Hey guys, I was thinking about getting an Aria for my girlfriend. I have a few questions before I purchase one though:
1. I heard you could unlock it by talking to AT&T, but just in case, can anyone point me to a cheap/reputable place to get it unlocked online? Thanks
2. Is it easy to permanently disable Cellular Network data? She would be using it with no data plan, so we wouldnt want any data to get through.
roltzje said:
Hey guys, I was thinking about getting an Aria for my girlfriend. I have a few questions before I purchase one though:
1. I heard you could unlock it by talking to AT&T, but just in case, can anyone point me to a cheap/reputable place to get it unlocked online? Thanks
2. Is it easy to permanently disable Cellular Network data? She would be using it with no data plan, so we wouldnt want any data to get through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get the phone unlocked, it should work fine on any GSM network.
As far as data is concerned, I know that AT&T will detect your phone and may apply a smart-phone data plan (even if you don't want or use one).
One way around this is to put the SIM card into a dumb phone and disable the data plan on-line or call ATT to disable it.
Then pop the SIM card back into the Aria and you're in business.
It has worked for me like this for over 5 years of owning smart phones without data plans (which I don't use or need).
DanGeorges said:
One way around this is to put the SIM card into a dumb phone and disable the data plan on-line or call ATT to disable it.
Then pop the SIM card back into the Aria and you're in business.
It has worked for me like this for over 5 years of owning smart phones without data plans (which I don't use or need).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will ONLY work if you have a very old plan with AT&T and you are grandfathered in.
If you switched plans or started your service after AT&T started requiring smartphones to have data plans, you will be automatically switched to a data plan if you put your SIM card into an Aria. There's no way around it.
drumist said:
This will ONLY work if you have a very old plan with AT&T and you are grandfathered in.
If you switched plans or started your service after AT&T started requiring smartphones to have data plans, you will be automatically switched to a data plan if you put your SIM card into an Aria. There's no way around it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's unfortunate. I will definitely keep my "old" plan just to make sure I'm still able to keep the data plan off.
I had, for a month, an unlimited ($15) plan, but since I really didn't see a need, dropped it and opted out. Looking back, I probably should have kept it in case there could be a day when I need a new plan.
When that day comes, I will be switching to a pay-as-you-go plan.
That would allow me to keep my Aria, WiFi, etc. - without subscribing to an unnecessary data plan. The only downside is losing my mobile number...
Related
Hi everyone. I just wanted to mention that I am new to unlocked phones and was wondering if I can get some assistance on this issue. I tried reading the topic regarding the data plan below mine, but I didn't quite understand and not sure if it could answer my questions.
I recently received an Unlocked HTC Aria from Amazon for $339, but the box in which the phone was stored looks like an ordinary AT&T box, so I am doubting whether or not my phone is actually unlocked.
The Aria came with all the AT&T applications like AT&T Hotspot, AT&T Navigation, etc., so this puts me into further doubt.
I currently have an AT&T $10/month unlimited data plan for my Samsung Impression (non-smartphone, and did a SIM swap into the Aria. Everything was going smoothly until I decided to check out Google Navigation. I then received two text messages: The first one indicating that AT&T knows I'm using a smartphone and then one saying that AT&T automatically changed my data plan (I'm assuming to the $15/mo 200MB data plan). I went to my AT&T account and changed the HTC Aria back to the Samsung Impression, hoping maybe they will change it back automatically.
So, I have a few questions:
(1) Was the HTC Aria I received from Amazon actually unlocked?
(2) How can I avoid being detected my AT&T if I swap my SIM card again back into the Aria? Am I able to just use Wi-Fi and limit the amount of data I use?
(3) Should AT&T recognize my IMEI even if my phone is unlocked or will they know regardless because HTC Aria is supported by them?
(4) Even though I switched the phones back in the AT&T online account, will I still have to call them up?
I apologize for all these questions, but if anyone can please assist me, it'll be greatly appreciated.
I think you need to go back in and take a closer look at your account online and see what they actually did to your features, you may have just been screwed. When they transfered you over to the $15 200MB play i think you lost your $10 unlimited plan and may never get it back.
