Develop Bugs

[Q] [SOLVED] T-Mobile G2, no service anywhere, error while searching for networks

I've been struggling with a problem that I just solved in a stupid way so I'm posting to help other googlers.
As I was using my phone recently, I lost service like I had gone into an area devoid of towers, but service never came back. I verified that another TMobile phone (similar plan) found towers and service just fine. I tried everything I could think of from upgrading Cyanogenmod and the radio to reverting to the stock firmware. No matter what I did, the phone would not get signal. When I went to Settings -> Wireless & networks -> Mobile networks -> Network operators I would simply get "Error while searching for networks".
It turns out that the SIM card had seen the end of its days. I went to the TMobile store and had the SIM card switched out for a new one (free) and everything worked again.
The explanation I was given was that old "legacy" SIM cards sometimes will just stop allowing you to connect to the towers with no other symptoms.
TL;DR: If your TMobile (maybe other carriers too) phone isn't connecting to the towers anymore, don't panic. You probably need a new SIM card and you can probably get one for free.

Seeing the exact same problem in the last few days
Found your post by googling the error message - I've got the exact same situation on my G2, the behavior started this last weekend. The phone sometimes connects but is very, very inconsistent. I'm missing almost all text messages, or getting them up to a day late. I guess it's off to a t-mo store for a new SIM card if this doesn't stop. Funny thing is this phone was purchased with a (supposedly) new SIM card - hard to call it "legacy".

Thank you, I just stopped getting service today randomly and nothing I did could get it back. I went in to panic mode and was flashing and wiping and everything I could think of then I saw this post. I didn't think it could work but sure enough it did.

way to be....i learned my fact for the day.

mine just bit the dust.
called t-mobile and they suggested a new SIM as well.
ah well

I had the same issue and after doing tons of troubleshooting i seen that there was a space right under the keyboard that was fully flush with the phone. I lightly pressed until both sides snapped back into place and full service returned. So if you have this issue check to see if there are any spaces open and snap it closed.

halfak said:
I've been struggling with a problem that I just solved in a stupid way so I'm posting to help other googlers.
As I was using my phone recently, I lost service like I had gone into an area devoid of towers, but service never came back. I verified that another TMobile phone (similar plan) found towers and service just fine. I tried everything I could think of from upgrading Cyanogenmod and the radio to reverting to the stock firmware. No matter what I did, the phone would not get signal. When I went to Settings -> Wireless & networks -> Mobile networks -> Network operators I would simply get "Error while searching for networks".
It turns out that the SIM card had seen the end of its days. I went to the TMobile store and had the SIM card switched out for a new one (free) and everything worked again.
The explanation I was given was that old "legacy" SIM cards sometimes will just stop allowing you to connect to the towers with no other symptoms.
TL;DR: If your TMobile (maybe other carriers too) phone isn't connecting to the towers anymore, don't panic. You probably need a new SIM card and you can probably get one for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine has been doing this sporadically, it comes and goes and sometimes I cannot get it to find a service provider. I have to keep doing it over and over and over. Sometimes I have to set phone down and come back in a few minutes to do it again and it finally shows a provider.
The question I have is if you take your phone into Tmobile store to have sim. card replaced do you have to revert phone back to stock G2? Will they say something to you if you are rooted and running CM?

This problem happened to me too and a SIM swap fixed it. They don't check if you are rooted- they might ask you to reboot and change some settings to rule out the obvious stuff like airplane mode, correct carrier, etc.

