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Have just purchased Motorola Defy.
Have no cellular signal at home. No problem, can run on wifi for internet and also use wifi for calling; Defy feature built in.
Cell standby draining battery excessively, ( 90-100% no signal)= ( 40-50% bat drain). If I use the airplane mode to stop cellular search can use wifi for internet but it disables the wifi calling feature ( known as UMA for blackberries).
Is there an app for the Motorola Defy that will disable cell searching for signal but allow both internet and calling wifi usage??
I am not computer programming savvy at all, you guys are the geniuses.
Love the phone hate this particular cell standby catch 22.
Thanks.
I haven't used this app before but I believe this is what you need, it called "Airplane Mode Wi-Fi Tool"
Here is the description of the app
This tool will help you manage your android phone to connect to Wifi networks (Wireless Internet, or Wi-fi) while on Airplane Mode.
This tool works with any version of Android, including 2.0+, however, it is only necessary if you have a device with Android 1.5-1.6. Android 2.0+ allows Wifi to be toggled while on AP Mode.
Airplane mode by default disables calling in/out, period
Thanks for your reply. I downloaded this app and it does enhance the Airplane mode capabilities but does not resolve the issue of being able to turn off cell standby while still being able to use both wifi internet and wifi calling.
Since I am not on a plane but am, instead, at home I believe what is needed is an app that directly addresses the cell standby searching issue and leaves the wifi settings to behave as intended; enabling the cell phone to fully function via wifi for both internet and calling when there is no cellular signal available, without a ridiculously and unnecessarily huge burden being put on the battery for a completely moot point...
If such an app does not exist then I believe there will be a demand for one and I ,for one, would be happy to donate for such an app.
Again, thank you for your reply.
mtoblr said:
Since I am not on a plane but am, instead, at home
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed the application to see how it works.
When you open the application for the first time there is an instruction how to use the app. Obviously, it was designed to work in real world when one is on airplane. However, if you keep scrolling down the instruction page and read the FAQ section (B) then it tells you how you can configure it to use your wireless settings instead.
I hope that solves your problem.
This is easy: *#*#4636#*#* Go into menu, turn Radio off (toggle ON/OFF in this hidden menu). With radio off both wifi and wifi calling stay active. (USA T-MO)
scrannel said:
This is easy: *#*#4636#*#* Go into menu, turn Radio off (toggle ON/OFF in this hidden menu). With radio off both wifi and wifi calling stay active. (USA T-MO)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was aware of your solution before but I thought that would disable the wireless signal as well otherwise I would have mentioned it. I did a test while my wifi was on and disabled the radio option and the wireless stayed connected.
Thank you for your solution.
CSharpHeaven said:
I was aware of your solution before but I thought that would disable the wireless signal as well otherwise I would have mentioned it. I did a test while my wifi was on and disabled the radio option and the wireless stayed connected.
Thank you for your solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, but unlike airplane mode it does not shut down wifi calling. BTW, I do not understand the power drain issue. I leave my radio on while working all day, but using wifi with the wifi calling app set to wifi preferred and am seeing no heavy drain. Maybe -- under that same menu -- one should check to see that the "preferred network type is "GSM only." When wifi calling is disabled (even if wifi is active) the phone should default to GSM auto (PRL). I have noticed occasionally it will stay in GSM auto (PRL) with wifi calling on and that might cause a drain, but not sure.
Further to the discussions in this thread I just noticed after restarting my phone (off & on) the Mobile Data feature is enabled again.
There is another menu option called 'disable on boot'. Disabling data on boot did not work once I restarted my phone to test it but the menu showed the feature was still enabled unlike 'Disable Mobile Data'.
This is easy: *#*#4636#*#* Go into menu, turn Radio off (toggle ON/OFF in this hidden
Thank you very much for this info. I was unaware of the hidden menu and this does indeed solve my problem. I will also try the GSM only setting first with radio on to see if that resolves the drainage issue.
I'm completely new to android and this forum and think both are great.
Thanks again.
mtoblr said:
Thank you very much for this info. I was unaware of the hidden menu and this does indeed solve my problem. I will also try the GSM only setting first with radio on to see if that resolves the drainage issue.
I'm completely new to android and this forum and think both are great.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"GSM only" should be the default when you are running wifi + wifi calling. Set your preferences in the wifi calling app to either wifi preferred or wifi only. Maybe that will stop your phone from searching for cell signals. However, if you kill the radio using the hidden menu it will for sure stop it from searching for a signal. So, if you are still getting drain, it's something else.
scrannel said:
This is easy: *#*#4636#*#* Go into menu, turn Radio off (toggle ON/OFF in this hidden menu). With radio off both wifi and wifi calling stay active. (USA T-MO)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like with the new OTA update you can't do this anymore.