They still know you have your Aria on the account, you have to put your chip back in the old phone, wait about a few hours then check it online to see if it picked it up correctly, then call them and have them remove the data plan and put back your old plan "which they may not be able to do". After that switch back your sim to your Aria. If you get another text alert call them up and tell them you do not have a smartphone on the account and give them your Samsung Impression IMEI number.
Your Aria may not be unlocked just full price off contact, to see if its unlocked put a Tmobile or another non ATT sim in it and see if it picks up a signal.
I had a similar experience with the scanning process removing a feature and putting on the data plan here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7146488#post7146488
That's exactly what I did. As soon as I got the 2 text messages, I removed the SIM from the Aria and put it back the Samsung Impression. I actually changed the phone manually on my AT&T online account as AT&T did know that I was using the Aria. However, I do not have the option to change my data plan back to $10/mo unlimited as only the $15/mo 200MB data plan option is available. So, I will be calling AT&T in the morning to have it switched back.
I read your other post, but I do not think I have the Medianet bundle. I'm running on a Family plan with Unlimited Family Messaging and Unlimited Family Data ($10/mo for each non-smartphone). I checked the other phones on the plan and nothing has changed in terms of messaging/data plan. Only my phone was affected by the smartphone data plan.
Is there a way to get around this or is it just luck? I don't mind paying $15/mo for 200MB, but if I can avoid it, then why not?! Is it possible to completely disable 3G when Wi-Fi is in use? I heard some Aria owners who said that their 3G was actually still in use even though Wi-Fi was connected. From what I saw on my Aria, there was a check mark under 3G instead of the 2 illuminated arrows when Wi-Fi was connected. How about yours?
My Aria constantly have the chcek under the 3G icon when wifi is on, the only time the 2 arrows show up is when i send or receive a MMS. To disable 3G data there is a mobile data option when you hold down the power button after the unlock screen. There is also an option inside menu - settings - wireless & network - uncheck mobile internet to disable 3G data and use wifi only.
The check just means you are connected to the network it has nothing to do with wifi and data transmission on 3g has up/down arrows.
There's no sure fire way to avoid the at&t data nazis especially since they've already caught you once.there's another topic about aria with no data with more info.
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
So I contacted HTC and gave them my S/N. They told me the HTC Aria "unlocked" I purchased at retail price was still locked. Now, I'm trying to figure out whether or not there are even unlocked HTC Aria's out there!
call the place you bought it from they will usually send a replacement next day free of charge samething happened to me with my phone not the aria though
Unlimited MOBILE WEB is an entirely different thing from a DATA plan. A mobile web restricts 3g usage to specific applications on the Impression while a data plan allows any app downloaded to use AT&T's network.
Your phone doesn't sound like it was unlocked but even if it was, AT&T can immediately tell which phone is connected to the network via your SIM. There's no real practical way to get out of paying 15 dollars a month. You could try turning off 3g on the Aria, which you can do allowing you to still send/receive calls and texts, but limits you to wifi for any apps that require the internet. Even if you turn it off though i have a feeling AT&T will still charge you 15 for the data plan just because it is a smart phone.
To be quite honest what is 5 more dollars anyway? That's my opinion...
Well, the Aria is branded under AT&T, so there is no such unlocked Aria right now. The HTC representative told me the only way to obtain an unlocked Aria is to actually have someone physically unlock it via unlock code.
As far as I can tell, the phone purchased through Amazon is not unlocked. It actually never was listed as Unlocked, so it was a mistake on my part.
I don't know if I will be able to return the phone though. I guess I can always tell them that there is something wrong with it and then they might allow a refund.
Oh, I don't mind paying the extra $5/mo. It's just that 200MB of data is not enough for me and of course unlimited beats it. However, if I do decide to keep the Aria, then I won't have a choice but to pay the $15.
Even if you get an unlocked Aria you will be saddled with the data plan for smartphones since it is an At&t branded phone the imei is in their database and eventually it will either scan it or if you use data services not covered by your existing plan it will switch you.
