I found something a couple days ago that helps the standby battery life on all Android devices, and figured I'd share for those of you who don't know.
I've tested this on a Captivate and an Evo 3D GSM, and both have noticed significant improvement. Normally if I leave my phone unplugged at night, when I wake up I'd be almost dead. Now, I went to sleep at around 60% Battery, woke up and it was only 40%. Not too shabby.
Anyway, what needs to be done:
1. in the dialer, punch in *#*#4636#*#* (You don't have to press send, it will automatically bring you to the next menu)
2. from here, go to "phone information"
3. There is a dropdown menu that says "Set preferred network type". By default this is set to GSM/CDMA auto(PRL), change it to the specific network type you need. I'm with Rogers, so I went WCDMA only. If you have the Sprint version, you'd go CDMA only.
4. Now, on the main screen again, press Menu>Select Radio Band
5. Select the appropriate band for your location. In Canada, USA is the same band, so I went with this. The options are Automatic, Euro, USA, Japan, AUS, AUS2
6. Exit this screen and use your phone as you usually do now. This won't affect battey usage while actually using it for calls, browsing, etc. But in standby mode it does increase your battery life.
Hope that can help at least a couple people.
How interesting. I remember this setting for the EVO 4G. But, I only drop a few % in standby mode and that's overnight..
I just took a peek first to see. I have two questions.
(1) What's the difference between "CDMA only" and "CDMA auto (PRL)"? Mine was set to the latter.
(2) I pressed menu on both the main screen and under "Phone information". My phone has no selection for "Radio Band".
Mike
1. Not sure. I'd assume cdma only will only care about cdma vs other types of signal. The 3d only has thecdma radio so cdma only would be the way to go for you, I suppose this option is here for dual cdma/hspa phones. There must be some background processes running when you have it in auto mode.
2. No idea here. Perhaps this isn't an option on cdma phones? Doesn't make much sense though. I tested this on my 3d,, captivate and a nexus a, all were hspa phones, but it was there for all of then
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515a using XDA App
mikeyxda said:
I just took a peek first to see. I have two questions.
(1) What's the difference between "CDMA only" and "CDMA auto (PRL)"? Mine was set to the latter.
(2) I pressed menu on both the main screen and under "Phone information". My phone has no selection for "Radio Band".
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I didn't see the radio band selection.
Icepick127001 said:
Agreed. I didn't see the radio band selection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd..
Must be something unique to GSM phones only. Sorry guys. However, I'd imagine setting it to CDMA only would help a bit as well.
Did this on Sprint Evo3D yesterday, there is no option for the radio. Also just going CDMA only still have my standby drain at 39%..
it should be noted OP that this will only work for GSM 3d because CDMA 3d (Sprint) doesnt allow radio band changes since their is no other frequency to receive service from a different carrier. The only two US CDMA providers Verizon and Sprint use the exact same frequency for 3G and 1X which is why CDMA phones are not world phones. Good info though too bad it doesn't apply for the majority of 3d owners
I dialed ##3282# entered msl code and was able to see the setting freeza mentioned.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Related
Checked out a few videos and so far everyone is saying they have not found a way to turn off LTE.
Anyone working on something yet? I travel into area's that are still 3G and I honestly would not like having it searching when there isn't a strong signal
As of now now, no "quick switch" for turning off 4G/LTE. Although it is still possible.
On your phone dial pad type *#*#4636#*#* Phone information > Change radio from CDMA/EVDO/LTE to CDMA auto. Then select turn off radio. Then turn radio back on.
As soon as root is achieved I am sure there will be a quicker way.
Mudavo said:
As of now now, no "quick switch" for turning off 4G/LTE. Although it is still possible.
On your phone dial pad type *#*#4636#*#* Phone information > Change radio from CDMA/EVDO/LTE to CDMA auto. Then select turn off radio. Then turn radio back on.
As soon as root is achieved I am sure there will be a quicker way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does this reset every time the phone does? I'm guessing that it switches to 3g when in 3g coverage? My phone arrives tomorrow but this is very important to me as I commute 2 hours into nyc for my job so half my trip is going to be in 4g while half the trip and me at home will be in 3g.
It should stay upon reset. I don't have my TBolt yet so not positive.
This was one of the first things i looked for when i picked mine up as my battery was screaming down
Anyone having issues with signal on bamf 1.3? Was having problems with 3g dropping out a lot before I flashed. It seems to be worse since I flashed... I'm not in 4G area and remember seeing something about 3g issues when not in 4G.... Anyone have any info on this?
