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Signal Spy - Monitor Signal Strength & Data Usage?
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Popularity Score: 134
This app was mentioned in 166 comments, with an average of 2.50 upvotes
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Yikes!! That is painful! ��
I highly recommend getting the Pro version of Signal Spy if you don't have it already so that something like this doesn't happen again. In addition to showing you network info, one of its newer features is stopping data from being used past a certain daily limit that you set. It's called "Data Saver" and you can find it in the app settings.
I used Fi across the state on multiple RAGBRAIs, in addition to living in the metro. From my experience on RAGBRAI, the combination of Sprint, T-Mo, and US Cellular can beat out Verizon or AT&T any day. My biggest recommendation for anybody using Fi, however, is to download one of the third-party apps that allow you to manually switch network at will. Personally, I used Signal Spy, but there are other similar apps to choose from. Every so often, it seems my Nexus 6 would struggle to select the best network, and it's nice to have the option to force it to change instead of waiting. For instance, my N6 would regularly insist on trying to use T-Mobile at my work, where coverage was spotty at best. I'd force it over to Sprint and be all set for the day. As time went on, I feel like I didn't have to manually switch as often.
I currently am on Cricket, because I often stream EPL matches on mobile, and that shit gets expensive on Fi, as its pricing model rewards light data users. A 2-hr football match could wind up costing $20 to stream on Fi.
I did switch back to Fi temporarily during a trip to Europe last spring, and it was really convenient to use my same phone number to send texts and use data at the same $10/GB rate as I did in the States. And since I don't really talk on the phone anyway, the expensive international minutes were of no concern.
Signal Spy is a great app for Fi customers. select networks, widget/notifications give you real time signal strength, network switching history tells you what network, LTE band, and signal strength you used for weeks on end. it's an amazing tool and the devs are super helpful and constantly update with useful features. i hate persistent notifications but am happy to give signal spy the real estate.
/r/signalspy
Fi is fine as long as you keep it on T-Mobile or US Cellular.
Check out the signal spy app on switching carriers manually. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
If you’re looking to switch though I recommend Verizon, best service hands down. It’s pricey but worth it.
$15/month for 3GB of data.
If you're unfamiliar w/ the service you need to pay for 12 months in order to get it for $15, not an issue for me. It's nice paying for a year of phone service and not having to think about it at all. Or think about data use and credits (like you I use very little data at all). I dont think I've ever used more than 1/2 of my data allowance.
I'm on my 2nd year. Have had zero issues. It was nice being able to get basically any phone I wanted as well. Not being locked down to 2 or 3 phone choices.
It runs on T-mobile's network so check their coverage for your area. I ran the Signal Spy app on my phone for my last few months on Fi and I was on a T-mobile network 100% of the time. So it was a no brainer for me.
Install and launch this: Signal Spy
Click on "Launch Dialer Codes"
Choose the carrier you want to switch to
Welcome! I signed up earlier this week! I would recommend downloading Signal Spy so you can view what network you are on.. Pretty neat little app!
Obviously not an optimal solution, but if you use Signal Spy ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en ) you can have a persistent notification with "T-Mobile", "Sprint", and "Auto" buttons that will let you one-click to change this.
Sign up to be a beta tester
Taken from another thread. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Try that, I can dig up the beta invite link if you need it
Edit: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.novvia.fispy
There you go
What carrier are you on when this happens, do you know? Have you tried switching to a different carrier and seeing if that helps?
If you don't have it already, Signal Spy helps switching between carriers easier.
Or. how about going through re-activation? Dialing *#*#34963#*#* (FIX ME) should cause Fi to re-activate service on your phone.
When I'm at work I find myself having to use Signal Spy to switch over to Sprint from T-Mobile. Quite often it won't switch automatically and I'll be on dead air even though Sprint gives me a few bars.
To be fair, that exact spot got me to move from Verizon as it was a dead zone for them too. Sprint gives me full LTE.
Can you do us a favor and verify that you're getting band 12 on t-mobile? Assuming you're in a B12 area, that is.
Should be as easy as installing this app.
I've been a user since December. Absolutely love the phone, but at first I thought the service was only okay. I'm based in a mid sized city in Iowa and the signal was great when connected to Sprint but I could not get data through T-Mobile's towers. My service drastically improved when I found the app called Signal Spy which let me manually switch over to Sprint towers as needed. Finally, when US Cellular was added it about filled all the gaps that Sprint couldn't get in my area. Been loving it ever since, my bills are around 35$ a month. I recommend it to all my family members.. at least the ones that can live without using an Iphone or Galaxy phone.
If you want to switch manually, download Signal Spy to your phone. It will show you what network you are currently on, as well as let you enter the dialer codes to change networks.
Download the Signal Spy app, click "Launch Dialer Codes", then click "Repair". The dialer code should now be in your clipboard, then paste the code into the phone's dialer area.
See if that works.
