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Samsung Droid Charge -- No 4g or 3g network connection

I've just recently gotten the Samsung Droid Charge and activated my SIM card on it, but for some reason, it will not connect to the 4g or 3g network even when mobile data is on. I know my SIM card works because I can make calls and text, but I cannot browse the internet. I've tried going to settings and enabling mobile networks, turning airplane mode on and off, and even enabling roaming, but nothing seems to be working. I can connect to a WiFi network perfectly fine. It just won't connect to the Verizon network. Is the phone defective or am I not doing something that I should be doing? Thanks for the help.

Comments

gjhsmith

I just upgraded to the Droid Charge and I am having the same problem. It shows little or no 3g service ugh.

If you get answers please let me know

THanks

Gjshsmith

mclovin33

What I did to get it to work was to go into Settings->Wireless & network->Mobile Networks->System Selection and change the setting from "LTE automatic" to CDMA mode. I know that I will not pick up a 4g signal with this setting, but there isn't 4g at my house anyways, so I would rather have slower data-mode than no data-mode. As soon as I changed this, I had 3g right away again.

vidguy7

mclovin33 wrote:
What I did to get it to work was to go into Settings->Wireless & network->Mobile Networks->System Selection and change the setting from "LTE automatic" to CDMA mode. I know that I will not pick up a 4g signal with this setting, but there isn't 4g at my house anyways, so I would rather have slower data-mode than no data-mode. As soon as I changed this, I had 3g right away again.

The problem that I and others have is living in a 4G area where the phone needs to switch from 4G to 3G and, as we've found, invariably to 1X too. If we leave the Charge on CDMA only, then what's the point of getting a 4G phone? Just today I was in an area where there was supposed to be 4G not far from my house. We went inside a pizza place to get a slice and bam, I had only a 1X signal and the infamous 'no data' and my wife's Iphone 4 went merrily along. Of course outside the pizza place I only had a 3G signal, no 4G. The Verizon maps are meaningless.

Verizon has no answer for this problem as you can see from these boards. Mums the word.

paperclips

Good luck getting them to do ANYTHING besides have you reset the phone everytime you call in (resetting for me at least makes it work for a good 10 minutes...). It's been like that since the day I got the phone. It's awesome because they're going to keep charging you month after month for this service that you can't even use.

DroidCharge

SAME ISSUE HERE:

Mobile Data ON: Mobile Data ON Picture

Error Message: Error Message Picture

Seems like a common occurance.

I have two phones, Droid Charge and Droid X on two different VZW lines.

The Droid X with no connection issues. 3G service. Accessing all data on my phone (market, apps, websites).

But I look over at my Droid Charge and no 3G, no data connections, market wont work, websites from my phones browser will not work.

But then in a few minutes it comes on. It is like it has a mind of its own.

If there was a fix, an app running in the background?

I took the phone to a Certified VZW Service area and they went into the browser and cleared the cache, cookie, and history. Then like before it started working after a few minutes and the tech was convinced that that was the fix. I am not.

VERIZON? Any information for your customers?

Booch

I've had the same issue as you have mentioned. I'm paying for monthly data usage, but not really getting it.

So far, Verizon has not been very helpful. I called Samsung yesterday and they said they were unaware of any of these issues.

Verizon, it is probably time that you make a statement and acknowledge this issue. I paid $300 for a phone and pay over $100 a month for service and this is how I get treated?

vidguy7

DroidCharge wrote:
SAME ISSUE HERE:

Mobile Data ON: Mobile Data ON Picture

Error Message: Error Message Picture

Seems like a common occurance.

I have two phones, Droid Charge and Droid X on two different VZW lines.

The Droid X with no connection issues. 3G service. Accessing all data on my phone (market, apps, websites).
But I look over at my Droid Charge and no 3G, no data connections, market wont work, websites from my phones browser will not work.

But then in a few minutes it comes on. It is like it has a mind of its own.

If there was a fix, an app running in the background?

I took the phone to a Certified VZW Service area and they went into the browser and cleared the cache, cookie, and history. Then like before it started working after a few minutes and the tech was convinced that that was the fix. I am not.

VERIZON? Any information for your customers?

Ah yes, that wonderful little yellow box "no network"...gotta love it. I'll bet the ranch you won't have a fix from what the tech did, no way no how. As with every other 'fix', it will be short term, either in minutes or hours. And if you're looking for help from VZW, I've got a bridge I can sell you.

vidguy7

Booch wrote:
I've had the same issue as you have mentioned. I'm paying for monthly data usage, but not really getting it.

So far, Verizon has not been very helpful. I called Samsung yesterday and they said they were unaware of any of these issues.

Verizon, it is probably time that you make a statement and acknowledge this issue. I paid $300 for a phone and pay over $100 a month for service and this is how I get treated?

What **bleep** me off more than anything is when tech after tech says "gee, we've never heard of that before". GIMME A BREAK! You mean to tell me that none of these techs have the phone, none of the VZW sales people have the phone, only WE have the phone? Almost anyone that travels with this phone will run into the problem at one time or another. So for them to tell us they've never heard of the issue is just pure **bleep**. I think all tech people for all companies are trained on the first day of training: "OK class, repeat after me 'we've never heard of that problem'.

dantivirus

I am literally getting sick of this. I live within a 4G area, never get a 4G signal unless I go to the airport. Joy.

Now since Friday my phone keeps going from no data, 1x data, 3G data. It will not stay on 3G even if I switch it to CDMA only and turn off LTE. Most of the time it's getting no data or 1x, 3G comes and goes. It's not my phone as they have already replaced it once and other Charge users in my area are getting the exact same issue.

What is going on? Tech support has zero clue, Samsung has zero clue. No one in authority seems to have a single clue.

First, I need answers this is simply silly that I cannot get an answer on this issue. Second, why in blazes does your 4G LTE site keep telling me over and over I have 4G LTE coverage at my house and area when I can only pick it up at the airport?

