yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zombicidal maniac:
Which software update do you speak of?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] :
I've had this issue since owning the phone, at about the same frequency as with my Nexus 4. None of the radios seem to help, but I know my signal is solid (I'm with T-Mobile). Incredibly frustrating, and I've never seen anything quite like it.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dicecuber:
^Did you try flashing a T-Mobile specific radio?

Team Nexus 5 sucks
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FloppyDrive:
I believe people with Nexus 4 and KitKat installed have been having the same problem.

---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:59 PM ----------

Belus doesn't have a 2G that is compatible with the phone. Have your tried forcing HSPA only?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] palabook:
4.4.1/4.4.2... firmware. :)
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] psy_spy:
I too have the same problem. :( I have 1-2 bars in my sony phone but the Nexus 5 doesn't pickup any signal.(it is in emergency calls only mode).This happens in my home. Whereas in places where I get good signal (3-4) bars, the N5 pickups the signal. I don't know if this is a software issue or a poor radio. I am on 4.2.2, NOT rooted.

I am using my N5 like an Ipod. :-|
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zombicidal maniac:
I did those and I still have the issue. I was hoping there was something new :( I think I'm just going to get another phone instead. This was the best phone I've had until this issue started. Maybe they'll fix it or I'll be able to get a replacement that works properly.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] palabook:
I think its happening to others as well. Hope google will fix this again. Wait for a bit. Dont leave us/nexus5. Hehe.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] X1iser:
Those who have this issue have LG QuickCover or any other cover?

After flashing to factory same problem with different carrier.

Trying without cover today.

Edit: same...
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zombicidal maniac:
It was the best phone I've had to date and the signal was much better than the S4 I upgraded from especially at work. Then last Wednesday I got to work and had no data. :( The only place I have data is at home but that's when I use my phone the least.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] r0ck0:
This needs to be fixed, I doubt it will since it has been going on since the phone was released. Why doesn't it affect more people, not everyone reports the problem? I have had two nexus 5 and they both have the same problem.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zombicidal maniac:
I agree with this message. I just ordered a Note 3 to replace this since it's been almost two weeks for me and Google has been no help so far. I don't think they read anything I put in the RMA request since they just sent me basic info of how to make sure you're connected to the network properly and APN things. I tried everything I could think of and they haven't responded in about 3 days so I just gave up.

I loved the phone for the first month when it worked properly and now it's just an MP3 player. :crying:
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dicecuber:
I was this close to dumping this n5 and it's signal issues for the note3. But I decided to use a backup phone to make calls/txts. And wait for next year's releases from Samsung and HTC. Surprisingly, the updates fixed my signal problems. My only complaint is the battery life.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JBC2005:
I'm on my second Nexus 5 because of the signal issue! New one seems better, but we'll see!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] r0ck0:
my rma was fine for the first week now the new phone is doing the same thing.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FloppyDrive:
You guys resetting the phone before or after the update? It's the thing you usually do when you have problems.

I'm still on 4.4 - I'm afraid to update because of all the complaints.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] moomingstarz:
I haven't had signal problems since 4.4.0. I did experience it on 4.4.0 but it disappeared with the update. Perhaps try turning your wireless network off for a few hours. I went over data, and I did that for a few days and when I got data back, everything was fine
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] anthonyly:
I don't know if the constant signal problem effects my calls. but alot of time when i have long calls there are times when the other person can barely hear me so im guessing its cause of the signal problem

does anyone know if the problem still consist in the newer models
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] :
I had the exact same problem, random drops on WiFi also, cell goes to emergency mode randomly but when I search for network it's become alright. I don't lnpw why but all of suddenly my device seems to be ok for now as I was going for RMA, I'm in confusion whether to RMA or not.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JustinOkay:
Overall Recap

Initially I had Nexus 5 on t-mobile and noticed the spotty connection. I assumed it was t-mobile's network issues and switched to AT&T. I was surprised to experience the same connectivity issues. This usually happens the moment I leave my driveway or work desk. While stationary I have 0 issues but as soon as drive a few miles from that location my phone goes into emergency call mode. I've tried all modems/radios from the official thread over the course of a week but to no avail. I can't afford to miss calls from work and family. I've only experienced this on 4.2.2 so hopefully an update to the fix the issue will roll out soon.

From the thread here's what we know so far:

-RMA doesn't fix the issue so don't waste your time.

-Flashing various radio/Modem doesn't fix the issue.

-APN settings doesn't fix the issue.

-Network selection options doesn't fixes the issue.

-Some roms running 4.4.0/4.4.1 do not encounter the issue.

