Question Samsung S5 Neo and VOLTE

[SmookinJoe]

I have been using a Samsung S5 Neo for a very long time. I have 2 more that I can use if something happens to it. One of them was recently cloned using Smart Switch.
I have been told my phone will not work when they eliminate the 3G network. I have also heard it might work because of different variations of VOLTE.
I am in Canada on the Virgin network...recently left Fido because of Rogers abusive reasons.
They shut our phones down for most of the day trying to force us to buy phones from them....millions affected.
Then they tried to fine us $85 for not buying from them. I called my Visa company and the fine disappeared...hmmmm!
It is a world phone and it displays 4g and LTE on the top of the home screen.
SM-G903W

Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo - Full phone specifications

www.gsmarena.com

Is there a way to make my S5 Neo's use VOLTE?
By Changing the OS?...By an app?
Any thoughts?
I have a dress phone Samsung A25 5G with a true Otterbox Defender system but I find it more awkward than the S5...
I am a senior with MD and life has enough struggles...LoL
Thanks

 

[VidJunky]

Welcome to Android Central forums.

I Googled your question and found the following instructions for activating VoLTE on an S5. I noticed that it mentions the Verizon variant specifically. It doesn't say that it won't work for other variants, it just mentions the Verizon version, so I would check any way.

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capable. Specifically, the Verizon version of the S5 was one of the first two phones to receive Verizon's VoLTE service, called "Advanced Calling 1.0", according to the Verizon Community Forums. While some sources indicate the S5 may not be compatible with VoLTE on specific networks like T-Mobile, it is generally considered VoLTE capable, especially on networks that support the technology.

To confirm VoLTE functionality on your specific Samsung S5, you can:
1. Check your phone's settings:
Go to Settings > More Networks > Mobile Networks. Look for an option related to VoLTE or LTE.
2. Verify with your carrier:
Contact your network provider to confirm if they support VoLTE on the Samsung S5 and if it's enabled for your device.


I asked about the 3G shutdown and it looks like the S5 will be affected. I do not believe there will be anything you will be able to do when this happens to keep the device working. This is what Google had to say.

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is affected by the 3G shutdown. Phones older than the Galaxy S5, including the S5 itself, will lose the ability to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, due to the shutdown of 3G networks.

Explanation:

• 3G Network Shutdown:
  Carriers like AT&T are phasing out their 3G networks to free up resources for faster 4G and 5G networks.
  
• VoLTE Requirement:
  Phones that don't support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or HD Voice, which rely on the 4G LTE network, will be impacted.
  
• S5's Compatibility:
  The Galaxy S5 is among the older devices that do not fully support VoLTE and will be affected by the shutdown.
  
• Consequences:
  Without VoLTE, the S5 will not be able to make or receive calls or texts, including emergency calls.
  

What to do:

• Upgrade:
  If you are using a Galaxy S5, you will need to upgrade to a newer phone that supports 4G LTE and VoLTE to continue using your phone for calls and texts.
  
• Check with your carrier:
  Your carrier may offer options for upgrading your phone or switching to a different network that still supports 3G for a limited time, but this is not a long-term solution.

 

[VidJunky]

This article makes the 3G shutdown sound a little muddy for the S5. I asked if there was a work around to keep the S5 working after the 3G shutdown.

It appears you're looking for ways to keep using your Samsung Galaxy S5 after the 3G network shutdown. Here's what you need to know:

• The Problem: While the Galaxy S5 supports 4G LTE for data, it typically relies on the 3G network for voice calls (unless it supports Voice over LTE or VoLTE). When carriers shut down their 3G networks, devices relying solely on 3G for calls will lose that functionality.
• No Simple Workaround: There's no easy "fix" to magically make a 3G-reliant phone fully functional after the shutdown.
• Check VoLTE compatibility (if possible): Some versions of the Galaxy S5 might have received software updates enabling VoLTE (Voice over LTE), allowing them to make calls over the 4G network.
  
  • You can check for VoLTE settings on your S5 by navigating to Settings -> Mobile Networks (or Cellular/Internet) and looking for "VoLTE Calls" or "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode".
  • Some sources suggest the Samsung stock OS for the Galaxy S5 does support VoLTE.
• If your S5 supports VoLTE: Ensure VoLTE is enabled in your phone's settings. You may need to contact your carrier to ensure your account and device are provisioned correctly for VoLTE.
• If your S5 doesn't support VoLTE: Unfortunately, your S5 will likely lose the ability to make and receive calls after the 3G shutdown. You'll need to consider upgrading to a newer device that fully supports VoLTE.