Does anyone know the the 'Turn off radio' app pathway for a custom ADW shortcut? This is when you create a custom ADW shortcut, and you choose 'Pick your activity'.
I turn off the radio in my office because I have no reception, but I do have WiFi, so I made my calls through that. To keep the antenna from draining the battery as it's constantly searching for a network, I wanted to turn this off. The only way I know of it the *#*#4636#*#* > Phone Info > Turn radio off, which is fairly tedious. It would be much easier if I could get to the menu or even toggle the radio from my home screen.
Note that T-Mo WiFi calling doesn't work in airplane mode for some reason, so I can't use a power widget.
Custom shortcut > Pick your activity > Activities > Settings > Phone info(.RadioInfo)
Wifi calling is turned on for me but if you shut the radio off in settings it looks like it won't work because it thinks it's in airplane mode.
Very strange, I can't call out (I get a message: 'To place a call, first turn off Airplane mode.'), but my phone can still receive calls. The T-Mo WiFi calling app also stays on 'Ready!' rather than switching off like when I'm in official Airplane mode.
Anyone else know what else airplane mode touches that radio off doesn't? Seems weird that receiving works but calling out doesn't. Works great for me since I can just use my landline for outgoing calls and still have my cell on for emergencies.
Hm, seems this method is a bit iffy. After I set the Radio to off, I still have WiFi calling for a bit, but eventually I lose the connection (haven't got an exact time at the moment), and I get an error in the TMO app saying that it can't read the SIM even though I can still browse the internet. When I turn the radio back on, the app regains connectivity through wifi again.
junkbots said:
Does anyone know the the 'Turn off radio' app pathway for a custom ADW shortcut? This is when you create a custom ADW shortcut, and you choose 'Pick your activity'.
I turn off the radio in my office because I have no reception, but I do have WiFi, so I made my calls through that. To keep the antenna from draining the battery as it's constantly searching for a network, I wanted to turn this off. The only way I know of it the *#*#4636#*#* > Phone Info > Turn radio off, which is fairly tedious. It would be much easier if I could get to the menu or even toggle the radio from my home screen.
Note that T-Mo WiFi calling doesn't work in airplane mode for some reason, so I can't use a power widget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know when you make a WIFI call the "bars" drop to none meaning its not really receiving or searching for signal. Its using WIFI calling exclusively as far as I can tell.
I dont really think its actively searching for signal while WIFI calling is active and connected.
I work in a building that is well shielded in most places and get no signal. My phone drains incredibly quick when this is the case. Is there a way to reduce the polling frequency that it looks for a tower to stop this? I thought juicedefender might but I can't figure a way to do this.
Rom: Fresh 4.0.0.4b
Kernel: netarchy 4.3.1.4 cfs have no sbc
hw version 0003
juicedefender ultimate
setcpu 200-1152MHz, smartass governor
Thanks!
When I'm in an area where I roam or have very poor signal I notice increased drain rate as well. This was the same with my TP2. I've always just understood that when the phone is constantly seeking signal and cycling back and forth between roam/3G/1x the battery drains faster.
Your best option, is to utilize "airplane mode" when you know you're going to be in an area that had no signal/you won't be able to use it. I hate to do it because I don't like my family not being able to reach me in case of an emergency, but it is one option for you.
I second the airplane option. Also, WiFi is available while in airplane mode. Perhaps your building has WiFi you can connect to and you can keep something like AIM or Facebook or Google Voice/Talk open and instruct those who might need you in an emergency to reach you through the method of your choice so that you may call out from a landline or step away from the building if there is an emergency.
Just a thought.
See if you can get in on the new Google voice option where you can make your sprint # your Google voice number. Once you have done that you can have your work # as one of your forwarding numbers if your work allows. Or airplane mode with a 2nd charger for work.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Yep, Airplane mode is the ONLY way to turn off the cell radio. Otherwise, it will be constantly polling for a tower.
Dial ##3282# from a froyo sense rom and it will bring up a menu where you can change how often it polls the tower. It's Going to affect how long it takes your phone to receive calls though.
Sent from my EVO
If you know you're not getting reception, why not just use airplane mode? I mean, if you don't have reception you're not getting contacted anyway.
If you want to go the airplane mode route, Tasker is a great app that lets you control lots of things. You should be able to turn off your radios at set times during the day and have them enable after you get out of work.
