[Q] Buying TMO S5 full-retail without a TMO account? - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 5

Has anyone here ever walked into a TMO store and bought their Galaxy phone outright? Without having a TMO account/phone number?
I'm on ATT and keeping my ATT account. And want to buy a TMO S5. So far it appears that the TMO store is the only place in the world that is selling a TMO S5.
So, what kind of hassles should I expect when I go to buy it? Or will it be an easy experience?
Also, just to confirm, that phone WILL be under warranty, right?!

Won't the Costco kiosks sell the tmo s5 outright?

Its on swappa. Com
Sent from my SM-T310 using xda app-developers app

ytj87 said:
Won't the Costco kiosks sell the tmo s5 outright?
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Click to collapse
I've never been to a Costco. But their website doesn't seem to have any TMO S5's.
Richcar said:
Its on swappa. Com
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Click to collapse
I want a no-hassle full manufacturers warranty.

I walked into a T Mobile store here locally and bought a S5 outright. $660 +tax. No issues what so ever and has full warranty.

CZ Eddie said:
Has anyone here ever walked into a TMO store and bought their Galaxy phone outright? Without having a TMO account/phone number?
I'm on ATT and keeping my ATT account. And want to buy a TMO S5. So far it appears that the TMO store is the only place in the world that is selling a TMO S5.
So, what kind of hassles should I expect when I go to buy it? Or will it be an easy experience?
Also, just to confirm, that phone WILL be under warranty, right?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can buy a TMO phone without an account... in theory. In practice, you'll find crooked store managers in big cities like NYC and LA will try to tell you the phones are only sold with a contract, LOL. In most places, you shouldn't have a problem - just tell them you're buying it as a gift for someone else, so you can't activate it in store.
The Samsung warranty will be valid, of course, and you can probably return it to T-Mobile within their normal refund period.

dustintinsley said:
I walked into a T Mobile store here locally and bought a S5 outright. $660 +tax. No issues what so ever and has full warranty.
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Click to collapse
They didn't hassle you about not being a TMO customer? Other than to maybe suggest switching carriers?
Cool, thanks. :good:

CZ Eddie said:
They didn't hassle you about not being a TMO customer? Other than to maybe suggest switching carriers?
Cool, thanks. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No hassle and that is exactly what they did. Just tried to get me to switch to T Mobile. But no hassle about the phone. Was told initially the cost would be $689 + tax since i was a non T Mobile account holder. But, it rang up for $660. You will have to get the phone unlocked to work on AT&T which is no issue. Mine is working great once I manually updated the APN settings.

dustintinsley said:
No hassle and that is exactly what they did. Just tried to get me to switch to T Mobile. But no hassle about the phone. Was told initially the cost would be $689 + tax since i was a non T Mobile account holder. But, it rang up for $660. You will have to get the phone unlocked to work on AT&T which is no issue. Mine is working great once I manually updated the APN settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. Thanks for the tip on the $689 thing.
I think my only [tmo phone on att] concern is getting access to updated AT&T modem files in the future.
Though I'm sure someone will eventually yank the modems from firmware and present it as a flashable file.

CZ Eddie said:
Good to know. Thanks for the tip on the $689 thing.
I think my only [tmo phone on att] concern is getting access to updated AT&T modem files in the future.
Though I'm sure someone will eventually yank the modems from firmware and present it as a flashable file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only issue I have ran into is my Isis is not working. Not sure if this is because of it being a T Mobile phone and installing Isis for AT&T or what.

dustintinsley said:
The only issue I have ran into is my Isis is not working. Not sure if this is because of it being a T Mobile phone and installing Isis for AT&T or what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to have a SIM that supports ISIS. My old T-Mobile microSIM wasn't any good for ISIS, they had to give me a new one. Maybe you need a newer AT&T SIM?

