No signal in low network coverage area! - T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Few weeks ago I moved to area with lower signal coverage. I noticed that most of the time signal on my device (Note 4 SM-N910F) is so low that I can't make a call even or send a SMS. Data is not connecting at all. When I go to town where there is better signal coverage everything is alright. I can make and receive calls normally and data is working fine.
- I am not using any case or cover for my device.
- Playing with network modes and access point names in settings didn't help.
- Nothing is wrong with my account as confirmed by network provider.
- IMEI is same as before. It is not null as in some cases.
- Same SIM card behaves perfectly well in another phone and in the same area.
- Different SIM cards doesn't behave well on my phone so it must be the phone's fault.
- Factory reset didn't help.
- I tried flashing my phone with different ROM's. I tried both stock and custom ROM's. Stock I have tried for my country (Croatia) and for different countries. Also with latest version's and few previous one's. Custom ROM's I have tried like LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, Omega etc.
- I even tried flashing modem with various basebands.
- My warranty is void.
- Guy in mobile repair shop told me it must be model related problem and he can't fix it. Also, he told me right now he is fixing another Note 4 on which IMEI crashed suddenly.
Does anyone experienced same problem with Note 4 or any of devices? Is there something else I can do about it?

Related

'Radio' Problem

Hi
Can anyone shed some light. My SGN suddenly lost the ability to make phone calls ('Mobile Network Not Available' message), cannot connect to wireless network and cannot connect to mobile data. I rooted it about a week ago and it has been fine up until now.
I tried unrooting, re-rooting, re-flashing current firmware (LA6) and reflashing just the radio (LA4). All processes were successful but didn't fix the issue. I tried a different SIM, but no dice!
Is there anything else I should try? Does it look like I have a hardware problem?
Thanks.
Further info - switching to GSM Only has restored mobile internet and wireless network connection (?????? WTF???) BUT cannot make a phone call.
Help please.
Sort of the same problem over here, only Emergency CALLS. Sim slot looks defective. Tried everything. Thickened the SIM, Flashed stock and rooted roms with Odin and Mobile Odin. Several factory resets and wipes. Sim is ok, using it in another phone now. Other sim also doesn't work.
I sort off solved my own problem while leaving myself with a worse one!
Pushing my panic to one side, I discovered that I had wireless and bluetooth but no phone, text or mobile internet.
I checked online to discover it had been blocked!
Phone was a private sale so back to first owner to get network details and see if he has done anything silly - like report it lost or stolen!
Arghhhhhh!
Probably wanted to use his insurance and claimed it stolen. You're screwed I'd think
Sent from my superior GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
I think in this instance PayPal is my friend!
Seller also didin't strike me as problematic as criminals don't normally provide fully verifiable contact details. If it was malicious I'll have revenge!

