Develop Bugs

[Q] GSM network mode

I have noticed people managed to change their network mode to GSM only mode??? How do you that?? I only have 2 options: WCMDA and GSM/WCDMA auto?? Is this thing vary due to your courier?? Currently I am with 3 Australia. I wish I have the option to switch only to GSM. From experience, it can save you a lot of battery.

If you don't have the option then you can't pick it. I don't know if that means it's been removed or if it's simply because 3 don't offer a 2G network service (GSM mode). They probably have some 2G sharing but only in spots without 3G so you still have the GSM/WCDMA auto mode.
That's the best I can offer since I know that's how it works with 3 over here in the UK where they have only their 3G network. The firmware likely has GSM mode disabled for that reason but wait for more to back me up or prove me wrong.

Dyonas said:
If you don't have the option then you can't pick it. I don't know if that means it's been removed or if it's simply because 3 don't offer a 2G network service (GSM mode). They probably have some 2G sharing but only in spots without 3G so you still have the GSM/WCDMA auto mode.
That's the best I can offer since I know that's how it works with 3 over here in the UK where they have only their 3G network. The firmware likely has GSM mode disabled for that reason but wait for more to back me up or prove me wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a feeling it could be the ROM or firmware that comes with it has it disabled the GSM only option. My Desire HD is the UK version. I am not sure if the other Australian version (from Voda or 3) have that options. With my original desire (and also using 3), I have that GSM only option available. So I dont think it's because 3 doesnt offer 2G network.

Get Advanced settings from Market. You can set it to GSM Only in the phone information menu.

LecterMe said:
Get Advanced settings from Market. You can set it to GSM Only in the phone information menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for sharing..yes, it works....but I will try out and see if it does save a lot of battery life.

Type *#*#4636#*#* in the phone dialer to get to testing menu. Under phone info you can set different options that are not otherwise available. No app is required.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

ardsar said:
Type *#*#4636#*#* in the phone dialer to get to testing menu. Under phone info you can set different options that are not otherwise available. No app is required.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I have tested both method...both work. But the only problem, how do we set it permanently?? I mean I have noticed every time you reboot the phone, the setting changes?? and I have to set it back to GSM only??

but even if you could technically switch it to gsm, would it actually make a difference? surely if the actual mobile network is pure 3g and no 2g, then switching on the phone wouldn't change a thing? as its not actually possible to use 2g on 3 network?(because they built network from scratch out of 3g is what they always boast about anyway..)

This is strange. I have an unbranded bought sim free HTC sensation here in the UK which Im using on the 3 network and I dont have the option under network to set it to gsm only. This option should be here on an unbranded handset, and its there on my old Desire which was also bought unbranded sim free when Im using that on the 3 network.
Anyone shed any light on this? I know the work arounds mentioned above, but Im more interested in why the option is missing on my handset.
Cheers
PS I know this is the Desire HD thread but its the only topic I could find on this subject so far.

I don't think it matters, just don't even bother with the settings menu for that in the first place. in the Testing menu just set the radio to either GSM Auto (PRL) or GSM Only. GSM gives more talk time.

2G mode and 3G mode only

I've noticed in the menu options, there is an option to keep the phone in 2G mode only. On the other hand, is there any way to keep the phone in 3G / 3.5 / 4G mode? Any software that can do this?

hkalltheway said:
I've noticed in the menu options, there is an option to keep the phone in 2G mode only. On the other hand, is there any way to keep the phone in 3G / 3.5 / 4G mode? Any software that can do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone will only switch to 2G if faster speeds are not available. The 2G mode option allows you to prevent the phone from switching to faster (and more battery consuming) data connections....

From the dialer, you can type in *#*#4636#*#* to bring up some "secret" settings. From there you can configure your phone to only use 3G.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

NPuter said:
The phone will only switch to 2G if faster speeds are not available. The 2G mode option allows you to prevent the phone from switching to faster (and more battery consuming) data connections....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about if I don't want 2G at all and want it to stay 3G only, even if there is no signal? I remember this option on the SGS 2..

hkalltheway said:
How about if I don't want 2G at all and want it to stay 3G only, even if there is no signal? I remember this option on the SGS 2..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do what chrono just said and the hidden menu let's you force 3g only. *#*#4636#*#* on the dial pad.

