[Q] [SOLVED] T-Mobile G2, no service anywhere, error while searching for networks - G2 and Desire Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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!
Click to expand...
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.

Related

HELP! Major network problem :(

Hi all,
I got my Desire from the British carrier "Three" last April when it came out. It was stocked with Android 2.1 but the phone was unbranded and not locked so making life much easier.
I rooted the phone weeks later and flashed a number of various roms and radios (usually newest ones recommended by rom developers) and just played around with them. No problems ever occured and everything went smooth.
However a while ago (about 4 weeks I would say) strange thing happened: when the carrier 3 does not gave 3G coverage it usually switches to other network's 2G roaming service. It is also possible to switch to 2G permanently by forcing it via phone settings. It stopped working in Central London for me while still worked elsewhere (very strange) so I had to rely only on 3G service. I thought it was a network issue at first but now I'm not sure.
Later (or at least so I noticed) the connectivity started fooling around: even when standstill (i.e. NOT in a train, bus etc.) and staying at home the network connectivity just disappears all of a sudden. Sometimes it comes back by itself and sometimes I just do it manually via netowking settings. This is much more common when on the move (i.e. on the train etc. even though it never used to happen before). Moreover, sometimes while manually searching for network it says "your sim would not allow to connect to this network" even though I try to connect to the correct one. Instead I switch "WCDMA only" and "WCDMA/GSM auto" options and connection comes back by itself. Then it disappears again after a while. Even more strangely, connection does not disappear if I am talking on the phone with someone but in other situations (such as browsing internet) it just disappears and I see no bars in network reception indicator and cannot connect to internet or make phone calls.
I know 3 has a reputation (deserved or not) of having "bad" network but I don't think this has anything to do with that. My Desire used to work fine before and never had such problems (except in specific spots which have bad coverage). Moreover, I have another old phone and it works fine without any problems with networking while the Desire messes around. I am sure it has either to do with firmware or, worse, hardware.
I have tried a number of roms, radios and settings and it's the same thing all over.
If nothing works is there a way I can still bring it to warranty service after flashing "unrooted" stock rom if there is one available? I'm so frustrated because I have no idea why this is happening.
Its because three have switched off 2g roaming I have the same problem. Search Google
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.

No service.

Hi.
I have m919 T-Mobile Galaxy s4 but I'm with other carrier (Wind Canada).
I spent yesterday in environment where I didn't had coverage for most of the day, but i haven't gotten it back yet. Sounds really weird as it might be not connected to the fact at all. I have 4G connection active, which means that I have internet, but it keeps 'searching' for service and I can't Call/Text anyone, neither I can receive calls or texts. Instead of the bar at the top showing how good coverage i have it just shows a crossed out circle icon.
I've tried reboots, keeping my phone off for 30mins without battery, taking out sim and putting it back in, changing network modes and resetting APN (all from settings panel).
Have anyone experienced something like that and how do I fix it? It was working perfectly for last couple of months and the phone didn't get any damage yesterday neither.
re: network issues
kokozaurs said:
Hi.
I have m919 T-Mobile Galaxy s4 but I'm with other carrier (Wind Canada).
I spent yesterday in environment where I didn't had coverage for most of the day, but i haven't gotten it back yet. Sounds really weird as it might be not connected to the fact at all. I have 4G connection active, which means that I have internet, but it keeps 'searching' for service and I can't Call/Text anyone, neither I can receive calls or texts. Instead of the bar at the top showing how good coverage i have it just shows a crossed out circle icon.
I've tried reboots, keeping my phone off for 30mins without battery, taking out sim and putting it back in, changing network modes and resetting APN (all from settings panel).
Have anyone experienced something like that and how do I fix it? It was working perfectly for last couple of months and the phone didn't get any damage yesterday neither.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to go into settings>more networks>mobile networks>network operators and click "search now".
That will bring up the available networks and you need to choose the network which is your carrier.
It may take a few minutes until it stops scanning so have patience and don't back out of networks.
Good luck!
Misterjunky said:
Try to go into settings>more networks>mobile networks>network operators and click "search now".
That will bring up the available networks and you need to choose the network which is your carrier.
It may take a few minutes until it stops scanning so have patience and don't back out of networks.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried that! After a while it finds my network, the coverage bars appear for a while, but then they disappear. During that time when they're appeared I can't make any calls either, once it gave me error that It can't register to network which is weird because my data is running from sim pretty good. Today I tried to go to my operator store to let me try a different SIM card - no change.
Misterjunky said:
Try to go into settings>more networks>mobile networks>network operators and click "search now".
That will bring up the available networks and you need to choose the network which is your carrier.
It may take a few minutes until it stops scanning so have patience and don't back out of networks.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any other suggestions? By the way I rooted the phone about 1.5 months ago if that makes any difference.
I'm really desperate for solution :/
kokozaurs said:
Do you have any other suggestions? By the way I rooted the phone about 1.5 months ago if that makes any difference.
I'm really desperate for solution :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest you reset your device to factory default. If that doesn't work, unroot your device and return to stock. If still it doesn't work, bring your device for warranty.

