Methods and apparatus are provided for enhanced bearer continuity for the 3GPP network. In one novel aspect, the UE detects missing parameters for the inter-RAT bearer change in an idle state. The UE performs bearer preservation procedures to maintain the bearer continuity. In one embodiment, predefined/preconfigured parameter settings are used. In one embodiment, a mapping rule is used to map the missing parameter to a predefined value based on one or more known parameters. In another embodiment, the missing parameters are obtained from the network. In another embodiment, signaling procedures used to obtain the missing parameters. The signaling procedures include a service request, a UE-initiated bearer modification procedure. In one embodiment, the cell reselection is suspended such that the signaling procedure is performed to obtain the missing parameters before the cell reselection. In another embodiment, a RAU procedure is used upon detecting the missing of parameters.