I just loaded the 2.1 EPST and run a Verizon PRL when I am at work. I get a crappy Sprint signal at work. However your issue seems to be different as the walls/windows may be blocking all signals? Verizon seems to penetrate better though.
With Tasker, you can also set your phone to airplane mode during work hours, but automatically turn it off and enable data every fifteen minutes (or however long) to check for text messages, voicemails, etc. That is assuming that you get any signal at work... if you don't have a signal at all, just turn airplane mode on yourself.
To answer your question:
Yes, not having a signal will drain your battery. The phone will keep increasing the radio strength to lock onto a tower. Opposite is true to, if you have a strong signal, the radio will decrease the power level thus saving battery power.
You might want to contact Sprint ([email protected]) and let them know that you don't get service in your work building. They gave me a airwave device, but have to have Internet connection for it to work. The only other option might be to have some type of power booster/repeater that are typically very expensive. Not sure how your employer would feel about these suggestions - but never hurts to ask.
I am military and work on a base. The entire internet is locked down except for official military business, so an Airave device wouldn't work.
No internet, no cell signal and neither AM or FM penetrates. Maximum pain.
I'll try tasker, thanks guys.
tomplatz said:
I am military and work on a base. The entire internet is locked down except for official military business, so an Airave device wouldn't work.
No internet, no cell signal and neither AM or FM penetrates. Maximum pain.
I'll try tasker, thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, if you don't already have Tasker, I'd just turn airplane mode on yourself when you get to work & turn it off when you leave. Or there are free apps that will do it automatically that aren't as complex as Tasker. Unless you find another use for it, then go ahead.
Would roam control work to try verizon towers? I think they have a stronger signal locally.
tomplatz said:
I am military and work on a base. The entire internet is locked down except for official military business, so an Airave device wouldn't work.
No internet, no cell signal and neither AM or FM penetrates. Maximum pain.
I'll try tasker, thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL you said it yourself. If the military doesn't want you getting signal, you're not getting signal. In general, if you can't get radio signal you can't get cell phone signal. Early cell phones operated on FM (type: frequency modulation) radio and what we're using now is basically a digital-type FM radio. In the end it's all EM waves and you're likely in a giant Faraday cage of a military base. I say avoid even trying to fix your problem and just go airplane mode.
Is it possible to just turn off the 2g radio and have wifi on since I'm in the library? Thanks in advance buddies.
World peace with no regard for human life.
When your on wifi all data automatically uses wifi. The 3g radio stays on so you can get phone calls
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Just turn off Mobile Network in settings-wireless and networks. This disables 3g and 2g.
I do turn off mobile networks but isn't texts still 2g?
World peace with no regard for human life.
I think text work off your cell network not 3g or 2g
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Ok so it would be calling through wifi, texting through 1g?
World peace with no regard for human life.
jacoballen22 said:
Ok so it would be calling through wifi, texting through 1g?
World peace with no regard for human life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no Calling uses the Radios. And texting uses the radio not the 1X (2g) or the 3g (3G)
MMS uses 3g or 2g. soooo and wifi is data only not calling unless you use a voIP
Ok thanks for the clarity. But as i was saying, if I am in an area with wifi only no cell coverage;can I just turn off the radio then?
World peace with no regard for human life.
If there's no cell coverage whatsoever, turn on airplane mode and then turn on wifi. If you have wifi turned on then turn on airplane mode, wifi will automatically be disabled. You can turn it back on, though. Airplane mode will disable all radios - this means no calls or texts. Alternatively, you can just turn off mobile data - this will allow you to receive calls and text messages. You should be able to receive MMS (texts with media attached) on wifi as long as you have cell coverage.
I use a toggle widget to do these actions from my homescreen... Widgetsoid is my personal favorite. It has the only mobile data toggle that I've actually seen work without messing with my APN from a widget, just choose "root toggle" as the method in preferences. From within an app I use my notification toggles as I generally have my status bar hidden on the home and lock screens.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Where I live there is -50 bars of cell service, so when WiFi calling drops it starts searching and absolutely murders my battery life. Is there anyway to hack the system to allow WiFi calling while in airplane mode? I've heard certain phones can do it. Are there any devs on here that have the know how? I know we have some very talented people in the community so I'm hopeful. It seems like it should be pretty easy because while on WiFi calling the cell radios get shut off and WiFi works in airplane mode, so?
I'm just not convinced WiFi calling will ever be more reliable and only getting 9-12 hours on a charge really sucks! Anyways, here's to hoping for a fix!
If you go to WiFi Calling Settings -> Conection Preferences -> WiFi Only.