I was able to bypass the smartphone data plan and pay the $30 for unlimited data and messaging for non-smartphones but it was because I was using an unlocked T-Mobile G1 over EDGE.
Anyone have experience with the HTC Desire and AT&T non-smartphone data plan?
To add up to the conversation, one thing you need to understand, the ATT $10 non-smartphoine dataplan is not grandfather and so you can still added up to a non-smartphone at anytime,the unlimited for $30 for smartphone is no longer availabel and so you will need to chose from the $15 for 200mbs or the on2 for $20 for 2gbs... in regards to the a smartphone been unlocked or not, it makes no difference to ATT or any other service provider, a smartphone is a smarphone and yes they detect this via the IMEI which is syncronyze in the databse thru the SIM card as soon as you device registers on their network...you can change the device you have registered at any time it makes no difference...why because you will still be using a smartphone...it is inevitable my friend! the only way I see it happening is changing the IMEI of your device or not using a smartphone at all...sad but true!
why would you buy an unlocked at&t phone to use on at&ts network?
if you put your sim card in any at&t phone, they will detect your IMEI number, find out if its a smart phone or not, and charge you accordingly. they will be more than happy to charge you MORE for using a smartphone, but they certainly will not charge you LESS because you switched back. if you don't plan on using the aria, just put your sim in your old phone, call at&t and get the data plan switched back to the not-smart-phone plan.
if you want a smartphone on at&t, but do not want to pay for the at&t data plan, your only real option is to get a t-mobile branded phone, such as the g1 or mytouch, and unlock it.
Hi. I just got my vibrant yesterday and I got a couple question for it before I will root and unlock it. After I unlock it and put in my att sim card will I get charge or be force onto a data plan or can I used it normally without a data plan? B. Should I block incoming data and then use it. Finally C. What is this $10 dollar data plan that I read about on other thread. thank you for your answer.
I'd really like to know the answer to this as well. I've been alternating between an N1 and Vibrant on AT&T using my grandfathered 5GB dataplan. Can they recognize the IMEI?
I use the Samsung Vibrant on AT&T with a grandfathered iPhone unlimited data plan. AT&T hasn't noticed.
However, AT&T will automatically add a data plan to an iPhone if you try to use it on their network without a data plan.
so i guess ill update and try to answer your question incon. I just jump and root,unlock,and put axura 2.2.6 (very nice btw) and im using the phone well so far w/o any sms about data plan. I turn off data roaming and just used wifi since im on school t1 internet anyway. As far as them recognizing the IMEI, I'm still unclear but i've been checking my att account often and it still said that im running on w580i SE. Hope it helps any1 that looking to used this great phone on att unlocked. BTW I freaking love my vibrant. It ridiculously awesome!!!!.
Is this possible? In a perfect world I could go to Best Buy, grab a GoPhone LG Thrive, pop my wifes non data family plan sim in there, somehow block 3g, and she could keep her current plan untouched and use WiFi for the occasionaly internet usage.
Thoughts?
I don't remember the settings in stock 2.2 Froyo, but on the CM7 roms there are widgets to set data 2G, 2G/3G, 3G and on/off. You can probably download an app that'll do that.
I'm pretty sure that will block the data, but my fear is that as soon as AT&T recognizes the model number on the phone they will add a data plan to the account.
Froyo 2.2 including LG Thrive has Data ON/OFF switch, so don't bother using the phone without data plan. You can also delete the APN settings, so the phone cannot use data even the latter is enabled. It sounds very wierd the operator to activate a data plan without your permission.
kopchev said:
Froyo 2.2 including LG Thrive has Data ON/OFF switch, so don't bother using the phone without data plan. You can also delete the APN settings, so the phone cannot use data even the latter is enabled. It sounds very wierd the operator to activate a data plan without your permission.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, wifi wont work either?
thewillb said:
So, wifi wont work either?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wi-Fi will work. Wi-Fi has a separate switch. There is a switch that turns on/off only the 3G/EDGE/GPRS data.
kopchev said:
Wi-Fi will work. Wi-Fi has a separate switch. There is a switch that turns on/off only the 3G/EDGE/GPRS data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool, but I just hope it's not like the iphone in that they require a data plan to even pop you sim card in it.