T-Mobile on AT&T
dustintinsley said:
No hassle and that is exactly what they did. Just tried to get me to switch to T Mobile. But no hassle about the phone. Was told initially the cost would be $689 + tax since i was a non T Mobile account holder. But, it rang up for $660. You will have to get the phone unlocked to work on AT&T which is no issue. Mine is working great once I manually updated the APN settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also considering doing the same thing. I assume that you are getting LTE connections just fine? Are there any functions that will not work on the AT&T system as a T-Mobile phone?

lazyn00b said:
You need to have a SIM that supports ISIS. My old T-Mobile microSIM wasn't any good for ISIS, they had to give me a new one. Maybe you need a newer AT&T SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SIM worked in my Note 3 with Isis. Shouldn't it work in the S5?
---------- Post added at 12:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 PM ----------
kevinga said:
I am also considering doing the same thing. I assume that you are getting LTE connections just fine? Are there any functions that will not work on the AT&T system as a T-Mobile phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. LTE will not work until you update the APN, but once you do all is fine. In fact, you get more. Download booster is not disabled.

dustintinsley said:
The SIM worked in my Note 3 with Isis. Shouldn't it work in the S5?
---------- Post added at 12:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 PM ----------
Nope. LTE will not work until you update the APN, but once you do all is fine. In fact, you get more. Download booster is not disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hows is the LTE reception on AT&T network? Tmobile Note 3 had issues with weak signal on att.

daraj said:
Hows is the LTE reception on AT&T network? Tmobile Note 3 had issues with weak signal on att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's good. I had the AT&T Note 3 and had issues even with it. The T Mobile S5 gets better reception then my AT&T Note 3.

I don't know, but I would call AT&T tech support and ask them.

dustintinsley said:
The only issue I have ran into is my Isis is not working. Not sure if this is because of it being a T Mobile phone and installing Isis for AT&T or what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using an old SIM card? This was posted over in AT&T subforum:
cloudraker said:
Not sure if this is the right place but this post is just to inform people of what i learned the hard way today.
There are new SIM cards, they should come shipped with your phone. If you are like me, you just toss your old card in and go with it. I was unable to get LTE with it, but i didnt know that was the issue. I went to the store, they gave me a new SIM to try, and the same thing. The manager got involved and when she looked at the SIM she said it wasnt right. Apparently, the new SIM cards have grey and purple on them in one of the corners. Not 100% what it is but one of the guys said it had something to do with ISIS.
Anyways, long story short if you are getting 4g in the notification, but not LTE and you ,know you are in an LTE area, make sure you are using one of the new SIM cards, it is apparently a requirement because as soon as we put one in, i was good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713271

CZ Eddie said:
Are you using an old SIM card? This was posted over in AT&T subforum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2713271
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Click to collapse
Weird. I may have to try this out....

Yeah, I just looked at the SIM that came with my AT&T S5. It's got grey/purple on the corner.
My S4 SIM does not have those colors.

Metro PCS has the S5 with no contract and unlocked for 649.99 at Best Buy and the Metro PCS stores. I am not at home now but I believe that this is the T-Mobile S5. Metro PCS is now owned by T-Moblile and their phones are supposed to work on the T-Mobile network. If this is the same phone it should work on ATTsince it has should have the T-Mobile and ATT bands. Does anyone know this for sure? Sorry but since I am not near a Best Buy or Metro PCS location I can't check it out.

