Why don't I have a signal on my Nexus 5?

[lpbug]

Nexus 5 No Signal after drop

Hi all, I have dropped my Nexus 5 and everything (including the screen) was fine besides for the fact that I am no longer able to get cell signal. I have checked the SIM card by putting it in my old Nexus 4 and ensuring that was working. I also ran *#*#4636#*#*->phone info which gives me -73dBm 20 asu when the SIM card is out and 0dBm 99 asu when the SIM card is in. Weirdly enough, when I plug the SIM card in, it shows that I have new voicemail and is able to display my phone number. I thought it may be a hardware problem but is it possible for the phone to get the voicemail as well as phone number information with a defective radio that's not getting signal? I have also opened up the phone and ensured that the coax cables were connected solidly. Any advice that can help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Nexus 5 No Signal after drop

Welcome to Android Central! Can you please clarify--do you have a Nexus 6 or 5?

 

[lpbug]

Re: Nexus 5 No Signal after drop

Sorry! I meant to type Nexus 5. I fixed it in the first post.

 

[dzys88]

Re: Nexus 5 No Signal after drop

The same exact situation happened to me. I've dropped my N5 plenty of times and it's always managed to come out unscathed (I have a case and screen protector). However, yesterday my N5 slipped from my hand and fell again, from a very low height, and I thought everything was fine when I inspected it. Turns out everything WORKS but the signal/antenna. NFC works, display, everything perfect. I tried all the software fixes, wiping dalvik, reflashing radio, I also opened it up the back to check if anything was loose. I disassembled and reassembled it and still no luck. Exact same symptoms as OP.

Fortunately this happened one day after my Oneplus One arrived, I have a theory my N5 felt insecure and committed suicide out of shame.

I still want to fix my N5 though, so anyone with any advice? I might just order another antenna online and replace it myself.

 

[brosko]

Is it easy to replace the antenna? In other words can it be done with no special tools etc.

 

[dzys88]

Its not too difficult, I have all the tools from helping a friend repair her camera glass. Its just a matter of opening the back and switching one part. Problem is I'm not sure if it's actually the antenna broken. I think I'm going to try and get a working N5 and swap the antenna to see if that's the actual problem. Not sure if it's worth all the hassle. The only other option I have is to call LG or bring it to some third party phone repair shop, my N5 is way past the 1 year warranty.

 

[brosko]

Do you know if the antenna plugs in or is it soldered in?

 

[dzys88]

Re: Nexus 5 No Signal after drop

Its attached to the speaker module on the bottom of the phone. 4 simple screws hold it in place. Easily removable and replaceable. If its not the antenna broken, I worry it's the transceiver on the main board.

 

[lpbug]

Re: Nexus 5 No Signal after drop

Any luck? I've played around with the antenna (removing it and then pushing it back on) to no avail.

 

[dzys88]

Re: Nexus 5 No Signal after drop

Did same thing as you (removing and reattaching the antenna),no luck as well. I'm hoping one of my friends replaces their nexus 5 and lets me disassemble it to test if it really is the antenna. Right now my N5 just sits around and collects dust, or I let my little brother play with it. It's basically a glorified iPod now. I'm wondering if I should bring it to a phone repair store and see if they can replace the antenna for me, or call LG directly. I honestly stopped caring that much, I wasted over 4 hours trying to fix it already myself.

 

[lpbug]

Re: Nexus 5 No Signal after drop

I contacted LG and they "repaired" my phone. However, the phone that was shipped back to me has the same exact problem. Very much disappointed by their repairs service.

 

[Marcel Kuhn]

Hi together, any news on this topic? I have the same problem.....

 

[curtiplas]

I'm having this issue as well started yesterday for no apparent reason... Was able to make calls just fine, then about an hour later I am unable to get signal.

There is one difference with my case, My diagnostics (*#*#4636#*#*) is showing 0dbm and 99asu with or without the simcard in... this makes me think that the issue is hardware based, I've ordered a replacement antenna cable, as well as the speaker assembly it connects to... the parts should be here tomorrow sometime so I'll try to update everyone on if that fixed the issue.

-Thanks
Curtiplas

 

[Taz12]

Did you sort this out? I too have those figures when I dialled the number. I dropped mine, cracked the screen and it's compressed a bit. I worry it's shorted out something behind. I took the back off and the 2 plastic plates and the cables were on just fine.

 

[darkprime]

I'm having similar issues with my wife's nexus 5. Shortly after her 5.1.1 update, it stopped connecting to T-Mobile. I don't know if it was the update or that we were on a trip where there wasn't T-Mobile coverage. When we got back home where there should be coverage, it won't connect, won't stay connected, or will not get an IP address. I also have a Nexus 5 that works well, which often shows a signal status of -83 db, while at the same time my wife's phone will show -116 or so. I have done multiple factory resets, tried different radios, replaced the sim card, and replaced the antenna wires with no luck. I've now ordered a replacement USB port/Flex cable hoping maybe the antenna is damaged on that part. Sporadically I'll see her connection drop back to -90 or -84 db, but it will only stay that way for a minute topics before becoming unusable again. Any suggestions?

 

[androidblanco]

Darkprime

Did u fix the problem? I´m having exactly the same issue.

 

[craja520]

I am experiencing the same issue as well. Any updates on this?

 

[chunkcohen]

Towards the end of 2014, Google was replacing Nexus 5 handsets with refurbs (no questions asked) if you originally bought yours from the Play Store. I got mine replaced last December this way. They did run an authorization on my credit card for the full replacement price, but I got it back once they received my old phone. I'm not sure if they're still doing this, but it may be worth giving them a call to see.

 

[elijahblake]

I don't think Google is replacing the nexus 5 once it's out of warranty anymore, they transferred me to LG which said I could send it in and they would let me know how much it would be for repair.

My wife's nexus 5 just started doing this two days ago, everything works except for cellular data, her SIM works in other phones, I've factory reset it, flashed 6.0 factory image from Google, checked the APNs.

This is pretty dissapointing because I was planning on upgrading my m8 GPE soon to something new and giving her mine and selling the nexus 5. I just went ahead and bought her the Moto e for $79 at Bestbuy and stuck her SIM in.

(She has dropped the phone several times, so I'm sure this didn't help things) it doesn't have any visible damage but guessing that it took some impact internally.

If anyone figures out a fix, please let us know!!