1st review on amazon seems to confirm my fear... "Be aware AT&T will make you buy a data plan for $5 per month for 10 MB, even if you never use it because it's a smart phone. "
I read that LG Thrive goes with a prepaid plan, so you buy the phone and don't use the new sim...and you can insert your wife's sim.
thewillb said:
cool, but I just hope it's not like the iphone in that they require a data plan to even pop you sim card in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I vaguely recall reading about this new "feature". Happened around the time the new iThing came out. Reading around a little, it seems that more recent contracts have clauses that let them do this.
Some posts mentioned that BEFORE you use the smartphone, to call ATT and place a data-block on the account. Seems to have worked for some.
So has anyone successfully purchased a LG Thrive, popped an AT&T post-paid SIM in and use it without a data plan?
You may want to consider buying an Optimus T, unlocking it and using it with ATT. Both are GSM. You'll then have access to all the dev here and not be bound to ATTs draconian crap.
Sent from my LG-P509 using Tapatalk
secretasianman said:
So has anyone successfully purchased a LG Thrive, popped an AT&T post-paid SIM in and use it without a data plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it can be used without a dataplan if you use your own sim card. I bought one for my daughter and since I was at the end of my billing cycle I decide to wait until the new billing cycle to add the data plan, she was using the phone without problems for over a week, and was able to use wife for data. One thing is that when you call ATT to add the Data Plan you need to give a different IMIE cuz once they try to add the IMEI of the GO phone the system will say the phone can not provisioned with premium Data plans. What I did was just to gave her my Captivate IMEI since it was never registered with ATT.
The quick start guide says I need to activate the phone with them. Can I just put my old cappy's sim card in it like I've done with every other phone? The SG2 came with a new sim card installed. I haven't turned it on yet?
Thanks
You can just switch sim card and go, no need to "activate".
I got mine near store closing time so the guy at the at&t store just gave me the phone un opened.
Actually make sure you get your data plan to a HSPA data, I have heard of people loosing their unlimited due to feature incompatiblity
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I have a PDA Personal unlimited plan. on my GS2, but data is not working. I am on the phone with ATT now. They are trying to resolve my no data issue.
ATT people I've talked with (3 so far) are not familiar with PDA plan.
They are stating PDA plan not compatible with GS2.
You need the 'SMT Personal $30.00' plan which is for Smartphone Unlimited.
I got my phone off Amazon and it came with a SIM. I tried just putting my SIM from my Captivate into it but I wasn't able to get data, and eventually got an 'Invalid SIM' notification. I popped in the new SIM and the 'Invalid SIM' was gone but still no data. I had to call in and activate it, and then change my data to the 4G plan from the normal one (wouldn't let me before I activated it). I synced all my contacts with google before switching SIMs too.
joelmassee said:
I have a PDA Personal unlimited plan. on my GS2, but data is not working. I am on the phone with ATT now. They are trying to resolve my no data issue.
ATT people I've talked with (3 so far) are not familiar with PDA plan.
They are stating PDA plan not compatible with GS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you ordered your phone? Sounds like the place sold you the phone didn't do a proper job. Your old data plan needs to be provisioned into 4G plan (you can still keep the unlimited) before you can get any data connection. Or you can manually create a new APN using the settings from the preconfigure (but not selectable) AT&T WAP APN and select that new APN. Either way it works. But ask AT&T to provision your data plan is easier and save a lot of headache down the road for you next phone.
I just got a Galaxy SIII and my mom wants to use my Vibrant as a dumbphone. When I put the SIM card in it keeps saying "searching..." for a signal. She doesn't have a data plan. Is there any way to allow my mom to use the phone just to make calls and texts?
Try calling T-Mobile. When I leave my contract, they said that my web may be taken off of my phone and I can keep my vibrant. (Unlike AT&T)
T-Mobile claims that you need a data plan to use the Vibrant unfortunately.