[Q] No service / No sim card

A. Introduction: I had the HTC Desire C working smooth and fine. Then one fine day, I realized that the microphone is not working properly, the person at the other side of phone call would not be able to listen to me unless I'd literally shout over phone. So I gave the phone to the HTC service center because it was under warranty. They changed some parts and handed back the phone to me. But the problem was still there. I again submitted my phone. They changed the same parts again and now the mic was working classic, phone was working smooth.
B. Twist in the scene: Just after few days, I was on my way to home after some work and I noticed that phone had a cross (x) against the signal and when I pulled down the notification thing, it said NO SERVICE. This used to happen a lot of times from then onward. Switching to Flight Mode and then reverting back (OR a restart OR a sim pullout and insert again) would sometimes fix the issue, but only temporarily. Sometimes after reboot, it would say NO SIM CARD, sometimes NO SERVICE and sometimes proper functioning with 2-3 bars.
C. Attempts from my end: I thought that they have messed the sim card slot while assembling my phone back and it is a hardware issue. But I was finding it hard to believe. I tried switching to GSM ONLY, then it would show full bars, but again only temporarily -- later NO SERVICE again.
The same SIM card in other phones (standard Nokia b&w phones aka hammers) shows full bars. And I have tried 3+ sim cards in the HTC, but all say NO SERVICE after sometime, maybe due to some activity (connecting internet) or just randomly on its wish.
I studied about radios(modems/baseband) and found that they are drivers and they also decide when and how to switch between 2G and 3G network etc.
D. Other Information and Background: Many times, when there is NO SERVICE error, when I check the Signal Strength it says -83dBm 15asu, so that is pretty hard to digest. The other times it says 0dBm 99asu, which should be obvious for a NO SERVICE error.
With point number E.2. in this post I have unlocked the bootloader and rooted my phone, installed CWM recovery, took a backup.
E. Options that are/aren't available from my perspective and my doubts:
1. Warranty period is over now, and I do not want to take my phone to the service center.
2. Can flashing a custom rom and radio fix this issue? If yes, direct me to some reliable ROMs for the same. CM10 build#3 (from here) didn't boot.
3. I have a Linux laptop, so options strictly based on Windows PC will not apply.
Has anyone faced similar issue? I found many pages with similar issue, but nowhere was the exact solution/troubleshoot mentioned.
I did have a problem with sim cards. What I tried doing is borrowing a friends sim card to see if it works on my phone. To my relief it worked and meant that my current one just died. So I went to one of the offices of my Phone plan providers and just changed it and it worked. If you can try that and give back results, it would be awesome.
Depending on the age of your SIM card can give those errors but as you stated you tried other SIMS and same occurred so my guess is it's either Hardware or Baseband Software, unless there's a Baseband update or simply reflash same Baseband, if it still persists I'd more suspect Hardware.
Bashing away at my HTC Desire C
me4488 said:
I did have a problem with sim cards. What I tried doing is borrowing a friends sim card to see if it works on my phone. To my relief it worked and meant that my current one just died. So I went to one of the offices of my Phone plan providers and just changed it and it worked. If you can try that and give back results, it would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I, myself have a lot of sim cards to check this and I have already tried other sim cards. Some cards are not even recognized. Some are being recognized but it says NO SERVICE after sometime. Switching to Flight mode and back or restarting the phone or Going in Testing Mode > turning off radio > and turning it on again, sometimes solves the issue but only temporarily.
Antagonist42 said:
Depending on the age of your SIM card can give those errors but as you stated you tried other SIMS and same occurred so my guess is it's either Hardware or Baseband Software, unless there's a Baseband update or simply reflash same Baseband, if it still persists I'd more suspect Hardware.
Bashing away at my HTC Desire C
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably. And that's why I installed mini CM10 and flashed the radio with the latest HTC Desire Radio (for CM), but it still says NO SERVICE and the same baseband version as it was saying with the stock ROM. :/
Even though the signal strength is -63dBm 25asu
Can you call or something if it is showing signal strength?
Sent from my HTC Desire C using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
rudi_j7 said:
Can you call or something if it is showing signal strength?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I wasn't able to call. And when I would search for a network it would say "Error while searching for networks"
I'm more likely to suspect the actual SIM card holder hardware and not the SIM Card itself or the Baseband (No errors reflashing and other SIM's no different than your own), the fact it's showing signal strengths but you're not getting onto the network suggests RADIO hardware is most likely working along with software but a hardware failure could just be 1 connection to the SIM
Q. Are all other SIM's working in other phones and does your SIM work in another phone?
If so I'd suspect the SIM Slot onwards.
Q. may or may not apply but possibly relevant, does Bluetooth and Wi-Fi still work?
Antagonist42 said:
I'm more likely to suspect the actual SIM card holder hardware and not the SIM Card itself or the Baseband (No errors reflashing and other SIM's no different than your own), the fact it's showing signal strengths but you're not getting onto the network suggests RADIO hardware is most likely working along with software but a hardware failure could just be 1 connection to the SIM
Q. Are all other SIM's working in other phones and does your SIM work in another phone?
If so I'd suspect the SIM Slot onwards.
Q. may or may not apply but possibly relevant, does Bluetooth and Wi-Fi still work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer #1: Yes
Answer #2: Yes
Q. I still don't get that when I have flashed the radio, how is it still saying the same baseband version? Doesn't flashing a new radio change it?
Recent UPDATE: Somehow, the phone is behaving well... (always 3 bars or full 4 bars), after the mini CM flash and NOPE 750 flash. Initially it was NO SIM CARD or NO SERVICE but multiple reboots and pulling out and reinserting the sim card have made it this far. Let's see if this good behavior persists.
UPDATE: Back to the same state of disconnecting/No Service/No Sim Card
I still suspect the SIM slot as you could have disturbed what's known as a 'dry joint' essentially made it make contact until it disconnects again even with just a change in any kind of pressure (placing the cover on or placing it on a table).
Then again it could be down to ROM and Kernel, I wouldn't totally rule it out without going back to stock ROM and Kernel and seeing any change
Bashing away at my HTC Desire C
Antagonist42 said:
I still suspect the SIM slot as you could have disturbed what's known as a 'dry joint' essentially made it make contact until it disconnects again even with just a change in any kind of pressure (placing the cover on or placing it on a table).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any DIYs to fix this?
Then again it could be down to ROM and Kernel, I wouldn't totally rule it out without going back to stock ROM and Kernel and seeing any change
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks!
UPDATE: The network seems quite reliable when I am on GSM only (2G only). That again indicates that somehow the problem lies in only the radio driver.
Any ideas?
Same Problem
I am facing exactly same problem on my HTC Desire C. Did lot of hard reset problem reappears after couple of days. got my phone reinstall OS at HTC service centre problem reappeared after a week.
Same sim is working fine in other phone, even got new sim still same problem.
Am confused if its hardware or software issue, problem comes only when phone is in GSM only mode, works fine on WCDMA only or AUTO mode.
But in WCDMA only since network is not good signals are low and in AUTO mode when signals are low it switches to GSM and if at that particular moment there is problem then NO SIGNALS.
Update, Phone fine. Help with the settings!
I checked a lot of sim cards and found that my phone is perfect! There is no hardware issue.
So I am presenting the present scenario. Please help!
I have 2 phones: HTC Desire C and a Nokia B&W aka hammer.
1. TATA DOCOMO sim card work fine on both phones.
2. AirTel sim card works fine in Nokia but HTC says "No Sim Card" regardless of the numerous attempts.
3. Reliance sim card (brand new, bought today) works fine in Nokia but HTC says "No Sim Card".
4. A friend's Reliance sim card was working fine in HTC.
If any Indian friend might help, then it would be great as this issue is more local specific I guess. Or any user who might have faced similar issue and then found a fix please help.
You tried Vodafone?
Sent from my HTC Desire C using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
rudi_j7 said:
You tried Vodafone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet.
And believe it or not, but the AirTel sim that I mentioned in my last post was working once I washed it with some alcohol. So it might indicate that the sim was old and dirty maybe.
But what about the new Reliance sim, I just bought it today and it works in Nokia. I'd have switched to Vodafone but I can't afford its high 3G plan rates as I have to maintain an MTS MBlaze for laptop as well.
And the thing that friend's Reliance sim works fine in my phone is troubling me even more.