Maybe not same issue, but also have a soultion for similar issue on G2X
Maybe I didn't have the exact same issue, but I had the exact same symptoms, so throwing my solution up here for other Googlers trying to troubleshoot this as well...
I actually have a G2X, went to Canada where I disabled roaming data and used the t-Mobile wifi calling stuff primarily...
When I got back home to the USA, I couldn't get a signal, but I also didn't have the little x next to the icon... When I went into my settings, I couldn't seem to get the "Use 2G Network" setting to stay off, and of course I couldn't make calls or anything over the mobile network...
So I figured I just needed to force the phone to register on the local network, maybe all the roaming got it mixed up or something, but when I went to the "Network operators" setting, I couldn't "Search Networks" and "Select Automatically" didn't work either, I kept seeing the error "Error while searching for networks".... spent some time playing with libril.so and friends, but it made no difference.
Anyway, long story short, it turns out that there's a setting in the T-Mobile "Wifi Calling" app under "Connection preferences", if you select "Wifi Only", it applies to your setting all the time, even when wifi is disabled, disconnected, and even if the "Wifi Calling" app is disabled too !! So just change that setting back to something else when you're done requiring that behavior and everything will work again, Yay!

intangible said:
Anyway, long story short, it turns out that there's a setting in the T-Mobile "Wifi Calling" app under "Connection preferences", if you select "Wifi Only", it applies to your setting all the time, even when wifi is disabled, disconnected, and even if the "Wifi Calling" app is disabled too !! So just change that setting back to something else when you're done requiring that behavior and everything will work again, Yay!
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Click to collapse
I can verify that this is the solution that works. I have the LG G2 w/ T-Mobile. I hadn't had any problems until today. Stumbled upon this thread after the T-Mobile chat support couldn't help me. Went to System Settings and turned wifi calling off completely. Back in business.

Problem with Data Connection

I replaced my galaxy s 2 because it was acting up and now i have rooted one and also put stock rom bloat free and i recently noticed that sometimes my phone have hard time connecting to data. i can see the uplink sign go green but the downlink arrow doesnt blink and phone keeps me waiting waiting and waiting and i have to restart the phone or leave it for good 5 or 10 minutes to be able to start working. can anyone please tell me if thats a hardware issue or the software? do i need to have my phone replaced?, i dont know if tmobile store would exchange phone now because i purchased phone on 12th and its been 12 days if the reffer me to customer service then they will send me a refurbished phone which i do not want because i paid full price for phone.
any help will be appreciated.

Data connection problem
If you haven't already tried, go to Settings/Wireless and network/Mobile networks/Access Point Names and if there is an option to reset, select it. I had a similar problem with data connections - up and down lights blinked but no connection - and T-mobile support helped me out. Also, make sure Use packet data and Data roaming are checked.

mtmikey said:
If you haven't already tried, go to Settings/Wireless and network/Mobile networks/Access Point Names and if there is an option to reset, select it. I had a similar problem with data connections - up and down lights blinked but no connection - and T-mobile support helped me out. Also, make sure Use packet data and Data roaming are checked.
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Click to collapse
I've had the problem too, both on 4G and WiFi. There is a warning on the data roaming option about incurring extra charges. Is this true? I know that my plan says free domestic roaming, but I'm not sure that applies to data?

The T-mobile rep allowed that this was confusing. They stated that there are no additional charges within the US. Roaming is required because TM uses other providers' (i.e. Verizon) towers in some locations.

I have this same problem, Im wondering if the update coming out next month for wi-fi calling will address this, or what about using the new sim card??? Its pretty annoying but i didnt want to really exchange my phone b/c this is the only problem im having as well as the vertical lines which i have pretty much learned to live with.

K_esco said:
I have this same problem, Im wondering if the update coming out next month for wi-fi calling will address this, or what about using the new sim card??? Its pretty annoying but i didnt want to really exchange my phone b/c this is the only problem im having as well as the vertical lines which i have pretty much learned to live with.
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Click to collapse
i am using the new sim card already... i dont know if the problem is with new sim card or the phone itself but it gets annoying sometimes when i need internet and it doesnt wanna work.

Has anyone had any luck fixing this?
I noticed this problem sometime after rooting and flashing roms. Now I'm on the stock rom released in the dev channel. I've talked with customer servie for an hour and none of their solutions fixed anything for me.
I don't have a good backup - is there anything I can do?

I haven't been bitten by this again. It has been a couple days and I've since replaced my phone (today). But I haven't been on 4G much. Wifi has been working fine for the last couple days.