Running BAMF 1.3 with latest kernel from Adrynalyne and seem to have no issues with signal strength.
nerozehl said:
Running BAMF 1.3 with latest kernel from Adrynalyne and seem to have no issues with signal strength.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I havent noticed any difference than stock
No problem here as well.
So far so good. Live in a area with good 4g, but work where 4g is spotty... Haven't noticed any issues vs the stock rom.
I am in no 4G area as well and no problem except I never got more than 2 bars compared to full on my DX. I however changed the settings on the modem (dial ##778# password 000000) so it could be why I have no drops in 3G.
How do to guys get 3g? I'm only getting 4g...
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
infamousxsniper said:
How do to guys get 3g? I'm only getting 4g...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loved the joke
ruddymart said:
Loved the joke
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Click to collapse
It wasn't a joke... If I turn off or switch to just cdma auto I will not get any internet... But I get 4g if I leave it on.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
infamousxsniper said:
It wasn't a joke... If I turn off or switch to just cdma auto I will not get any internet... But I get 4g if I leave it on.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4G will be enabled by default. If it can't find a 4G signal, it will then drop to 3G or 1x.
It's the same way when 3G first came out it tried to stay on that radio band and would only drop to 1x when it HAD to.
If you've done the hack to turn off 4G, then make sure you select CDMA auto (PRL) and NOT CDMA only
For the other peeps new out there reading this and wondering what both I and infamous are talking about, here's the skinny:
There is currently no widget to shut off the 4G radio on demand yet, but we all expect one soon. You can change the radio settings manually by doing the following:
Dial *#*#4636#*#* then select "Phone Information", scroll down to the dropdown box and choose CDMA auto (PRL).
Be advised, this will disable 4G permanently until you follow the same procedure and switch back to CDMA + LTE/EvDo auto
There are a couple of apps floating around that do this for you, as well
eschelon said:
4G will be enabled by default. If it can't find a 4G signal, it will then drop to 3G or 1x.
It's the same way when 3G first came out it tried to stay on that radio band and would only drop to 1x when it HAD to.
If you've done the hack to turn off 4G, then make sure you select CDMA auto (PRL) and NOT CDMA only
For the other peeps new out there reading this and wondering what both I and infamous are talking about, here's the skinny:
There is currently no widget to shut off the 4G radio on demand yet, but we all expect one soon. You can change the radio settings manually by doing the following:
Dial *#*#4636#*#* then select "Phone Information", scroll down to the dropdown box and choose CDMA auto (PRL).
Be advised, this will disable 4G permanently until you follow the same procedure and switch back to CDMA + LTE/EvDo auto
There are a couple of apps floating around that do this for you, as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realized that, I have been using that app called "Any Cut" and made a short cut to my phone info and have been switching it from there. I click "CDMA auto (PRL)" and I get neither 3g or 1x. I used to own an Incredible and I would get 3g almost everywhere and didn't have a problem with it. But now, I either have 4g or no internet connection at all (unless connected to Wifi).
I am getting the same thing. When I use CDMA auto (PRL) I only get 1X. If I use CDMA + LTE/EvDo auto the I will get 3G. I think right now it all depends on where you are located and how many problems Verizon is having in your area. After all this is their first phone to be on this new network setup.
I did the steps here and it helped a ton.
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/th...blems-3g-data-dont-hard-reset-read-first.html
Which ones should we be using for the Tbolt?
So far from what i noticed...
LTE Only (when iuse this i dont get phone calls or cant make calls)
Global+LTE (seems to be the 4g Only mode to me? i canmake calls)
GSM/WCDMA/LTE (not for us? )
CDMA+LTE/EvDO auto (This is for full 1x,3g,4g)
Global (????)
CDMA w/o EvDO- (Guessing just plain 1x?)
CDMA/EvDo Auto (3g/2g? )
i assume we dont use the ones below:
GSM/WCDMA Only
GSM Only
GSM/WCDMA Preffered
I did a quick search but didnt find a answer..
Still Googl'in....
You want to use CDMA+LTE/EvDO auto
I find that i have to set it to CDMA / EvDO and wait for a 1x or 3g connection then switch to the CDMA+LTE?EvDO mode to actually get 4g.
I was hoping i can set it to 4g only again like with The sense roms to save on battery?
No sir
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA Premium App
LTE+Global seems to work too.
LTE alone doesnt let me make phone calls.
My question now is.. what is "Global"?
