Database Develop

Tasker (or Locale / SetProfiles): Automatically switch to 2G only

Goal: Automatically switch to Use only 2G networks without opening Mobile Networks Settings dialog and checking the box manually
I know that this is not possible on stock, but is there any way to accomplish this for root users or with any of the mentioned apps or otherwise:
I do not want to disable APN, and I've already used APNdroid to much dismay. There is a bug for Nexus One users when restoring APN settings that leaves mobile data disabled.
I've used the apps mentioned in the thread title to automate my phones settings (ringer volume, GPS on/off, bluetooth on when phone ringing, data syncing, etc.), and now I simply want to disable 3G radio connection whenever certain conditions are met and have my network type as "GSM only"
I've searched through different forums here and sorted through a litany of Google search results, so please no lmgtfy because "2G only" returns no results in this section and no relevant results elsewhere; "2g only auto" nothing; "2g only automatic" nothing, but you can flame if you post a solution

fourinthoughts said:
...I simply want to disable 3G radio connection and have my network type as "GSM only" whenever I'm connected to WiFi, and I want to automate this so that I don't forget to do it manually at night when I'm not using my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind me asking - what is the reason for it? When you switch WiFi on, the data is turned off anyway. So why?

Jack_R1 said:
If you don't mind me asking - what is the reason for it? When you switch WiFi on, the data is turned off anyway. So why?
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Click to collapse
Yes, when your device is connected to WiFi the GPRS service for data is disabled. However, the 3G band radio in your phone is still being used which consumes more power than the global GSM band radio that is used when connected to the EDGE network type. This is always true whether you are connected to WiFi or not. (correct me if I'm wrong)
Regardless, the answer to this would help a lot of android users. This is not specifically tailored for me, because the entire OP relates to battery performance which should be an important issue for all Nexus One users. If this task could be automated it would dramatically improve battery performance during off-peak use (nighttime, work, meetings, etc.) by improving execution and eliminating forgetfulness. Automating this adds to the user experience and would just make your phone that much more enjoyable, period.
I'm simply amazed that I can't find a resolution to accomplishing this.

fourinthoughts said:
Yes, when your device is connected to WiFi the GPRS service for data is disabled. However, the 3G band radio in your phone is still being used which consumes more power than the global GSM band radio that is used when connected to the EDGE network type. This is always true whether you are connected to WiFi or not. (correct me if I'm wrong)
Regardless, the answer to this would help a lot of android users. This is not specifically tailored for me, because the entire OP relates to battery performance which should be an important issue for all Nexus One users. If this task could be automated it would dramatically improve battery performance during off-peak use (nighttime, work, meetings, etc.) by improving execution and eliminating forgetfulness. Automating this adds to the user experience and would just make your phone that much more enjoyable, period.
I'm simply amazed that I can't find a resolution to accomplishing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cellular standby / talk time power doesn't vary much between GSM and UMTS, the difference is less than ~20% in both modes in case of Nexus, judging by official specs. I'll check your assumption that UMTS connectivity isn't dropped to GSM when WiFi connects (most probably correct), but the power gain isn't significant in places that have proper UMTS connectivity (which is not the case for the whole world, I know).
The easiest way I can think of would be to use SwitchPro widget, for example (or any other free widget that has the same functionality), and instead of pressing only "WiFi On" button, press 2 buttons - "WiFi On" and "2G/3G connection" (the same as pressing the "Use 2G networks only" checkbox).
I would suppose that such a plug-in or setting might be available for Locale/Profiles/etc.

2 things that I've found:
1) The connection indeed stays UMTS.
2) Android system prevents the programs from toggling 2G/3G mode, it's only allowed manually. The widgets I've seen only take you to the correct Settings submenu, but you have to click the checkbox yourself.

Thank you Jack_R1,
I appreciate the replies and the confirmation. That is the conlussion that I have been stuck with for a while. I had assumed that there may be a way to control this with superuser permissions.
I guess I'm going to have to dust off my Java, contact some app developers, and start exploring how to come up with a solution myself.
I apreciate your feedback.

You're welcome.
I suppose that this thread might be useful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736095
What you're looking for might also be one of the lower level system functions, requiring system permissions, not only root.
Might be worth contacting Cyanogen's team or Enomther, to make an option for it on ROM level and incorporate in the next AOSP-based ROMs.

Jack_R1 said:
You're welcome.
I suppose that this thread might be useful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736095
What you're looking for might also be one of the lower level system functions, requiring system permissions, not only root.
Might be worth contacting Cyanogen's team or Enomther, to make an option for it on ROM level and incorporate in the next AOSP-based ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. That post helped. The settings are not accessible in the current framework. When I get enough time this week I think I can start on getting this fixed for root users. I will take your advice and will contact some of the masters here who would know the libraries well.

in addition, one scenario could be:
At home, I do have pretty poor 3G connection with my service provider, so I would like to switch when I am near my WiFi to 2G mode

PseudoReal said:
in addition, one scenario could be:
At home, I do have pretty poor 3G connection with my service provider, so I would like to switch when I am near my WiFi to 2G mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ditto for me.
Surprised that it is so difficult to toggle 2g/3g with tasker...

dew.man said:
ditto for me.
Surprised that it is so difficult to toggle 2g/3g with tasker...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And ditto again.

I have the same desire as the op. It must be possible to do since one can easily toggle 2G/3G from the power control widget in cm6. Maybe if there was an intent that was published tasker should be able to launch an app with that intent to accomplish this.

on a recent trip overseas, I was presented with a very weird situation. I bought a local sim and got a 3g data plan which was 3gb of 3g data and 200mb of 2g data (dont ask i have no idea why they are different). When I plugged it in i could do 3g data no problem but if 3g was turned on i could not make or receive calls. so like the op I wanted an automated way of switching between 2g only and 3g
I was able to do it on my nexus one and tasker with
Toggle 2G/3G
hope this helps you
-208

^ +1 best toggle I've seen and used.

Search for Toggle 2G in the main android forum.

App to choose data connectivity on the fly

Hi everyone,
I remembered this from my Nokia E71 days. Everytime I would launch an application that required data, the phone would ask me which network to use of the available ones. Of course I had the choice to disable this, and restrict access to only one network such as wifi always or a wifi-first policy.
I am wondering if any of the droid apps/ROMs/mods offer this capability.
This is specifically to maintain a user controlled wifi/3g/nodata equilibrium to manage battery and costs better.
Any help would be much useful.
Thanks!

The firewall droidwall allows you to restrict apps to either wifi, 3g, or none. But it has to be configured in advance, no pop up functionality exists as far as I know.

Not really what I am looking for... But thanks.
Anyone else who can help?
BenKranged said:
The firewall droidwall allows you to restrict apps to either wifi, 3g, or none. But it has to be configured in advance, no pop up functionality exists as far as I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I use beautiful widget toggles to quickly turn on or off either wifi or network data. So, when I won't be using either one for a while, they can both be off.

wbcollins said:
I use beautiful widget toggles to quickly turn on or off either wifi or network data. So, when I won't be using either one for a while, they can both be off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, as a follow up, I have also used Juice defender to sort of manage this, though whether or not it actually saves more battery than it uses is quite debated. I just use the toggles on my home screen to do to manage this manually, though very quickly.

[Q] What's a good app to track an app's data usage?

As stated in thread title, I would like to be informed about a good application that I can download from the market that can track every app's data usage (preferabbly 3G).
The reason I am asking for such an app is that, every time I turn on my 3G internet (cellular internet, whatever), something is downloading.
I have used 3G Watchdog, and can confirm that something on my phone is downloading data at around 2KB/s. This behaviour has the secondary effect of draining my battery alot (like 30-40% per hour).
I would wish to track down that naughty app (could be system app...oh no...) if possible and freaking delete it. It's weird, because that behaviour doesn't happen when I only use Wi-Fi internet. It's only when I turn on cellular internet that it happens.
Thank you in advance.