[HOW-TO] Get a Data Signal While Roaming

Background:
Ever since I've had this phone I couldn't get a data signal while roaming in areas where I knew one was available. Old phones would get data while roaming without a problem.
The Epic Touch would just give a notification saying "you have lost data connectivity" or something.
I understand certain Sprint roaming areas just plain don't have data available. This howto can not fix that.
What this howto does help you do is get a data signal while roaming in areas where a roaming data signal is available.
Credit:
This was apparently discovered by someone on the sprint forums, and I found a reference to it on the Android Central forums, so I do not know who credit goes to for discovering this.
What to Do:
It's best if you are in a roaming-only area to test this, or if you can force roaming. You'll also need to be on the stock kernel (rooted is fine) so you have the ability to update your Profile.
Let's do that now. Go to the Settings menu and tap About Phone - system updates - update profile and wait for it to complete, then tap ok.
From the home screen, tap Menu - Settings - Wireless and Networks - Roaming - Roaming Settings.
Un-check all options here (voice and data for both domestic and international)
With no boxes checked, tap the "Data" box under domestic roaming. Tap only this one, not voice.
You will get a box asking you to confirm. Click yes. This will then automatically enable voice as well.
Another pop up with a red box will ask if you really want to use data while roaming. At this point you can tell it to never ask again and click Roam.
Now you can use data while roaming where it's available!
Update:
after trying this multiple times to verify it works, occasionally the final pop-up with the red box disappears before you can read it. I was able to long press the home button to show recent apps, then tap the "Data Roaming Guard" app. Then I could tap Roam.
This is critical for me as sometimes I am in roaming areas for work and I need internet and this phone is the only access I have. Now I can use it!
Report back with any corrections or feedback. Mileage may vary.
I don't know if it's necessary to update the profile. I have that step in there because that is the sequence I used. If you try it without updating the profile, let me know. This would allow people on a custom kernel to do this too.
I spent an hour and a half with Sprint yesterday on the phone trying to resolve this. They turned me over to new reps three times (including to the international support department) each one not aware of my issue so I'd have to explain everything again.
Finally I started digging on the web and found the tip on AC. Took me 2 minutes.

DOH! Stupid Tapatalk.
Mods, please move to General. Didn't mean to start this in development.

Thanks for sharing this. I will try this out.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium

I have the same issues. My girlfriend has an EVO and she will have data while roaming, and I wont. Even if were right next to each other.

Thanks, this worked great for me & did not have to update profile. I am on stock rooted deodexed rom.

Worked for me! Thanks, that was very annoying!

thanks! now i can play wwf at work lol

I did this awhile back when I saw it on the AC forums. I also read this phone cannot roam on PCS networks because of a limitation in the radio so there still may be times it won't roam when other phones will.

Greetings All!
I was able to make roaming calls before; but I followed these instructions and now I can use roaming data as well. Fortunately Atlanta is a pretty good 4G metro area so I rarely need to use roaming data. Usually either 3G or 4G is available. Nonetheless it's nice to have the option.
FYI I forced roaming by using the Roam Control app and have verified that for the first time with this phone I have a nonzero "Sprint 3G Data Roaming" entry in the detailed usage screen on the Sprint website.
Many thanks!
Cheers, Henri

Ok, glad this is working for people! I know it was the biggest gripe I had about the phone by far.

MoMatt said:
Ok, glad this is working for people! I know it was the biggest gripe I had about the phone by far.
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Agreed. And such a simple solution. Thanks again.

Roaming Issues: Upgraded from Evo 4g to Galaxy S3

I just upgraded from the Evo 4g (good bye old friend) to the Galaxy S3. I've already noticed significant decreases in coverage which I understand is to be expected until all towers have been upgraded appropriately. The main problem I've been noticing is that when I go into roaming (which is covered on my plan) I lose voice. If I'm on the phone it disconnects me and if I try to make a call I get a "busy tone" or an automated message about making a collect call. I assume that's because I'm not provision properly to make calls on networks other than Sprint? Every time I call technical support, they think a simple reprogram will fix it, but it hasn't yet. Does anyone have experience with this, so that when I call them I can "suggest" what they may need to do in order to fix it?

