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New_User2013's profile

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32 Messages

Sunday, July 31st, 2016 4:11 PM

Galaxy S5 Won't Switch to Microcell Automatically

I've found some similar posts for other Galaxy phone models. I wanted to make sure I posted something for the S5 G900A. The problem is that the S5 won't switch from an AT&T cell tower connection to my Microcell without me turning Airplane Mode on and back off, or without me rebooting the phone. Once it's connected, it has full bars and stays connected until I leave the house and it switches to a cell tower. The problem seems to have gotten worse as new AT&T security updates have been pushed out. It did not happen at all with my Galaxy S2, which I used for about 4 years with the exact same Microcell configuration.

I have the older, white Microcell. The S5 is using Android 5.1.1, Baseband G900AUCS4CPA5 and Android Security Patch Level 2016-07-01. After the most recent security update, it has gone from a sporadic issue to a constant, reproducible problem.

When I go into More Networks and tell it to Search for AT&T Microcell, it fails every time. Toggling Airplane Mode or restarting the phone will cause it to connect it to the Microcell every time. The connection then stays at full bars and works perfectly. I'd like to not have to toggle Airplane Mode every time I come home to use the Microcell. Even if the poor cell tower signal drops to nothing in my house, the phone won't switch to the Microcell on its own.

I have un-plugged and re-plugged the Microcell multiple times. I un-registered/re-registered it when I first got the S5.

Any suggestions? Anyone else having this problem with a Galaxy S5 G900A?

ACE - Expert

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23.9K Messages

8 years ago

@New_User2013 - I agree. However, according to AT&T, the MicroCell and WiFi-C are similar in that they are designed to fill in gaps in coverage when macrocell (tower) connection is weak or non-existant. They are not designed to be a full-scale replacement for a macrocell connection. Even the OEMs are on board with that. WiFi-C is more robust and reliable than the MicroCell in most cases, so it is a step in the right direction provided you have a phone that supports WiFi-C.

 

Aggressive testing by the OEM's and the networks should be more comprehensive than it is but it's not. Android further complicates the picture due to the multitude of devices available and all the "stuff" that the OEM's and carriers throw on it to make them unique for the user and the carrier. Not to mention the numerous OS's available. That's still no excuse for the carriers not to work more closely with the OEM's to make sure their devices work well.

Community Support

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230.7K Messages

8 years ago

Hello @New_User2013!

 

Thanks for the update! Also, thank you OttoPylot for all of the information! It is always greatly appreciated!!

 

You mentioned wanting to look into new plans, what plan are you currently on? The plans that we currently offer are our Mobile Share Advantage plans. All of these plans include unlimited text and talk, you just choose the amount of data that you want and that best fits your needs.

 

Also, you stated that you are not receiving voicemail message indicators when on Wi-Fi calling. Are you using basic voicemail or visual voicemail? I suggest checking out our support article Manage voicemail notification alerts. There is a troubleshooting link at the bottom that will bring you to a troubleshooting tool we offer. After selecting your make and model, there will be an option for Voicemail under Select a Service-Related Issue.

 

I hope this information helps! Keep us updated and have a wonderful day!

 

Tim, AT&T Community Specialist

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