RogerPodacter said:
You do what chrono just said and the hidden menu let's you force 3g only. *#*#4636#*#* on the dial pad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't stick all the time for some reason. Same with atrix. And other phones.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Chrono_Tata said:
From the dialer, you can type in *#*#4636#*#* to bring up some "secret" settings. From there you can configure your phone to only use 3G.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What setting to change? I see phone information, battery information, etc..but no settings..any help please? Thanks!

hkalltheway said:
What setting to change? I see phone information, battery information, etc..but no settings..any help please? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into phone info. From there if you scroll down a bit you will see a text that says something like "GSM/CDMA auto". Press that and you should get a drop down menu. Change the setting to "CDMA only". That should work.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Chrono_Tata said:
Go into phone info. From there if you scroll down a bit you will see a text that says something like "GSM/CDMA auto". Press that and you should get a drop down menu. Change the setting to "CDMA only". That should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how that disables 2G (1xRTT). Unless I'm mistaken, both 1xRTT (2G) and EVDO (3G) run on top of CDMA.
Also, you can get to this from settings->wireless & networks->More...->Mobile Networks->Network Mode
There you can select LTE/CDMA or CDMA.
And it always sticks

2G disable

ok 2g Networks are terrible just too slow and i hate using it
Is there a way that i can completely disable 2g netwroks and use 3g only on my GSM galaxy nexus
PS:I'd rather have no internet than using 2g network

MrXVI said:
ok 2g Networks are terrible just too slow and i hate using it
Is there a way that i can completely disable 2g netwroks and use 3g only on my GSM galaxy nexus
PS:I'd rather have no internet than using 2g network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open your dial pad....
type *#*#4636#*#*
- then tap 'Phone information'
Select WCDMA Only....
that's it!!

prembox said:
Open your dial pad....
type *#*#4636#*#*
- then tap 'Phone information'
Select WCDMA Only....
that's it!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much it worked
PS: where do you get these codes from?

MrXVI said:
Thank you very much it worked
PS: where do you get these codes from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In XDA itself.....just use SEARCH man...that's all it takes...but this code I knew from before...

At&t temoraly RAT removal

I just play with my S3 I747 and find out how to temporaly remove RAT restriction.
Click phone then punch code : *#197328640# ->Umts->Debag Screen->Phone Control->Network Lock->Rat_Free_Supporting ON
After you click this you see " Now RAT Free Supporting". Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
RTA will lock back after restarting.

could you explain what "RAT restriction" is and what removing it will provide?

kirkgbr said:
could you explain what "RAT restriction" is and what removing it will provide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a thread that talks about RAT restrictions. It appears to have to do with restricting access to certain bands, but I am swimming in waters that are deeper than my skills will allow.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1189241

norbarb said:
I just play with my S3 I747 and find out how to temporaly remove RAT restriction.
Click phone then punch code : *#197328640# ->Units->Debag Screen->Phone Control->Network Lock->Rat_Free_Supporting ON
After you click this you see " Now RAT Free Supporting". Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
RTA will lock back after restarting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gonna do a run for this later today to see if it will actually work for allowing band selection and sticking.

It seemed to work for me, but it's only been a couple of minutes so far after turning off LTE. BTW, the first menu is "UMTS", not "Units".
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Any suggestions on how to make these changes permanent without rooting?

Since there is now a known code to lift restrictions until reboot, I hope some dev will figure out a way on stock based roms (both stock and mods), as well as AOSP based, to make it permanent. I have tried AOKP and CM10 in hopes the LTE and 2G toggles would work but no dice with AT&T SGS3.
Anonymously_Unknown said:
Any suggestions on how to make these changes permanent without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Given the issue at hand, it is most likely a deeply embedded setting that will not be available to standard user base (non rooted), henceforth root access or even on a programming level will be needed to make the necessary changes. How the changes will be made available, if it is done, will depend on what was needed to make it permanent. This raises the question of where is this restriction coded into the AT&T SGS3. Is it firmware, ROM, SIM related, Radio? Seriously doubt it is hardware itself since there are ways to get around the restriction.

larryka said:
It seemed to work for me, but it's only been a couple of minutes so far after turning off LTE. BTW, the first menu is "UMTS", not "Units".
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are corect. I make correction in OP.

