FIG. 8 shows a flowchart diagram illustrating wireless communications with improved PCFICH decoding according to one set of embodiments. An adaptive determination may be made whether to decode PCFICH normally or bypass PCFICH, based on one or more specified metrics (802). For example, because the NW transmits the PCFICH, a UE may decide when to bypass decoding PCFICH (also referred to as blind decoding PCFICH) and when to decode PCFICH normally. The one or more specified metrics may include metrics at the UE such as SINR, CQI, RSRP, and RSSI. If the decision is not to bypass decoding PCFICH (“No” branch taken at 804), then PCFICH may be decoded normally (806). If the decision is to bypass PCFICH (“Yes” branch taken at 804, for example if the SINR<0 dB), then REs that are reserved for PDCCH may be obtained, based on a largest value of the CFI (808). A total number of CCEs may then be found (or determined) according to the obtained REs (810), and the CCEs may be numbered (812). Decoding of the PDCCH is then performed for the largest value of the CFI over the numbered CCEs (814). A result of the decoding may then be determined according to a CRC check with all possible RNTIs (816).