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Does the Wifi Calling app save more battery? I've noticed the network signal turns off when I enable Wifi Calling
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Yes, saves LOTS of battery. Big difference when wifi calling is on.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Expanding on OP:
Does WiFi automatically supersede data as well? And if so, is there battery saving in that case?
alpharomero said:
Expanding on OP:
Does WiFi automatically supersede data as well? And if so, is there battery saving in that case?
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Click to collapse
When you turn on WiFi, all data goes through WiFi assuming that there is a good signal on it (aka if WiFi is so bad there is no data throughput, the phone will turn mobile data back on). The phone will always choose WiFi and turn off mobile data. Some/most people say that this saves battery because the phone isn't always searching for mobile data. I'd say that this is more true if you're in a situation where there is poor/low 3G reception but good WiFi reception. I almost never use WiFi because I get full bars and good 3G speed at home. I see no reason to use WiFi in this situation as my phone isn't searching for better networks.
As far as WiFi Calling goes, in the settings of the app you can choose to have the phone "Prefer WiFi"/"Prefer Cellular"/"WiFi Only". Same thing here. If I use WiFi calling, I choose "Prefer WiFi" because if for some reason my WiFi goes down while I'm not using the phone I want the mobile network to come on so I can receive calls without having to toggle back. A situation I could see where "WiFi Only" would be applicable is if you're traveling and want to use WiFi for calls if you have a data-only prepay SIM, or if you're in an area with only Roaming coverage and you would want to just use WiFi to make calls.
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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
Thanks for reading.
I am looking for a way to automate turning WiFi calling on/off. I have attempted to do this with Tasker but with no luck. I have read several threads but they seem to be referencing an older WiFi calling solution that was an app.
I am using the T-Mobile Samsung S4 w/ 4.3 and the WiFi calling settings are under Settings->My Device (Tab)->Call->Wi-Fi Calling. this phone is not rooted (corporate policy) so there I cannot use D-pad instructions to select the option.
Any thoughts?
rlyounker said:
Thanks for reading.
I am looking for a way to automate turning WiFi calling on/off. I have attempted to do this with Tasker but with no luck. I have read several threads but they seem to be referencing an older WiFi calling solution that was an app.
I am using the T-Mobile Samsung S4 w/ 4.3 and the WiFi calling settings are under Settings->My Device (Tab)->Call->Wi-Fi Calling. this phone is not rooted (corporate policy) so there I cannot use D-pad instructions to select the option.
Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just took a look at the code, I think you are out of luck without root my friend. :/
I was under the assumption that it was automatic.
With Wi-Fi calling on and you're out of Wi-Fi range cellular network take over. There's a few options under Wi-Fi calling setting as to which you prefer first, Wi-Fi or cellular signal
☞ Sent from here☜
baseballfanz said:
I was under the assumption that it was automatic.
With Wi-Fi calling on and you're out of Wi-Fi range cellular network take over. There's a few options under Wi-Fi calling setting as to which you prefer first, Wi-Fi or cellular signal
☞ Sent from here☜
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what i was thinkin..
baseballfanz said:
I was under the assumption that it was automatic.
With Wi-Fi calling on and you're out of Wi-Fi range cellular network take over. There's a few options under Wi-Fi calling setting as to which you prefer first, Wi-Fi or cellular signal
☞ Sent from here☜
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your assumption is correct, however if you set it to Cellular preferred and you get a call with only 10% cell signal it will come across the voice channel, and in my case most likely drop. This is when I am at the office. Conversely when I am at home my wireless coverage is spotty and I wouldn't want to use WiFi calling. So my ultimate goal is to use Tasker to turn on WiFi calling when I am at the office and turn is off when I leave. I hope this clarifies what I am trying to accomplish.
rlyounker said:
Your assumption is correct, however if you set it to Cellular preferred and you get a call with only 10% cell signal it will come across the voice channel, and in my case most likely drop. This is when I am at the office. Conversely when I am at home my wireless coverage is spotty and I wouldn't want to use WiFi calling. So my ultimate goal is to use Tasker to turn on WiFi calling when I am at the office and turn is off when I leave. I hope this clarifies what I am trying to accomplish.