Testing RAT unlock now.
norbarb said:
I just play with my S3 I747 and find out how to temporaly remove RAT restriction.
Click phone then punch code : *#197328640# ->Umts->Debag Screen->Phone Control->Network Lock->Rat_Free_Supporting ON
After you click this you see " Now RAT Free Supporting". Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
RTA will lock back after restarting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Testing this method now. So far I am running on 2G. I will give it at least a couple of hours and will update this post accordingly.
Update: I was messing around and decided to save this USSD (the official name of these secret dialer codes) in my contacts. From dialer you can start pressing *#1 and when it appears just press it. This gives quick access should you need to change radios often. I also want to add that instead of going back into *#2263# you can also select the band from *#197328640#. If you want to change it immediately, then once you get the confirmation "Now RAT Free Supporting" press the menu key on the left of the Home button. Select back and repeat again to go back again. Then, instead of choosing Network Lock choose Network Control-->Band Selection. This takes you to the same menu that *#2263# does and you can select accordingly.
@norbarb...perhaps you can update your OP to reflect that you can stay within the original selection instead of *#2263# and just go back twice to access the band selection. It is just one more way of doing things.
I also did the test of rebooting my phone. As mentioned by norbarb, if you have rebooted the RAT restriction is back in place. Regardless of which option you take to the band selection it will show RAT restriction until you follow the OPs steps again to remove restriction. Have not found a way for permanent removal of the restriction yet (I am optimistic and really want this permanent so I will look very hard to find a solution.). Also when I rebooted I had GSM 2G only selected prior and I kept the option upon reboot so only the RAT restriction is reset...not the network band settings.
Update 2: After 4 hours I am still on 2G Edge. I am in a very good LTE location so this is definitely the most promising outlook. I have found that I despite my love for the look of AOSP roms, the inability to turn on 2G at all will keep me with TW for now. Thankfully I do not mind the look of TW and with root, I can kill the Bloatware. I will look at all of the options in the *#197328640# menus and see if there is anything that may can be applied for permanent access. I also wonder if the secret to overriding the lack of options for network choices in *#*#4636#*#* will be here as well as this would more preferable to shut down LTE only.

aybarrap1 said:
I also did the test of rebooting my phone. As mentioned by norbarb, if you have rebooted the RAT restriction is back in place. Regardless of which option you take to the band selection it will show RAT restriction until you follow the OPs steps again to remove restriction. Have not found a way for permanent removal of the restriction yet (I am optimistic and really want this permanent so I will look very hard to find a solution.). Also when I rebooted I had GSM 2G only selected prior and I kept the option upon reboot so only the RAT restriction is reset...not the network band settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

Isn't the problem with doing this, say if you disable LTE and only select HSPA, it wont go to any 2G networks if you are out of coverage. Because its not on 'automatic', its on HSPA. So if you are out of a service zone of HSPA, then you dont have anything to fall back to.
If only there was a way to disable LTE, and use the other networks 'automatically'.

geoldr said:
Isn't the problem with doing this, say if you disable LTE and only select HSPA, it wont go to any 2G networks if you are out of coverage. Because its not on 'automatic', its on HSPA. So if you are out of a service zone of HSPA, then you dont have anything to fall back to.
If only there was a way to disable LTE, and use the other networks 'automatically'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the problem. However, AT&T in their infinite focus on trying to force users to their networks of choice has purposely had the ability to do network selections disabled. Under normal circumstances in android devices the option of network selection is under settings and mobile networks option. This is removed I am sure at AT&T's request. The other way to access this is to use USSD *#*#4636#*#* in dialer and select "Device Information" which will give you an option to choose a network preference. While the USSD works the option to select network preference does not work.
At least with the option to unlock RAT and using USSD *#2263#, it gives some sort of ability to choose a network. For me this is perfect since I want the 2G only due to poor 3G and LTE signals at work. However you are right that it is not convenient if you just want LTE off. For the moment there is no known way to obtain this option on the AT&T SGS3.

aybarrap1 said:
That is the problem. However, AT&T in their infinite focus on trying to force users to their networks of choice has purposely had the ability to do network selections disabled. Under normal circumstances in android devices the option of network selection is under settings and mobile networks option. This is removed I am sure at AT&T's request. The other way to access this is to use USSD *#*#4636#*#* in dialer and select "Device Information" which will give you an option to choose a network preference. While the USSD works the option to select network preference does not work.
At least with the option to unlock RAT and using USSD *#2263#, it gives some sort of ability to choose a network. For me this is perfect since I want the 2G only due to poor 3G and LTE signals at work. However you are right that it is not convenient if you just want LTE off. For the moment there is no known way to obtain this option on the AT&T SGS3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I also think it's something to do with AT&T network setup. Because on AOSP ROM's we can't toggle LTE either. But the same ROM on a Canadian model phone will work just fine.
Even though the iphone has an LTE toggle. At least I read somewhere that it does.