Alternatively, you can dial *#*#34963#*#* into your phone app. After it's done "repairing" give it a minute or 2 and it should connect to data.
If not, try again when outdoors, which I know sounds dumb, but I'm currently in Dubai, UAE, and even though I have LTE, for some reason the signal is bit weaker whenever I'm indoors.
In DC all the time, K Street, Dupont, NW, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, etc., etc., and it seems to favor T-Mobile which has been solid LTE greatness.
Underground it's not as good, it goes back and forth between Sprint and T-Mobile and if it stays on T-Mobile I sometimes get data between the tunnels. Mostly on the Orange line. Platforms are usually faster if you stick with T-Mobe.
Best bet is to get SignalSpy (neé FiSpy) and use the dialer to force one network when you're on the metro.
You can use an app like Signal Spy to show you what network you're connected to. You can even use it to shortcut run all dialer codes. I've been using this one for over a year now with great results.
CC: u/beardedheathen
You can force Fi to go to a specific network, yes. I don't believe you can "lock" it on a specific carrier but you can force it.
I would suggest using an app like Signal Spy. There is a button with handy dialer codes that will force you to specific carriers, repairs, etc..
​
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
What mobile network are you attached to? They may be congested / otherwise crappy in your area. If you haven't already, install Signal Spy.
have you tried using an app like Signal Spy https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en_US to see if it's a particular network that is causing you the problems? Maybe try toggling them spending a day or two on each to see if any are better than the others for you?
Can confirm, Nexus 6 on Google Fi and I get T-Mobile Band 12 more often than not. But I don't get much of anything at home, sprint nor tmobile. Good thing I have wifi.
I use Signal Spy to keep track of what network I'm on. It could lie though, to be honest. I just don't have any reason to believe it does.
Try (re)enabling Network Diagnostics under Privacy in the Fi app. After that, manually switch yourself over to Sprint by typing this code into the Phone dialer: *#*#34777#*#* OR get the Pro version of Signal Spy to have it do it for you with a single tap.
After doing both steps, restart your phone entirely, and it should boot back up in Auto mode, connecting to Sprint right off the bat. It should stick to Sprint for a while, while Network Diagnostics sends tower info to Fi, which may help improve the algorithm.
Signal Spy is a popular one for us ProjectFi users, I'm fairly certain it works without being on ProjectFi. Looks like logging / history tracking is for "Pro Users" only (requires buying / donating in the app?)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
Download Signal Spy. The app was written by one of the moderators of /r/projectfi. It will tell you your current network. Everyone should have access to US Cellular now (it was rolled out in stages). I'm based out of Madison. Previously, Sprint was the most used network. Now it is US Cellular.
1)It still does prefer using cell towers for calling, however when I'm at a place with awful Sprint 3G, it does choose WiFi calling more often. You can always force it to use WiFi Calling if you turn on Airplane Mode and re-enable just your wifi.
2&3) Yes, it does seem to learn better over time. When I first started, Fi preferred Sprint even though T-Mobile was a lot better. Now it stays with T-Mobile almost indefinitely, because it seems to have realized Sprint sucks around here ��
One setting which I think helps it learn is the "Network Diagnostics" under Privacy in the Fi app. It sends tower info to Fi. I'd enable this after activating if I were you.
You can also force a carrier change using the app Signal Spy if for some reason Fi is simply not getting it.
I use the Signal Spy app. It's pretty useful for identifying what network Fi connects you to. Here it is if you are interested: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
Get this a lot with the 6 as well. Fi doesn't really switch networks intelligently based on best speed or coverage. I heard a rumor that there are preferred networks based on geographical location (so as to balance subscribers across both networks). Grab the fi spy app to manually trigger a network switch or set tmo specifically. The app is in the play store, but you might need to be granted beta test status.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
If you need beta access, click below, then check the play store link again (might take a few minutes before you can access the app in the store). https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.novvia.fispy
Try Fi Spy - designed specifically for Project Fi, allows you to switch networks (if needed) and puts a notification to track which network you're on. Handy tool.
Sign up for testing at https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.novvia.fispy
Once you sign up, give it about 5 or 10 minutes to actually update. Then go to https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy and download the app.
The app, on a basic level, allows you to view which network you're currently connected to while on the "Fi Network".
On a more advanced level, it allows you to use dialer codes to switch between networks manually.
I use Signal Spy to force it to stay on the carrier I want. I think the signal cuts out due to being underground and buildings blocking it but the weakest signal (Sprint for me) always has a signal so it switched to that and never left it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Try this, Signal Spy. There is an option in the app now that prioritizes the carrier. Not from Google, but works great. I love seeing the details of my networks and switching manually between carries when Fis can't sense crap quality of the network.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I'm not sure I understand your question, are you asking about switching networks on Fi, or using this phone on another carrier? If you're talking about Fi, there is a slick app I use called Signal Spy, which allows you to manually switch networks on the fly with dialer codes and also shows a persistent notification in the status bar, so you always know what network you're on: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I've been on Fi since Jan 2017 and I am so happy I switched to that from my previous Droid Maxx on Verizon. I did have to get a [new at the time] Pixel 1 to do it, but it turns out the Fi bill (with monthly phone financing included) came out to almost $20+ cheaper per month than my Verizon bill with a fully-paid-off phone, esp considering with my heavy use of WiFi I almost never go over 1GB of data usage anyway. It's an insanely good deal, and I'm a month or two away from having the Pixel paid off and then my bill will drop even lower.
In fact, I'll happily include an example. Here's my Nov 2018 bill breakdown:
>Last month's usage (for Oct 26 - Nov 26)
>
>Data - Used 0.598 GB: $5.98
>
>
>
>Next month's charges (for Nov 26 - Dec 26)
>
>Calls & texts - Calls, texts, 24/7 support: $20.00
>
>Device payment - $27.04/month, $27.04 remaining: $27.04
>
>Device protection - Pixel: $5.00
>
>Taxes & regulatory fees: $3.89
>
>
>
>Total: $61.91
Coverage between the two networks in the area is fine - I've found Sprint to have better overall coverage, but TMobile gets into some of the dead valleys around Dayton. I've been fine from Miamisburg/Franklin area up through traditionally lower-signal areas in Clark County.
If you are worried about consistency from jumping between networks, Google Fi just rolled out a VPN functionality that's been awesome (aka Pokemon Go won't flip out anymore just because the IP address changed as it jumps networks), and I have found using the Play Store App Signal Spy has given me extra control when I want to force it to use one network over another in an area.
The WiFi calling is also pretty awesome, too.
​
Verizon and US Cellular are the dominant carriers here, with stores around to sign up and buy a phone.
You should expect to lose cell service when you go hiking or travel far from Arcata and other local towns. The mountains routinely block cell signals. If coverage in these areas is important, you can install Signal Spy on an Android phone to see which signals are being received at your present location, and their strength. The app is probably only useful if you already have cell service, are experiencing problems, and are researching a carrier to switch to.
Verizon is probably your best bet, unless you want Project Fi.
Project Fi works here, but the initial website check that asks for a zip code (post code) tells people the region is not serviced. Local people sign up by giving the website a zip code for an area that is serviced, just to bypass the initial check. Some people experience problems activating their phones and have to call Google's customer service to get going. While your existing phone might work with Fi, unless it's an authorized "works with Fi" phone, it won't identify the strongest carrier signal and switch to it automatically as you travel around the region.
Fi's pricing plans are designed for people who don't use much data. If you are concerned about 4G speeds, you probably use a lot of data and should avoid Project Fi.
There are a couple of ways. The easiest is using Signal Spy to one-tap auto-switch for you, but if you don't want to use a third party app, you could also enter the dialer codes manually.
Us this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Then you should be able to open it. Look what carrier it says your on, then hit the top right button, that should say launch dialer codes. Pick one that is different from the screen, unless you activate the permissions it will probably just copy it to you clipboard. So then go to your phone, open up the dialer pad and paste, that should force switch your carrier.
Since Fi uses the T-Mobile roaming profiles, you could try switching it away from the T-Mobile profile; the dialer code
##34777##
force switches to Sprint, which should stop it from roaming onto the international carriers. You could also try
##346398##
to force switch to the next available carrier.
Get the app Signal Spy Pro or FiSwitch to have one tap access to those codes for automatic switching.
You can sort of influence it a bit by 1) enabling Network Diagnostics under Privacy in the Fi app and 2) Installing an app like Signal Spy to force switch to T-Mobile. After that, reboot to clear the dialer code properly and it should start off by reconnecting to T-Mobile and staying there for a good while. Network Diagnostics sends tower info to Fi which may help improve the algorithm.
There's a spot in the break-room at work where this happens on T-Mobile. I use Signal Spy to change over to Sprint and I'm back to LTE again. With poor Sprint in your area that probably won't help, but the app does make it easy.
Try this app from the play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
It makes it so you can make your phone switch networks even if the fi stuff doesn't make it normally do so. I very rarely have any issues with connectivity.
If that's really the case, there are ways to force your phone to switch to T-Mobile towers. Signal Spy is one of those ways.
Well, it would have been, if you were still on Fi :P
Fi loves to give out new SIMs to fix problems. Why this works is a mystery but I'm with you on trying it to see if it fixes the issue.
Spetrakov, you can force the phone to pick a carrier by opening the dialer and entering:
##34777## for Sprint ##34866## for T-Mobile ##342866## to auto switch between the two
It's easier to grab SignalSpy from the Play Store. It's got a shortcut built in.
Good luck!
After you choose to join the beta on the play store, you have to choose to install it or push it to one of your devices by pressing the button. For me, the button currently shows "Installed". What's it say here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&ah=gccWTpImJLAsjKghwnAj-CCjUlw
I am not sure if this was resolved for you or not, but try using Signal Spy app. If you setup the settings right it will copy the proper codes to your clipboard as they are different on the pixel phones versus other android phones. I had a similar issue with an S22 Ultra and my Pixel 6a. Support claimed I would need new Sim cards for both, using this app fixed that issue. Also, using the default google dialer is also key. Let me know if this helps at all.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Have you tried using a "switcher" app to force your phone to one of the other carriers? The only carrier in my area that's in any way reliable is T-Mobile so I need to occasionally force my phone back to T-Mobile if it latches onto one of the other carriers. This is the switcher app I use...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en_US&gl=US
Use the free Signal Spy app and you can easily change between T-Mobile and US Cellular whenever you want or set it to automatic. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
If you can, pair the above guy's suggestion about SIM swap with a friend with testing out Signal Spy's ability to force connect to your desired cell carrier
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I use Signal Spy and you can easily change between networks, but it is only available for Android.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Omg, to resort to clearing trees just to get Fi to work is a crazy amount of effort. I think it might be worth doing some of your own sleuthing for your area.
Signal Spy is specifically for Fi switching it's towers and giving you quick access to the hidden dialer codes. Usually T-Mobile has the best signal but you should check what exists in your area. You can force it to switch to a different tower and compare. T-Mobile is also the one with 5G probably, but if you live in an area with trees, you likely don't have full 5G signals.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Speed test can check your data signal for your local area (be sure to disable wifi in this case) and it can compare to others in your area on the same carrier. You may need to check against the original companies Google leases from (T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular) on that map.
Best of luck!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
The Signal Spy app includes handy features for Google Fi including dialer codes and signal strength to let you know what it is connected to. Works well for T-Mobile and Sprint but I'm not sure what it does if you're international? I think I used it to ID the network and check with the locals whether it should be in range or not. But the dialer codes can let you force reconnects and network resets
FWIW Signal Spy has it built in, for free.
Its not automatic though, when you select a dialer code, it takes you to the dialer and you have to paste the code in, but its way handier than remembering them and typing them out.
¿Have you tried an app like Signal Spy to check if all the phone and carrier signals are ok?
There're people knocking down 5G antennas because of Covid's paranoia; maybe there're some of them in your area, and they're unable to distinguish the type of antenna ;-)
First off, all cell phone carrier coverage maps are straight up lies so don't assume any of them are remotely correct.
Second, assuming your phone is capable of carrier switching, you might need to use an app like Signal Spy and force it to switch to your desired network.
For some reason, my "designed for Fi" Moto X4 always seems to latch onto Sprint but the reception is generally awful. T-Mobile is way better most of the time. I suspect that it connects to the network that is the best "on paper" and doesn't take actual real-world signal strength into account.
I'm on pixel 4 XL. And occasionally my phone shows LTE but nothing is loading. When force switch to T-Mobile data works again. It's only data issues for me though, calls and text go thru fine.
Check out Signal Spy for viewing network connections and easy access to dialer codes: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I use Signal Spy and Fialer to do similar carrier switches from time to time. I've found that the copy/paste into Phone functionality in Signal Spy no longer works with the latest Phone app update, but Fialer still works (although it occasionally crashes).
There are several programs that allow you to select carriers on Google fi. Signal Spy is one that does although my preference is Fi Switch. Try signal Spy first because it's free. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I may be a bit biased but I would say to install Signal Spy and have that handy to be able to do quick switching and get information about your Fi Connection
- Disclaimer: I am a developer for Signal Spy and we love you
Paid version of Signal Spy (Pro) let's you directly manage Network Switching.
​
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I've always used https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en_US It's simple enough and helps you keep track how much you move between networks and wifi.
I know /u/dmziggy was apart of this project for a while, I'm not sure if still?
Check out Signal Spy, you can use the codes to force it to another carrier at will. It can also show you what carrier you're currently on and the strength.
Google Fi uses 3 networks (T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular) and latches onto the one with the strongest signal. If I had to guess based on the amount of complaints in this sub, I'd say you were on the Sprint network.
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Next time, download the Signal Spy app and you can manually (and temporarily) switch to the T-Mobile network. You can even "repair" the network it it's still giving you trouble.
I used Fi for just over two years. Reception was mostly excellent, but a companion app such as Signal Spy or FiSwitch will be invaluable in situations where Google's automatic cell service switching insists on a poor signal. That is mostly an issue in more remote areas, but I do highly recommend becoming acquainted with one of those apps before you need them.
I left after getting fed up with intermittent issues causing SMS messages to drop, both inbound and outbound. I'm honestly not sure if Project Fi was to blame, but I hadn't had that issue in years past, nor since switching services. Otherwise, aside from having a hard time finding a supported device I was eager to use, I had no issues locally.
I would suggest using one of these apps to force it to use the needed carrier.
These are both free. There are paid apps that do this as well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
It's free and tell's you what carrier Fi is connecting you through.
It would be interesting to know if there are certain carriers which do NOT report our location to 3rd parties such as LocationSmart.
T-Mobile definitely appears to sell the location information.
Not really a "must have" but more of a nice to have, Signal Spy is a nice little tool to have to either force a fallback, or just to see signal strength based on carrier. FiSwitch is an alternative, but it'll run you 2 bucks.
Google Photos if you don't already use it. Take advantage of the unlimited original quality upload to Google Photos that comes with your Pixel.
You should use the Signal Spy app to determine which network you are on. You can also switch networks easily with the app and dialer codes. Where I am from, Sprint service is terrible but the phone still switches to it for some reason. I literally can't even make phone calls until I switch back to T-Mobile or wifi. I really really really hope they figure out how to solve those types of issues.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
Fi uses 3 networks domestically. You need to know what network you're on to for anyone to trouble shoot it. Download Signal Spy or SignalCheck Lite this will help you diagnose problems as it tells you what towers your connected to.
> Might be relevant if it has anything g to do with signal propogation.
All networks have different issues with signal and penetration, etc. But Verizon Wireless has nothing to do with us. If you want to compare to someone, compare to either a Sprint or T-Mobile user when you're on those respective networks. But using VZW as a comparison is like saying another airline gave you a can of soda so why are you not getting a can on this plane.
Use Signal Spy or FiSwitch to monitor which local cell network you're connecting to.
Yellow's not terrible, so maybe not the main reason, but probably a significant factor.
You may want to look into something like Signal Spy. It can force Project Fi phones to connect to a different tower. I just got Project Fi myself, and I've been noticing that it likes to connect to a really weak T-mobile tower by my house for some reason, even though there's a much stronger Sprint tower right there.
I basically use this app- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
T mobile has no presence here, so for tmobile it shows IWireless, which does not support the data. Phone works fine though.
I usually just switch to US Cellular or sprint and it works great
If you have 0 service... in theory it's already tried all three networks. You can use the FINEXT command and push it to the next 2. Non-Edge dead zones are rare in my view. Maybe some awkward areas out in West Texas... or other states that have no-mans-land.
Get Signal Spy https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
It will help you switch easier and know what network you're on.
/u/dmziggy normally sends out some discounts for premium. Buying helps support him and the other dev so... :P Make sure to upgrade.
There are a few Project Fi specific apps that will let you switch networks manually without having to input dialer codes. I use Signal Spy, but there are a few other options with similar functionality people seem to enjoy. I mostly use it for network tracking, allowing me to see what bands, network, signal strength, etc... i get through the day.
Are you positive it's the phone itself doing it and not your router? My router drops the connection occasionally, causing every device connected to the home WiFi suddenly go back to using data/have no internet. A router reboot usually puts it back to normal for a while.
If it becomes a chronic issue, one of your options is downloading Signal Spy. Besides giving you network info, one of its features is a Data Usage Monitor that stops data from being used after a certain daily threshold is met. So, if your wifi drops again and you've set a maximum, you won't suddenly build up huge data, and as such you'll also realize pretty quickly you have no wifi.
Signal Spy works great for that. The dev works with the Fi team and is very active in /r/ProjectFi.
I basically do what you said and force my phone on T-Mobile when in the city. Speeds and service are both great.
Well, Verizon has some form of VoLTE if i recall correctly-- Sprint doesn't (yet?). Because of that, calls can go over the LTE network, and therefore you can do calls and data at the same time.
Also, Signal Spy is a great app to know which network you're on and when. It even lets you manually switch between carriers with just the tap of a button (versus doing it yourself via Dialer Codes)
I use Signal Spy to track my network history, so I keep an eye on what carrier I'm using and which bands. T-Mobile seems to be having issues for me. I tried it on my other 6P and 6, and the issue seems to be the same on all phones.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Edit: the developer of the app is on here a lot helping out people, and he works with the Fi team, so you know you're in good hands with the app. Worth the money to go pro.
There are apps to help with this. I downloaded signal spy (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en) which shows you what network you're currently connected to and easily allows you to switch between networks. There are other similar apps, this is just one option.
I am very happy with Fi. Im using a Nexus 6 and I hear they can be gotten for a good price now. Coverage has been great for me. I can't speak directly to large gatherings but signal spy lets you force a network change, so that might help.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Either use the dialer codes directly: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/project-fi-fi-dialer-codes-to-force-t3132393
Or use one of the apps for switching: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
My friend had a similar issue, and had some luck changing carriers manually using phone code #'s. Some apps can do it too -- not sure if you tried this?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Ah, I figured you were talking about if the phone was working properly and what not.
In that case sign up here and get Fi Spy so you can easy switch between networks to monitor which one has better signal, as Fi doesn't always switch when the other provider has better signal.
>Register for the Public Beta Here: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.novvia.fispy
>Download the App Here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I can register but when I go to download I get the "We're sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server." as if the app was taken off the Play Store. I ran into this over the weekend. The post I saw it in was months old so I figured it was canceled.
Carrier/Network Info Built for Project Fi - Fi Spy (Currently in Beta)*:
Register for the Public Beta Here: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.novvia.fispy
Download the App Here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I signed up for the testing program, but it looks like google may have removed it; all the links are broken: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&ah=ZDRkBWaI_bhmbtbvfed5-x0MmbY
I'm on M. You can get the fi spy app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
It has dialer codes that you can enter to force switch to the next network. Works as it should (though I notice I frequency change between Sprint and T-Mobile regularly enough on its own, but not intuitively when I know one network has tons of signal but my phone is lazily grasping to a weak signal on the other network.
Signal Spy does exactly what you want.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Eh? FiSpy is free... and will do the same thing, mostly, for non-root users.
For rooted users, FiSwitch seems awesome.
Fi Info is good. Signal Spy is also good and the developer posts here a lot.
Install Signal Spy from the Play Store.
There's a couple different apps available. I use Signal Spy https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Try that, I can dig up the beta invite link if you need it
Edit: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.novvia.fispy
There you go
not OP, but it is signalspy
I like using Signal Spy to see what network I'm on...
Install Signal Spy and purchase the Pro. Honestly, that functionality should be built into the Fi app.
Download Signal Spy. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
I use signal spy on Android that makes TMobile a priority... I think you may like it
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
This got a little long, so I'll give you the TL;DR first:
I recommend Fi in the area simply because no matter where you are, you'll have coverage. T-Mobile has a decent network in the city and suburbs, and what TMo doesn't cover, US Cellular does. I wouldn't count on Sprint's network for anything other than phone calls and SMS.
Now for the longer breakdown.
This is my second time on the Fi service. The first time around was before US Cellular joined Fi.
I've been a T-Mobile subscriber for years, so I knew what to expect with Fi, for at least that half. The other times spent on Sprint were terrible. I've confirmed this with other users, but there are times on Sprint where it'll claim a strong LTE signal, yet there will be no data. I left Fi back in March due to the experience I had with Sprint while in San Diego. I do travel fairly often, and the service from Sprint was just the worst. I'd always force the phone back onto T-Mobile and everything would work again.
Now that I'm back with Fi and USCC is a carrier, it's largely the same experience, except I am usually either on TMobile or USCC. If I'm on sprint, it's while I'm at work, and I'm just on the work WiFi anyways. Fi is also improving how and when the switching happens, so I would only expect things to get better over time.
This past weekend, I spent about 9 hours in my car driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Route, and I noticed not having a signal only once, with USCC serving up most of the connection, and T-Mobile being the other more used carrier in the more populated areas. Sprint was there too for a decent amount of it, but out there, I was concerned more about having phone/text service than actual data (I don't use hangouts, so data for texting wasn't needed).
I would recommend Fi in the area simply because no matter where you are, you'll have coverage. T-Mobile has a very decent network in the city and suburbs, but when you get more rural, things tend to get more shady. Sprint works for phone coverage, I just do not trust their data network, for connectivity, speed, or reliability. Good thing that USCC is available, because I personally feel, what TMO doesn't cover, USCC does.
Also, if you feel you'd save money with a Fi plan vs a carrier, go for it. This is usually for those who use little data, but people who use a lot of data tend to not see the value. I've changed my data usage habits to make this work by downloading playlists from Play Music, not backing up photos unless I'm on WiFi, and letting WiFi Assistant connect me to as many networks as it can. Now, I don't actually feel like I can't use my data, but now I really don't have a reason to.
Lastly, I recommend Signal Spy for the ability to see what network you're on, and for the ability to force the network to be on. It also keeps a history of the networks our phone connects to, which may be helpful.
That's an option, but they were referring to signal spy
Sounds like you might be on Sprint according to other similar posts with data problems. Look into the Signal Spy app where you can switch providers or look up the GoogleFi dialer codes. Matter of fact, see below...
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https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en_US
​
I also have a 5x like you, and it's still going strong. I came from an LG Cosmos 2 on Verizon.
I have been a Fi customer since April 2016, and I have loved every month of it. From RMA swapping through Project Fi to misc. questions, Fi support has been amazing.
I've taken a couple of trips with Fi. My family and I drove along the eastern coast and went from Pennsylvania to Georgia. There were times when I had service (even LTE thanks to U.S. Cellular) and my family, who has Verizon, did not have any service/
I also went to Las Vegas last June and also had great, reliable service.
I noticed someone complained that wifi calling did not work well. To me, I find it will always make a call through cellular connection unless it is nonexistent. For example, there are some areas in my basement where I don't have cellular reception. In those instances, phone calls were routed through wifi. I even received a call while in the basement and sounded just fine.
Unlimited minutes, texting, and MMS is a nice feature.
There is only one negative I can think of. People have complained where either their phone has a delay in ringing or simply does not ring at all. For example, I have it set up so my computer rings also. (I don't have it set to send texts through Google Hangouts, only calling) I will always see a notification popup on my desktop saying incoming call. I then walk over to my phone and within 3 seconds or so, it too starts ringing. I have had a few times (no more than 5, though) where my phone never rang, despite Google Hangouts on my desktop ringing. Even though my phone is sitting right next to me, it never rang and instead suddenly made a notification noise telling me I had a voicemail. I have not been the first person to say this either.
Lastly, people have said that Project Fi stubbornly sticks to one carrier that has one 3G bar despite another having full LTE. The most common scenario is it sticking to a weak Sprint signal which I have personally experienced. Signal Spy is a common app for seeing which carrier you are on and can also be used to easily force-switch to another carrier. Fi does, however, learn quickly. For example, Sprint is just oh-so-slightly better inside my house than T-Mobile. But outside, T-Mobile is a little bit better. The first few days, Fi always stuck to Sprint. After I "trained" it to switch to T-Mobile when I'm outside, it began to do so for me automatically. For reasons like this, I enable "network diagnostics" inside the Fi app (under privacy). This sends cell tower info and approximate location history to Fi to help improve network quality. I debated if I wanted Fi to always track my location, but honestly, Google already knows, and a lot of other services probably do too and we just don't know it. With this setting turned on, however, I found Fi to be a little more reliable when switching carriers. It appears to be a user-contributed virtual "map" that is created over time. When I manually switch a carrier and Fi learns that is the best thing to do at the location, it will do so for all other Fi customers. I think (not completely sure, though) this is possible because I shared network diagnostics.
These are the only two drawbacks I can think of, but the latter can be overcome quickly. I would highly encourage you to come over from Sprint and receive many more benefits. Plus, if you ever travel abroad with family, you're likely to be the only one with reliable service.
...I also convinced my brother to switch when his Verizon contract is up. ;)
TL;DR
- Positive
- IT'S SO CHEAP
- Great coverage. I sometimes had service when my Verizon family didn't
- Wifi calling is a nice fallback in the event of no cellular reception
- IT'S SO CHEAP
- Negative
- Happened less than five times since April, but my phone never rang despite Google Hangouts on my desktop ringing. My phone only notified me of a voicemail (I'm not the only one, too)
- Fi stubbornly sticks to one carrier that has no reception despite another having full LTE. You can "train" it, however. My tiny nitpicks with this were solved within a week of "training"
Signal Spy gives you some control.
Download Signal Spy from play store and you'd be able to pick the network you're on. Signal Spy
For the lazy: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Great app!
Try an app like signal spy which will tell you exactly who you are connected to.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Your welcome, I've been using Signal Spy for years now and it helps with entering the codes: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Crucial error with your post! You didn't include a link!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
Erm...are you not familiar with Signal Spy? ☺
Use Signal Spy. I saw it recommended here frequently and its been working great for me.
Signal Spy will give a status of what network you are on and easily let you change between Sprint, TMobile, and auto switch. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
People have installed 3rd party apps that allow this. I use Fi Spy which you can find here.
Yep! Signal Spy
The preferred way is SignalSpy, ~~created~~ partially developed by our own /u/dmziggy.
e: proper attribution.
You can try forcing a temporary switch to T-Mobile with Signal Spy or similar and see how the coverage is.
Signal Spy or FiSwitch for monitoring which network you're connected to and switching manually if required.
I also like SignalCheck (Lite, Pro) for the very detailed information about the network including roaming partners. Network Cell Info (Lite, Pro) is also very useful.
Instabridge to help you connect to Wi-Fi networks automatically and WiFi Web Login (aka HelloGuestWiFi) for automatically logging in to captive portals.
>Get Signal Spy then reboot your phone.
What? Why?
Yep you can use the Signal Spy app to accomplish this.
Signal spy (formerly Fi Spy): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Be amazed.
I use Signal Spy to track which networks my Project Fi phone is connected to.
I use an app called Fi Spy. I have a notification that tells me if I'm on Sprint or T-Mobile. It would be nice if Fi had that info available, but really the average user wouldn't need to know or probably care.
If you're interested in Fi Spy
Register for the Beta: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.novvia.fispy
Download app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
The Google+ Community has a beta you can download (outside of the play store) right now as well.
If I followed correctly, it's this app they used. I recently downloaded it as well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Signal Spy also works http://www.signalspy.com/
Signal Spy is another popular one.
Get this. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en_US
Use this as needed to match things up: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fialer.sse&hl=en_US
https://www.kimovil.com/en/where-to-buy-sony-xperia-1-ii Has the band information but as far as hands on you'll need to wait till people in a similar situation would get the phone.
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As for which band your phones currently use you can use this app To make it easy.
Signal Spy will tell you what network you're on, and help you switch.