Hit that thanks if this helps.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bavykin:
I had the same issue several days ago.

I'm from Ukraine, mobile operator "Life:)"

The saga started exactly when I tried to send SMS through hangouts that was not actually sent. The next moment I got "emergency calls only". Reboot didn't helped me, turning on/off flight mode - didn't help also. I was disconnected for 2 or 3 hours. Until I deleted SMS, that was still pending. And after reboot my Nexus 5 became alive.

I'm 16Gb white version on stock 4.4.2, no root. Phone was ordered unlocked from Google.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] makoi:
Test with different carriers

I'm also on Rogers (in Calgary) and having the same signal/reception issues. I've done some testing with different carriers and I'll try to not make it too long to read:

I find it a bit weird, this issue. On my Nexus 4, the signal was good: 3G/HSPA hovers around -80dbm in the basement, and -70dbm upstairs. With LTE it's around -100 to -90dbm. Not great, but serviceable. On the Nexus 5, however, I get -100 to -110 in the basement with 3G/HSPA and around the same with LTE anywhere in the house.

Now I popped in a Koodo (Telus) sim on the Nexus 5 and low and behold, it's even better than when I have the Rogers sim on the Nexus 4. Now, Koodo does have a slightly better signal than Rogers in my location, but the difference is not that big. To isolated it further, I tried the same Koodo sim on the Nexus 4... Same signal strength as when it was on the Nexus 5.

Probably TL;DR, but I hope someone who has better knowledge of the Rogers network post here as I've tried to talk to them 2 times and I got nothin from em.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tommerdoo:
Having the same issues.

Hello there. I am having the same issue. Random emergency calls only for a minute or so before reestablish connection. I'm in Hawaii on Straight Talk which is using AT&T towers. This began upon upgrading to their LTE compatible sim card. I had no problems on their hspa+ towers.

I am using a Note II phone. I have noticed that the only places I am encountering this problem is two places so far. One is unfortunately my home. I have determined that my phone is possibly picking up very faint LTE signals (I know that because a handful of times it would say LTE on the signal meter with no bars but in hspa+, 3g or h mode I get 3 bars on average. My only hypothesis is that the phone is trying to establish connections with LTE towers then finding that those towers signals are too weak to be of any use defaulting back to the normal hspa+ GSM towers. I say this because I only have had the problem in two locations, with blazing fast LTE everywhere else I go. Anyone else notice this?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JustinOkay:
For those of you trying to contact your carrier reps it's not a server side issue. Our issue is client side as the nexus 5 has horrendous antenna and poor radio. I honestly wouldn't mind having 1 or 2 bars everywhere I went as long as my phone worked.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] movielover76:
Sounds like a service provider problem

This sounds like a service provider issue, I only have issues with LTE when in a weak signal area, in fact even while the phone is reading 0dbm 99asu and I have no bars I will still have a connection most of the time, the radio while not the best phone I've had reception wise is pretty good at holding the connection it has in my experience. I myself have only seen emergency mode a couple times in dead spots (every provider has them)

If your having issues in a good signal area, I would guess it's your provider. You might want to try a sim from a different provider (maybe from a friend) to see if you have similar problems with another provider.

If your on a mvno they often experience more data issues because they are lower priced and deprioritized.

The only problem I really have is battery drain when in low service areas, which is worse on 4.2.2. I really hope google fixes that in the next update.

I'm on T-mobile btw, so low signal is common for me, my apartment for instance I never get any better than -110dbm, normally -115dbm and I hold connection, never miss calls or texts and data works.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Nathaniel Lau:
I tried it. It became no service and I can't fix it by air mode, restart, reset or try a other rom.

My nexus 5 become a phone which can't make a call
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] X1iser:
Maybe is Europe LTE frequency issue by switching 4G/3G mode.

RMA replacement with same issue, switching off 4G, no emergency call problem... (310K to 312K)
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] guddtad10_21:
thank you for share
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] thoang1987:
I rma'd and my new n5 has been working great. I was having the exact same issues as everyone else. Im on tmobile btw.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FloppyDrive:
Before doing the update, I made sure old/unnecessary apps were removed from the "my apps" list within Google Play. I reset my phone before doing the upgrade from 4.4 to 4.4.2 . Installed the update as soon as the phone booted up and logged into my Google account. I haven't had the 'emergency' problem since and I get my voicemail notifications.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ilyassnexus:
Is there any fix for this ****ing ****?? Been having this emergency only all ****ing week!! It never happened to me before. This must be a hardware issue. **** !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lsmaverick31:
Me Too!

