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Poor overall signal strength

Hey everyone, I got my GS4 about a month and a half ago, having switched from the iPhone 4. I live in a deadzone, and the only place I really get any signal is upstairs next to a window. When I had my iPhone (used it for 18 months), in that one spot I could make calls decently and send and receive messages. With the GS4, I can barely get a call in without saying "mobile network not found", and I can seldom send text messages without it failing to send at least once per try. With my iPhone I could count on 1-2 bars consistently, but with the GS4 I float between no service at all and 1 fuzzy bar in the exact same area. In fact, doing a side by side comparison right this moment, my iPhone has had 2 bars while the GS4 struggles between 0 and 1. Another thing I realized is that in high traffic urban areas, where there are strong signals, I only get 3-4 bars while with the iPhone I could easily get 5. I don't think I've ever seen my GS4 with full bars. Does anyone else experience reduced signal strength with the GS4 after switching from other phones? Could mine just be defective?

Comments

gemclure

I have the same problem. However this is my first smartphone. I'm told by Tech Support that the tower strength in my location is not strong enough to support 4g, only 3g. Because the S4 is 4g, not 3g, call quality on my phone inside the house is terrible. Outside is better. I also only get 1-2 bars. Have never seen my S4 with 5 bars. Tech Support said one remedy is to purchase a Network Extender, at a cost of $250.00, which is too much money. Other than that, going to a 3g phone may resolve the issue.

Verizon_Support

the93owner,

Signal issues are a serious no no in our neck of the woods. And you've got a great phone in the GS4 so we want to get it up to it's potential. Now, indoor coverage is a bit tricky. Given that we cannot guarantee coverage indoors due to building material and other variables, we recommend network extenders to help http://bit.ly/AKkC . Regarding some urban areas, what zip codes are you referring to? Something I always recommend trying is removing/reinserting the SIM often to force a resync with our network. Please give that a shot and share results.

Evan_VZW

Please follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

newS4user

I have similar signal strength issues for phone calls with my new Galaxy S4. In the same spots, my old Droid X had zero signal problems. I live in 22209. But I travel all over the DC metro area. Terrible signal strength near Gaithersburg. I am on the verge of returning this phone. Any suggestions?

gemclure

I was told by several people at Verizon that the problem is the signal strength, not the phone, even though my old "dumb" phone had no issues. With the S4, I have yet to get more than 2 bars, no matter where I go. The only solution offered by Verizon was to purchase a Network Extender at an additional cost of $250.00, which is absurd. So I'll live with it until my contract is up and either get another phone or another cell phone provider.

jrh4054

The network extender works, but it's pricey. You need fairly quick Internet service and GPS access for it to work. Overall, I think the GS 4 signal is much weaker than my previous phones.

budone

Instead of basing your signal strength on, 'The number of bars', what is your signal strength?

From the home screen: MENU, SETTINGS, MORE, ABOUT PHONE, STATUS, what is your signal strength?

Verizon_Support

We want to make sure that your service is reliable newS4user! How does it work outside of the area? Have you tried to remove the sim card and place it back in? Has the sim card been replaced? How long have you had this device for? I am here to help!

Thank you,

Lena_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

the93owner1

I live in 20905. The signal in my neighborhood has always been atrocious, and now even worse with the GS4. I tried to purchase a network extender by calling customer service but they said that they were switching over to a new version of the network extender. Any idea on when I can get one?

john51

I live in 28217 and my signal is bad too. I did buy a network extender but the first one stopped working and the second one still hasn't synced up. maybe by tonight. I have a2nd call in rto Verizon. The signal outside is 2 bars and 1 inside. I have a Razr Maxx for work it is the same also had a personal Razr Maxx and no better either so it is not the phone.

newS4user

jrh4054

For what it's worth, I've had an extender for nearly two years and it's always worked well. Before we got it, every incoming and outgoing call dropped. The extender took care of that problem.

Verizon_Support

Hi johnmccoy51, We are dedicated to offering you the best possible service all over the nation. I am confident the Network Extender is an excellent solution to improve indoor reception. Has your current Extender activated at this time? I would be more than happy to offer additional support if needed.

Thank you,

YaleK_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWsupport

john51

It is synced but I am still having trouble with my work phone and sometimes my personal phone. It worked for awhile tonight then stopped. I will be calling support back again.. Now neither phone works with it.

brian8574

i also have the same issue. expensive phone and at times is unusable

Susan_2013

Thank you for posting this. We ignore all Verizon equipment upgrades for a similar reason:

no signal at home on ANY type of device.

Verizon won't give us the relatively inexpensive (to Verizon) "extender" to rectify our problem. Instead, they gladly take our monthly payment without providing service. Our outlay is in the many thousands of dollars to date.