Related

Question about a blacklisted verizon phone

I have a verizon note 2 I bought off cragslist recently its imei is blacklisted on verizon I was wondering if I do the apn hack would it work on att .
The Force is Strong With This ROM¡¡¡¡
I asked thia question to a verizon account manager and he said to get a new sim card and it'll work. Try it out.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Yes, the fact that it's blacklisted simply means that Verizon's database shows it as not being able to be activated. This has no effect on the phones usability on another carrier.
WisdomWolf said:
Yes, the fact that it's blacklisted simply means that Verizon's database shows it as not being able to be activated. This has no effect on the phones usability on another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I was opening the thread to reply with.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
WisdomWolf said:
Yes, the fact that it's blacklisted simply means that Verizon's database shows it as not being able to be activated. This has no effect on the phones usability on another carrier.
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Click to collapse
Do it will work on att
The Force is Strong With This ROM¡¡¡¡
I mean so it will still work on att auto correct.
The Force is Strong With This ROM¡¡¡¡
Dewaynelives said:
I mean so it will still work on att auto correct.
The Force is Strong With This ROM¡¡¡¡
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind att uses gsm radio and Verizon uses CDMA.
You may run into trouble.
However I believe the Verizon note 2 is a works phone?
Who knows exactly what that means for you.
God bless the American people.
Figures someone who uses barrack Obama as name wouldn't be any help how fitting. The note II has gsm and cdma radios. It's unlocked from the factory so you can throw a t-mobile, AT&T, straight talk ect and it'll work fine. The note supports 1900mhz frequency which is the refarned hspa42 for t-mobile and 3g hspa for at&t
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
dmonger11b said:
Figures someone who uses barrack Obama as name wouldn't be any help how fitting.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your sharp wit for adding completely unnecessary and useless political commentary.
I suggest a review of the forum guidelines, particularly 2.4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=726334
Note 2 - Nexus 7 - Charge - Player 5.0 - Fascinate
Read twice, flash once
I have an sgh-i605 an im with atnt . Everything works data, voice, once I changed the apn settings
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
I buy/sell/trade phones and I've run into a couple bad esn phones (no I don't buy them, shady people report them stolen). I actually picked up a Note 2 several months ago. I checked the esn over 611, came back clean, brought it home several hours later to put it on my wife's line. We popped her sim in, it activated, then almost immediately deactivated. After hours on the phone with Verizon they said the seller reported it and there was nothing I could do. We got her a new sim card and reactivated her S3. As I considered my options, the next day I called Verizon and checked the ESN again. The lady said it was clean. I didn't understand and took it to the store to ask a rep. It was explained to me that when a IMEI is blacklisted, it "burns" the sim card you put in it. Since we are in no way faulted on our plan, we were given a new sim card. The rep explained that the phone is blacklisted against that one sim card. So if I put my new sim in, it is now linked to my (clean) account.
Long story short - if you pop in a sim card, it will get zapped. If you get a new one and try again, it SHOULD work fine on Verizon.
I hold no responsibility to what you do or how accurate that info is. It worked for me and was approved by a Verizon rep. Try it or don't.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 09:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------
And "yes", it will work on AT&T if you add APN's. No LTE though. Only AT&T's 4G (kinda like 3G+) and lower.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
ezas said:
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your sharp wit for adding completely unnecessary and useless political commentary.
I suggest a review of the forum guidelines, particularly 2.4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=726334
Note 2 - Nexus 7 - Charge - Player 5.0 - Fascinate
Read twice, flash once
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boohoo?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
ezas said:
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your sharp wit for adding completely unnecessary and useless political commentary.
I suggest a review of the forum guidelines, particularly 2.4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=726334
Note 2 - Nexus 7 - Charge - Player 5.0 - Fascinate
Read twice, flash once
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone is going to have such a controversial name they are really starting it first. I approve the previous poster for the comment!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
What is the point of reporting a phone stolen
if all the next guy needs to do is pop two sim cards in it and it works?
I believe something is amiss.
but I mean, hey, if it works it works.
"Another useless post from your President"
God bless the American people.
i had one that had been blacklisted because the person didnt pay the bill i use the unlock zip and put in att and it worked
barrackOBAMA said:
What is the point of reporting a phone stolen
if all the next guy needs to do is pop two sim cards in it and it works?
I believe something is amiss.
but I mean, hey, if it works it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a seller reports a phone stolen, they can sell the phone and collect the cash, then turn it into insurance and get a new phone.
They don't care about you actually still being able to use the phone or not, only that they get free money and a new phone.
I bought my Note 2 off of Craigslist in November I checked the number with Verizon. I was told everything was good to go. About two weeks ago I got a call from the Sheriff's office letting me know that I was in possession of a phone that had been stolen directly from one of their stores. I had put my own SIM card in so I never had any issues.
lgoldstein said:
I bought my Note 2 off of Craigslist in November I checked the number with Verizon. I was told everything was good to go. About two weeks ago I got a call from the Sheriff's office letting me know that I was in possession of a phone that had been stolen directly from one of their stores. I had put my own SIM card in so I never had any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a blacklisted Verizon Note 2, can I use this phone overseas on gsm?
ostap027 said:
I have a blacklisted Verizon Note 2, can I use this phone overseas on gsm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would assume that you could, Just because Verizon has put the ban hammer down on the phone doesn't necessarily mean that other carriers would also. I guess the best way to know is to give it a shot.
lgoldstein said:
I bought my Note 2 off of Craigslist in November I checked the number with Verizon. I was told everything was good to go. About two weeks ago I got a call from the Sheriff's office letting me know that I was in possession of a phone that had been stolen directly from one of their stores. I had put my own SIM card in so I never had any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar issue with a S3 when they first came out. I traded a Razr Maxx for it. I used it for a while until I found a blue one, so I gave it (white) to my wife. About 3 months later I got a call from an investigative department of Verizon. I explained the situation and they allowed me to keep the S3 (unblacklisted) for cooperating with them. I gave them all the info of the person I got it from. That guy called me a week later to warn me that Verizon may be calling, lol. Turns out the person be bought it from had stolen several of these off a Fed Ex truck before they reached the store.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