Chalk me in as another person with this exact issue. When I lose signal, the phone goes to emergency calls only mode, and the signal doesn't come back even in the strongest coverage areas. I have to toggle airplane mode to reconnect to the network. The phone seems to struggle to reconnect if not prompted, and just sits lazily at "Emergency Calls Only." I'm on 4.4.2 stock, T-Mobile.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bpivk:
+1 for me and this issue as well. I have tried everything and that includes disabling LTE and changing SIM cards. I believe that it's a problem with a specific batch of phones.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lsmaverick31:
I doubt that. My phone is from the newest batch, S/N 312k. This has been going on since November, before that revision.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bpivk:
Damn. Well it was a long shot.

It would be nice if the service center would even acknowledge the fault with the number of problems reported but I've just sent out three e-mails in the hope that they won't turn down my RMA request again. I had the phone for three weeks I could use it for seven days in total the rest of the time was being spent troubleshooting, wiping and taking the phone to a service center.

So far I'm ready to use it as a PSP device and getting a proper phone in the lines of a HTC One or something.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lsmaverick31:
I was leaning towards a Moto X (Motorola has rock solid radios), but T-Mobile would only pay my ETF if I bought a phone from them. I had the Galaxy Nexus with Verizon a while back, and that had signal issues galore. I thought it was a Verizon and Samsung thing, but I guess Nexus phones never had good radios?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bpivk:
Ironic since my main reason for purchasing a Nexus phone was stability and reliability only to have problems with a brand new device not to mention the problems RMAing it that I'm experiencing now. I didn't even have the time to remove the factory foil from the screen.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lsmaverick31:
Maybe try to install a No Signal Alert app to make a record of all the times you lose signal in a specific location? I believe some apps let you export the log to Excel.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bpivk:
I tried using one but it only worked when the screen was on so that was useless.

Also my phone shows two different symptoms of failure:

1. (Less frequent): Data works but the phone reports that it's not in a network so it's Data/Ok and Cell/Not Working.

2. (Frequent): Data stops working as in the symbol for 3G disappears but the signal bar remains at full strength. People can't call me and I can't calls out or send out messages.

Here is the video of my problem. I even made some remarks in case I need to take things to court for my service center to RMA the phone but they're in Slovenian so just mute the audio. :)

http://youtu.be/5PBLJBsSznc

http://youtu.be/l5m-HhTx8bk
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] lsmaverick31:
And that video doesn't work as evidence?? You have the two phones side by side... That should be good enough.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bpivk:
Yeah they probably didn't even look at it. And that's my third set of videos. The other two were taken straight from the faulty phone but didn't show the second phone not being dialled. That's why I need to take things to a higher level.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] A51Janitor:
So many reports yet Google still will not acknowledge this issue. Instead its the same old canned replies in the product forum - 'perform a rest, safe mode boot, replace sim, contact carrier, check apn' etc.

Here is what I have tracked down - I posted this to the product forum a few weeks ago. So PO'd about this issue.

http://productforums.google.com/d/msg/nexus/7s7DsI4DUYo/a2hwCFwt5mIJ

I am convinced that this is an issue with the QFE1100 and the way it has been implemented. Perhaps it can be resolved via software tweaks, perhaps not. Regardless, the fact that Google is not acknowledging the problem is just too much. They better start addressing this issue soon. Releasing a faulty product that is borderline non-functional (poor LTE reception forcing a 3G setting is non-functional in my book) does not sit well with consumers today. Look at EA/DICE. lol

If you haven't already, pop into the google product forum thread I referenced at the top of this post and sound off. We need as many posts as possible on this to make sure it is visible.

http://productforums.google.com/d/msg/nexus/7s7DsI4DUYo/a2hwCFwt5mIJ
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] quentasil:
Okay, just to participate a little, i have the same issue, i'm in france with a 4G LTE signal (when it doesn't disappear grr)

Reading all posts i find, i still don't know if a RMA will change anything, some say yes it did, some say no it didn't ... i don't know what to think about it ... but it's very annoying !

For those that didn't do it, i use light flow to get a led & sound notification when it happens, so that i can happily reboot my N5 yay :s

Very disapointing by Google, not for the device cause it's nice, but by the way they react with that issue ...
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] RomeroMsk:
Not all RMA'd devices have this issue fixed, I think.

You can turn on and off airplain mode instead of happily reboot ;)

And also you can try to workaround this issue by selecting "Only 3G" or "Only 2G" network mode.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] quentasil:
Yes I know, it's a workaround that doesn't always work around ;) :s Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't at all, and the only thing i can do is to reboot

If at least some RMA works, it would mean it's a hardware problem I guess ...
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] RomeroMsk:
For me "Only 2G" works. I had "Emergency only" once for 3 months.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] l Frosty l:
Ive had my nexus 5 for a few days running on ATT (4.4.2)

The phone goes into emergency mode as if its the normal requirement. I live where LTE is everywhere. I have noticed that after attempting to make a phone call, the phone sticks in LTE. It doesn't drop down. So thats why calls aren't being received or sent for me. Comparing older phones that I've had with LTE, they all dropped down to 4G (like HSPA). Reading on other forums it sounds like the issue has to do with the new "Fast Dormancy" within the radio. Whatever the case is I'm (unfortunately) waiting for google to fix this issue. Until then i am back on my iPhone, waiting....
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] markdapimp:
Me and my dad's nexus 5 are also having this issue

We both have T-Mobile and we're in a "EXCELLENT coverage area marked by T-Mobile" the road to his working place maybe for a mile is 2G only

But once he reaches work he should have "Great" coverage indicated by T-Mobile's coverage Maps

however his nexus 5 everyday at that same location shows Emergency calls only and when he trys to call it says Mobile Network not available

he has a co-worker who has a iPhone 5S from T-Mobile perfect 5 Bar signal of "4G" (HSPA)

This is Absurd He paid 400$ for the Phone upfront retail price and I got mine from Google play he had 2 replacements from LG and I had 2 RMA's from Google and the problem STILL EXISTS

Here's Googles' Response:

"Your phone’s signal strength can vary and it displays periodic measurements. Depending on the service provider’s conditions, the phone either will remain on LTE or go to 3G (based on the strength of the LTE signal).

What changed?

In Android 4.4.2, we updated the radio to be more conscious of battery life. In some instances this might appear as a change in radio strength compared to earlier software versions, though the actual signal strength should not have changed."

Take a look for yourself here: https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/nexus/7s7DsI4DUYo/AUB6TmQS-4QJ

Question is HOW MUCH LONGER GOOGLE?!?!?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Doallyn:
Take it there is no further update on this issue - its really looking like being the end of my Nexus 5 at this rate, just no signal at work or travelling to work when I used to have connection with my Nexus 4

Lots of people talking about it but nothing from Google, RMA is not a clear fix and there seems to be a faint hope of an update in a future patch......

:(
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] demonlordoftheround:
Look at this thread. I have turned off location logging and haven't had this reoccur.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2579029
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Doallyn:
Thanks but that's made no difference. It's really like the phone just has a bad antenna, none of the radios or anything suggested can make a difference. Unless you live outside or near a good network signal the phone is useless.

I'm having to use the works iPhone 3 and get perfect signal and calls yet nothing with the N5.... So disappointing
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] DH-:
Just wanted to leave my reply. I've had the same issue for months now. I've sent several report to the Android team already. Let me just share this screenshot of the problem. This is my Nexus 5 sitting there unused in a location where my Nexus 4 had no problem at all maintaining its connection.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] markdapimp:
Got a t-mobile tower engineer to check on this he said nothing wrong with the tower it's the device

With that info I went into the retail store and swapped for an Htc one... Should be getting it on Friday.

The store manger had an lg g2 and sure enough it had no problem with signals however it did have that problem with the mic like the nexus 5

Case solved LG sucks
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Doallyn:
Well I received my RMA replacement Nexus 5 pretty much the next day after ordering. Its certainly better!!!! Haven't had any drop outs or lack of signal to the extent i had before. Also its very apparent that the signal is much better quality all round, it starts downloading on 4G almost instantly where before it had to think about things for a while. Also notice its switching down to H+ when it loses 4G and maintains signal. Calls and texts are working on train now so it feels about where my N4 used to be anyway

All points to hardware issue as the radio versions are the same, something has changed in the phone since release date or there was a few bad batches going around

Fair play to google support, sent a new phone straightaway so well worth trying
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BSME_SWeedon:
Check your third party apps like Juice defender

I have had simular issues when coming from an area with no signal (underground) back to an area with signal. It will just sit there not coming back on and I have to restart. I think this may be something to do with Juice Defender messing with turning the radio on and off though. Normally it is really quick but for some reason when I am on the metro it has a hard time.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] luikiedook:
I have a very similar issue, but I'm not using juice defender. My girlfriend's iPhone 5S, also on ATT, had no issues where my phone (Nexus 5) would go into emergency only mode. I couldn't get it out of emergency only mode by toggling airplane mode or toggling data, only rebooting seemed to make it come back. It seemed to have some correlation with going in out out of coverage areas. As it doesn't really happen while I'm in my home town (Austin).

Stock, but Rooted.