Disclosed are methods and apparatus for performing a better PLMN (BPLMN) search during connected mode DRX. In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) detects a trigger to begin a BPLMN search while in connected mode discontinuous reception (CDRX); determines whether it is configured for a manual BPLMN search; determine whether the CDRX duration is greater than or equal to the minimum amount of time required to perform the manual BPLMN search; and when determined that the CDRX duration is greater than or equal to the minimum amount of time required for the BPLMN search, performs the manual BPLMN search while in the CDRX.