S24U Poor Signal/ S24U One ui 8 Prefered Network

[DonJazzy0701]

Good Day Samsung Knights, 

One of the known weakness for S24U is Network signal. However, I used to bypass the issue through a routine.

Routine was configured that each time I am connected to my home/work Wi-Fi, phone Network would switch to 3G network. Reason being poor signal when indoors. 

With One Ui 8, it's prioritizing security over certain configuration preferences that we adjust to optimize performance and battery but now we can no longer choose 3G Network. 

My battery consumption has gradually increased due to low signal in my everyday location😭

[Arexy]

How can get new vition on Samsung s20 please

[SherlockHolmes222B]

Hi DonJazzy0701
You’ve described the situation perfectly, — and you’re absolutely right 💯.

Samsung did indeed lock down many “manual network mode” options with One UI 8 (Android 15) to comply with newer security and carrier regulations. Specifically, 3G and 2G network selection menus are now hidden or disabled on most regions’ firmware, especially on devices like the S24 Ultra.

Here’s what’s happening and a few realistic workarounds 👇


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⚙️ Why You Can’t Manually Select 3G Anymore

Google’s Android 15 base code enforces stricter carrier policies, focusing on LTE/5G-only modes.

3G networks are being phased out globally, so even though South Africa still has partial 3G service, One UI 8 assumes you’ll rely on LTE (VoLTE).

Samsung removed hidden “network switching APIs” for automation apps like Bixby Routines or Tasker — to prevent “insecure or unstable” network forcing.



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🔋 Why Battery Drain Increased

When your signal is weak indoors:

The phone constantly searches for a stronger LTE/5G signal, raising modem activity.

Background tasks and radio handshakes spike idle battery usage, especially in low-signal areas.

Since you can’t fall back to 3G (which consumes less power when idle), your standby drain rises.



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💡 Workarounds You Can Try

1. Force LTE Only (temporary trick):
Dial this code:

*#*#4636#*#*

→ Select Phone Information → scroll to Set Preferred Network Type → choose LTE only.
🟡 Note: This may not persist after reboot on One UI 8. Samsung hides it on some CSCs.


2. Use “Good Guardians → Battery Tracker”

Go to Battery Guardian and enable “Battery Saver → Limit background usage in low-signal areas”.

It intelligently throttles modem activity when your signal drops.



3. Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi):
Enable Wi-Fi calling (Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling).

Your calls and texts route via Wi-Fi instead of cellular, reducing the modem load massively indoors.



4. Create a Routines+ Shortcut
In Good Lock → Routines+, create:

When connected to Wi-Fi → Enable Airplane Mode → Turn on Wi-Fi & Bluetooth again.

This disables mobile radio while you’re home/work, saving battery and avoiding signal hunting.



5. Optional – SIM Slot Swap:
If dual-SIM, some users report Slot 2 gives slightly better LTE reception on S24U (hardware design difference).

[DonJazzy0701]

Hi SherlockHolmesB221,

Thank you so much for your response.

My bro has got the S23U and his signal is way better with 3 bars at most while i am on zero to 1 bar.I had forgot to mention that both phones (24U & 23U) are UAE versions. Of which I have compared with with the SA variants( I believe International version) from my friends and can not see much difference interms signal strengthens. I guess S24U just doesn't have good antennas☹️.

Coming to your potential fixes;
1. The code is not responsive even with Autoblocker off. Samsung may have changed and will have to look around for one that works.

2. It seems that limiting background usage in low signal areas has been replaced by blocking apps not to use 5G data network when mobile data usage is low😥.

3. I only have VoLTE and my carriers do not support WiFi calling.

4. I cannot stay on plane mode as I will be on standby for work and rely on direct calls most of the time.

5. I once came across this and sadly it did not do me any better. SIM 2 is main line for work and kept there hoping it will eventually get better but no luck😔