Tell them that the reprogram didn't work
Also mention calling them a few times
There is also the can u talk to a superior/supervisor card (usable multiple times per call) and then there is the I'm returninf this phone and leaving Sprint last resort bluff card
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

gtuansdiamm said:
Tell them that the reprogram didn't work
Also mention calling them a few times
There is also the can u talk to a superior/supervisor card (usable multiple times per call) and then there is the I'm returninf this phone and leaving Sprint last resort bluff card
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I literally tried all those options. Spoke with a supervisor and he still sounded like he had no clue. They said I will need to take my phone in to a tech to check it out. I doubt it's the phone though. It happens when I go into roaming, so it sounds to me like there's something wrong with the way they set up my s3. The nearest tech is 30+ min away and I'd love to avoid making that trip.

As of now, I am still getting the roaming message. It says "If you'd like to make a collect call press 1...." Has anyone ever gotten this message while roaming?

I have gotten this message when I dial out using various PRL's. Try updating your PRL. Maybe there are no roaming agreements in your area? Check your settings?

Neva Eva Forget 1984 said:
I have gotten this message when I dial out using various PRL's. Try updating your PRL. Maybe there are no roaming agreements in your area? Check your settings?
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Click to collapse
I've never had this problem on the Evo 4g. Would it have something to do with the fact that the GS3 doesn't search for the same towers as the Evo 4g and other older smartphones? I'm currently on 25010. How can I check if there are no roaming agreements in my area and wouldn't those have affected my Evo as well?

ctasich said:
I just upgraded from the Evo 4g (good bye old friend) to the Galaxy S3. I've already noticed significant decreases in coverage which I understand is to be expected until all towers have been upgraded appropriately. The main problem I've been noticing is that when I go into roaming (which is covered on my plan) I lose voice. If I'm on the phone it disconnects me and if I try to make a call I get a "busy tone" or an automated message about making a collect call. I assume that's because I'm not provision properly to make calls on networks other than Sprint? Every time I call technical support, they think a simple reprogram will fix it, but it hasn't yet. Does anyone have experience with this, so that when I call them I can "suggest" what they may need to do in order to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check Settings/More settings/Roaming/Roaming settings and Roaming guard. Sometimes those items come misconfigured.

nabbed said:
Check Settings/More settings/Roaming/Roaming settings and Roaming guard. Sometimes those items come misconfigured.
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Click to collapse
I am on CM 10.1 Nightlies right now. Although, I've had the problem on stock as well. I've looked for comparable settings in CM, but don't see anything about Roaming Guard. Do I need to revert back to stock to ensure these are configured properly? Last I checked...everything had a check mark next to it. What does roaming guard do exactly anyway? Just prevent me from roaming?

ctasich said:
I am on CM 10.1 Nightlies right now. Although, I've had the problem on stock as well. I've looked for comparable settings in CM, but don't see anything about Roaming Guard. Do I need to revert back to stock to ensure these are configured properly? Last I checked...everything had a check mark next to it. What does roaming guard do exactly anyway? Just prevent me from roaming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this if you like:
1) Nand backup,
2) Flash tw rom,
3) Settings/System update/Update profile,
4) Settings/System update/Update PRL,
5) Go to Settings/More settings/Roaming,
6) Set Roaming network to Auto,
7)Set Roaming settings to roam on domestic voice and data (on),
8) Set Roaming guard to off for domestic voice and data.
Now go to a place where you don't have any Sprint signal but think that there should be a roaming network signal.
If roaming doesn't work, it's likely that something is wrong with provisioning.
If it does, then restore nand backup and try in CM10.
And I don't really know what Roaming guard does, but I think it asks you for a confirmation before switching to a roaming network.

Reverted to stock and flipped off the roaming guard. Then restored my cm 10.1. I can finally make calls while roaming! Thanks for your help.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Verizon WiFi calling busted in Android Pie?

