Verizon extender not automatically picking up

[mefausti1]

I've had the Verizon extender since 2018.  I also have it connected to Wifi.  It used to automatically connect to my phone and update my signal strength from 1 bar to 4 bars.  When I have guests who use Verizon (both Android and OS) the extender automatically picks up for them.

However, my phone no longer picks it up automatically.  I have iPhone 14 and now I have to turn on/off AIRPLANE mode to get the signal bars to move from 1 bar to 4 bars.   This happens everytime I leave the area around the extender.

Can you help?  Please.

[vzw_customer_support]

We don't want you to keep having issues with your network extender. If you dial #48 after having your phone near your network extender for a few minutes, does it show it's connected?

~Jesse

[mefausti1]

Yes....the extender definitely works ONCE I toggle AIRPLANE mode on/off.  I have 4 bars, but called #48 and confirmed.

I just don't understand why it no longer picks up immediately without going through that step when it did with earlier iPhone versions.

[vzw_customer_support]

That is definitely unusual. Is this only happening to that iPhone? Have you made any changes or updates recently?

~Freddy

[mefausti1]

New WiFi router.  Only happens with my iPhone...house guests pick up immediately.  I wondered if there was a setting on my phone that I needed to activate.

[vzw_customer_support]

Thanks for that. Are you only able to connect to the Network Extender while right next to it? What are you seeing for service on your iPhone?

-Lauren

[mefausti1]

Once I toggle on/off AIRPLANE mode, I can pick up anywhere in the house, downstairs or near to the house.  Signal goes from 1 BAR to 4 BARS.

Cellular Service >> toggled on

Cellular Data Option

     >> Roaming = OFF

    >> Voice & Data  = 5G Auo

[vzw_customer_support]

Thank you for those additional details. Is WiFi Calling on or off? Do you have the latest iOS update?

-Melissa

[mefausti1]

WiFi calling is ON and iOS is latest(17.6.1)

[vzw_customer_support]

Thank you for the information. Did you recently move the device to a different room or location? 

~Maria

[jav6 · Accepted solution]

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@mefausti1 wrote:

WiFi calling is ON and iOS is latest(17.6.1)

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If WiFi calling is ON then the phone may be confused and trying to use WiFi for calls.  Airplane mode turns WiFi OFF and then the phone would use the cellular signal from the extender.  If you want to ONLY use the cellular signal from the extender then turn WiFi calling OFF.