geoldr said:
Yep. I also think it's something to do with AT&T network setup. Because on AOSP ROM's we can't toggle LTE either. But the same ROM on a Canadian model phone will work just fine.
Even though the iphone has an LTE toggle. At least I read somewhere that it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with the network setup...it is the carrier forcing restrictions on their customers. I have had three other android phones (including my wifes) in the last three years. All of them were restricted from choosing the network from stock rom. The moment I uploaded a ROM such as CM or other AOSP Roms I was magically able to do a network select. I even had to Windows phones (6.1 and 6.5) and both of them were stripped but with some registry edits I was able to add the option back to select between 3G/2G and 2g only. It is AT&T's way and they are notorious for it.
On a side note, I would not be surprised if AT&T is the primary corporate network that pushed for this network SIM lock ruling by the Congressional Librarian. Of all the carriers they have the most to lose.

If you want to select multiple bands and still turn lte off..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=37334232
Galaxy S III I747

fmllc said:
If you want to select multiple bands and still turn lte off..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=37334232
Galaxy S III I747
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been testing this for the last 4 hours and it does seem to work. Went to 2g only area and it switched perfectly to 2G and reverted back to 3g when I left the area. However I am not able to do GSM ONLY (2G only) using this method. You will have to follow the instructions on this thread for that.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
norbarb said:
I just play with my S3 I747 and find out how to temporaly remove RAT restriction.
Click phone then punch code : *#197328640# ->Umts->Debag Screen->Phone Control->Network Lock->Rat_Free_Supporting ON
After you click this you see " Now RAT Free Supporting". Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
RTA will lock back after restarting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to set radio by pressing *#2263#?
And what is RTA will lock back after restarting?

So what is the benefit of the ability to change bands?

OKAstro said:
So what is the benefit of the ability to change bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could result in battery savings and reduced dropped calls. For instance, I am often in and out of areas with little to no bandwidths under LTE. At default, my phone would always looking for an LTE signal which means my battery takes a pounding. By having my phone only look for 2G/3G, I do not take as large of a battery hit. Besides that, LTE does consume more power. For the most part I leave my phone with LTE off because the data speed is not crucial for me. At home I have a really fast WiFi network so it is better to be on it anyway while at home.

aybarrap1 said:
It could result in battery savings and reduced dropped calls. For instance, I am often in and out of areas with little to no bandwidths under LTE. At default, my phone would always looking for an LTE signal which means my battery takes a pounding. By having my phone only look for 2G/3G, I do not take as large of a battery hit. Besides that, LTE does consume more power. For the most part I leave my phone with LTE off because the data speed is not crucial for me. At home I have a really fast WiFi network so it is better to be on it anyway while at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK Thanks. But under Settings/More Networks/Mobile Networks/Network Mode there are 13 "band" combination choices. Do those choices not provide what you''re looking for (i.e.2G/3G)?
I've never changed mine, so I'm curious

How to switch 3G Only

How I can switch my Fire Phone to 3G Only Band? Some App or somthing? Who help? :what:

Go to the dialer, enter *#*#4636#*#* and tap "Phone Information". On the next screen, you can select 'WCDMA preferred' from the drop-down menu. However, I'm not sure if the phone will automatically reset itself back after a restart or whatnot.

Yes. I discovery that. Its simple and easy. Now for me, a very good phone.

Is there anyway to turn off 3G ? for use 2G GSM only mode , I want to use EDGE option since my area has the weak 3G signal.

ease_the_pain said:
Is there anyway to turn off 3G ? for use 2G GSM only mode , I want to use EDGE option since my area has the weak 3G signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You follow the same steps I gave in my previous post. Instead of selecting WCDMA preferred, you select GSM only in the drop-down menu.

ged92781 said:
You follow the same steps I gave in my previous post. Instead of selecting WCDMA preferred, you select GSM only in the drop-down menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you it works great without reset the phone.

And easier and lazier way is to install the app "Phone testing", it is the shortcut to the same menu. On Motorola phone the app is required because that dialer combination doesn't work.