Verizon adds insult to injury by trying to sell us an extender whenever we complain we can't use our family plan in-home. This time and energy-zapping up-sell discussion is always under the pretense of "let me take this higher and see what we can get for you." I even tried to cut it off this year but the rep called me back, only to put me through the same rigamarole. Hungry for sales, reluctant to serve.

C'mon Verizon. Take responsibility and provide a signal to your paying customers!

We are waiting for something better than Verizon's "why serve them when you can sell them more" mentality.

john51

After repeated calls and tickets Verizon is replacing my network extender again. They finally deemed it defective, it turns out I have been connecting the neighbors network extender which would explain the poor signal I have. I should have it tomorrow and if it doesn't work I will get out of the contract due to the poor signal strength.

The issue in my area is lack of towers which they are aware of but noone has any kind of time frame, hopefully this addresses it once and for all.

brian8574

However for what we pay for these phones, Verizon should do something that doesn’t cost additional $

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Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

brian8574

This is one reason we dropped Verizon on our other plan

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Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

Verizon_Support

Hi there brian8574!

The Galaxy S4 is a fantastic device and I definitely want you to be able to use it whenever you need it. I'm regretful to learn you're also experiencing concerns. I want to ensure I clarify, are you having concerns with calls/text/data? Does this happen indoor, outdoor, multiple locations? What zip code are you located in?

Thanks!

MelissaM_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

brian8574

MOSTLY DATA BUT LATELY MORE AND MORE CALLS AND TEXT. DOESN’T MATTER IN DOORS OR OUT DOORS. I AM AT 1X WITH ONE OR MAYBE 2 BARS. WORST ZIP IS 61310 BUT ALSO IN AREAS SURROUNDING THAT ZIP

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Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

Verizon_Support

Thanks so much for the information, brian8574.

For everyone, there are some additional things we can check. As we know, different phones may have different types of performance even when in the same area.

We first ask that you remove an cases or attached accessories to make sure the antenna is not obstructed.

Also, remove & reinsert the SIM. If you have another SIM in the household (even from a family member's phone) you can insert that to ensure there isn't anything wrong with your SIM.

Please check the network mode for LTE/CDMA http://vz.to/1ebehCT.

Power it off/on and test the data again.

TamaraH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

jth2013

Reception issues out of the box with my first S4. First, I LOVE the phone. The menu structure and camera are the great.

Good signal strength in a rural area is the most import thing for me.

Verizon has replaced my Galaxy S4 three times in the last 4 months to try and get a phone with good reception. I have sat side by side with other Verizon customers using their phones(motorolas) for calls & data, yet I had NO signal. I could not do anything. This has become a constant problem with the S4's I have tried. It has been the exact same on all three S4 phones.

I am trying very hard not to knock the phone. I absolutely love the menu structure. The menu structure and the camera is why I chose the S4. Unfortunately, I will not be able to use them and I will have to settle for less.

The last straw. I also have a Verizon MiFi hotspot. I was sitting with Verizon friends who were making calls, texting and surfing the internet (they each had 2 bars of signal strength showing). I had ZERO bars of anything. I turned on the MiFi and it had 4 bars of signal. I connected my S4 to the MiFi via wireless and made my calls using Skype & Magic Jack!! Since then I have noticed that my MiFi will have 4-5 bars when the S4 has 1 or none??

I tried real hard to stay with the S4, but its lack of reception forced me to a different manufacturer. Now on my 4th phone in 5 months. Traded in my S4 for the Motorola Maxx. Now, I have signal in areas that I had none on the S4. The menu, camera and just plain basic functionality on the Maxx is no where as nice as on the S4, but I can make calls where I could not with the S4. Besides being able to use the phone, the battery is the only thing the Maxx has the S4 beat at.

Verizon_Support

Hi JTH2013

Glad to hear that you got a working phone. Both phones are awesome! What issues are you having with the interface on the new phone? We have awesome wireless workshops to help you with your new phone. http://bit.ly/oc2kd5

Thank you,

RobinD_VZW

Tweet us @VZWSupport

tk63

I just "upgraded" on March 5, 2014 by buying the Galaxy 4S to replace my 2011 HTC Thunderbolt. As some other posts have noted, everything about the 4S is great EXCEPT FOR THE SIGNAL STRENGTH.

First of all, this phone was intended to replace a 3 year old HTC phone which consistently registered 4 of 5 bars at my house, and in my upstairs level all 5 bars. My brand new 4S never gets better than 2 bars anywhere in my house, and sometimes shows 1 or none as a direct comparison. I just did a head to head comparison with both phones just now. I have also experienced many missed calls (going straight to voicemail, never registering on my recent calls log) and drops as a result

I went back to Costco and mentioned the unacceptable signal strength, and the rep suggested to replace the SIM card noting that sometimes the cards are corrupted, which he did. The new SIM card had absolutely no affect on the signal strength of the phone. I again went back to Costco today, and they replaced the original 4S with a brand new 4S. And, I just now got back home and there is NO CHANGE again in the signal strength of the 4S.