Well that's the only problem, everywhere that I've been looking, the 50W Supervooc charger isn't available, I can't find it anywhere and I don't trust any kind of EU plug adapter to be able to handle that wattage, so I'm kind of at a standstill until I can find a charger adapter that can support 50 watts. Also if you get a chance, install an app called Signal Spy, it will tell you what LTE band that you are using and then you can cross-reference it with This Website to see if the X2 pro have the right LTE bands you need you need. Also according to This Forum AT&T uses Band 17, 5, 2, and 4 for their LTE signals, which the x2 Pro supports, so it might still work for you, hopefully this info help and sorry about the long post. I've been doing to much research on this phone.
You didn't have Signal Spy or something similar running on it did ya? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
See if you're using bands that are supported by the phone. This may help https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Perhaps you're out of range? Try Signal Spy.
edit: Oh, and restarting the phone wouldn't hurt.
You can use this app to switch easily. It's the one I used until I broke my phone recently.
Would this app work switch networks? Or it doesn't matter.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
I'm a Project Fi user in Fort Worth since 2015. Previously I was a T-Mobile user and before that, a Verizon victim. I've never been tempted to switch back to anything else in over 3 years. My monthly bills went from nearly $80 a month to around $40. I consider myself an heavy data user but my bills are low because I stay connected to wifi whenever possible using a VPN on most public wifi. I also download videos, podcasts and music ahead of time while connected to wifi rather than use cellular data. My higher bills are for those months when I'm traveling and don't have access to wifi as often. Now with data bills capped at $60 a month, I know my total Project Fi bill will never be over $80.
I've traveled to several states with Project Fi where I've been switched around from T-Mobile, Sprint, and Cellular One depending on what Project Fi deems best at the moment. I'd consider my coverage very good - not quite as good as the big two carriers, but with bills at least $40 less a month, I'm more than satisfied.
I also use Signal Spy which was mentioned. Sometimes I'll get connected to a Sprint (ugh) tower where the bandwidth is horrible and I'll use the app to switch to T-Mobile. There's one area here in DFW where I'll get connected to a T-Mobile tower where data doesn't work at all, then I'll use the app to switch to Sprint. Which leads to my main complaint about using Project Fi. Because you're a customer of Project Fi and not of T-Mobile, Sprint, or Cellular One, complaining about having a problem with one of their towers is useless. And if you complain to Project Fi, it's sure to get lost in the shuffle of information. When I was direct customer of T-Mobile, I felt like they would try to address my issues.
Overall for the DFW area, coverage is great and I would considered it a non-issue. Most of the time I'm connected to T-Mobile.
Something else I like about Project Fi are the free data SIM cards. If you have an extra mobile device such as a tablet, phone, or maybe a laptop that accepts a SIM card, you can request them from Project Fi. Any data used on those devices is lumped into your overall data use. If you hit $60 of data usage combined using all the SIM cards, that's your data cap and you won't be charged any more.
Not a single person that I've recommended Project Fi to and that has made the switch has switched back. This includes a whole family that made the switch from Sprint a few months ago. One person in that family claims the data speed on Project Fi is much faster than what he got on Sprint. As far as the SMS problems referred to in this post, I've never had problems with my messages getting lost, but SMS accounts for probably less than 5% of my texting.
If you decide use Project Fi and use my referral code, we both get $20 of credit.
In case OP isn't yet aware, Signal Spy is great for not having to remember the dial codes.
Signal Spy will tell you. (Other apps will too.)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
If im not mistaking hsap+ shows up as a H+ so wounded 4G be LTE?
try seeing what this app tells you https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
You can use signal spy to see which network you're on and switch carriers easier.
By the way, Signal Spy is written by our own /u/dmziggy and it's free.
Signal Spy, developed by one of the Mods here, designed for Project Fi, will tell you which network you are connected to.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Signal Spy can do this, don't think it's native
There are ways. ;)
/r/SignalSpy
I just used Signal Spy app... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
There are special "dial codes" that you dial into the phone dialer. See this and this. I personally use an app, Signal Spy
Signal Spy can switch between networks manually. You have to just paste into the dialer when it pops up. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Or install this it's free... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
You can download an app called Signal Spy for that info.
You can use Signal Spy (formerly called Fi Spy) to see which network you're using on Project Fi.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
Download Signal Spy and force-switch over to Sprint's network. I'm mainly on T-Mobile too, automatically.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy
Signal Spy https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novvia.fispy&hl=en
It shows a Tmobile or Sprint logo depending on which network is connected. It's just for Project Fi.
Yes. Download the Signal Spy app and pay for the pro version. You can lock on to Tmo with it.
AFIAK Googly Fi is not throtteled, it only gets de-prioritised after 10Gig. So I'd say it's bad reception or the tower you're connected to is busy.
You might want to try the App Signal Spy which shows to which of the 3 networks Fi uses you are currently connected to and lets you switch to the other two (if available). The others might be faster.