I think that would do the trick.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
^ Tried it out of curiosity because it would be useful to me, but that does not work.
I wonder if it would work if you used a program like Tasker to cut only the cell radios without explicitly entering "airplane mode". Although I'm not 100% sure that is possible or if some other work-around is needed.
Maybe there's something that can be added to the csc feature.xml? Not sure what it'd be but theres already these listed:
<CscFeature_Settings_Airplane_Wifi_Dependency>false</CscFeature_Settings_Airplane_Wifi_Dependency>
CscFeature_Web_Bool_StartWIFISettingInAirplaneMode>false</CscFeature_Web_Bool_StartWIFISettingInAirplaneMode>
You could check other devicrs that have wifi calling and see if theirs is listed. This may not even work, but could be worth a look.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 05:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:19 AM ----------
Also, there's an app in the store called Bobsled Calling (also a Bobsled Messaging app) listed under T-Mobile top picks. Don't know how good it really is, but I was thinking bout giving it a shot on my old phone that has no cellular service at all.
One of the only ones I've seen where the people you call don't also have to have the app.
Maybe it'll allow you wifi calls under airplane mode?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
You can try going to your Phone app and typing in *#*#4636#*#* -> Device information and then hit the 'Turn off radio' button. I used it before when Hurricane Sandy knocked out the cell towers and I was left with just random WiFi hotspots, but this was back on ICS. Though I don't see why it shouldn't work with JB.
If the code doesn't work, go to the Play Store and download an app called 'Phone info' (Author: [email protected]). The app should take you to the Testing menu.
Instead of constantly typing all those numbers (*#*#4636#*#*), download the app, Phone Info in the Play Store and there you go....
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That app doesn't work because when WiFi calling is working the radio is idle. Service menu is a no go.
Sorry I didn't post it as a Q but I didn't have a clear question. I wanted to discuss the topic. I thought about yet where to post it before I did, thanks.
WiFi calling with Cellular Radio turned off
I am trying to accomplish the same thing but was approaching it from a different angle. The service menu idea doesn't work.
We are both trying to accomplish the same thing. Use WiFi calling while having the Cellular radio turned off. Airplane mode turns off all radios and you can re-enable the WiFi radio. However the Galaxy S III will not allow a call to be made while the phone is in airplane mode. This is a low level system issue and not related to the dialer (I tired three different dialers).
Does any body know of a way to do this??? PLEASE??? I'm leaving for Brazil in 4 days for a month and I would like to be able to do this in Brazil.
This is a copy from another posting:
ChitownWingMan said:
I am trying to enable WiFi calling with the cellular radio turned off.
According to Samsung & T-Mobile the only official way to turn of the cellular radio is to enable Airplane mode.
Here is the procedure that I tried:
Enable Airplane Mode
Turn on WiFi
Connect to a functioning WiFi hotspot
Enable WiFi Calling
Wait for the WiFi Calling Icon to appear in the status bar
Make a WiFi call
At this point the dialer sits at the dialing screen for more than 10 minutes (I bailed at 10 minutes). As soon as I abort the dialing attempt a dialog box pops up saying you cannot make a call while in Airplane mode.
Is there any way to completely disable the cellular radio without putting the phone in Airplane Mode?
Is there an app that will do this?
Is there a hidden that will do this?
Please don't use bandwidth by asking why I want to do this or suggesting that I use Skype or some other app. My goal is to be able to make and receive VOIP calls while the cellular radio is completely disabled.
Thank you for your help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think maybe the phone HAS to ping a cell tower in order to make WiFi calling work. For your purposes just set the WiFi calling connection preference to WiFi only.
psykhotic said:
I think maybe the phone HAS to ping a cell tower in order to make WiFi calling work. For your purposes just set the WiFi calling connection preference to WiFi only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have zero reception at my house and wifi calling works.
Setting it to "WIFI only" doesn't allow it to work the way that's wanted - it just tells the phone to only make calls over WIFI - but that doesn't open up the ability to do so when the radios are off. From what is described I agree that this sounds like a conflict with the low-level integration.
Did anyone try that Bobsled app I mentioned earlier?
It claims that I could put it on a tablet or my old phone that has no sim/data, and it would work.
If it were to work is that something that could get you by for a while? I understand not wanting to go 3rd party, but it could be the only option for now. It is a tmobile app btw.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
I meant for the guy going abroad. Although he needs to also make sure data roaming is off, I think.
Doc I did look but my problem is I want to use my tmo number. I have a house phone but it's really frustrating to tell people they have to try me at two different numbers. And not being able to text.
psykhotic said:
I meant for the guy going abroad. Although he needs to also make sure data roaming is off, I think.