I'd really like to have this answered as well.. I just flashed Cyanogenmod 7.1.1 and if I use LTE only (like I used on Sense roms) I keep getting sms not delivered errors (haven't tried making a call... but from this thread I'm guessing it won't work)
is Global + LTE our "LTE only" on this rom?
I like using LTE only because the 3g/4g auto choices like to chomp my battery.
(And I second the question: What is "Global"?)
If you're wise, you will avoid messing with those and just use the toggle button on the power widget.
yareally said:
If you're wise, you will avoid messing with those and just use the toggle button on the power widget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand where you're coming from, however, the "4g" option on those types of toggles usually means 4g/3g auto, rather than 4g only. The reason we are looking for the answer for this is we want the 4g only option that will still get voice reception. I like to use the 4g only option to conserve battery (and it makes a huge difference to me, I'm at work for 10.5+ hours a day, and if I have it on 4g/3g auto, it dies pretty quickly. If I have it on 4g only, I can go home with up to 60% of my battery left!)
CaseyJames said:
I understand where you're coming from, however, the "4g" option on those types of toggles usually means 4g/3g auto, rather than 4g only. The reason we are looking for the answer for this is we want the 4g only option that will still get voice reception. I like to use the 4g only option to conserve battery (and it makes a huge difference to me, I'm at work for 10.5+ hours a day, and if I have it on 4g/3g auto, it dies pretty quickly. If I have it on 4g only, I can go home with up to 60% of my battery left!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do "4g only" it's still going to fall back to 1x if LTE is not available. I don't quite see the advantage of it really.
Settings to Try
Cyanogen is built for multiple phones so a lot of these options apply to GSM phones not our CDMA phone, our phones are at their base a CDMA phone with an LTE chip added on for only data access.
so you don't use options that don't reference CDMA.
Cynogenmod doesn't have a CDMA/LTE only mode.
Don't Use
LTE Only - don't use this it turns off the cdma radios, ie no phone calls or texts
GSM/WCDMA/LTE - not for us, this is for GSM or World phones not ours
Global+LTE - (This is for full 1x,3g,4g), but I wouldn't use it, this for for verizon world phones that have CDMA and GSM radios, my guess is that a lot of unnecessary GSM code is running with this option
Global - this for for verizon world phones that have CDMA and GSM radios, my guess is that a lot of unnecessary GSM code is running with this option
Valid options
CDMA+LTE/EvDO auto (This is for full 1x,3g,4g) - this is what the vast majority should use most of the time.
CDMA w/o EvDO- (Guessing just plain 1x?) yes it's just plain 1x, if you really need to save battery life for calls this will save it, but your data will be basically unusable.
CDMA/EvDo Auto - If your in a 3G only area for a long time this can save you some battery life, because it won't constantly be looking for a lte signal that isn't their.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.andirc.lteonfoff
check it
Know what the original setting was? Made the mistake of changing without taking note. Doh.
Benefits? I would like to see a comparison of battery charts.
typhoonikan said:
Benefits? I would like to see a comparison of battery charts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't speak for battery life but the people in this thread claim they have slower speeds with LTE set to CDMA only.
Racer Of All said:
Can't speak for battery life but the people in this thread claim they have slower speeds with LTE set to CDMA only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
huh?
slower LTE speeds when its set on CDMA only?
original settings are "cdma + lte/evdo"
I left mine how it was,I'd imagine the chip is managed by sense and turning off won't help speeds since its not a separate modem like Wimax needed
flex360 said:
huh?
slower LTE speeds when its set on CDMA only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find it strange too, I don't have the phone so I run any tests, just posting what I read in that thread
Cdma only didn't hurt my speed... See pics first pic cdma+ lte
Second is cdma only
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
two more for fun
all the 2000s are cdma only
This should work on our device as well to access some hidden settings. http://blog.onthegosolutions.com/index.php/2012/05/01/hidden-power-saver-menu-htc-one-x/
I'm the proud owner of a brand new, bought outright, E4GLTE, and discovered this thread while searching for terms on this mystery menu known as phone info. The menu actually appeared seemingly at random while I was configuring Widgetoid features.
How does one access the phone info menu intentionally?
Thanks much,
/e
Settings->About (bottom of settings menu)
Sent from my EVO using XDA
I'd be careful with these settings. On the old evo 4g's, folks wound up killing their data and had to go through a headache of profile updates and other nonsense to restore it. Use the options under the settings menu to enable/disable lte.
Some of the code present is a carry over from other devices and isn't applicable to this one. Any non sense (as in a browser not based in sense) launcher will have access to these same functions through the activities/setting selection.