I just want some honest answers from Verizon on these issues please.

Ray999

DroidCharge wrote:
SAME ISSUE HERE:

Mobile Data ON: Mobile Data ON Picture

Error Message: Error Message Picture

Seems like a common occurance.

I have two phones, Droid Charge and Droid X on two different VZW lines.

The Droid X with no connection issues. 3G service. Accessing all data on my phone (market, apps, websites).
But I look over at my Droid Charge and no 3G, no data connections, market wont work, websites from my phones browser will not work.

But then in a few minutes it comes on. It is like it has a mind of its own.

If there was a fix, an app running in the background?

I took the phone to a Certified VZW Service area and they went into the browser and cleared the cache, cookie, and history. Then like before it started working after a few minutes and the tech was convinced that that was the fix. I am not.

VERIZON? Any information for your customers?

This is a very common occurrance for me as of late when I am at my office which usually just has 3G. It has happened at my home also which usually has very good 4G. Toggling Airplane mode works sometimes other times it takes a reboot to get a connection back. Frustrating to say the least.

unknown

Good Morning!

Thank you to the community for your contributions!

This is a concern that Samsung and VZW are investigating together to correct for our customers.

In the mean time, please ensure to check the following: Menu>Settings>> Wireless and Network>>Mobile Networks and ensure 'Use Packet Data' is checked and System Selection is on 'LTE'.

Please PM me your name and mobile number so I may escalate this issue further for you!

Thank you!

vidguy7

Adam I PM'd you last week but did not hear back from you. My settings are exactly like you stated as they are for almost all the people that have the same issue on the many forums where this is discussed.

I AM glad to hear that finally VZW and Samsung have acknowledged the issue exists and was not fixed in the EE4 upadate. I have instances of this 'data connectivity' almost every day and my wife's IPhone is always the 'benchmark' to prove that we are not in any 'deadspots' or there is not any trouble with the Verizon system when I'm experiencing these issues. I can also attest to the fact that my first Charge showed exactly the same problems as my current Charge.

I know that these issues are not the result of a defective phone per se, but either a serious design flaw in the phone itself or something inherent in the VZW 4G system that also impacts how 3G is received by these 4G phones. The problem is never manifested in phone calls but rather just data and any application that requires that data.

Frankly I'm amazed that these 4G phones got through VZW QC. I just can't imagine the testing didn't bring out these issues since they are so widespread.

Booch

I have been playing around with the settings as well, trying to find a perfect combination. Unfortunately, I don't believe one exists.

Just like vidguy7, I am on my second phone and unsure if our problems are the result of a faulty phone or a poor design by Verizon infrastructure.

In the mean time, I guess I will continue giving over $100 a month to Verizon for TERRIBLE and UNRELIABLE service.

I am starting to get very disgusted at this issue. I feel as if we are guinea pigs that have been tricked into false pretenses. Not only is Verizon ignoring the issue, but there will not be any type of compensation for our troubles. I'm not out to get rich or cheat the system, but Verizon could easily provide us a free accessory or reduce our monthly bill for one month.

VERIZON--Should customers be forced into restarting their new, expensive phones several times in one day? Is that a good customer experience? When can we expect to see a resolution? (I know Verizon won't answer these questions. They'll continue to answer the questions like "How do I move widgets?")

MrBrent

I am having all the same issues detailed by others with my new Samsung Charge.

It's ironic -- just after I got it, I was bragging about all the cool things this phone could do compared to my previous Blackberry, but I'm ready to go back to a Blackberry. It worked flawlessly for all the basics -- phone (never dropped a call and got reception where many others couldn't,) email, calendar and internet connectivity.

All the apps are useless if you can't use the phone or get online, right?

Seems to me that Smart Phone is a bit of a misnomer -- smart, maybe, but phone? -- only part-time.

After reading your posts, I'm taking mine back tonight to exchange for something that works.

PeterDLai

I'm not sure if I have the same exact issue as you guys or not... it seems like every once in a while, my 4G LTE connection will stall, but when this happens, it doesn't switch to 3G or 1X or anything, the 4G LTE icon remains but there is no downstream connectivity. When this happens, I can usually see some upstream connectivity (the up arrow flashes occasionally), but either I wait it out (can range anywhere from 5-10 seconds to several minutes) and it will automatically start working again or I am forced to toggle airplane mode/mobile data or toggle between CDMA only/LTE automatic modes to get it back working instantly.

I noticed in the Anandtech review of this phone that the reviewer had the same exact behavior: "My only complaint is that every once in a while, the LTE data session sometimes stalls briefly – sometimes for a a few seconds, other times for a few minutes. When that happens, you’ll see the uplink green arrow blink, but no orange downlink arrow. Rebooting the device fixes things."

What it sounds like to me is you guys are experiencing issues with 3G/4G handoff, but mine doesn't appear to be switching at all, just losing connectivity (which is quite annoying when I'm streaming anything a la Internet radio, YouTube, Justin.tv, etc.). At first I thought it was an issue with Verizon's LTE network, but the reviewer at Anandtech (who also reviewed the Thunderbolt/Revolution) didn't experience this with the other two LTE phones.

It may have something to do with the RIL Samsung wrote for this device as I actually found this thread pertaining to the Galaxy S II and data connection stalling, which sounds eerily similar to the problem you guys seem to be having except in their case, switching between 3G and HSPA+.

Regardless of how this issue is perceived by any one of us, the bottom line is that the data connection drops are a definite flaw of this otherwise great phone, and I really hope it's something that they will recognize and fix, whether it be through software (RIL) or hardware (firmware update).

vidguy7

That thread you cited runs about 12 pages and many of the complaints do sound similar to what we're experiencing here. That's not a good sign since it really may show a hardware issue with these Samsung phones. But again, how is it possible that VZW didn't pick this up in their QC testing before the phone was released?

rentien

Hi All,

I just wanted to add that I also have this issue as well.