Therefore, it is obvious based on the information that I shared above that this has absolutely nothing to do with the signal strength in my area (again, my 3 year old HTC Thunderbolt is still getting 4 or 5 bars consistently RIGHT NOW .... this is a 3 year old phone!).

Verizon, this is absolutely unacceptable.

I have not had a land line at home for 10 years and have successfully relied on wireless service making calls inside my house.

john51

I am connected to a network extender and see the exact same issue. My question is, how is the call quality? Do you have dropped calls? Are the calls clear? It might be am issue with Samsung and how it shows the signal there. I had this mentioned to me by a Verizon tech.

john51

Couple of other thoughts, try going to a Verizon store and getting a new sim card, shouldn't matter but might be worth a try. Also are you using any kind of case? Last thought is to do a battery pull and pull the sim card at home so it registers. I heard that is the same as doing an update on a 3G phone. None might make a difference but worth a try.

Jason_Kirk

I enjoy my S4.. But I have to agree my Thunderbolt and Rezound seemed like they always got better signal...

Good Luck!

donr1961

My sister has Sprint and her signal was low to and sprint sent her out a network extenders for free. Now she has really good signal in her home. I think Verizon should do the same!

jrh4054

I had the same weak signal in my home. All incoming and outgoing calls dropped. We're too far from the tower. I got the network extender and it works very well. I talked the CS rep into giving me the extender. There is one thing no one told me about the extender. For it to work, you must have at least 1Mbps of upload speed. I had to upgrade my Internet service. You only get 3G with the extender.

strawman02

Just joined the forum out of frustration with signal strength. Have had the S4 about 3 months and intended to depend on it for business as a traveling sales rep in rural areas of California. But the signal strength is a continuous issue. A bad signal becomes a lost prospect because there is no second time to make a first impression with a prospective new client. I have had a range extender in my home office for about a year, but now more disenchantment. My office is in a mobile home park within 2 miles of a cell tower, zip 96002. (BTW also found the range extender GPS antenna will not receive a signal through new “Low E windows” so drilled a hole through the wall to hang it outside). The extender worked OK for my old Samsung Haven but is inconsistent with the S4 having echo, static, garbled and dropped calls. Reminds me of talking on an HF radio during over water flights. Verizon CS sent me to www.8x8.com/Resources/Tools/VoIPTest.aspx to test my cable internet for “consistency of service” which should be above 80% for good VoIP to the range extender. My Download consistency of service was bouncing from the 50%s down to 25% last weekend. However just checked the signal quality and it is up into the 75-85% range, so the Cable Co tech support did a good job. Yet am still am having erratic S4 signal and call quality problems. Considering a signal booster for vehicles but have much uncertainty to spend more time and money if the S4 is an unsolvable problem. Local Verizon already replaced the SIM card. Any suggestions for next steps?

Verizon_Support

strawman02,

We definitely don't want you to be experiencing service issues, so let's ensure we get this taken cared of for you. Is your phone's software up to date? Has your phone been replaced since you started experiencing service issues? Are other VZW customer's experiencing issues in these locations as well?

KarenC_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

mrdutchie

I've been arguing for months now.
And forget about Extenders.
I have the problem, at home, outside and at work.
The S4 signal sucks..
Now the best part.. we have 3 phones, all with the same problems, swapped out phones, and sim cards..
Now someone stated, it all depends on the weather. in your area.. I am in an area where there is no coverage. and that's not what was told when we bought the phones and plan.
So 1 more year, and we get rid of this crappy service..
Customer service is rude... this morning, I got a comment from a Rep: So why do you want to leave.. only because of bad reception... DO YOU LOST YOUR MIND!!!!! retard...

So yes.. Crappy service, and nothing we can do.. Tried canceling, but going to cost me $240 per line.. Greedy bastards..

Stop promising things, if you can deliver the service.. We are tricked by a Sales person, and when we came back, all they did was laugh.. so FY Verizon Store in Madison WI.

bdfromsd

We owned an s 4 for about 2 months. We used it for calls mostly for a while. Every time we used the internet, there was low or no signal. We tried swappong the Sim card and it was great for an hour or so. Then back to 108 112 db. They sent out a replacement t phone. Spent a couple days copying apps SMS ams MMS messages. The same thing with this phone no matter where we are. Today I took my wife to the hospital for some test, was there for two hours. Never got a signal it was pegged at neg 140. Two phones. Two Sim cards. Restart in safe mode. Took off this cover. The signal is very strong on boot up like for 30 seconds then drops stays there. Please help. This is unusable as it is. It is not just bad at home, this is everywhere.

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