Another useful one is ##debug# and ##data#. With the later you can change a number of things, but again, unless you KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING don't change anything.
On that note, on every phone i've had, i've changed the vocoder to 13K for home&roaming. I realize this is actually overridden by the towers, but I like to think it improves voice quality over ervc.
I was wondering if anyone can confirm if there is a way to disable LTE? I just came from the OG Razr and I was able to use the app "Phone Info" to toggle the LTE and CDMA radios. Is this app specific to Moto devices and will it work with the Samsung Radio? Or is there a better way to turn off LTE?
I'm in a non LTE area at work and want a way to keep it from searching for LTE and draining my battery. Thanks!
Edit: I guess my question is, can someone in a LTE area confirm that it is in fact working? Not being in a LTE area, I do not know how to confirm that the radio is being shut off. Thanks!
toprunner2786 said:
I was wondering if anyone can confirm if there is a way to disable LTE? I just came from the OG Razr and I was able to use the app "Phone Info" to toggle the LTE and CDMA radios. Is this app specific to Moto devices and will it work with the Samsung Radio? Or is there a better way to turn off LTE?
I'm in a non LTE area at work and want a way to keep it from searching for LTE and draining my battery. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work...I know it didnt play nice on some of the gs3 roms. Try it and report back.
I'm in LTE coverage and I've disabled LTE with the Phone Info app. Worked like a charm.
Yep, use the Phone Info app from the Play Store. Once installed, open it up and select "Device information." Scroll down a bit to a the box labeled "Set preferred network type." In the box, select CDMA auto (PRL). That will turn off the LTE radio.
Each time you reboot your phone, it will reset, so you'll have to go back into the app to change things.
bsweetness said:
Yep, use the Phone Info app from the Play Store. Once installed, open it up and select "Device information." Scroll down a bit to a the box labeled "Set preferred network type." In the box, select CDMA auto (PRL). That will turn off the LTE radio.
Each time you reboot your phone, it will reset, so you'll have to go back into the app to change things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this and now my phone will not change back to use 4g, I have tried setting it to Global (that's what it was first) to LTE/CDMA and to LTE only. Anyone know a fix. doesn't matter if you uninstall the app and reboot or even just reboot with the app installed, mine stays stuck.
unolax said:
I did this and now my phone will not change back to use 4g, I have tried setting it to Global (that's what it was first) to LTE/CDMA and to LTE only. Anyone know a fix. doesn't matter if you uninstall the app and reboot or even just reboot with the app installed, mine stays stuck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can change back and forth without any problems. After changing back, it sometimes takes a little bit for the 4G to pick back up. Are you trying to change it back in the phone's settings or through the Phone Info app?
You really dont need phone info. This phone you can change between lte and cdma. Go to settings *more settings and then mobile network. You can change between both there. If I remember correctly you can even put it in global.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
unolax said:
I did this and now my phone will not change back to use 4g, I have tried setting it to Global (that's what it was first) to LTE/CDMA and to LTE only. Anyone know a fix. doesn't matter if you uninstall the app and reboot or even just reboot with the app installed, mine stays stuck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem. I turn off 4G with the Phone Info app but the only way to turn it back on is in Android Settings and not the phone info app.
crazydad said:
You really dont need phone info. This phone you can change between lte and cdma. Go to settings *more settings and then mobile network. You can change between both there. If I remember correctly you can even put it in global.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true anymore. You can't switch it CDMA in the phone's stock settings . Verizon stopped having this option in the settings for any LTE device around the time that the ICS update went out for the RAZR and RAZR MAXX in the spring. It's not in the settings for the Galaxy S3, the DNA, or the Note 2. Verizon wants to move people off the 3G network and onto the 4G network. The only options in the stock settings for the Note 2 are Global, LTE/CDMA, and GSM/UMTS.
Since it can't be changed in the stock settings, that's why people are asking how to put the phone into 3G-only mode. There's a menu that can be accessed through the dialer, but an app like Phone Info makes things a little easier.
Yea, this option works great. I know each one is different, but with mine I had to go into the settings to get it to move back to LTE. Now that I am sure I can get LTE back then I will have qualms about using this. Thanks to the OP for this. Great IDEA!
I've always had luck setting it to "3G Only" in Phone Info, but have found you have to switch back to LTE in the actual Phone Menu.
I'm just disappointed this phone won't do "LTE Only". Was really hoping it would.