NitNav said:
As stated in thread title, I would like to be informed about a good application that I can download from the market that can track every app's data usage (preferabbly 3G).
The reason I am asking for such an app is that, every time I turn on my 3G internet (cellular internet, whatever), something is downloading.
I have used 3G Watchdog, and can confirm that something on my phone is downloading data at around 2KB/s. This behaviour has the secondary effect of draining my battery alot (like 30-40% per hour).
I would wish to track down that naughty app (could be system app...oh no...) if possible and freaking delete it. It's weird, because that behaviour doesn't happen when I only use Wi-Fi internet. It's only when I turn on cellular internet that it happens.
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used Traffic Counter Extended in the past .. it found my data leak back then.

+1 on Traffic counter. was the best option around

LBE guard.

[Q] Wifi and 4g at the same time

I have been searching for a way to do this for months. I have a gopro that has WiFi to broadcast the picture to my phone. The problem is that it turns off the data on my phone so I receive no messages and can do nothing with data. I have root, and am willing to test apps, but i need to be able to use both local wifi for the video and 4G/3G for internet usage. Thanks for anybody to help me out.
-Nagas

I don't get it? Anything that uses data, normally uses WiFi too. Either or.
And no...the two can't be on at the same time.
---------- Post added at 11:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:50 PM ----------
Oh...so you mean the WiFi has no internet connected. I get it.
Sorry though....never heard of such a thing as you're asking. Perhaps someone else has.
Good luck!

I'm confused. Why can't you tether the GoPro to your phone using the hotspot? Still connected through wifi but you don't lose data.

nhizzat said:
I'm confused. Why can't you tether the GoPro to your phone using the hotspot? Still connected through wifi but you don't lose data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Gopro acts like a seperate wireless accesspoint. With that said, the Gopro does not connect to a wireless network when I am traveling in a car. My phone does not have a hotspot option. I have a modified version on my phone. So when i connect to the camera it completely disconnects from everything. I do have root though. But if it is just not possible then so be it.
Thanks for Everybody's help
Nagas

vagh_nagas said:
I have been searching for a way to do this for months. I have a gopro that has WiFi to broadcast the picture to my phone. The problem is that it turns off the data on my phone so I receive no messages and can do nothing with data. I have root, and am willing to test apps, but i need to be able to use both local wifi for the video and 4G/3G for internet usage. Thanks for anybody to help me out.
-Nagas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something like this?
http://www.xda-developers.com/andro...s-mobile-data-wifi-for-faster-internet-speed/

1ad_m12 said:
something like this?
http://www.xda-developers.com/andro...s-mobile-data-wifi-for-faster-internet-speed/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes much like that, but i need it for all data not just downloading files. if it can do it for one application, it should be able to do it for all of them. or at least select ones. I do have root so i would be able to select which apps have and do not have the access to 4G all the time.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
-Nagas

Well if you have tasker you can have a profile for when you're connected with your gopro and a task that disconnects, polls for messages, then reconnects. You could poll for a minute every 10 minutes as to not obstruct work flow. Or even longer if you want. I think what you want to happen is a limitation of android itself and for good reason. You'd burn through your battery on accident all the time if you could do that natively. Or run up your data.
At any rate I'd go with tasker. There's so much you can do with that it's ridiculous.

