What is ATCI Service Notification on Android? Explained

You might have received a notification on your Android about a change of network settings or ATCI Service notification.

Most of the users don’t have a clue about this pop-up notification and wonder what it is about. As always such notification may provoke you to think if your Android security is compromised and your device is being controlled by someone else.

I Am Receiving a ATCI Service Notification With No Message

This is quite common and let me tell you, getting the ATCI Service Notification is not harmful and your device is secure yet. So, what is it, and what does this notification mean? What is the significance of an ATCI Service Notification on your Android? Let’s find some technical aspects of it.

What is ATCI on Android?

ATCI stands for Automatic Terminal Compatibility Index a feature integrated on Android smartphones that makes it possible to automatically detect and adjust to the settings of the different networks when roaming.

When there is a network change on the mobile device an pop-up notification is generated to inform about the change of network settings.

Read Also: Resolving Not Registered on Network Error on Android: Samsung

The ATCI service is installed as a system app on Android phones with the name com.mediatek.atci.service. This is a pre-installed app with some basic usage permissions. You can see the permissions and storage usage of the app by navigating Settings> Apps> Show all App>Show system app.

How ATCI Service works

The ATCI Service keeps running in the background as a service app on your phone to monitor changes like changes in frequency, changes in band and network protocol.

This ensures seamless connectivity and stable connection to call and mobile data internet.

What is the use of ATCI Service in Android

ATCI is one of the essential services for Android that ensures smooth connectivity and improved call quality. Without the ATCI, your Android may show some errors like mobile network state disconnected and SIM Me lock.

Also, it can lead your Android to no network reception where you will not be able to make calls or use the internet.

Uses of ATCI Services on Android

  • Command Line Interface: ATCI also offers a command line interface for developers to send commands directly to Android OS for testing and debugging. But, unlike ADB commands these command line interface is used by developers only.
  • Instrumented Tests: The developers may use ATCI to run instrumented unit tests on real devices or emulators to verify the application’s behavior. ATCI supports detecting device factors which helps in the right function of the device’s communication protocols.
  • Telephony Services: It serves as a bridge between cellular communication protocols such as GSM, UMTS, and LTE thus providing a link between the modem and the Android operating system, providing an environment that is robust for comprehensive product testing and development.
  • Integration Tests: The developers may use ATCI to run instrumented unit tests on real devices or emulators to verify the application’s behavior. ATCI supports detecting device factors which helps in the right function of the device’s communication protocols.

Read Also: How TestDPC App Helps Developers

What is ATCI Service Notification?

This ATCI service notification is generated especially when the device is moved from one location to another and the network setting on a mobile device is changed.

However, the notification occurs only when you move the device from one roaming area to another roaming area or from a roaming area to a local network area.

What Triggers the ATCI Service Notification?

The ATCI service notification is usually triggered when an Android phone detects a change in network reception. This notification is triggered when the device moves from one roaming area to another when traveling abroad.

The notification alerts you that your device is adjusting to new network settings that ensure your device’s compatibility and provide you seamless connectivity as well as improved call quality.

Importance of ATCI Service Notification?

The ATCI service notification is quite useful when you are traveling abroad with your mobile phone. This helps you to stay informed about the change of network status and can help you to get worried about the network reception.

The notification also ensures that the device network is working properly and helps you to diagnose the SIM card errors for Verizon users.

Here are some other benefits of ATCI Service Notification:

  • Ensures that a mobile phone is compatible with the network you are trying to connect to.
  • Allow seamless connectivity 
  • Eliminates the need for manual network configuration(as it is time-consuming as well as confusing)
  • Allows you to travel internationally without worrying about network settings or compatibility.

Overall, the ATCI Service Notification has a vital role in ensuring seamless connectivity. It gives you an alert when your device is adjusting to the new network settings which further indicates that your device is compatible with the network you are connecting with.

Other Services Related to ATCI

Many Android services depend on ATCI service which is a part of the whole Android testing framework. Here are a few of these.

  • Service Test Rule: A JUnit 4 rule that starts the service before your unit test methods run and stops the service after your tests are done. It’s a Service testing tool for local components of your app.
  • Vendor Test Suite (VTS): It is equipped with a wide range of mechanics for Android testing and supports a test-driven development process. It comprises device shell commands, testing templates, and testing availability for multi-devices.
  • Service Test Case: A testable Service object class that gives the power to run tests separately and provides a test environment with mock objects.
  • Gradle Command Line: Allows you to run tests directly from the projects in your Gradle using the command line. This is often useful in continuous development processes.
  • Automated Testing Infrastructure: A part of VTS, it performs things like fetching build artifacts and test resources from different places for tests.

These services integrate to make up a complete testing setting for Android applications and services developers where the apps operate flawlessly on all devices and Android versions.

How to Check if ATCI is Working on Android

To verify that the Android Test Command Interface Service (ATCI) is operating on your device, you can use the following methods.

  • Dialer Codes: You can check ATCI by entering the codes in the dialer app for some devices. You can explore this by dialing *#*#2486#*#* or *#*#3424#*#* to see the diagnostic menu screen.
  • ADB Shell Commands: When you install developer tools for Android, you have an ADB shell command that allows you to get access to the device’s terminal. The shell allows you to use several special commands to communicate with ATCI and view its status.
  • Service Call Command: You can use the service call shell command to talk with many system services including ATCI. This notation requires a deep knowledge of the service call codes and is generally used for debugging or development.

Final Words:

ATCI(Automatic Terminal Compatibility Index) Service Notification is a network-related service integrated with the Android OS system that sends a notification pop-up every time there is a change in network status on mobile. The ATCI also provides a command line interface for developers to send the command directly to Android OS for testing and debugging purposes.