Sent From My Galaxy Note 2 using XDA Premium
bmkindoll said:
I've always had luck setting it to "3G Only" in Phone Info, but have found you have to switch back to LTE in the actual Phone Menu.
I'm just disappointed this phone won't do "LTE Only". Was really hoping it would.
Sent From My Galaxy Note 2 using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you put the phone into LTE-only mode, you wouldn't be able to make or receive phone calls and texts. You'd only have data (and only when in LTE areas).
bsweetness said:
If you put the phone into LTE-only mode, you wouldn't be able to make or receive phone calls and texts. You'd only have data (and only when in LTE areas).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone info app only changes the data mode. Even on phones with LTE only, you always are able to make calls and receive texts.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Its TwiX said:
The phone info app only changes the data mode. Even on phones with LTE only, you always are able to make calls and receive texts.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. The Phone Info app changes the entire network connection, not just data. Going into LTE only disables the CDMA radio, which is used for both voice and 3G data. It doesn't separate the two. This is well documented across forums online from people who have tried it. I've also previously tried it on other devices.
On the Note 2, if you select LTE only in the Phone Info app, it doesn't seem to actually put the phone into LTE only mode. If you exit the app and then open it back up, you'll see that it's reverted back to the previous mode (either Global or LTE/CDMA/EvDo). So that would explain still being able to make/receive calls and texts if you tried going into LTE only mode on the Note 2.
But if the phone was truly in LTE only mode, you couldn't make/receive calls or texts.
crazydad said:
You really dont need phone info. This phone you can change between lte and cdma. Go to settings *more settings and then mobile network. You can change between both there. If I remember correctly you can even put it in global.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On this phone you can't choose 3G only by default without an app or other manual commands. Options are for GSM/UMTS, LTE/CDMA, and Global.
Doesn't seem to be turning off the LTE radio
Nonrooted, completely stock.
So, I got phone info, and chose cdma (PRL) only as discussed above.
And, I'm seeing NO improvement in battery life.
Measured anecdotally, over the last several days and from battery monitor widget.
I'm always at approximately 40% by 6pm (after unplugging at 650am) with average usage.
Isn't LTE a power hog? If it's disabled, shouldn't we see a measurable difference in battery life?
Any input greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
F
It does seem to be good at lowering the quality of netflix though so as to save me from running over my data limits.
willfck4beer said:
Nonrooted, completely stock.
So, I got phone info, and chose cdma (PRL) only as discussed above.
And, I'm seeing NO improvement in battery life.
Measured anecdotally, over the last several days and from battery monitor widget.
I'm always at approximately 40% by 6pm (after unplugging at 650am) with average usage.
Isn't LTE a power hog? If it's disabled, shouldn't we see a measurable difference in battery life?
Any input greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The LTE versions of the Note 2 are getting battery life that's on par with the international 3G-only version, even when LTE is in use. So I'm not surprised that you're not finding there to really be a difference. Significant strides have been made over the past year that have made LTE much more energy efficient than it has a reputation for being.
The only time that I'd really think anyone would see a major difference is if you're in a fringe LTE area where the phone is constantly jumping back and forth between LTE and 3G. In a situation like that, disabling LTE will probably lead to a noticeable increase in battery life. Outside of that, the battery drain will probably be pretty similar.
Interesting - thanks for the info!
Seems counterintuitive that turning off a radio and denergizing it would seem to have almost nill effect over several hours - especially in light of the article the other day about how VoLTE was such a huge drain (approx 140%) of regular CDMA voice traffic - due to the peculiar nature of CDMA+LTE with simultaneous voice and lte data.
Odd, another data point, on mine, disabling wifi as well seems to have no substantial affect either.
Maybe this is due to the Qualcomm ?gobi? chip? Supposed to be pretty badass iirc.
Hate to necro-bump this thread, but is there a way to do this still? For whatever reason, LTE at my desk at work gets almost zero data while 3g works fine (albeit a little slow). The app mentioned previously doesn't seem to have any way to change settings.
akellar said:
Hate to necro-bump this thread, but is there a way to do this still? For whatever reason, LTE at my desk at work gets almost zero data while 3g works fine (albeit a little slow). The app mentioned previously doesn't seem to have any way to change settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still works on mine:
bsweetness said:
Yep, use the Phone Info app from the Play Store. Once installed, open it up and select "Device information." Scroll down a bit to a the box labeled "Set preferred network type." In the box, select CDMA auto (PRL). That will turn off the LTE radio.
Each time you reboot your phone, it will reset, so you'll have to go back into the app to change things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse