How to enable LTE/4G on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9005)

Like me you have a fancy and expensive International Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 that conform specifications should be LTE/4G capable and nevertheless no LTE/4G ? It’s probably making you angry and mad, I assume you damn Sammy (again) for delivering a mobile phone that doesn’t do what it should do. Of course you have installed Android KitKat 4.4.2 but still no LTE option available via Start Screen > Apps > Settings > More Networks > Mobile Networks > Network Mode.

Normally in that Network Mode menu should be following options visible/available:

– LTE/WCDMA/GSM  (auto connect)
– WCDMA/GSM (auto connect)
– WCDMA Only
– GSM only

At the moment the mentioned  “LTE/WCDMA/GSM  (auto connect)” option is missing you have a problem, you aren’t able to use LTE/4G. Don’t worry. there are several solutions/fixes to solve the lack of LTE/4G. Keep in mind that the solutions will only work with a rooted phone (up to you to take the risk of rooting, you will lose probably phone-guarantee because Knox counter will be tripped and security-wise there are also reservations).

The solutions (again, keep in mind my reservations about rooting your phone):

1. Change with a root explorer of your choice (e.g. Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or EF File Explorer) the value “false” in file persist.radio.lteon into “true” by way of build-in text editor of the root explorer. The file is located in root/data/property. Be sure permissions of  persist.radio.lteon are set to rw, after altering the file save the file and make it read-only. Reboot your phone, now you will see and be able to pick the option  “LTE/WCDMA/GSM  (auto connect)” in Network Mode menu. Important: before altering ANY file on your phone be sure you have a copy of the original, unaltered file!!! Advantage of this solution: even after a phone reboot the option  “LTE/WCDMA/GSM  (auto connect)” will remain visible/activated.

2. When you are afraid or not tech-savvy enough to alter phone files you can download “Advanced Signal Status” on Google Play. Start the app, go into Advanced Info located on bottom of the app and subsequent choose  LTE/GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) in the first sub-menu of Advanced Info. In phone Network Mode menu option  “LTE/WCDMA/GSM  (auto connect)” will still not be visible but nevertheless you will be able to use LTE/4G. Disadvantage of this solution will be that after every phone reboot you have to start “Advanced Signal Status app” and reactivate LTE/GSM/CDMA option.

Please remember that LTE/4G will only work in area’s with LTE and your phone data-plan includes the use of LTE. Good luck and have fun!