Important Notes:

• Carrier Specific: VoLTE compatibility can vary by carrier and specific phone model/variant.
• Older Software: The Galaxy S5 runs on older Android versions, potentially posing security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with newer apps. Upgrading to a newer phone offers enhanced security and features.
• Carrier Offers: Many carriers offer free or discounted upgrades to newer phones to help customers transition from 3G-only devices. It's worth contacting your provider to see if you're eligible for such an offer.
• Other Affected Devices: The 3G shutdown affects not only phones but also other devices like tablets, smartwatches, and home security systems that relied on 3G for connectivity.

 

[SmookinJoe]

Welcome to Android Central forums.

I Googled your question and found the following instructions for activating VoLTE on an S5. I noticed that it mentions the Verizon variant specifically. It doesn't say that it won't work for other variants, it just mentions the Verizon version, so I would check any way.

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capable. Specifically, the Verizon version of the S5 was one of the first two phones to receive Verizon's VoLTE service, called "Advanced Calling 1.0", according to the Verizon Community Forums. While some sources indicate the S5 may not be compatible with VoLTE on specific networks like T-Mobile, it is generally considered VoLTE capable, especially on networks that support the technology.

To confirm VoLTE functionality on your specific Samsung S5, you can:
1. Check your phone's settings:
Go to Settings > More Networks > Mobile Networks. Look for an option related to VoLTE or LTE.
2. Verify with your carrier:
Contact your network provider to confirm if they support VoLTE on the Samsung S5 and if it's enabled for your device.


I asked about the 3G shutdown and it looks like the S5 will be affected. I do not believe there will be anything you will be able to do when this happens to keep the device working. This is what Google had to say.

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is affected by the 3G shutdown. Phones older than the Galaxy S5, including the S5 itself, will lose the ability to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, due to the shutdown of 3G networks.

Explanation:

• 3G Network Shutdown:
  Carriers like AT&T are phasing out their 3G networks to free up resources for faster 4G and 5G networks.
• VoLTE Requirement:
  Phones that don't support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or HD Voice, which rely on the 4G LTE network, will be impacted.
• S5's Compatibility:
  The Galaxy S5 is among the older devices that do not fully support VoLTE and will be affected by the shutdown.
• Consequences:
  Without VoLTE, the S5 will not be able to make or receive calls or texts, including emergency calls.

What to do:

• Upgrade:
  If you are using a Galaxy S5, you will need to upgrade to a newer phone that supports 4G LTE and VoLTE to continue using your phone for calls and texts.
• Check with your carrier:
  Your carrier may offer options for upgrading your phone or switching to a different network that still supports 3G for a limited time, but this is not a long-term solution.

Hi
Just wanted to point out it is a Canadian version of the S5 Neo (something different in the hardware?) it has a slightly higher Software version than the UK. It is also different than an S5.
When I was Googling one of the XDA posts was saying it would work if it had the 2017 update.
Is there an option to force a higher Android OS?
I am curious if a forced software update could make it more probable to use VOLTE.
LineageOS 17.1 didn't have a listing I recognized under devices.
As in your post Verison offered a solution ..in India I think "JioCall" apk is an option for all Samsungs to work on VOLTE but only on the Jio network.
I have installed premade builds on my Android boxes but not sure what would work in this case.
Thanks for your input.
I do have a new phone just don't want to use it all the time when getting dirty.
Joe

 

[SmookinJoe]

There are no enhanced or VOLTE settings.
LTE is one of the options in settings
Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo codename: s5neolte
Just found this here

 

[SmookinJoe]

Android 11 on S5 Neo?

 

[VidJunky]

Yeah, I cough that your in Canada, and Samsung has been known to use different hardware in different regions. I'm just not sure if Canada would be different than a US model, and the article only called out that one thing. What it really comes down to would be the menu options. If the options match the article it shouldn't be an issue.

In the meantime, and I want to be careful how I phrase this, but there is no way to force a device to update to a version that was not released for that device. For instance if a device's last update was to Android 10, you're not going to get it to update to Android 11. On the other hand I've heard members like @mustang7757 talk about updating firmware so we can see if he has any advice for this one. Did you by chance join in that discussion at XDA to see if you could get more information? Really that is the site for questions like this. XDA members are known for their interest in updates, mods and custom ROMs for Android. If anyone is going to know how to do this and/or know a work around for this issue it is going to be them.