Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communication, including for intelligent mode selection for circuit switched fall back devices. A user equipment (UE) attached to a wireless network may determine that circuit switched fall back (CSFB) service is not available. The UE may thus elect to operate in a packet switched (PS) operating mode until CSFB service again becomes available. For example, the UE may receive a system information block (SIB) indicating that the CSFB connection is not available, the UE may attempt to access a CSFB a predetermined number of times, or the UE may miss a number of voice calls. The UE may, based on this determination, select a packet switched (PS) operating mode. The UE may continue to exchange PS data with the serving cell based on the PS operating mode. The UE may then periodically evaluate the signal quality for a 1x cell.