Best Way/App to Turn Off Cell Radio

[cbvinh]

I work in an office that doesn't get good cell coverage. I want to switch off the cell radio so there isn't a drain on the battery. My expectation is that with the cell radio off, the phone will switch over to using Wi-Fi Calling (no issues with company hotspot). Currently, I only see a toggle to switch cell data on/off but nothing for the cell radio. I can turn off the cell radio by going into Airplane mode, but that prevents Wi-Fi Calling from working (though I don't think it should, as one day, there might be a possibility of calling over wi-fi on an aircraft, should wi-fi speed on aircraft get faster...).

I've done a quick search on the interwebs and most inquiries are very old and say the only way is an app. So, either the OS is good about giving up on a weak signal now, so that there's negligible battery drain, or there's an app most people have been adopting. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Ry]

I work in an office that doesn't get good cell coverage. I want to switch off the cell radio so there isn't a drain on the battery. My expectation is that with the cell radio off, the phone will switch over to using Wi-Fi Calling (no issues with company hotspot). Currently, I only see a toggle to switch cell data on/off but nothing for the cell radio. I can turn off the cell radio by going into Airplane mode, but that prevents Wi-Fi Calling from working (though I don't think it should, as one day, there might be a possibility of calling over wi-fi on an aircraft, should wi-fi speed on aircraft get faster...).

I've done a quick search on the interwebs and most inquiries are very old and say the only way is an app. So, either the OS is good about giving up on a weak signal now, so that there's negligible battery drain, or there's an app most people have been adopting. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Turn on Airplane Mode.

Turn WiFi back on.

 

[cbvinh]

Turn on Airplane Mode.

Turn WiFi back on.

I don't think you've quite read all I wrote...

Airplane mode ON
Wi-Fi back ON

Try to make a call...

"Turn off airplane mode to make a call. OK"

 

[Ry]

I don't think you've quite read all I wrote...

Airplane mode ON
Wi-Fi back ON

Try to make a call...

"Turn off airplane mode to make a call. OK"

Is there an option to prefer WiFi calling?

 

[TwitchyPuppy]

I’d be curious to see the battery usage on WiFi Calling even with weak carrier signal, to see if it relies more on WiFi’s strength.

 

[cbvinh]

Is there an option to prefer WiFi calling?

Yes, there's Wi-Fi preferred, Wi-Fi only and Cellular network preferred under Wireless & network/More/Wi-Fi calling menu.

I've been able to use Wi-Fi Calling by using Wi-Fi preferred and Wi-Fi only with the cell radio ON. I want cell radio OFF, to preserve battery. My understanding is that the OS will boost the antenna when the cell signal is weak, regardless of what the wi-fi is doing.

 

[kbz1960]

I don't know if it's an N thing or android thing but I see no way to turn it off besides just data.

 

[cbvinh]

There was a new OS update I received last night that allows Wi-Fi Calling with Airplane mode ON. My problem is solved! I can now use Airplane mode to turn off the cell radio.

 

[kbz1960]

Great

 

[nallamahesh1]

Dial *#*#4636*#*# on phone to get to Phone information and you will see option to turn off Celular radio power.
Nalla Mahesh