Some aspects of the present disclosure provide for methods, apparatus, and computer software for low-power synchronization of wireless communication devices. In one example, an asynchronous code division multiple access (CDMA) channel may be utilized for uplink communication. By utilizing asynchronous CDMA on the uplink, synchronization requirements are relaxed relative to other forms of communication. Accordingly, a synchronization period after coming out of a sleep state can be short, reducing power consumption during re-synchronization. In another example, a low-power companion receiver, rather than the full-power WWAN receiver, may be utilized to acquire a sync signal while the device is in its sleep state. Once synchronism is achieved via the low-power companion receiver, the full-power radio may power up and perform communication with the network. By shifting the synchronization from the full-power radio to the low-power companion radio, power consumption during re-synchronization can be achieved.