesn't list his, so I'm operating under the assumption that he's here in the states. My observations and comments in the post above yours, are strictly based on what I know about this device and with T-Mobile USA, as I'm unfamiliar with its operations in other countries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies, should have included location detail. This OPO is in Austin, tx so its metro area.
Baseband: DI.3.0c6-00241-m8974aaaaanazm-1
Cynogen version: 12.1.1-YOG7DAS2K1
Kernel version: 3.4.67-cyanogenmod-g9220ae3
Build: LMY48Y
Will I get better luck on AT&T with OPO?
Agent5150 said:
Apologies, should have included location detail. This OPO is in Austin, tx so its metro area.
Baseband: DI.3.0c6-00241-m8974aaaaanazm-1
Cynogen version: 12.1.1-YOG7DAS2K1
Kernel version: 3.4.67-cyanogenmod-g9220ae3
Build: LMY48Y
Will I get better luck on AT&T with OPO?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might, but I can't say for sure. The OPO supports 2 of the 3 bands AT&T utilizes, band 4 (like T-Mobile) and band 17. So you have more of a chance. Bear in mind, that AT&T is considerably more expensive than T-Mobile and that they have roaming agreements with each other, where if you can't get any signal for telephony you'll roam off the other's network.
Generally speaking AT&T has more coverage, because it's an older more mature company with a more established infrastructure. T-Mobile is more of an upstart, but is rapidly expanding with a newer technology. Like I said in the previous post, explaining why your wife's Note got so much better reception, newer T-Mobile devices which support all 3 LTE bands (2,4, & 12) get better reception and probably twice the coverage than what is possible with the OPO.
I hope this helps explains things.
Odysseus1962 said:
I see from your profile that you reside in the UK. The OP doesn't list his, so I'm operating under the assumption that he's here in the states. My observations and comments in the post above yours, are strictly based on what I know about this device and with T-Mobile USA, as I'm unfamiliar with its operations in other countries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i do reside in the UK but bought my OPO in the US when i lived there back in 2013 and used it on Tmob. according to the website it works in the UK on Three and EE(tmobile/ orange). i use it on three and get 4g and 3g with no probs. i do like the tmobile usa plan of $40 unlimited all
Since stock 12.1 update, I've noticed mobile network keeps dropping and in return draining the battery quickly.
Thinking it's the update, I've installed custom 12.1 ROM, but the problem persisted.
With further searching, I've found fix here.
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/cos-12-1-non-rooted-user-w-mobile-connectivity-issues.361244/
Goto APN settings, take note of current APN's.
Reset to defaults.
Copy previous APN values to currently selected APN.
Save then reboot phone.
If above doesn't work, try here.
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/update-17-09-15-cos-12-1-yog4pas1no-bugs-discussion-thread.349560/
Scroll down to LTE issues and try the method described. Just note that it suggest deleting other APN, but I recommend against it because it can interfere with roaming.
byoungc said:
Since stock 12.1 update, I've noticed mobile network keeps dropping and in return draining the battery quickly.
Thinking it's the update, I've installed custom 12.1 ROM, but the problem persisted.
With further searching, I've found fix here.
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/cos-12-1-non-rooted-user-w-mobile-connectivity-issues.361244/
Goto APN settings, take note of current APN's.
Reset to defaults.
Copy previous APN values to currently selected APN.
Save then reboot phone.
If above doesn't work, try here.
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/...2-1-yog4pas1no-bugs-discussion-thread.349560/
Scroll down to LTE issues and try the method described. Just note that it suggest deleting other APN, but I recommend against it because it can interfere with roaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, so I am not the only one experiencing network connectivity issues. I do suspect this software related to some extent. Will try the fix and report back.
Answer!
Agent5150 said:
My OnePlus One is on latest cyanogen 12.1, completely stock and unrooted. I am noticing high battery drain on cell stand by (42%)
and of that 52% of the time there is no connection to carrier.
Is there a fix for this issue? My wife's Note Edge (SM-N915G on stock KitKat) has no signal issues with T-Mobile. but my OnePlus One show no connection most of the time. Is this a CM12.1 issue or is this a known issue with OPO and T-Mobile combination?
Appreciate the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All phones can now get WiFi calling. Just download digits and sync it. Download it on your main driver and sync it. You can use the DIGITS to call using WiFi from any device using your number.
Trikkx said:
All phones can now get WiFi calling. Just download digits and sync it. Download it on your main driver and sync it. You can use the DIGITS to call using WiFi from any device using your number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Digits?

Poor cellular reception Oneplus 6

Hello all.
I have a Oneplus 6 and for the past year have had reception problems. I have had AT&T for many years and my previous phone (Oneplus One) and my current (Oneplus 6) did work just fine (between 2015 and 2018). However, since mid 2019, I have had dropped calls and almost every call I make/receive from my house (located in suburbs of Chicago) the person on the other end can not hear me well (I can always hear them just fine). I have updated my phone OS with the official Oxygen versions as they were released. My thought was that AT&T changed settings on their 3G towers and were denying me the ability to make voice calls over 4G (I can see that when i make a call the icon changes to HSDPA....maybe I am missing something?
So, after countless phone calls to AT&T, I decided to try Google Fi. I have been using both sim cards in my device for a few months now. Google Fi has been good, much better than AT&T, but lately it too has been giving me similar issues.
I am posting here to see if perhaps anyone has any idea on whether or not a new rom (Lineage OS or similar) will help. I am not new to flashing roms, having used Lineage and Cyanogen for years.
1. Would a new rom help my situation? How so?
2. Is there a particularly Stable or popular rom that the Oneplus 6 community gravitates towards?
Thanks!
scales11 said:
Hello all.
I have a Oneplus 6 and for the past year have had reception problems. I have had AT&T for many years and my previous phone (Oneplus One) and my current (Oneplus 6) did work just fine (between 2015 and 2018). However, since mid 2019, I have had dropped calls and almost every call I make/receive from my house (located in suburbs of Chicago) the person on the other end can not hear me well (I can always hear them just fine). I have updated my phone OS with the official Oxygen versions as they were released. My thought was that AT&T changed settings on their 3G towers and were denying me the ability to make voice calls over 4G (I can see that when i make a call the icon changes to HSDPA....maybe I am missing something?
So, after countless phone calls to AT&T, I decided to try Google Fi. I have been using both sim cards in my device for a few months now. Google Fi has been good, much better than AT&T, but lately it too has been giving me similar issues.
I am posting here to see if perhaps anyone has any idea on whether or not a new rom (Lineage OS or similar) will help. I am not new to flashing roms, having used Lineage and Cyanogen for years.
1. Would a new rom help my situation? How so?
2. Is there a particularly Stable or popular rom that the Oneplus 6 community gravitates towards?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny that you mention that. I have returned to Google Fi after a year and the mobile internet quality has been worse than ever! It just does not work most of the time. Either says LTE, but with an exclamation mark or straight up does not work. I am on latest stock and also wondering if lineage would help.
It seems like putting simcard into sim slot 2 gives marginally better performance? Not sure.
When installing opengapps, you can replace stock carrier services with google's. Might help. I will try it today

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