No Mobile Data

Hi, its my first post on the Z1C forum.
I just got one yesterday to replace my Nexus 5 and am accounting a few things I need help with since I am new to the xperia line of phones.
So my phone looks like this (for data) however I can't browse anything. I have mobile data enabled, national roaming and preferred network being 4G but nothing is working. With my Nexus 5 my data just worked so I am unsure why this is happening here. I can send texts and make calls just fine. Phone is on lolipop 5.0.2
The wifi signal in my room is terrible and its constantly dropping and when that happens I can't do anything with it.
I am on tesco mobile with a 2GB 4G plan.
http://imgur.com/GBhJJEW
--------
Edit: So I looked around I went into mobile network and scanned, found tesco and registered. So I have 3G data now, but 4G isn't registering. Maybe I need to phone up Tesco and ask them.
Or maybe it's just not a 4G mast where you're connecting?
Is problem "no mobile data at all" or "no LTE connection" ?
Can you transfer data on 3G?
If so - check twice if your SIM card is LTE compatible.
I had to adjust the APN on my phone when I first got it as the one it autodetected wasnt correct. Try that out.
Hi so i just got a z1c and this happened to me. I could send and get text/calls even get notifications and updates. I called sony and t-mobile, nether could help me. Then i found a option under "more" in settings to update "Internet settings" find your server and hit ok. Try it out, i hope this helps.
In my case I needed to contact my carrier to enable 4G. Tried it?
Not sent by me.
settings.>>other>>>internet settings>>>download internet and mms settings...
this should do the trick...
Inconsistent Connection
I got my Z1C a few days ago and updated it to Lollipop yesterday. Ever since the update, the phone has been dropping data connection. I don't know what's the initial cause yet but as it stands, in order to get it working again I have to take out the SIM and reinsert it multiple times. I'm watching it carefully tho because it seems to happen whenever I start Candy Crush. Is there anybody else having this experience?

