Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and apparatus for improving connected mode search (e.g., by UE having at least two RF chains). According to aspects, the UE may dynamically configure based, at least in part, on at least one measured signal quality parameter, one of the first or second RF chains to perform a search procedure while the other RF chain communicates with the network. According to aspects, the UE may coordinate a search procedure during compressed mode gaps using both RF chains when a measured at least one signal quality parameter passes a first threshold for both RF chains, wherein a set of one or more carriers searched by the first RF chain is different than a set of one or more carriers searched by the second RF chain.