Low Network Signal After Screen Swap

I have a European SIII LTE running on the Virgin Media (EE) network.
I recently swapped the cracked digitizer for a new original Samsung replacement one inc frame and screen.
I tried to use an old i9300 screen first but without success as the mobo has a different layout and some of the connections did not sit right.
Anyway, the phone pre-swap was on the original android version (4.1?) and is now (thanks to Kies!) on 4.4.4.
Since fitting my old mobo and other transferrable components to the new digitizer frame, my network bar is generally sitting at one bar with the odd surge and then drop back to no or little signal. I also noticed that the device is slightly hotter than normal at the base of the phone but then again I have been using it for longer periods than normal as I was reinstalling my software and data etc.
Device status shows typical values of -110 dBm and asu hovering around 2 to 4.
I have checked the internal antennae cable connection and all seems ok.
I tried the antennae from the i9300 handset and that was the same. I was very careful removing the old i9305 antennae and it is not twisted or bent and is tucked neatly into the channel.
Is there something I need to check internally? Can it be something to do with the firmware update?
All other aspects of the phone are ok. It is just the unreliable mobile network connection which is frustrating me
Caroky said:
I have a European SIII LTE running on the Virgin Media (EE) network.
I recently swapped the cracked digitizer for a new original Samsung replacement one inc frame and screen.
I tried to use an old i9300 screen first but without success as the mobo has a different layout and some of the connections did not sit right.
Anyway, the phone pre-swap was on the original android version (4.1?) and is now (thanks to Kies!) on 4.4.4.
Since fitting my old mobo and other transferrable components to the new digitizer frame, my network bar is generally sitting at one bar with the odd surge and then drop back to no or little signal. I also noticed that the device is slightly hotter than normal at the base of the phone but then again I have been using it for longer periods than normal as I was reinstalling my software and data etc.
Device status shows typical values of -110 dBm and asu hovering around 2 to 4.
I have checked the internal antennae cable connection and all seems ok.
I tried the antennae from the i9300 handset and that was the same. I was very careful removing the old i9305 antennae and it is not twisted or bent and is tucked neatly into the channel.
Is there something I need to check internally? Can it be something to do with the firmware update?
All other aspects of the phone are ok. It is just the unreliable mobile network connection which is frustrating me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know to which 4.4.4 firmware you have updated, but i suspect you dont have the right firmware installed for your region with the correct modem, which handles the signal frequencies, if so, you weel need to flash the correct firmware, for the UK on EE network its this firmware, and you can easily flash it with odin, there is a guide for how to use odin in my signature below, if you dont know how to flash firmwares via odin.
If you are rooted and have a custom recovery installed, such as Philz or TWRP recovery, then you can also pick the firmware for UK EE from this thread and flash it via custom recovery, these are stable and reliable builds prepared by me and are pre-rooted, plus they are bloatware free, each of them come with their original modem. I can also prepare you a flashable zip with just your original modem to install via custom recovery, so its your call.
Hope this helps
Thanks Maho_66. I appreciate the info.
Sorry for not responding sooner - I have been out of action for a few days.
Anyway, I have dug out the following information for which might help:
bootloader version: i9305XXUFOC1
pda version: i9305XXUFOC1
csc version: i9305EVRFOC1
I gleamed this by using the very handy "Phone Info" app on Google Play.
Under latest firmware it shows "No Network Connection" bizarrely.
4.4.4. is the Android version downloaded onto the device.
Mobile Operator is showing as 23430 which - according to UK IMSI codes can be T-Mobile, EE or Virgin Media. However, Virgin Mobile is listed as a MVNO of T-Mobile so apologies but my original belief that I was using the EE network was mistaken - oops!
I think you might be on to something with the modem firmware. As well as the erratic network strength (and switching constantly between different network types (eg 3G), the phone has been (for some time) randomly switching off after disconnection of a phone call and then cycling repeatedly through the Samsung SIII splash screen - only removal of the battery stops this.
The original phone was purchased and was locked to the EE network. When we moved to Virgin Media (T-Mobile?) the new sim worked in the handset I wonder if this is because they share the same IMSI number but there may be some functionality problems because the device still thinks it is operating on the original network and firmware (and Kies updated the same networks firmware - not our new network).
Does the rambling email above make sense? I have tried to supply as much detail as I can to help diagnose but let me know if you need anything else.
Many thanks

