A Tech Troubleshooter’s Dilemma: Fixing My Mum’s Phone

As a tech enthusiast, I often find myself experimenting with gadgets. However, my latest endeavor took an unfortunate turn when I inadvertently altered the network settings on my mother’s phone. What started as a simple curiosity quickly spiraled into a minor crisis, and I’m reaching out for guidance to rectify the situation before it’s too late!

The Incident

While I was exploring the functionalities of my mum’s smartphone, curiosity led me to input the code ##4636## in the dialer. Little did I know, this seemingly harmless command would switch her network to 4G (LTE only), disabling the calling feature entirely. My mum relies on her phone for communication, and this surprise change was not going to sit well with her!

In a rush to resolve the issue, I reverted the settings back to 4G/3G (LTE/GSM with PRL). However, a new problem emerged. Each time she restarted her device—often due to its sluggish performance, which I can only describe as the screen turning black while blaring at maximum brightness—the network would default back to 4G (LTE only) once again. This not only left her without a calling feature but also added to her frustration.

The Quest for a Solution

I’m seeking advice on two counts:
1. Restoring Full Network Access: Is there a reliable method to ensure that her phone retains the desired network settings without reverting back to the problematic configuration after a restart?
2. Permanently Enabling 4G with Calling: If possible, could someone provide insights on how to set her phone to maintain a stable 4G network while still allowing for voice calls?

Update and Gratitude

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to offer advice. I’ve tried many suggestions from the community, and I’m pleased to report that one of the solutions has indeed worked to restore her calling capabilities!

It’s amusing to think that my very first engagement with the Reddit community resulted from such a frantic call for help.

Conclusion: Technology can sometimes be as perplexing as it is fascinating. If anyone can relate to my plight, I’d love to hear your stories or suggestions for keeping devices functioning smoothly. Remember, a little knowledge can go a long way in keeping peace at home!