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.
Related
I want a more selective "airplane mode". There are some times when I don't care about receiving calls or texts, but want to use wifi only (or gps only). Turning off APN data isn't enough when I'm still wasting battery life on looking for cell towers.
Any suggestions? Is this kind of radio control even possible (i.e. I could write an app for it if no one has yet)
cdawzrd said:
I want a more selective "airplane mode". There are some times when I don't care about receiving calls or texts, but want to use wifi only (or gps only). Turning off APN data isn't enough when I'm still wasting battery life on looking for cell towers.
Any suggestions? Is this kind of radio control even possible (i.e. I could write an app for it if no one has yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SwitchPro Widget, has an option in there for keeping Wifi on in Airplane mode. Great widget for the price.
Wi-Fi is separate from the cell radio already. I was on a flight recently with the EVO in airplane mode. I turned on the wi-fi and used the free connection onboard.
Theres a setting for mobile connecion, just look for it.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Just turn on Airplane Mode, then turn on WiFi. Done.
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.
I have switched from Sprint to Verizon and I now have 2 unused HTC EVOS (both rooted). I would like to do one of two things.
1. Is it possible to flash a rom that turns off all radios except for Wi-Fi and maybe GPS? The cell radios kill my battery, and I'd like to maybe use these as Android iPod touches, for media playback and games. If I do this they will never need cell access, so I'd like to turn that off like Airplane mode, while leaving wi-fi on.
2. The second option would be to flash these phones to a pay as you go service like trac-phone. That way the kids would have a pay as you go phone.
If anyone has information on how to do either of these that would be great, keep in mind that the phone numbers these phones have been moved to Verizon, so if someone has info on option 2, I would need a phone number on the phones, maybe google voice or something.
Thanks for any info!
Brian "ThePCTech"
You can always enable Airplane mode and then enable WiFi. I do that all the time (with my old Hero) I know that it also work with my Evo (on MikG). You have to do it in the right order. Enabling Airplane mode will disable WiFi. You then have to enable WiFi while Airplane mode is on. I am not sure if there is a ROM that will allow you to permanently set the phone this way. It is also possible that rebooting the phone may require you to manually re-enable WiFi when it comes back up in Airplane mode.
There is no Rom that is so minimalistic that it has no radios etc or that has the radios off when you flash. Basically any Rom you have, you are going to have to do this, read below:
Hello Brian "ThePCTech" the answer to your first question about being able to turn off your mobile carriers service. The answer is yes. Go to your settings and go to WiFi, scroll down and you should have two options to turn off mobile network, un-check both of them. Go back to your settings and find your GPS and un-check it. Go back to settings to WiFi and turn it on. Now, you only have WiFi enabled and everything else on your phone is off.
If I answered any of your questions and you feel that I deserve a +1 on my THANKS button, click it
You can turn off or un check "Mobile Network".
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Does this turn off all cell radios? Data and voice?
Brian
just go airplane mode. lots of newer roms have the ability to disable the network icon showing in the status bar as well.
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....
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions go in Q&A
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Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
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.
Is there anyway to set the pixel xl to prefer wifi calling at home (I am on Verizon, but the google version of the pixel). Wifi calling works - would like to "prefer" wifi instead of cellular (I have amazing wifi and meh cellular at my home). Yes, I can airplane mode it every day - just seems like a very hacky solution.
-D
Not that I'm aware of.
I also have poor cell reception in my cave. (-110 on band 13). Pretty much every call I make switches to wifi about 3 seconds into the call connecting. It'll also come out of wifi calling if I walk outside where the cell coverage is good. (Even if wifi is still good).
I specifically called pixel support and asked them, no option for this currently. I wish. Need it as well
EDIT: I tried to bypass cellular altogether by turning my phone on airplane mode, then using just wifi to force wifi calling, only to get no calls going through. This is a bummer, I use my iPhone with wifi calling whenever I travel this way, to make sure I don't make any accidental non-wifi calls which aren't free when international. If there's a way to force wifi calls with wifi on and airplane modeon for cellular calls, that would also be useful for travel
Samzebian said:
I specifically called pixel support and asked them, no option for this currently. I wish. Need it as well
EDIT: I tried to bypass cellular altogether by turning my phone on airplane mode, then using just wifi to force wifi calling, only to get no calls going through. This is a bummer, I use my iPhone with wifi calling whenever I travel this way, to make sure I don't make any accidental non-wifi calls which aren't free when international. If there's a way to force wifi calls with wifi on and airplane modeon for cellular calls, that would also be useful for travel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work this way unless it is different than every other Verizon phone with wifi calling. Sometimes it takes ten minutes or so of failed calls before it finally connects, then you're good from then on. I'll give it a shot and see...
st3ph3nbr!tt said:
It should work this way unless it is different than every other Verizon phone with wifi calling. Sometimes it takes ten minutes or so of failed calls before it finally connects, then you're good from then on. I'll give it a shot and see...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works like a champ. Give it some more tries until the system picks it up.
dweidman said:
Is there anyway to set the pixel xl to prefer wifi calling at home (I am on Verizon, but the google version of the pixel). Wifi calling works - would like to "prefer" wifi instead of cellular (I have amazing wifi and meh cellular at my home). Yes, I can airplane mode it every day - just seems like a very hacky solution.
-D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On T-Mobile WIFI calling there's a clear option for 'wifi prefered' or 'cellular prefered' which works pretty much about every single time. It's in the places, on the dialer and on network settings, but sets the same option. I guess with verizon it's different?
bartolo5 said:
On T-Mobile WIFI calling there's a clear option for 'wifi prefered' or 'cellular prefered' which works pretty much about every single time. It's in the places, on the dialer and on network settings, but sets the same option. I guess with verizon it's different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from my XL on T-Mobile
I put my phone in airplane mode for 20 minutes and it still won't do wifi calling after turning wifi on
Mine works fine. I put phone in airplane mode then turn on wifi and connect. Calls and SMS go through immediately thereafter.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Airplane mode works for me too. Just a hassle. I have had T-mobile before - so I know "wifi-preferred" is an option - is that a setting somewhere we can hack at? I can't imagine that is a hardcoded thing that is unchangeable...
Feels like something we could diff pretty easily.
-D
Not the best solution, but I wrote a tasker to put the phone in airplane mode then turn WiFi back on, made it into an app and put it on the home page, so I can press that to go into WiFi calling.
Yea weirdly still not working for me. Wifi calling works fine with airplane mode off. Am I doing something wrong?
Are you reconnecting to your wifi after enabling airplane mode? I know it sounds rudimentary, but idk what could be going on.
If you pull down notifications then swipe down again to expand quick options then select the mobile network icon then "more options" you can turn off cellular network. This will force wifi calling. Reverse when leaving
Soulsuit said:
If you pull down notifications then swipe down again to expand quick options then select the mobile network icon then "more options" you can turn off cellular network. This will force wifi calling. Reverse when leaving
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cellular data, not cellular network.