Xperia 5 III no longer connecting to Vodafone network

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helpmeplease

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#296327 8-Jun-2022 14:11

Hi, I have a Sony Xperia 5 III which I have been using no problem for a couple of months now. However, since the weekend the phone will no longer make or receive calls on Vodafone 4G or 3G networks. The phone is able to connect to the 4G network ok and still receives data on 4G no problem, it just will not make or receive phone calls on this network. Under the SIM menu, if I change the preferred network type to 'GSM Only' then I can make and receive calls on the 2G network but obviously data doesn't work. The SIM card works fine in another phone and I get the same problem when I try using a different Vodafone SIM on the Xperia. I have tried starting the Xperia in Safe Mode and also done a factory reset but the problem persists.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what is causing the problem and how to resolve?

Thanks

xpd

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#2923981 8-Jun-2022 15:02

Only time I had similar issue (years ago), was I shutdown the phone, and removed the battery for 15mins-20mins, and then tried again. The reason I was told back in the day (if true or not) was that the towers picked up that you were "offline" and disconnected you from the network, and when you connected again, it re-initialized your connection. Phone started working properly again after this. Worth a shot ?

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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mrgsm021

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#2923996 8-Jun-2022 15:49

xpd:

Only time I had similar issue (years ago), was I shutdown the phone, and removed the battery for 15mins-20mins, and then tried again. The reason I was told back in the day (if true or not) was that the towers picked up that you were "offline" and disconnected you from the network, and when you connected again, it re-initialized your connection. Phone started working properly again after this. Worth a shot ?

I am not sure the Xperia 5 III has a removal battery, which means the OP would have to take the phone apart to do what was suggested?

freitasm

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#2924006 8-Jun-2022 16:06

Does the phone have a VoLTE option? If yes, have you tried switching that option off?

helpmeplease

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2924414 9-Jun-2022 17:51

Thanks for suggestions. I can't remove battery unfortunately and there isn't a VoLTE option to turn off (although I found instructions online to turn this on and off with Vodafone UK but this option isn't available when I connect to Vodafone NZ).

I also tried a Skinny sim and have the same issue. It finds the network ok but won't let me use it.

I did find an IMEI checker for Spark NZ and when I put my IMEI number in it says my phone is not compatible. I couldn't find the same thing for Vodafone but Vodafone tell me that any unlocked phone should connect without problem. And it was obviously working fine previously. I assume there is no way for the IMEI number to change on its own?

I also discovered that when it is in this partial connection state and people try to call me it does not go to voicemail but instead is just complete silence before disconnecting.

This is proving very frustrating. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks

Linux

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#2924415 9-Jun-2022 17:54

Maybe the phone is just faulty

helpmeplease

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2938494 5-Jul-2022 12:32

I thought I should update this. It was indeed faulty. The phone was purchased online from Dick Smith so was preparing for trouble based on what I've read. But they took it back, assessed it and agreed it was faulty and arranged a replacement under warranty. No dramas at all so very happy with service from them.

Thanks all for your help and suggestions.