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Click to collapse
This is impossible without root though.
you can get automate wifi on/off .you might to know network knowledge and you can settings this on/off mode .any prob help with any wifi expert please.
Michael Hill said:
you can get automate wifi on/off .you might to know network knowledge and you can settings this on/off mode .any prob help with any wifi expert please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you bumping all these ancient threads without adding any information?
Please don't do that.
I would like to do this as well!!!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I'm having this strange issue that I've never before seen on Android. Whenever I'm connected to Wifi, the phone seems to maintain a mobile data connection. Also, I'm on T-Mobile with wifi calling enabled, and it seems to stick to the cellular network even with wifi on. Am I the only one?
Ive got something similar, my battery stats show Wi-Fi is on even though its off. Rebooting the phone sorted it out.
Prasad said:
I'm having this strange issue that I've never before seen on Android. Am I the only one?
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Click to collapse
elvinrush said:
Ive got something similar, my battery stats show Wi-Fi is on even though its off..
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Click to collapse
Did you, guys, clear those two? Please!
Oh that makes sense. Thx
Prasad said:
I'm having this strange issue that I've never before seen on Android. Whenever I'm connected to Wifi, the phone seems to maintain a mobile data connection. Also, I'm on T-Mobile with wifi calling enabled, and it seems to stick to the cellular network even with wifi on. Am I the only one?
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Click to collapse
My M8 does this, so I would expect the M9 to do this as well. However the mobile data is not used; the icon for mobile data just stays up. It passes data on WiFi when a WiFi connection is available. The WiFi icon is the only one that comes and goes.
I have unlimited calling so I don't use the WiFi calling, can't comment on that.
My mobile radio stays active even while I'm on WiFi calling. Which, I'm pretty sure the mobile radio should completely turn off..
Mobile data icon stays on as well even without wifi calling, same as you.
I think the stickied mobile data icon is a non-issue, but the fact that it sticks to cellular network, pointlessly draining excess battery (especially in a region with poor network connectivity) when Wifi calling is enabled, is seriously annoying.
jauhien said:
Did you, guys, clear those two? Please!
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Click to collapse
Both settings are unchecked, like in your screenshot.
Just got mine too.
Am noticing the same problem. Mobile data stays on.
Hopefully there is a fix coming out?
Figured it out (For T-Mobile WiFi calling variants only)
Go into WiFi Calling settings (there should be an icon in your status bar)
Select the bottom "Do not use Cellular". This will disable cellular when WiFi/WiFi calling is enabled.
Cellular was enabled for calling handoffs (when you leave a WiFi calling area, the call gets handoff'd to the network)
wifiguru said:
Figured it out (For T-Mobile WiFi calling variants only)
Go into WiFi Calling settings (there should be an icon in your status bar)
Select the bottom "Do not use Cellular". This will disable cellular when WiFi/WiFi calling is enabled.
Cellular was enabled for calling handoffs (when you leave a WiFi calling area, the call gets handoff'd to the network)
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Click to collapse
Nah. That solves nothing. I don't want to be disconnected when leaving Wi-Fi. I just want cellular to be off when in Wi-Fi range, which was automatically managed with the same setting on previous phones.
Prasad said:
Nah. That solves nothing. I don't want to be disconnected when leaving Wi-Fi. I just want cellular to be off when in Wi-Fi range, which was automatically managed with the same setting on previous phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, all that setting does is completely disable cellular. Even if you leave Wi-Fi, or disable it.
On all previous T-Mobile phones with Wi-Fi calling using "Wi-Fi preferred" it would completely disable the cellular radio.
Now, when I have poor signal but am using wifi calling, my phone is constantly searching for signal. Switching between 2g/4g/lte.
Yeah, you guys are correct.
Left home this morning, no Cellular.
Well, shoot...
Boo