Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A user equipment (UE) being served by a first cell may receive a synchronization signal (SS) block from the first cell. The UE may also receive an SS block from a second cell. The first cell may determine synchronization assistance information for the second cell and transmit the synchronization assistance information to the UE. The UE may use the synchronization assistance information to determine the index for the SS block from the second cell. For example, the synchronization assistance information may indicate that the UE is to use the index of the SS block from the first cell as the index for the SS block from the second cell. Once the index for the SS block from the second cell is determined, the UE may identify the subframe or slot timing used by the second cell and proceed with cell acquisition.