1ad_m12 said:
Well if you have tasker you can have a profile for when you're connected with your gopro and a task that disconnects, polls for messages, then reconnects. You could poll for a minute every 10 minutes as to not obstruct work flow. Or even longer if you want. I think what you want to happen is a limitation of android itself and for good reason. You'd burn through your battery on accident all the time if you could do that natively. Or run up your data.
At any rate I'd go with tasker. There's so much you can do with that it's ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would I do that. I am Very new with scripts.

vagh_nagas said:
How would I do that. I am Very new with scripts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tasker is an automation application found on the Play Store for about $3.00... In my opinion it is worth far more than that. It does have a bit of a learning curve but the benefits of what it can do are amazing. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.taskerm
You can use scripts in it but I was suggesting something different. Using Tasker you should be able to set up a profile for whenever you are tethered to your GoPro so that every so often Tasker will automatically turn off WiFi for a length of time of your choosing and then reactivate WiFi and the connection to your GoPro. This process could be set on a loop every time you connect to your GoPro; this way you won't miss any pending notifications that are trying to be pushed through without having to manually disable and re enable WiFi. You would only have to take note of when it would disable the WiFi so that your pictures can be transferred through to your phone properly.
New Profile= State> Net> Wifi Connected> Your GoPro's SSID or MAC address
Task Actions= Task> Wait> 10min (or however long you figure is a good time between cycles)
Net> WiFi> Set off
Task> Wait> 1min (or however long you want it to poll for notifications)
Net> WiFi> Set on
I know this isn't a perfect solution to your problem but it should, in theory, work.

1ad_m12 said:
Tasker is an automation application found on the Play Store for about $3.00... In my opinion it is worth far more than that. It does have a bit of a learning curve but the benefits of what it can do are amazing.
You can use scripts in it but I was suggesting something different. Using Tasker you should be able to set up a profile for whenever you are tethered to your GoPro so that every so often Tasker will automatically turn off WiFi for a length of time of your choosing and then reactivate WiFi and the connection to your GoPro. This process could be set on a loop every time you connect to your GoPro; this way you won't miss any pending notifications that are trying to be pushed through without having to manually disable and re enable WiFi. You would only have to take note of when it would disable the WiFi so that your pictures can be transferred through to your phone properly.
New Profile= State> Net> Wifi Connected> Your GoPro's SSID or MAC address
Task Actions= Task> Wait> 10min (or however long you figure is a good time between cycles)
Net> WiFi> Set off
Task> Wait> 1min (or however long you want it to poll for notifications)
Net> WiFi> Set on
I know this isn't a perfect solution to your problem but it should, in theory, work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know what, That worked perfectly. until the app tried to auto reconnect. then my phone seemed to get stuck in a loop. it kept turning the wifi on then off then on then off. it was strange. I am attempting to find a setting for it to auto reconnect and turn it off but there has been no luck so far. Thanks for your help so far.

A wifi conundrum (unsolved)

Hi everyone
I have a profile that that kicks in every 30 mins from 8 am to 9pm, to sync my account. I have set it up to use wifi first, but if there is no wifi connection it will go to my mobile data instead.
Now here is the problem if my phone is on standby it always connects via mobile data regardless of a wifi connection is available. But if I am using my device at the time when the task runs then it will connect to wifi. I have checked my, keep wif on in sleep option and it is set to always.
Could anyone explain as to what this is happening?
Thanks in advance

What is your Android version?

I am currently using a custom rom called exodus which is currently based on marshmallow.

Check if Tasker is excludied from Battery Optimization and whether Wi-Fi is not deactivated while the phone is in sleep mode in Settings/Wi-Fi/Advanced/Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep.

yep tasker is excluded from battery optimisation and the allow wifi during sleep policy is always.

If you're turning wifi on with tasker action wifi turn on, try instead of that shell script "svc wifi enable".

Ok thanks, I will let you know the out come of this. I was using secure settings to enable Wifi as the command built in tasker, is not compatible from kitkat and onwards if I remember correctly.

