this post was submitted on 24 Oct 2023

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Is there a Way to Use External Wi-Fi Antenna in an Android 11 Based Phone Whose own Wi-Fi Chip isn't working? (self.android)

submitted 10 months ago by iasad12 to c/android

7 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Greetings!

My sister's Android 11 based Samsung A10s stopped receiving Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals a few days ago. We would try to turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but it was stuck on the scanning screen. I thought why not get an OTG adopter and plug external Wi-Fi antenna so I bought one.

The problem is, that phone isn't even recognizing that adopter (that Wi-Fi adopter is even recognized by our sattelite receiver with bare-bone software whereas our old Windows PC has no issue in utilizing that adopter). I think that phone is still trying to establish a connection through the on board Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module.

Is there a way to force that phone to use that adopter instead of the broken one inside?

TIA!

PS: Our personal research showed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems were also faced by other A10s users and some videos suggested to get that nodule repaired. But her phone was able to connect to WiFi and Bluetooth after the fault for almost 5 days and today, the very problem creeped again.

all 8 comments

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[–] pedal2dametal 12 points 10 months ago

An USB-WIFI adapter might not work, but a USB to ethernet adapter should work, if getting the device internet access is all you want.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

It's usually just the antennas that got very slightly out of their sockets. Look for a how to get it openned and press the antenna wires (they should be the only real round, white plastic coated, wires you'll see) back into their sockets. And you'll be good to go for a few more years.

[–] iasad12 6 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

Thanks! Will pass your suggestion to my brother who may proceed with the repair.

[–] woelkchen 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Does you sister happen to put her phone in the back pocket and then sit on it? This sounds like soldering spots that got loose. Bake the mainboard in the oven. Seriously. But only the mainboard, not the screen and by god not the battery. Disassemble everything, clean the USB port from dust (you don't want the dust to melt and burn) and otherwise follow this guide: https://www.overclockers.com/the-oven-trick-repairing-your-broken-video-card-with-an-oven/

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Surely can't be good to put it in the same oven you prepare food in, can it?

[–] woelkchen 5 points 10 months ago

There should be a layer of aluminum foil under the thing from what I've heard but otherwise it's apparently fine.

[–] TwanHE 2 points 10 months ago

Any WiFi usb antenna is going to be a gamble if it works. I've gotten some that work on my Poco F1 but don't on my 11T pro, and vice versa.

I'd see if it's viable to have the phone repaired or of you can diagnose the problem yourself once you have it opened up.