Methods and apparatus for channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) in RRC_IDLE/INACTIVE state. A method for operating a user equipment (UE) includes receiving a first configuration for CSI-RS/tracking reference signal (TRS) reception occasions for idle/inactive UEs. A CSI-RS/TRS reception occasion includes one or more CSI-RS resources, and each of the one or more CSI-RS resources is associated with a spatial reception parameter. The method further includes receiving a second configuration for a paging occasion (PO). The PO includes a number of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) reception occasions The method further includes receiving an availability indication for one or more CSI-RS/TRS reception occasions from the CSI-RS reception occasions, receiving the one or more CSI-RS/TRS reception occasions in time before the PO; and determining a time or frequency offset based on the one or more CSI-RS/TRS reception occasions.