I recently updated my Verizon Galaxy S9 to the Android Pie release. I had previously been using WiFi calling on my home network, but once I updated to the Pie release it no longer works. In fact, despite lots of interaction with Verizon support, I have been unable to even access the settings to enable WiFi calling. They simply are not there. Are others seeing this? Does WiFi calling work with Android Pie on Verizon?
Thanks,
Craig

csetera said:
I recently updated my Verizon Galaxy S9 to the Android Pie release. I had previously been using WiFi calling on my home network, but once I updated to the Pie release it no longer works. In fact, despite lots of interaction with Verizon support, I have been unable to even access the settings to enable WiFi calling. They simply are not there. Are others seeing this? Does WiFi calling work with Android Pie on Verizon?
Thanks,
Craig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am wondering the same thing. After updating to Pie last night, my S9+ no longer has the WiFI calling feature.
Wi-Fi calling would help out big time since our cell tower strength is very low at my house. I hope this isn't Verizon's way of them forcing people to purchase their mobile extenders.

The Verizon support rep certainly seemed to believe it should have been there. To the point that she declared my phone has a manufacturing defect and shipped out a "new" one. I guess I will see if that one behaves any differently. Like you, I'm on the edge of the coverage and WIFI calling has been helpful for battery life.
Craig

csetera said:
The Verizon support rep certainly seemed to believe it should have been there. To the point that she declared my phone has a manufacturing defect and shipped out a "new" one. I guess I will see if that one behaves any differently. Like you, I'm on the edge of the coverage and WIFI calling has been helpful for battery life.
Craig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Craig - I think I have some good news! To enable WiFi calling, go to your Phone app, then click on the menu on the top right hand corner and choose Settings. "Wi-Fi Calling" is shown on this screen.

bigginksu said:
I am wondering the same thing. After updating to Pie last night, my S9+ no longer has the WiFI calling feature.
Wi-Fi calling would help out big time since our cell tower strength is very low at my house. I hope this isn't Verizon's way of them forcing people to purchase their mobile extenders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bigginksu said:
Craig - I think I have some good news! To enable WiFi calling, go to your Phone app, then click on the menu on the top right hand corner and choose Settings. "Wi-Fi Calling" is shown on this screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, how 'bout that. Too bad that the VZW representative didn't know that! It would have saved a bunch of time.

except it doesnt turn on for me on my note 9 it just trys and says unable to at this time . The only way I can get mine on is to turn on airplane mode then turn on wifi , then try to call someone and turn on wifi from there. But after I take it out of Airplane mode I have to do it all over. Spent 1 hour on the phone with Verizon . I own my Construction Company and this is the only phone I have for work . On top of that we are in a dead zone in the middle of Denver Colorado where my Home/Office is. 1k POS phone is only good for a paper weight . I have to call with my google home. This is miserable. Yes, I factory reset and trouble shot for more hours than I can spare.

I know this is the S9 forum. But I just got the update on my Note 8 and my work S8. Both of them are having the same issue. There's a notification about Wi-Fi calling Saying to tap here to confirm or update Emergency Location Information. I tap that it Says loading this may take a few moments, then says it's unable to enable Wi-Fi calling. I go through the phone App and settings and try to enable it there and get the same results. Before PIE i had this enabled already on both phones too.

Saw the same issue on a T-Mobile forum. No resolution there either. https://support.t-mobile.com/thread/149929

I updated to pie on my Verizon note 8 yesterday, ever since I've had the same problem as twiggle ^
I can't get rid of the notification to update emergency location information and I can't turn on wifi calling. Same message as him.

Same in Note 8. Prior update fixed it when prior update broke it.
The only non-extreme way to remove notification is to force stop the system app... after every reboot.
Waiting for a VZW hotfix. Like I did for 6 months prior.

Same thing happened to me after the Pie update. Clearing data and cache allowed me to turn it on with my s8+. When I try to update emergency address, that still fails though.