I found out "svc wifi enable" command does exactly the same thing

Discovered I'm having the very same problem on cm13 and the batch jobs have been done by initialized mobile data. Finally found out a solution to initialize wifi instead of mobile data. I've no limited data plan, but wifi is more battery friendly.

taisto said:
Discovered I'm having the very same problem on cm13 and the batch jobs have been done by initialized mobile data. Finally found out a solution to initialize wifi instead of mobile data. I've no limited data plan, but wifi is more battery friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to share the solution?
After all this is a community that people use to, find solutions to problems and to get the most out of their device. Which also help others who experience the issue for future reference.

Does anyone else know a solution to this?

HatchetEgg said:
Does anyone else know a solution to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you actually wait for wifi to connect?
Does your phone do the low power screen off wifi thingy?

rignfool said:
Do you actually wait for wifi to connect?
Does your phone do the low power screen off wifi thingy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes under normal circumstances it takes about 20 seconds to connect.
No because for some reason my wifi will only switch on if the screen is on.
I also have uninstaled my custom kernel, but this issue still appears from time to time.

There's a setting in wifi connection settings that you can set to that says "keep Wi-Fi on during sleep"
This same setting is often repeated in battery apps like powernap, naptime, better battery saver etc.
Even though the wording is the same, I don't believe they are all touching the same setting so go find those apps if you have them installed.
Also, disable all native battery savers (including Samsung 2 or 3 different ones,, doze, battery optimization etc etc just to see if your problem goes away.... Which it will. At least you'll know though

I have the same problem with Wi-Fi connection.
I have a profile to turn Wi-Fi on and try to connect when certain conditions meet and the screen is off in that case.
It seems that the phone has difficulties turning Wi-Fi on and connecting to it when screen is off. Tasker does manage to turn Wi-Fi on but the phone somehow does not connect *reliably* in all cases.
Tasker is excluded from battery optimization, Wi-Fi on during sleep. I tried turning cpu on for a short time hoping that it will connect, but still no result.
The only possible solution might be turning the screen on briefly at that moment.
If anybody has a better idea, you are more than welcome to share!

alienyd said:
I have the same problem with Wi-Fi connection.
I have a profile to turn Wi-Fi on and try to connect when certain conditions meet and the screen is off in that case.
It seems that the phone has difficulties turning Wi-Fi on and connecting to it when screen is off. Tasker does manage to turn Wi-Fi on but the phone somehow does not connect *reliably* in all cases.
Tasker is excluded from battery optimization, Wi-Fi on during sleep. I tried turning cpu on for a short time hoping that it will connect, but still no result.
The only possible solution might be turning the screen on briefly at that moment.
If anybody has a better idea, you are more than welcome to share!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can certainly say that turning the screen on will enable wifi, as I have resulted to this as well. But unfortunately I do not know any other solutions to try.

loogielv said:
There's a setting in wifi connection settings that you can set to that says "keep Wi-Fi on during sleep"
This same setting is often repeated in battery apps like powernap, naptime, better battery saver etc.
Even though the wording is the same, I don't believe they are all touching the same setting so go find those apps if you have them installed.
Also, disable all native battery savers (including Samsung 2 or 3 different ones,, doze, battery optimization etc etc just to see if your problem goes away.... Which it will. At least you'll know though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Wifi is set to always "keep wifi on during sleep"
I'm going to resort to flashing stock rom again and see if that helps. As I am only using doze and amplify to save battery, all settings for that has been adjusted to the guide I found.

HatchetEgg said:
My Wifi is set to always "keep wifi on during sleep"
I'm going to resort to flashing stock rom again and see if that helps. As I am only using doze and amplify to save battery, all settings for that has been adjusted to the guide I found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before reflash, just disable xposed and see what you get... I will bet half of this soft taco I'm eating your problem disappears with greenify and or amplify. I'm not saying don't use them at all... Just make sure it works without them. I used to have some serious battery apps, but found after disabling, my battery was IMMENSELY better. And I had no config to deal with. But first things first... IT'S without a doubt, no question, a battery app setting or a system app that's being put to sleep that should be white listed