Question Unable to retain/regain signal without reboot/airplane mode toggle

I'm at my wit's end with this. I got this phone last year and it worked perfect until the stock Android 13 update. Then it wouldn't hold a signal to save its own life. I finally have wifi here so it's not as much of an issue, but when I leave my house I have to toggle airplane mode to get it to work again, or it's stuck on "emergency calling only" forever. I did recently put Lineage on it, thinking maybe that would help. The last couple updates it's a little better, it will sometimes get signal back on its own. However more often than not I have to toggle airplane mode or reboot to get service back. This happens all the time, a dozen or more times a day depending on how often I lose service. I did try to search the forums for an answer, but I kept getting errors back with the exception of one result with the same issue that said "tmobile only" under the fix.
I have:
Reset network settings
Reset APN
Manually selected a carrier and switched it back
Cleared cache through Android Settings
disabled/enabled mobile data
Toggled Mobile data always active
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Seriously considering going back to my LG G8 ThinQ and selling this thing, but I love the cameras on it. Side note: When I put the SIM in my old phone none of these problems exist.
Model: LE2125
Carrier: Verizon
Lineage ver.: 20230613
Caboose27 said:
I'm at my wit's end with this. I got this phone last year and it worked perfect until the stock Android 13 update. Then it wouldn't hold a signal to save its own life. I finally have wifi here so it's not as much of an issue, but when I leave my house I have to toggle airplane mode to get it to work again, or it's stuck on "emergency calling only" forever. I did recently put Lineage on it, thinking maybe that would help. The last couple updates it's a little better, it will sometimes get signal back on its own. However more often than not I have to toggle airplane mode or reboot to get service back. This happens all the time, a dozen or more times a day depending on how often I lose service. I did try to search the forums for an answer, but I kept getting errors back with the exception of one result with the same issue that said "tmobile only" under the fix.
I have:
Reset network settings
Reset APN
Manually selected a carrier and switched it back
Cleared cache through Android Settings
disabled/enabled mobile data
Toggled Mobile data always active
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Seriously considering going back to my LG G8 ThinQ and selling this thing, but I love the cameras on it. Side note: When I put the SIM in my old phone none of these problems exist.
Model: LE2125
Carrier: Verizon
Lineage ver.: 20230613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe contact Verizon support. They should be able to fix it or at least tell you what the problem is.
TheGhost1951 said:
Maybe contact Verizon support. They should be able to fix it or at least tell you what the problem is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that. I couldn't get anyone that was a technician on the phone and eventually after three days of not getting an answer they closed the ticket.
Caboose27 said:
I tried that. I couldn't get anyone that was a technician on the phone and eventually after three days of not getting an answer they closed the ticket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW, glad I am with TMO. Their support is the best I have ever worked with. To me they set the standard.
You said you reset the APN, but did you check to see if the APN is the same as on your other phone that doesn't have any issues with mobile service? Maybe check to see if they are the same, and if not put the APN in that works
Amazoniac said:
You said you reset the APN, but did you check to see if the APN is the same as on your other phone that doesn't have any issues with mobile service? Maybe check to see if they are the same, and if not put the APN in that works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good idea, I'll do that tomorrow. Thaanks!
Assuming you're unlocked and rooted since running Lineage, so add this module in Magisk, and maybe also enable mobile data always active in developer settings for now as well.
[TMO] OOS/COS DATA FIX
TO CLARIFY THIS IS A ROOT ONLY FIX After gaining root install given module. Data is now retained. Even after reboot(s). No empty slot or waiting. Issue is TMO variant is showing multi sim. So props were added to make it like a conversion to...
forum.xda-developers.com
Caboose27 said:
I'm at my wit's end with this. I got this phone last year and it worked perfect until the stock Android 13 update. Then it wouldn't hold a signal to save its own life. I finally have wifi here so it's not as much of an issue, but when I leave my house I have to toggle airplane mode to get it to work again, or it's stuck on "emergency calling only" forever. I did recently put Lineage on it, thinking maybe that would help. The last couple updates it's a little better, it will sometimes get signal back on its own. However more often than not I have to toggle airplane mode or reboot to get service back. This happens all the time, a dozen or more times a day depending on how often I lose service. I did try to search the forums for an answer, but I kept getting errors back with the exception of one result with the same issue that said "tmobile only" under the fix.
I have:
Reset network settings
Reset APN
Manually selected a carrier and switched it back
Cleared cache through Android Settings
disabled/enabled mobile data
Toggled Mobile data always active
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Seriously considering going back to my LG G8 ThinQ and selling this thing, but I love the cameras on it. Side note: When I put the SIM in my old phone none of these problems exist.
Model: LE2125
Carrier: Verizon
Lineage ver.: 20230613
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exact same issue, unlocked LE2125, TMobile simcard. Didn't have issue on custom ROM, but this is happening on OOS13. Tried everything NSA SA 5g dev settings nothing worked. Living with trying to remember to toggle airplane mode periodically.
Try App "connection stabilizer booster" actually helps w root
Connection Stabilizer Booster - Apps on Google Play
Fix cell and wifi connectivity issues. Improve your mobile internet experience.
play.google.com
Life got in the way and I haven't had a chance to try this yet. Probably this coming weekend.

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