SM G900A no cell service

A friend gave me an S5 (AT&T) with a broken screen. It had worked fine for him up to that point, and as far as I know, only the screen was broken. I successfully removed the display from a working verizon phone and put it on the AT&T.
The phone booted fine with the SIM from my S4 but doesn't have any mobile connectivity. WiFi works fine. The cell signal indicator is either the circle with the line through it, or sometime a few bars. This changes with restarts. Also, the AT&T logo does not appear in the upper left corner of the screen at any point. It almost seems like the phone is only partially reading the SIM card. The correct phone number does appear under Testing>Device Info found with *##*4636#*#*. So far, I've tried the following to no avail.
Hard reset
New SIM from AT&T
An hour on the phone with AT&T support
AT&T confirms no issues with their network or phone IMEI
Refresh ROM with ODIN (6.0.1 I think)
The SIM works correctly in both an S4 and an ancient iphone 3GS that I kept as a backup. Although after swapping the SIM around the various phones, I can no longer select "LTE GSM" as the preferred network type in Testing>Device Info. It now automatically changes back to WCDMA, but this issue is subsequent to the no service problem. All of the hardware including the motherboard look to be in fine condition with no apparent damage or water exposure.
Has anyone ever come across this issue and have a solution?
Thanks for your help. I have spent a lot of time searching for an answer here and elsewhere.
Pulled the phone back out to play with. Updated to most recent stock ROM: G900AUCS4DQC1 using ODIN 3.12
Without SIM card inserted, the signal meter consistently shows 2 - 3 bars. I'm also able to change network preferences between all available options (LTE/GSM, WCDMA, LTE/GSM/CDMA etc).
With SIM inserted, signal meter is the slashed circle. Network preference is WCDMA Preferred and will not allow any changes. It does show the correct phone number. SIM slot appears to be fine, no debris or damage to pins. This SIM is a recent replacement (one of the first things I tried when attempting to get this phone to work) and works just fine in an S4 (SGH-I337).
Has anyone ever heard of this problem before?
blinky1041 said:
Pulled the phone back out to play with. Updated to most recent stock ROM: G900AUCS4DQC1 using ODIN 3.12
Without SIM card inserted, the signal meter consistently shows 2 - 3 bars. I'm also able to change network preferences between all available options (LTE/GSM, WCDMA, LTE/GSM/CDMA etc).
With SIM inserted, signal meter is the slashed circle. Network preference is WCDMA Preferred and will not allow any changes. It does show the correct phone number. SIM slot appears to be fine, no debris or damage to pins. This SIM is a recent replacement (one of the first things I tried when attempting to get this phone to work) and works just fine in an S4 (SGH-I337).
Has anyone ever heard of this problem before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to xda, blinky!
Just to make sure we've got all the bases covered here, did you check the device's APN settings at all? Sometimes incorrect APN settings can cause issues.
Thanks for the welcome, Apt.
I have confirmed the APN as correct for AT&T. I've tried both APN configurations commonly listed: ATT Phone and nxtgenphone. The only difference between the two are the "Name" and "APN" fields. Both of these APN configurations work fine with an S4.
I can only believe that some file is corrupted or incorrect. The phone has never been rooted. Also, the IMEI show up and matches that printed on back of phone.
I sucessfully downgraded to Lollipop with no change in behavior. I've tried the following stock ROM's with no luck:
G900AUCS4DPH4
G900AUCS4DQC1
G900AUCS4CPA2
All have been flashed with Odin, all components included (BL, AP, CP, CSC). I tried flashing DQC1 multiple times in a row with factory resets afterward, no change.
blinky1041 said:
I sucessfully downgraded to Lollipop with no change in behavior. I've tried the following stock ROM's with no luck:
G900AUCS4DPH4
G900AUCS4DQC1
G900AUCS4CPA2
All have been flashed with Odin, all components included (BL, AP, CP, CSC). I tried flashing DQC1 multiple times in a row with factory resets afterward, no change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just so happens that I attempted my very first root ever on a 900SAUCS4DPH4 day before yesterday. My brother had put in a drawer a couple of years ago and there it sat. Odin, OF3, then Towelroot and Fireflash to Alliance V8, maintained root through a factory reset and a pretty loose interpretation of the very clear instructions let by AptLogic (my appreciation, by the way.) I've been having the same issue occur with my bars showing up but not allowing connectivity. The difference here is that this phone hasnt had a sim in it for a year. I can't even get most of the diagnostic codes to work, just comes up "Not in network" for most of them. Any ideas on what to do next, let me know. I'm always game to learn something new, as I'm just stepping into this field. If not, I'll keep you posted with whatever I deccide to try.