No data plan is needed. I use mine without one and it works just fine. Are you sure you have reception at the location you tried it? I think (I may be wrong) that it says "no sim" if it doesnt like the sim, and "searching" if its really looking for a signal.
You should just be able to swap a sim card in though. I've temporarily swapped family members cards into my vibrant with no problem.
You could use T-Mobile prepaid plan $30/month 1500minutes or text. If its an extra line, maybe its cheaper to just get her a cheaper phone that don't require data and sell the Vibrant.
indiemixer said:
I just got a Galaxy SIII and my mom wants to use my Vibrant as a dumbphone. When I put the SIM card in it keeps saying "searching..." for a signal. She doesn't have a data plan. Is there any way to allow my mom to use the phone just to make calls and texts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The vibrant does NOT require you to have a data plan. I had my phone cut off for awhile and decided to cut it back on but with no data plan. T mobile did make me buy a new sim card though, take the phone to them and tell them to activate it without data. If its anything like my experience you will just have to buy a new sim card even though yours is perfectly fine, not sure why they make you do that. You may also just be able to "unlock" you're phone and the sim card you have now might work, I have never unlocked my vibrant so you would have to google that. Good luck ...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
indiemixer said:
I just got a Galaxy SIII and my mom wants to use my Vibrant as a dumbphone. When I put the SIM card in it keeps saying "searching..." for a signal. She doesn't have a data plan. Is there any way to allow my mom to use the phone just to make calls and texts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may sound dumb.. but make sure the sim card is inserted in the right direction. I've been in a hurry myself a few times and put it in wrong. The first time I spent a few hours troubleshooting before figuring it out.
I felt pretty dumb afterwards lol
Also my wife uses her vibrant with no data plan just fine.
You do have to watch out though because on our plan T-Mobile refuses to block data so if you accidentally use something that pulls data using the phone data instead of wifi then they charge all sorts of overages.
The way we got around that was using the built in miui firewall to disable phone data for everything and allow Wi-Fi.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
It is definitely possible. I've been doing that for the past 5 years with my smartphones (yeah I know I'm cheap). I am always around a wireless hotspot so I figured...do I really need a data plan? No!!! I am currently using a pay as you go plan with my Gnex on Tmo I only pay for the number of minutes i may need and text are like 15ยข or something. The best part about it is that I have saved hundreds of dollars not paying for a useless data plan (at least in my case). So yeah back to your question yes you can use your vibrant without a data plan. You may just have to visit your local Tmo store so they can get you on a pay as you go plan or a similar prepaid plan that does not require a a data plan. They will give you a new sim card and you may be able to keep you number but you must ask them. The guy or girl at the Tmo store will try to convince you to stay on the data plan and will probably say that it is necessary to have one on every smartphone...but that is bull**** so just ignore them...good luck. One more thing just to save you the hassle you also have the option to buy a sim card activation kit online at T-Mobile.com but I don't know how that works.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Very possible. I was on T-Mobile and just switched sim cards without telling them. I used mine without a data plan for half a year with no problems. Just makes using it on the road or while driving a little harder.
Yes, it's possible. I've used my Vibrant on pay as you go all along. I'm actually on prepaid plus the unlimited text plan (extra $15 a month).
firefly6240 said:
This may sound dumb.. but make sure the sim card is inserted in the right direction. I've been in a hurry myself a few times and put it in wrong. The first time I spent a few hours troubleshooting before figuring it out.
I felt pretty dumb afterwards lol
Also my wife uses her vibrant with no data plan just fine.
You do have to watch out though because on our plan T-Mobile refuses to block data so if you accidentally use something that pulls data using the phone data instead of wifi then they charge all sorts of overages.
The way we got around that was using the built in miui firewall to disable phone data for everything and allow Wi-Fi.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile refuses to block data for you, really? I have two smart phones without data plans, and I simply had to just tell them to remove pay as you go data from those lines, and include something called data blocker feature (forget what exactly it's called). After that, it wasnt possible for me to use data anywhere but at a hotspot.