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

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.

TwanHE,

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.

renohren,

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,

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

woelkchen,
@woelkchen@lemmy.world avatar

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: overclockers.com/the-oven-trick-repairing-your-br…

miss_brainfart,
@miss_brainfart@lemmy.ml avatar

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

woelkchen,
@woelkchen@lemmy.world avatar

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

pedal2dametal,

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.

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