Doc I did look but my problem is I want to use my tmo number. I have a house phone but it's really frustrating to tell people they have to try me at two different numbers. And not being able to text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's also a Bobsled messaging app. Pretty sure its the same deal and works via wifi.
Also, I could've sworn it said that you have the option of using your current cell number. Maybe I'm mixed up on it...
Anyway, its just a suggestion for looking at. I have no idea how good it really is... just don't have many other ideas for you guys at this point.
I wonder if there could be a build.prop value that would disable cellular only. Or set its scan frequency like you can do for wifi.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
What were they thinking
psykhotic said:
I think maybe the phone HAS to ping a cell tower in order to make WiFi calling work. For your purposes just set the WiFi calling connection preference to WiFi only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done some more research.
I was able to turn off just my cellular radio by using the phone info application to enter the service menu (Phone Info App->Device Information, scroll down and select Turn off radio).
With the cellular radio turned off I tried to enable Wifi Calling (Settings->More Settings->W-Fi Calling).
The phone says "enabling", turns on the cellular radio (without any messaging saying that it is doing this) and then says "Ready for Calls".
I also tried enabling WiFi Calling first and then turning off the cellular radio (using the method outlined above). But the cellular radio would not turn off as long as WiFi calling is enabled.
I don't know if this is a bug or a "feature" but for WiFi Calling to work on the T-Mobile SGH-T999 (4.0.4 Firmware) the cellular radio must be enabled. Though I'm sure T-Mobile has a reason for this the logic of it escapes me. WiFi calling should not need the cellular radio for any reason. I use Skype all the time and it doesn't need cellular service to operate on WiFi.
If anybody out there knows how I can make and receive phone calls using my regular cell phone number exclusively via WiFi (with the cellular radio disabled) please let me know. Many thanks to the person who figures this out
As long as you are connected to Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi calling activated (blue icon showing), it should automatically disable the cellular radio. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, but no blue Wi-Fi calling icon, then it will turn on cell radio and start searching for towers.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Lagar said:
As long as you are connected to Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi calling activated (blue icon showing), it should automatically disable the cellular radio. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, but no blue Wi-Fi calling icon, then it will turn on cell radio and start searching for towers.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Duh.. the reason to use it in airplane mode for me is that WiFi calling disconnects every few minutes and when the cell radio is searching since I have 0 coverage it absolutely kills my battery.
psykhotic said:
Duh.. the reason to use it in airplane mode for me is that WiFi calling disconnects every few minutes and when the cell radio is searching since I have 0 coverage it absolutely kills my battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but you're not making any sense. You're complaining about your phone's search for cell towers killing your battery because your Wi-Fi calling keeps disconnecting? Let's say you find a way to disable your cell connection. Your Wi-Fi calling still keeps disconnecting and you still can't receive or place calls. What's the point? Longer lasting "iPod"? Maybe start looking for a way to fix your Wi-Fi calling problem would be a better solution, ie. Flashing a different ROM until you find something more stable. Duh!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Lagar said:
As long as you are connected to Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi calling activated (blue icon showing), it should automatically disable the cellular radio. If you are connected to Wi-Fi, but no blue Wi-Fi calling icon, then it will turn on cell radio and start searching for towers.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are the following options available (all of these options have the cellular radio enabled and working at all times):
1. Make calls using the cellular network only - WiFi Calling disabled.
2. Wi-Fi Preferred - Make calls using WiFi Calling if a valid WiFi network is available and connected. Cellular network calls are made when a WiFi network is not available.
2. WiFi Only - Makes only WiFi calls. Cellular calls are not made when a WiFi network is not available. Note: This does NOT disable the cellular radio.
3. Cellular Preferred - Makes cellular network calls are made if a cellular network is available. WiFi calls are made if a cellular network is not available and a WiFi network is available and connected.
When enabling WiFi Calling the cellular radio is briefly disabled and then re-enabled..
Lagar said:
Sorry but you're not making any sense. You're complaining about your phone's search for cell towers killing your battery because your Wi-Fi calling keeps disconnecting? Let's say you find a way to disable your cell connection. Your Wi-Fi calling still keeps disconnecting and you still can't receive or place calls. What's the point? Longer lasting "iPod"? Maybe start looking for a way to fix your Wi-Fi calling problem would be a better solution, ie. Flashing a different ROM until you find something more stable. Duh!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried multiple ROMs and multiple routers so.....
My only "solution" would be to not use my phone at all at home and just turn it off. I'd rather have a longer lasting iPod than a paperweight.