No consistent 4G connection in areas that are solidly 4G according to many Verizon Reps. I even went into a Verizon store, and they had a Mifi device showing it was getting 4G reception at the time, but my Droid Charge was on 3G. I also many times go down to 1X, when other friends around me consistently get 3G reception.

isosunrise2

I got the phone last week and am expericing the same problems in a high 3G/4G city, San Francisco. I want to add due to the constant data dropping/switching, the battery also drains like crazy for me, roughly 8% per hour doing nothing... When I disable mobile data, it is back to normal. This is in a high 3G/4G area.

isosunrise2

I am also expericing this issue in a high 3G/4G area, San Francisco. I also believe this data dropping is also causing the phone to drain battery like crazy... 8% per hour. When I disable mobile data (ie, it is no longer search, but it still has voice data), the phone drains as normal. Verizon/Samsung, please fix this soon.

notagain1

Well, add me to the list of disgruntled Droid Charge and/or Verizon 4G users. It looks as though I am having the same problems most of the others are having. I work in a strong 4G area - Pasadena, CA, and today, after having to restart my phone to get ANY mobile data network connection, I started getting a strong 4G response. At lunchtime, I traveled a couple of miles within the city (just up the street from a Verizon support center), and had to once again Restart to get a network - in this case it picked up the 4G network again. And, I too, have noticed that the battery is draining far too quickly as a result of this problem. This is not acceptable service and/or technology. Is the same problem occuring with the HTC Thunderbolt? Similar to another's report, I was at a party the other night, and was not able to pick up any data network (before I had discovered the Restart requirement), while all the while friends using IPhones and other smartphones were getting to the network. This is a sad commentary for Samsung and Verizon, and I expect something to be done about it. We are not getting the service and technology we are paying for.

SteveG07

I also have the same problem on my new Samsung Charge. The network seems to be fine if I'm at home and not moving around, where it probably only "talks" to one Verizon tower.

The moment I move around San Francisco or drive to work, the network coverage gets very spotty in an area that should have 100% coverage.

It loses the 4G/LTE signal, while maintaining voice reception, and doesn't drop down to 3G. When I put it in CDMA mode instead of LTE Automatic, it tries to use 3G, usually fails, tries 1x, fails. Pretty much can't use data at all when driving around. I suspect that the phone software is not handling the negotiation between the current cell tower and the next one down the road, and then it gets lost trying to find the old one again. Something like that.

svzurich

I am having the same issue. Last night I was running the battery down to condition it before bed. Once depleted I plugged it in and though nothing of it. Upon getting up for work today I saw that the phone has no data. I've played with the settings and can still get 3G data with CDMA automatic, but that icon is cycling between arrows lit, arrows gray, and the letter D. Select LTE automatic and I get nothing. Wifi works still, but 4G LTE is a no go. It worked dreamy over the last 5 days until now.

WCMack

Dear svzurich,

The Li-ion battery in your Charge does not need to be conditioned, and in fact deep discharging will shorten the life of your battery. I took the below information from batteryuniversity.com.

Similar to a mechanical device that wears out faster with heavy use, so also does the depth of discharge (DoD) determine the cycle count. The smaller the depth of discharge, the longer the battery will last. If at all possible, avoid frequent full discharges and charge more often between uses. If full discharges cannot be avoided, try utilizing a larger battery. Partial discharge on Li-ion is fine; there is no memory and the battery does not need periodic full discharge cycles other than to calibrate the fuel gauge on a smart battery.

Hope this helps.

svzurich

Good to know WCM! Thank you. Seen so many conflicting reports that I never can remember which is the current theory. :smileyhappy:

WCMack

It was the older generation of Ni-Cad batteries that needed conditioning and frequent deep discharging. Otherwise, the battery woud acquire "memory" and not fully discharge when you wanted it to.

ts47

I have no 4G or 3G connection issues outside DC. I don't believe this is the norm for most Charge owners. I would call tech support about that. Those guys are great! Some other tips are;

1. Don't install app killers or apps that claim to extend battery life on this phone unless you are sure they are compatible and you really know what you are doing. Adding these apps could easily case issues with data connectivity. Also, the Charge comes with its own app killer. If you have installed any of these apps, try uninstalling and doing a factory reset to correct your problems.

2. Try turning off wifi. If your phone is trying to access a wifi signal, the other data connections won't work.

3. Be very careful changing settings in the phone. Some of the forums out there give instructions how to access secret menus and such. While I don't have a problem with a little creativity on the part of the Android community, you should make sure you have any signal problems worked out before going there.

4. It is possible you could have a defective phone. Samsung has probably sold 200,000 of these things. The occasional bad phone would not be surprising.

I hope this helps.

BTW... There is a photo in this thread that shows the supposed problem. From looking at this photo, it looks like your problem was trying to access the internet BEFORE your phone has finished booting.

ts47

CORRECTION TO THE ABOVE POST: I mean to say, I don't believe most Charge owners have problems with their 3G or 4G connections. After rereading my post, it just didn't read the way I intended it to.

ts47

Hey Verizon Guys... I had a conversation with someone who had the problems that are being complained about in this thread. He claimed that the Verizon store installed Green Power on his phone before he left the store without his knowledge. He also said something about a setting that was disabled that allowed the phone to wake once a data packet is received. These two combined problems made his phone drop data connections. Uninstalling Green Power and enabling that setting fixed his phone.

Here are my questions:

1. Is it appropriate/allowed for your stores to install these apps on people's phones?

2. What is this setting on the Charge that does or doesn't allow the wake on packets received? Is this something real?

Here's a portion of the conversation:

However, the Verizon store DID install a Green Power Saver App because they
thought it was so great to install Apps without telling the customer (because
they get too many 4G phones back due to perceived battery issues). I had assumed
it was just part of the bloatware. Ironically, there is also a setting that is
apparently disabled on new Charges (to wake data connections on data packets).
Those combined screwed me over and also make the problem reproducible on brand
new/out of the box Charges. Competent Verizon techs should be able to see this
immediately and enable the setting.

ts47

unknown

svzurich,

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for all the replies. Are you still having issues with your connection? If so please PM your mobile number and I can do research on your account and escalate it if necessary. Thank you.

vidguy7

SammuelP wrote:
svzurich,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am having the same issue. Last night I was running the battery down to condition it before bed. Once depleted I plugged it in and though nothing of it. Upon getting up for work today I saw that the phone has no data. I've played with the settings and can still get 3G data with CDMA automatic, but that icon is cycling between arrows lit, arrows gray, and the letter D. Select LTE automatic and I get nothing. Wifi works still, but 4G LTE is a no go. It worked dreamy over the last 5 days until now.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for all the replies. Are you still having issues with your connection? If so please PM your mobile number and I can do research on your account and escalate it if necessary. Thank you.

Twice I have been asked for MY phone # by VZW employees on this forum, twice I have given it and twice I have received no follow up.

svzurich

I PMed my information a few hours ago. I currently have a 4G connection in my apartment, but trial and error makes me refuse to turn on WiFi or change connection modes for fear of the 4G going away again.

timnyc

dear vidguy

does verizon provide case numbers or contact info especially when you request level 2 tech support or higher up as needed for your issue?

Matt24

I'm having the same issues in Atlanta. I've tried all the suggested fixes, but my signal still comes and goes unpredictably. I've had the phone for a little over 2 weeks, so trading it in isn't an option (anyway, I like the phone other than the data signal inconsistancy). Any chance this is something that can be resolved? I wouldn't have gotten this phone if I knew the data signal would be so unreliable. Anyway, I don't have much to add other than to report that this issue affects me, too.

XaeroR35

I wanted to add my name on the list of people with 4G / Charge issues. I was really excited to get my Charge and move over to the 4G network. After a day I was extremely upset that 4 G wouldnt stay connected for more than 20 minutes at a time. When it is connected it is extremely fast, but what good does that do if I cant connect?

Rebooting the phone will reconnect it to 4G as will switching to CDMA only mode, and then back to LTE.

I read that the Thunderbolt has the option to only use 4G, is this true? And if so why doesnt the Charge have that option?

I am nearing my 14 day return window and want some answers. I was sold on this great looking device and was promised to have blazing fast 4G speeds in my area.

vidguy7

XaeroR35 wrote:
I wanted to add my name on the list of people with 4G / Charge issues. I was really excited to get my Charge and move over to the 4G network. After a day I was extremely upset that 4 G wouldnt stay connected for more than 20 minutes at a time. When it is connected it is extremely fast, but what good does that do if I cant connect?

Rebooting the phone will reconnect it to 4G as will switching to CDMA only mode, and then back to LTE.

I read that the Thunderbolt has the option to only use 4G, is this true? And if so why doesnt the Charge have that option?

I am nearing my 14 day return window and want some answers. I was sold on this great looking device and was promised to have blazing fast 4G speeds in my area.

My advice? Dump it and get a phone that works. What good is 4G if besides not getting 4G you can't even get data at any speed on an all too often basis?

Pmpdx

Absolute dittos on this issue in Portland Oregon starting Sunday July 24th. Up to that point my thunderbolt had been hitting 10-20+ mbps. Problem persists and verizon says there is no known problem.

WCMack

I am pretty sure I will get heavily flamed for saying this, but I think threads like this, that go on forever cataloging Charge users' dissatisfaction with the data service they are getting, have little value after a certain point. Please don't think I am cold-hearted, or a anti-free-speech troglodyte. I feel for each of you that paid (as I did) $300+ for a phone that is clearly not delivering on the shining promise of smoking data speeds. I would be PO'd too, if in fact I were in a 4G area and had the problems you are describing. And I guess if you want to **bleep** out VZW or your local VZW rep on here, I can't and won't stop you.

My point is that you might be more likely to get VZW to actually DO SOMETHING about the problem by doing something other than posting your outrage here. I believe that whatever VZW employees are monitoring this forum are more than fully aware of the problem, and are less and less likely to engage with you the longer these threads get. Plus, the issue seems to be a combination of problems with the phone design and problems with the network; in any event, problems that these employees can do nothing about except to "escalate" the issue, which they have said they have done multiple times, and which some of you have discounted as being totally ineffective.

So in the spirit of the Dalai Lama, who said something like, "never worry...if you can so something, do it, and if you can't there's no value in worrying", here are some thoughts about other things to do.

Write to the new president of VZW (McAdams, I think). Nothing gets things moving like a complaint letter to the top, except 100+ complaint letters on the same issue!
Go public. Got a local newspaper...complain to their consumer complaints department. Better yet, call one of those consumer watchdog people on local TV...they love stuff like this. I guarantee if it gets on TV anywhere in the country, VZW senior management will find out about it.
Don't accept the solutions offered by VZW tech support whether on the phone or at the store. Push the issue up the chain until you get to somebody who has the power to help you on the spot. I guarantee there is somebody and some level who has the authority to agree to pretty much any solution you want. And don't get worn down by excuses like, "he's not here" or "you can't talk to him". If you get stonewalled, bring in your letter (see #1) before you send it and see if that loosens things up. If you do that, name names!

Let the recriminations begin!

debbidrew

I had to restart my phone to get 3g, im not in a 4g area. I had installed Juice defender app to conserve battery. Upon uninstalling this app, I have had a steady signal since. Hope this helps.

franpro2002

Success! I just deleted Juice Defender and rebooted. I am now getting constant 3g at least. I have yet to find 4g coverage, even though the map shows both my work and home to be 4g. If you have Juice Dfender loaded, remove it right away.

JerryF

I, also, UNinstalled Juice Defender and my ability to connect greatly improved. I even checked my files and found a backup copy there which I immediately deleted. In my case it kept me from connecting to often and the phone seemed flaky, unstable, and inconsistent after it was installed it. Soooo, it's done gone and went!!!

BTW, I mentioned this ages ago in a couple of posts on this forum.

I am glad it helped.

JerryF

PS, I am glad you two posted. It's great that after all the previous posts two first-time posters have discovered at least one reason why there is "No 4g or 3g network connection."

barrymart

Apparently 50 Unhappy Customers are Insignificant to Verizon. I'm having trouble believing we're the only ones receiving "Network (or Server) not Available" error messages all the time! Yet not only do I see very little on the topic, but I see absolutely not ONE acknowledgement of a problem from Verizon. This would indicate to me that the rest of the Charge (or other 4g phone) owners are perfectly happy with wildly intermittent service, or they don't know any better as new cell phone broadband users or the problem is phone specific (i.e indicates a phone problem). Does Verizon ever respond to any of these posts? I' new to the Verizon community posts, and with this kind of inattention, I'm probably leaving ASAP.

kmk1212

I am having the same problem. I have tried to manipulate all the settings per the comments, clear the cache, and do a battery pull on my phone. Nothing is working!

franpro2002

Update! No 3g or 4g again this morning. I have had this phone for three days now and I will get 3g about 10% of the time and never once a 4g, even though I live and work in a 4g area.

This is **bleep**! Funny, I thought Blackberry sucked.

miller4life11

Same for me, except Im on my thunderbolt but I also don't have 3g and I've tried turning the radio off and on as well as putting it in airplane mode and turning it back on. I do however have 4g, possible outage again maybe. None of verizon's website are mentioning anything about this except in the forums

jujube

This just started happening to me this past weekend and now I have NO data. It's a new issue and very sudden...I had it yesterday and it is gone today. Is it possible my sim card just went corrupt?? I can use wifi and access internet but I have no data at all - I can't even get 1x.

arctic388

I have issues randomly with losing Data connection. really disappointed.

jujube

So I dont't know if this will work for anyone else but it worked for me (we will see if it lasts more than a day)

I took out my sim card - tried to make a call and got the message that a sim was not installed and phone needed to be rebooted.

Rebooted and and insert the sim back while it was rebooting.

That seemed to work - kicked the 3g back on (I have a 4g phone but am in an area that only gets 3G go figure). It's been on all day and works like it did before.

I am sure you can just take out the sim and reboot and insert it back and it should technically be enough rather than try to get the reboot message but that was what I did.

unknown

Thank you everyone for your responses.

I understand that it can be frustrating to have a unreliable data connection on your phone. The issue with the Charge losing data connection sporadically is being investigated, and is expected to be resolved in the next software version. I do not have a date for the software release at this time. If you are unable to access data for long periods of time, or several days, I would suggest having the SIM card exchanged or completing a factory reset on the device.

ChargedOff

I posted this on another area talking about the "known" outage, but thought I'd mention it here with an update.

I have been dealing with data outages for the last week. When I do have a data connection, it is always 4g and never 3g anymore. At least when I could get 3g, I got some kind of connection.

I've already gone through this with them (last month) and it was down like this for 4 days. Then, magically, it started working again. This is complete B.S. and I've had it! (Like everyone else).

I've done a sim card reinstall, a network card reinsert, a factory reset (which was a huge pain in the arse), and several battery pulls. Now, my phone is freezing up and restarting randomly. **bleep**, Verizon? I would think that, for $300, I could at least make an effing phone call!

I recently had surgery, and relied on my phone to keep my family updated, and to stay connected in case I had an emergency. I had to hobble outside to find my husband yesterday, because my !@#%$ phone wouldn't work.

This is more than just annoying; it's absolutely unacceptable. And the only thing they tell you? "Do a factory reset" or "wait for the new software update". This is {word filter avoidance}, people. What can we do?

:::::tearing my hair out, and calling my phone names::::::::

UPDATE:

I just completed yet another factory reset, and guess what? Same effing problem. [edited to comply with TOS]

minibus

For the past couple of weeks, my Droid Charge has been dropping the data connection intermittently as well. SUPER annoying. I am able to go to Settings > Wireless and Network > Mobile Networks > System selection > CDMA mode > Automatic B, then back into System selection > LTE automatic. It seems that this retriggers the system to look for the data connection and it reconnects. PITA, but it's a heck of a lot faster than rebooting the phone. I wish they would fix this!!!

dan_h60

I've been having the same problem for about a week, but it started working ok (for the past hour which is a record). Here's what I did.

I bought the phone a few months ago and had problems with 4g cutting out, and dropping to 3g. I assumed this was normal (though very annoying, honestly). Because my battery life was even worse than my Droid1 I forced it to 3g hoping that would help the battery (it didn't, as far as I can tell).

As long as I've owned the phone, my battery would die at about 10-12%/hr even if I wasn't actively using it (asleep). I'm betting a fair amount of that is due to the NoLED app, but I need it.

Getting to the point now!

I came across JuiceDefender only yesterday and wow, that made a difference to the battery life (25% usage in 6 hours including an hour of using my phone as an ebook reader!), but I read this thread and removed it. It didn't solve it immediately but I have a rooted phone and had installed SetCPU a month or more ago and that basically does the same thing (though poorly or I just didn't know what I was doing). So I removed that as well. My phone is set to 4G and I'll leave it there today.

My battery is dying quickly again. 20% this past hour (included a 20 min phone call). If internet remains steady for another couple hours I'll put JuiceDefender back on and see what happens. That is an excellent battery saver as long as it doesn't kill my internet!

I'll try to remember to post my results. I'm old...I forget sh..tuff.

JerryF

Dan,

I removed my Juice Defender and you should when you run the following airplane mode test.

Here is a test for you to see if the excess battery usage is because your phone keeps trying to connect to a Verizon tower and it cannot find one so it will be constantly ready for a call. When a phone is in an area where a phone connection to a tower cannot be established it tries and tries to find a cell tower using LOTS of battery power.

TEST: Go to Settings>Wireless & Network and touch Airplane mode so it becomes Checked. This will turn off the phones radio. You will NOT be able to send or receive calls or messages. Leave it this way for an hour or so so you can see if the battery still goes down 20% per hour. When done just go back and un-check airplane mode. Did the battery still go down?

MORE: Go to settings>About Phone>Battery Use to see what or which "thing" in your phone is using the most battery power.

Here's another one, go to settings>display settings>Screen timeout and set it for 1 or 2 minutes max. Then go to brightness and UN-check Automatic brightness and touch Okay. Go back to your HOME screen.

From now on to change the brightness on your screen you go to your home screen and HOLD your finger on the gold colored check mark at the top of the phone's display. HOLD IT THERE, do not lift your finger, and slide your finger right and left, while still touching the display screen, and you will see the screen's brightness go up and down. When you lift your finger that level of brightness stays.

If all else fails re-install Juice Defender. My problem was that sometimes it would not let me connect to the 3G/4G.

JerryF

dan_h60

JerryF, thanks for the tips. I actually didn't turn ON auto-brightness until yesterday. Between it or JuicyDefender my battery life was extended tremendously. My brightness was set way too high. Thanks for the tip on the thumb thing though...very cool. :smileyhappy:

I lost 4g/3g before ever installing JD, so I know that wasn't the culprit. After removing it, I have lost 25% battery in 2 hours during a monster nap. That's instead of 25% in 6hours with JD installed. Further, on the battery, I happened to look at battery useage. When it's dying looking for a cell tower, what is showing in battery use? Mine was showing 88% to Display and 1-2% for the rest. I'm going to assume my phone wasn't even trying to find signal.

Right now, with the 12%/hr loss it's showing 52 Display, 23 Voice Calls, a couple 5%s and then 3% or less.

Back on topic!

Even though I was asleep, I still have 4G when I woke up, which is a huge improvement over the past few days. I'm charging my phone a bit, then will reinstall JD and see what happens.

JerryF

Hey folks, on Tuesday 11/29 Verizon will start the OS upgrade to the new Gingerbread software from the Froyo software you have currently. So...just wait and upgrade because there is a very high probability that the new software will fix your problems.

Just check-out the couple of posts here on how to upgrade and preparing to upgrade.

JerryF

WTTTT

Yes I will be testing this tomorrow. I could 100% make the No Network Connection error happen with the old OS. Hopefully tomorrow this new GB install will seamlessly go from WiFi to Network and back as the phone is supposed to. If so, the hopefully Juice Defender will now work too.

StacyF1003

Well I am new to this forum but I am about to lose my mind. I did the stupid upgrade a day or 2 ago whenever it made me and my phone HAS NEVER BEEN WORSE!!!!! I have NO INTERNET CONNECTION EVER! No sync to gmail, no facebook, twitter, browser, NOTHING! I just went through this nonsense with the Droid 3 and had to return it and pay a re-stocking fee to get this phone which also SUCKS!!!!! Anyone else having this problem or a solution other than getting a factory reset which loses EVERYTHING on my phone and only works for a day?????

jld27

I also have had a disappointing experience with this phone and the 4G claim. Now, with the upgrade a couple days ago, my phone has only had a data connection for 20 minutes here and there throughout the day. My work is internet based and it almost cost me jobs and, at this point, the only reason I can do anything on my phone is because I just got home and hooked it up to the Wi-Fi from my home internet. This is not acceptable and I think the repeated "reset" excuses from the techs is deplorable. I shouldn't have to pay this much money for a phone and service plan when I would be more satisfied and successful with a phone from a couple years ago (my old original Motorola Droid). If anyone finds a solution or gets anything out of Samsung or Verizon soon, please post it because my patience has worn thin and I am mere days from switching back to my old phone and/or a new carrier.

jamielynnwilson

I'm having the same issue. No 3G or 4G service. I just got off the phone with Verizon and went through the usual routine: battery pull, sim card pull, change in network settings, etc. Every time I battery and sim card pull I get 4G for about one minute and then it is gone. Verizon's suggestion is for me to get a new sim card, which I will pick up later today. I don't see how that will fix the issue.....

When I informed the representative that numerous other people were having the same problem and that this forum existed, he acted surprised.

Like everyone else I am also frustrated because I have experienced unstable update issues on numerous smartphones I have had through Verizon. Their service is expensive and I expect to have functioning phones. Hopefully this is resolved soon.

Kingfox

Same issue here with my Charge. Started last night, got the GB update Sunday. Throw it into Airplane mode and back, get 4G for about 30-60 seconds. Switch to a local wireless connection and back, same thing.

darinb

Same exact thing here!

If I toggle/restart I get 3g/4g for 30-60 seconds.

It started last night (Dec 6 2011) around 8 PM.

I've tried soft/hard resets, pulling battery and sim. Always the same 30 seconds then a complete drop. Let me know if you find out anything! I'll probably go to the store to try a new SIM later.

-darin

WolfenJosh

I am having the exact same issue - I can get connection for about 30 sec-1min and poof, it's gone. Swapping to airplane mode and restarting the phone resets it for 1 min or so and it is gone again. Swapping to CDMA and back does the same. Anyone find a good solution yet?

darinb

No, but it seems it's not the droid charge itself but a verizon problem:

http://community.vzw.com/t5/4G-Discussion/4G-Service-Still-Out-Across-the-Nation/td-p/744628/highlight/false

ut_icedragon

I lost total data network about an hour ago here in Ohio.

Went to check email and it just stopped.

No error message or anything, just dropped all data connections.

JstOneMoreDroid

We are ahving the same here now in PA - the "Switch to CDMA" trick is now failing also.

ArchbaldCortez

Same problems here. Why am I pay Verizon for a Data plan I can rarely use? Resetting the connection sometimes grants me access to data for 5-10 minutes but recently I have had no data. Resetting the phone doesn't help. I also cannot find a GPS satelite. Any response from Verizon or Samsung. How can you charge your customers for a service that doesn't work?!?!

tfree013

I'm also experiencing the same issue. I hope it is resolved soon or I will be looking to be refunded. I have been without 3G or 4G for two days now

JstOneMoreDroid

ArchbaldCortez wrote:
How can you charge your customers for a service that doesn't work?!?!

I sinceerly hope you never have something break with whatever you do for a living.

DC5_K20Z1

Sounds like there is a nation wide 3g/4g outage. I can't get 3g, not in a 4g area to test that now.

ut_icedragon

JstOneMoreDroid wrote:
ArchbaldCortez wrote:
How can you charge your customers for a service that doesn't work?!?!
I sinceerly hope you never have something break with whatever you do for a living.

Well said.

People forget that things arn't 100% foolproof. New Technology is so high in demand that its pushed out a lot of times before its 100% tested for everything that could go wrong (and even then stuiff still goes wrong).

Verizon's 4GLTE is solid and fast. I love it. Its much better than AT&T and the phone is awesome.

Just got 3G back here in NW Ohio, so maybe its fixed.

Next time this happens, don't freak, be patient, and try to live withthout for 24 hours, you know, like we all did 6 or 7 years ago.

EDIT: Went out again. The good sign is that they are probably attempting to fix it. Although I do agree with some on here that I wish they would issue a statement about service outages or something.

svzurich

Indeed, something on the page like the Server Status notices on the sites of many MMO games. Break it down by state perhaps, green if okay, red if out, yellow if intermittent.,

JohnM11

***** UPDATE

I went 36+ hours with no GPS and any Data connecion, i repeatedly tried the *trick* ive heard about which is to go into the network settings and change to cmda or whatever and then back to LTE... I tried that a bunch and it barely worked.

I am here to say that I tried it once again tonight, and now I am problem free, I have 4G connectivity and GPS capability.

JstOneMoreDroid

ut_icedragon wrote:
Although I do agree with some on here that I wish they would issue a statement about service outages or something

Absolutely! A RCA is due to the customers that were impacted- but those saying "Verizon is doing nothing" have clearly never worked in a technology field. I am very very confident the technical people who needed to fix the problem were missing sleep working on it- even if the "Ghetto tech support" had no idea waht was going on. Remember- those that can fix the problem are usually busy fixing it, not posting to message boards... The failure here is Verizon management's communication style- or lack tehreof

jonnyqwest45

I just got back from the Verizon store where they informed me there are no known issues with this phone. I had previously been to another Verizon wireless store where they replaced my sim card and had the issue fixed for about a day. They acknowledged there were issues with this phone... that, I can respect, it tells me you are working on the problem, not ignoring it.

The manager and the tech at Verizon Wireless in Wilton Mall, Saratoga informed me:

1. There are no known issues with this phone.

2. We have been having outages in the past few days, that is the problem.

3. We can do a hard reset, but you will lose all data, shall we proceed?

4. You need to pull the battery with this phone daily, it's just the way it is. (I thought there were no known issues?)

5. It works fine, here... try it! (I did, and it didn't!)

6. You can buy a new phone.

7. We can take your 2 month old phone and replace it with a used one.

I'm very sick of the morons that regurgitate the same fix: "The network has been down." Well, Verizon, I'll go somewhere else if I keep hearing your techs tell me how this great network is ALWAYS DOWN!!!!

I want a different phone, not this {word filter avoidance}.

I'm willing to pay some money to upgrade the phone, but I'll go elsewhere before I extend another contract to get a phone I don't need.... I'm ready to see what it will cost to get out of my current contract, or get a lawyer.

Considering smashing this worthless phone in a fantabulous way, and posting the video on youtube while I rant off the problems and how Verizon Wireless ignores it.

I'm paying for a data plan that I can rarely have access to.

I would like either a different phone (I'll pay some to upgrade) or a phone that works.

Crimsntyd

Totall been there. I almost went in and traded it in the other day myself. It's still been a little spotty lately. but I was in Allentown over the weekend, and it only went down once. I think it's stupid that they're not sending out messages saying that there are problems with the SERVICE AND THE PHONE (it's not just the phone), but I do believe they're working on it.

Crimsntyd

Hey, anyone lose 3G or 4G on their Samsung Charge this morning? I've had nothing since I got up at 7:30 am in upstate NY. Just wondering.

svzurich

Yes, I discovered my data was off around 1AM PST in Las Vegas.

rcaplinger

Yes, my Internet connectivity over Verizon's network is currently DOWN, and has been for a couple of hours, despite an article on Computerworld that Verizon's 4G is back up.

jonnyqwest45

I had level 2 tech... they didn't give me direct answers, but he gave me the tools to understand what's going on.

Verizon has undertaken a very ambitious upgrade to their network. There will be bugs to work out, they are aware of the situation and are working on resolving these issues.

The base reps and techs at the retail centers really can't help, and likely don't know what is going on.

It isn't just this phone, it's all 4G Verizon phones (check the other phone threads here, same issues)

It's not what we want to hear, but it's the truth: Hang tight, they're working on it and resolving the issues.

I live in a 3G / 4G border which causes some of these issues... knowing they are pushing out 4G just about everywhere is amazing, The speeds are great, faster than Road Runner cable... 9.5-10 Mbps speeds, I have seen.

I'm keeping my phone and staying with Verizon.

tsu708

Verizon doesnt care about there customers!! I have had the data drop issues just like everone else, plus much more. Most of the time they tell you there is no problems, if you push them long enough they want to send you a "refurbished phone" certified like new (ya right). Verizon just needs to realize they have issues and fix them! This phone sucks, Samsung and Verizon cannot get it right. Im tired of all the run around, hopefully somebody will file for class action to reimburse customers for lost "paid services" and defective phones. Im paying for what......???

Crimsntyd

JonnyQ, I wasn't aware that this was happening with all the new 4G phones. I guess I'll apologize in that regard. Tsu, what kind of phone do you have? A Charge?

Anyone else out there with a phone different than the Charge seeing this? I thought it was isolated to the Charge only.

It is frustrating, just to restate my point, I wouldn't even mind getting some kind of bulletin or text TELLING me to "hang tight, we're working on it". I think that's my major gripe right now. I love my phone and can't wait for 4G in my area. You're right JonnyQ, when I've had 4G connection, it's BLAZING fast.

Regards,

Crimsntyd

lissa1376

I have a Samsung Stratosphere ... and I am nopt getting a 3G or a 4G icon or service. My phone was even going straight to voicemail earlier with NO SERVICE... any helpful ideas?

rico1931

I'm in the Buffalo area and after 2 replacement phones I am still having this issue with my Charge... yet my gf who has the exact same phone has never had this issue.. ever...

frozzy

I got my Charge in late September 2011, it had been working great and I was so happy with it up until about 2 weeks ago, when I noticed that I was not receiving any data connection while away from Wi-Fi. I've been looking online all morning and most of yesterday for information and I see that it's an ongoing issue.

I wish that the salesman at Verizon had taken this into consideration when he approached me about buying this "reliable device" (piece of garbage IMHO). What good is having a mobile phone that you cannot connect? These phones should be pulled from the shelves, not being sold. I've found message after message on forums going back to June? But I'm sure there's earlier ones also, I just gave up looking after I found this thread. My husband has the Motorola Bionic and his data is just fine.

We have the extended warranty. At the price of this garbage I should be getting what I paid for. You bet we'll be heading right back to the store we bought it from.

Fed up with the unreliability. I've printed off replies from Verizon "customer service".

bhorn2011

Frozzy,

Got my first Charge in May. Replaced it because it lost 3G data. WiFi and 4G worked. That was Dec 15. On Jan 19th it happened again. So the replacement phone lasted about 35days. I got a very nice Senior Tech that has opened a TT so she can document that their is nothing wrong with the network. She says this will give her more leverage in getting me into a different model phone. Only problem is she was talking like the Thunderbolt or a phone like that while I have the Bionic, Spectrum or 16gb Razr in mind. I paid $260 for the Charge 6 months ago. Why should I take over a $200 loss on a replacement phone? I mean they are giving away the Thunderbolt now and the Charge is like $199. That same $199 will get you a 16gb Razr, LG Spectrum, Bionic or a Rezound. I am waiting to see.

frozzy

Thanks for the reply bkhorn, I totally agree with you. I paid 299.99 for my charge. I've done some more reading on forums, bionic seems to be having issues sporadically as well...but hubby's seems to be stable, and they released an update last week. Just to add to my original post...I haven't been receiving a call here and there either. My hubby tried calling me the other day, thankfully we have our home-phone, he was afraid something had happened since I always have my cell with me. I have a disability and I'd rather keep my phone with me so I can call if I need help.

I've been waiting for hubby to have the time to go with me to Verizon, we're headed sometime this week.

lachina

My Samsung Droid Charge is acting up again i woke up today to no Mobile Data. it is still not back up i have tried everything turned airplane mode on and then off and changed the wiresless network connection to CDMA mode, took the battery out , deleted cache, cookies and history. Back in October 2011 i had the same issue my network would not come back up i was only able to make call and messages Verizone decides to clear all data from the phone and it still didnt work. Like always they say oh we have not had any other issues BULL! well they decided something was wrong with the actual phone and i had to call to get a "NEW" phone which means another crapy refubished phone.

Well now it has happened again its been hours and i have not Data Connection. Is anyone else having issue today. I am really sick of Verizon! they are about to loose a customer.

bhorn2011

Go back 1 page and read my post. You will see that you are not alone.

marrius

are from romania and I have a Samsung Droid but still no 4G romania ... can movesomewhat on the 3G or 4G to I and I are somehow signal the phone? Please help me..... if you install the software .. Samsung S2 Galaxy, it's working? help me

kygirl7399

I have had numerous phones, Blackberry, Droid Pro, Droid Charge.. The Droid Charge will not access the browser in a 1x area, I had the Droid Pro and Blackberry Curve in the SAME area.. 1x, could access the internet just fine even though I was not in a 3G area. All the "data packets" are checked, and yet it will not browse unless I am in a 3G area,. and even then its iffy. I am at my wits end.

Verizon_Support

Hello Kygirl7399,

I understand your desire to access the web at all times. Verizon Wireless 4G devices are only backwards compatible 1 generation, therefore, the Charge will only connect to 3G. I suggest ensuring the data roaming setting is on to assist with a 3G connection. There is no fee associated as long as the device is not connecting to towers outside of the country. Please follow the visuals here http://bit.ly/LHFNnT to set the data roaming setting and test. Please let me know if you need any additional assistance. Thank you.

TominqueBo

VZW Support

Follow us on Twitter at @VZWSupport

spoltlady

I live in Des Moines, IA and was having the same issue on my HTC Thunderbolt. I received an email today from a Verizon technician who suggested I perform the steps below. So, I did and it's been almost an hour now and I've yet to lose my 4G. Not sure what these steps do, if something with the airplane mode and the roaming gets hung up or what, but it seems to working for the time being anyway.

Enable Data Roaming

From the main screen touch Menu

Touch Settings

Touch Wireless& Networks

Touch Mobile Networks

Touch Data Roaming to enable/disable Data Roaming Services

Toggle Airplane Mode

From the main screen, press End/Power

Tap Airplane Mode to disable wireless communications

Then Repeat

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