Tip for forcing 3G or HSDPA only on Android/Samsung devices

[Bobbin]

In theory when Android network settings is on WCDMA only it is supposed to idle on 3G and then bump up to H or H+ when data transfer occurs. At least this is the answer I found everywhere on google when the question of forcing one or the other is posed. Then most people try push the fact the 3G and HSDPA is the same thing so what the problem is?, rather irritating if you ask me as this is beside the point.

The problem is the above ideal 3G H/H+ changeover doesn't happen as it should, instead the device seems to frequently jump between the two DURING DATA TRANSFER and subsequently cause connection interrupts, lag and I can only imagine a tremendous amount of battery loss (despite the fact that every muppet knows 3G uses more battery than 2G, but once again besides the point). And this happens to me in areas where coverage is supposed to be excellent (Vodacom to blame maybe?).

I have noticed this problem on the following:
Samsung Galaxy SI
Samsung Galaxy SII
Samsung P6200 Plus 7" Tablet

Common denominator being Samsung so I can't confirm if this happens on any other brands. But has occurred for me on different Android versions on these devices.

The fix:

Dial *#301279# on the phone and go through the "Change HSPA Revision" menu. Choose a release number of your choice (3G only, HSDPA only or both)
Dial *#*#301279#*#* on the tablet for the same menu
Or just stick with Edge/GPRS as if simply browsing the Play Store can honestly function at this speed in which case you will give up and change back to 3G and put up with the above problem :/

You may have to repeat this process if the setting resets itself, so keep it handy. There is one report of the SII not keeping this setting but not confirmed. Otherwise there seems to be little other info about this trick online so I thought to post it here.

I also don't know if this code is for Samsung only but it seems so.

Cheers

 

[CranialBlaze]

I can confirm *#*#301279#*#* for the Galaxy Note, as far as I know these particular codes are samsung only, other manufacturers have their own or simply don't need them as they give you a full set of logical options in the settings, like "3G Only"

THe problem with the HSDPA levels is not so much coverage but the major extra juice it drains over 3G and as far as we know local networks do not support, Fast Idle (I think), networks that support it cause the modes to drop down after 7 seconds of inactivity or lack of need, like when your phones screen is off. So without it if you in H+ its 30 seconds and then down to H, another 30 seconds to 3G, then another 30 to EDGE and another 30 to GPRS and another 30 to Idle mode.

Fast idle gets rid of all these steps and allows an almost instant jump from idle to H+ and visa versa without having to connect to each network separate before upgrading or downgrading. So forcing your phone to 3G only saves you about 90 seconds of wasted connection time, possibly some money too and not to mention 3G is more friendly when in use as well and more than fast enough.

 

[reactor_sa]

Try a different modem, I'm using LP3 on the s2 because it jumps between 3g and h+ less than any other modem I've tested (and the signal is good). LPS is the next best but I think it changes more often if you ask me.

 

[CranialBlaze]

Try a different modem, I'm using LP3 on the s2 because it jumps between 3g and h+ less than any other modem I've tested (and the signal is good). LPS is the next best but I think it changes more often if you ask me.

New modem may help, but the Fast Idle is an international thing, its something that needs to be upgraded on a tower by tower basis. There is a nice Video on XDA explaining and demonstrating what the problem actually is and how it goes about wasting battery.

 

[NeonNinja]

Don't work...

 

[Omgee]

Hi, is there perhaps a similar number but for Vodafone. My new LTE capable vodafone smart speed stays connected on connection H and when I go onto the internet it turns to H+ which is nice and fast but then while I'm busy reading the article or watching the video it turns back to H and when trying to navigate away somewhere else even google the connection is unavailable for a while , and sometimes a mobile connection reset is needed other times a reboot of the phone. Mostly it comes back on after maybe 20 secs of repetitive browser restarting