Question S21 Ultra Exynos /Germany/ Network drops after Android 12

Anyone else with network problems in some areas after Android 12? . In certain areas I my network drops, sometimes show me a good strength but when a call someone he answer and we can't hear each other. For calls works when he wants. Tried everything including Hard reset, Network reset, Clear cache, switching 5g/4g/3g/2g fresh install of official Samsung Rom via ODIN. Also did optimisation applications and nothing helps. I'm using s21 ultra, Exynos.I used my old iPhone Xs two days and works without any network issues. I go yesterday to my seller ( Saturn - A big technology shop) and they refuse to take me phone for repair/return because "They own the model too, they change the SIM card operator and nothing helps and it's a problem from this model, so they can't do anything" Can someone give me advice or some tips to try? I'm using the latest January update and can't go back to Android 11 rom because of new bootloader software...
I have it too. I have a good signal in big cities, but the village is a disaster. My past xiaomi was a good signal
ZPetrov said:
Anyone else with network problems in some areas after Android 12? . In certain areas I my network drops, sometimes show me a good strength but when a call someone he answer and we can't hear each other. For calls works when he wants. Tried everything including Hard reset, Network reset, Clear cache, switching 5g/4g/3g/2g fresh install of official Samsung Rom via ODIN. Also did optimisation applications and nothing helps. I'm using s21 ultra, Exynos.I used my old iPhone Xs two days and works without any network issues. I go yesterday to my seller ( Saturn - A big technology shop) and they refuse to take me phone for repair/return because "They own the model too, they change the SIM card operator and nothing helps and it's a problem from this model, so they can't do anything" Can someone give me advice or some tips to try? I'm using the latest January update and can't go back to Android 11 rom because of new bootloader software...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's how Samsung phones have it. I compared it to an older Samsug and it was exactly the same
Ive got issues after installing BULF. It seems samsung messed up some security patch somewhere. Certain websites will not load on 5G or 4G+ Data, while it works on wifi and on tether to other devices. Funny thing is, if I switch it to 3G data, site loads fine.... Tried my sim on Note 10+ 5g running A11...Sites load & Works perfectly. Ive even factory reset to no avail, thinking it was some kind of glitch or somthing...
I have this in Ireland as well. Didn't have the phone on android 11 for long but the network signal now on 12 is definitely not good. Actual phone signal is bad not to mind 4g/5g. Any fixes?

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