Develop Bugs

Airplane mode + WiFi calling

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.

Tasker/other solution to force WiFi calling only on certain WiFi SSIDs?

Hey all, got a quick automation question that I can't seem to work out on my own.
Specifically, I want my phone to use WiFi calling mode only when I am connected to certain networks, not, for instance, when I am on the ATT WiFi at Starbucks.
The default T-Mobile settings for the feature are little help, since they only allow generally to prefer cell over WiFi or the other way around. My instinct was to set it to use WiFi calling when the network was unavailable, then to use Tasker to disable cell radio features when connected to those networks, thereby forcing it into WiFi calling mode.
Problem is Tasker tells me that the radio feature is unavailable, and I'm rooted with Secure Settings installed. Anyone have any ideas?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

RC Cola said:
Hey all, got a quick automation question that I can't seem to work out on my own.
Specifically, I want my phone to use WiFi calling mode only when I am connected to certain networks, not, for instance, when I am on the ATT WiFi at Starbucks.
The default T-Mobile settings for the feature are little help, since they only allow generally to prefer cell over WiFi or the other way around. My instinct was to set it to use WiFi calling when the network was unavailable, then to use Tasker to disable cell radio features when connected to those networks, thereby forcing it into WiFi calling mode.
Problem is Tasker tells me that the radio feature is unavailable, and I'm rooted with Secure Settings installed. Anyone have any ideas?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you find something, I am interested as well. I have also let T-Mobile know that I would like this as a feature in Wifi Calling itself.
I was hoping that the Wifi Calling settings were exposed. So I could do, "if wifi SSID = blah, switch to Prefer Wifi calling, otherwise switch to Prefer Cell."

[FAST] Improve Wifi calling

I remember there was a trick people were saying improved they're WIFI calling.
Something about dialing special numbers.
I'm in need of that code/topic. I have looked for it, but I can't find it.
Can someone please find me the topic or special code??
Please?????

re: special code
xologist said:
I remember there was a trick people were saying improved they're WIFI calling.
Something about dialing special numbers.
I'm in need of that code/topic. I have looked for it, but I can't find it.
Can someone please find me the topic or special code??
Please?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never heard of any such thing unless perhaps you are speaking of
some 3rd part software app and not the built-in wifi calling feature
which is exclusive to people using the Tmobile network with a
Tmobile M919 cell phone and sim card.
How can anyone improve wifi calling when it works just as perfect
as normal cellular calling?
No one I know of can tell any difference between wifi calling and the
default cellular calling unless someone has a very bad or intermittent
wifi connection.
Good luck finding a special code!

I too have never heard of such thing. From my understanding, Wifi-Calling is as good as your wifi to some degree, it levels off somewhere.

Haven't heard of it either and I've been using wifi calling since nexus one day.
☞ Sent from here☜???

mgbotoe said:
I too have never heard of such thing. From my understanding, Wifi-Calling is as good as your wifi to some degree, it levels off somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using it since the Blackberry 8900 days. It was called UMS I believe and it was very good at handing off from WiFi to cell during an active call.
The only way of improving WiFi calling come in when you have an issue with your WiFi or rather, your ISP. Then again, that's still not an issue with the function but your ISP or WiFi setup.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

This is probably not what you were looking for but if you turn off wifi power save mode it will make your connection more reliable. (*#0011#) click bottom left button and hit wifi. Turn off power save. It holds a better wifi signal and is more dependable. Hope that helps somebody.

jaysonthomas28 said:
This is probably not what you were looking for but if you turn off wifi power save mode it will make your connection more reliable. (*#0011#) click bottom left button and hit wifi. Turn off power save. It holds a better wifi signal and is more dependable. Hope that helps somebody.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully this has some effect. I just turned it off.
I too have never heard of a special code or method to improve WiFi Calling. Are you talking about in regards to more functions, or improve your signal strength so that it works even when your signal is poor?
Quite honestly if someone was able to allow WiFi Calling to bypass the "poor signal" message when you only have one bar of signal, that would be awesome. Though there is probably more to it than that. Calls maybe need more signal, but not texts. Calls would therefore need 2+ bars, whilst texting only needs 1+. Would be cool to see that happen but it doesn't seem possible. My specific area at work I can only achieve 1 signal bar of the guest network in some spots unless I go by the door and of course no sign of mobile data is even existent in there, hence why I use WiFi Calling. So it'd be nice if I was able to send texts with 1 bar of WiFi. :crying:
But if anybody has any info about this "code" thingy, please post! I'm all for looking to improve it.

Service codes?
Sounds like the OP is looking for the service codes you input in the dialer. I don't recall anything in there that would affect wifi calling though.

Wifi Calling Preferred?

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.

Is there a way to set the S9 to always prefer wifi calling?

I have almost no signal at home, but in certain areas I get one bar. That means that my phone will often turn wifi calling off and use the normal cell network, but the signal isn't actually good enough for calling.
There is an ADB command available on the Pixel that lets you configure the phone to prefer wifi calling. Does the same thing exist for the S9?
This is the thread that discusses the Pixel option:
https://www.xda-developers.com/enable-preferred-wifi-calling-option-verizon-pixel-pixel-xl/

haste75 said:
I have almost no signal at home, but in certain areas I get one bar. That means that my phone will often turn wifi calling off and use the normal cell network, but the signal isn't actually good enough for calling.
There is an ADB command available on the Pixel that lets you configure the phone to prefer wifi calling. Does the same thing exist for the S9?
This is the thread that discusses the Pixel option:
https://www.xda-developers.com/enable-preferred-wifi-calling-option-verizon-pixel-pixel-xl/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, if you want to improve your signal, go to settings-connections- mobile networks and set the network mode to 2G. Do that only when you dont use mobile data to have the highest available signal for text messages and calls. If you want the best signal for mobile data internet, set it to LTE/3G. Hope it helps.

kyooohei08 said:
Hi, if you want to improve your signal, go to settings-connections- mobile networks and set the network mode to 2G. Do that only when you dont use mobile data to have the highest available signal for text messages and calls. If you want the best signal for mobile data internet, set it to LTE/3G. Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but my phone struggles with signal full stop indoors, so I need Wifi calling to always be on.

Go to the call screen. Tap the 3 dots in the upper right corner, select settings then wifi calling and select wifi preferred.

truckerdewd said:
Go to the call screen. Tap the 3 dots in the upper right corner, select settings then wifi calling and select wifi preferred.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have this option. The only thing I have in these settings is to turn WIFI caling on or off. I presume it's a carrier option.
Is there an ADB command I can run to unlock it? I tried the one I linked above but it didn't do anything.

haste75 said:
I do not have this option. The only thing I have in these settings is to turn WIFI caling on or off. I presume it's a carrier option.
Is there an ADB command I can run to unlock it? I tried the one I linked above but it didn't do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not every carrier supports wifi calling, many of the MVNO's don't.

Tel864 said:
Not every carrier supports wifi calling, many of the MVNO's don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have wifi calling, but I want to prefer wifi calling. This setting exists for a lot of users but not for everyone. It seems really strange my carrier has disabled it.
In the dialler app the only setting I have is to turn it on or off. In settings/connections/more, there is nothing relating to WIFI calling.