A
Android Question
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My 4g phone only reads 1x or EV. What does this mean?
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Tim K
Android Expert
It could be any number of things. The simplest explanation would be that you are in an area that does not have a good signal. 1X is 1xRTT which is the slowest form of data transfer on a CDMA network (Verizon or Sprint in the US). EVDO is what Verizon and Sprint's networks call their 3G data transmission. Verizon refers to their 4G as 4G LTE. Not sure what Sprint calls their new 4G (LTE) since they are switching from WiMax.
Anyway, if you are in an area on Verizon (for example) and your phone gets a 4G signal it will report "4G". If there is no 4G or the 4G signal is weak, the phone will switch its connection to a slower but stronger connection and display EvDO if it is their 3G network. In areas of poor 4G and 3G reception you may see the phone report 1xRTT which is the slowest speed Verizon's current crop of phones will connect at.
Assuming your service with Verizon/Sprint includes 4G service, and assuming it works when you are in a 4G area, seeing EvDO or 1xRTT on your phone simply means you are in an area not covered by 4G (or very weakly). If you never see 4G signals....and you are sure you are in an area of 4G coverage, it is possible your phone is set to CDMA only mode. This can be checked by going into the phone's settings. Without knowing your model phone I can't say for sure. Most likely going into settings, scrolling to "more" and looking at something called Mobile network settings and then network mode. It should be set to CDMA/LTE.
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Anyway, if you are in an area on Verizon (for example) and your phone gets a 4G signal it will report "4G". If there is no 4G or the 4G signal is weak, the phone will switch its connection to a slower but stronger connection and display EvDO if it is their 3G network. In areas of poor 4G and 3G reception you may see the phone report 1xRTT which is the slowest speed Verizon's current crop of phones will connect at.
Assuming your service with Verizon/Sprint includes 4G service, and assuming it works when you are in a 4G area, seeing EvDO or 1xRTT on your phone simply means you are in an area not covered by 4G (or very weakly). If you never see 4G signals....and you are sure you are in an area of 4G coverage, it is possible your phone is set to CDMA only mode. This can be checked by going into the phone's settings. Without knowing your model phone I can't say for sure. Most likely going into settings, scrolling to "more" and looking at something called Mobile network settings and then network mode. It should be set to CDMA/LTE.
I hope this answer has assisted you with your issue! Please note that if you have any questions you can easily resubmit another question using the same “ask a question feature” and one of our staff experts will quickly assist you. If you prefer to have an interactive response please feel free to register with android forums. It is free and we have a wonderful community that is dedicated to helping each other with any questions you may have!
Register today!<----Link
warrior12
Well-Known Member
Like Tim K said, the most reasonable explanation would probably the area you are currently in does not have 4G. I have seen many people who do not have 4G and it is simply because the area they are in has low or no 4G coverage. When you are not in a 4G area, your phone will resort to EvDO(EV) which is basically 3G. If you are not sure if you are in a 4G area, you could always check your carrier's website. Another reason could be that your carrier is working on 4G coverage or other service in your area.
Hope I helped.
Hope I helped.