Methods and apparatuses for cell detection, synchronization and measurement on unlicensed spectrum. A method for receiving a discovery reference signal (DRS) includes identifying, based on a DRS measurement timing configuration (DMTC), a DRS detection/measurement gap duration and a periodicity; and listening for the DRS on a carrier in an unlicensed spectrum during the identified gap duration at the identified periodicity. An apparatus for an eNodeB associated with a cell includes a controller and a transceiver. The controller is configured to configure a DMTC including a DRS detection/measurement gap duration and periodicity. The transceiver is configured to transmit the DRS on a carrier in an unlicensed spectrum during the gap duration at the periodicity.