Bad ESN T-Mobile One Unlocked to at&t

So I unlocked a bad ESN T-Mobile Htc one phone using a unlock code and an at&t sim. I also flashed the phone and replaced the tmobile stock with the att stock. Is it possible to get this phone to work now? Or is there no chance?
Also I first unlocked the phone then I replaced the roms.
If anyone has any clue if this could would would be a life changer! Thanks in advance.
ultrav33 said:
So I unlocked a bad ESN T-Mobile Htc one phone using a unlock code and an at&t sim. I also flashed the phone and replaced the tmobile stock with the att stock. Is it possible to get this phone to work now? Or is there no chance?
Also I first unlocked the phone then I replaced the roms.
If anyone has any clue if this could would would be a life changer! Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps you should stop stealing phones. Half kidding. T-Mobile and AT&T now share the EIR lists so in theory it should not work on either.
So is there anyway to get this working on any carrier at all?
And umm, I purchased this phone on craigslist. the guy lied to me so now I'm stuck with a bad esn phone....
Nope, all the carriers share a blacklist of stolen phones. If it gets blocked on one it gets blocked on them all withing 24 hours.
Sell it on ebay. International customers will pick it up
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
nexicon said:
Sell it on ebay. International customers will pick it up
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much do you think they will go on ebay? I am really not trying to be at too much of a loss so I hope I can get atleast 400$. the item is in mint condition.
You can get closer to 500+. Just make sure you list it as bad imei and sign up for the global shipping program ebay offers. They will take care of international shipping. Be careful when it comes to shipping to india and russia. They take a while to deliver and may get lost
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
try straighttalk their tmo compatible sim comes with its own imei number
skinsfanbdh said:
try straighttalk their tmo compatible sim comes with its own imei number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um SIM cards don't have imei numbers I thought...
skinsfanbdh said:
try straighttalk their tmo compatible sim comes with its own imei number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tested this theory out? Let me know if anyone knows if straight talk can work with a bad esn phone?
In my opinion there is a HUGE loop hole, i have an AT&T HTC One I just bought today just found it has a bad ESN via swapper, but little secret, it still works perfectly fine using a previously activated sim, so your best bet, get another handset on the carrier you wish to use (GSM only) activate that handset, pop the sim card into the bad esn phone, and eureka, service and no MM#6
zquesti0nmark7 said:
In my opinion there is a HUGE loop hole, i have an AT&T HTC One I just bought today just found it has a bad ESN via swapper, but little secret, it still works perfectly fine using a previously activated sim, so your best bet, get another handset on the carrier you wish to use (GSM only) activate that handset, pop the sim card into the bad esn phone, and eureka, service and no MM#6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how your phone still works on AT&T if it had a bad ESN. A bad ESN means the phone WON'T work on that network. So if an AT&T phone had a bad ESN, no matter what SIM card you put in it, it won't work.
But if you have it working, I wouldn't be complaining. I remember back when Tmo didn't have a no-throttle plan, I reached my 5GB, but I was still getting fast download speeds. I got the text message in all. This happened for about 3 months. Then it stopped. =.[
I'm not going to get into the details I read in this thread about carriers sharing their ESN's. That is new to me. I'll have to go read about that on my own time.
I am curious when this will actually be enforced.
I have been using a One with a bad ESN on ST AT&T LTE for several months with no issues. I know they are supposed to share the blacklist...but will they really enforce it when it could bring them extra business. I have even used a LycaMobile (TMobile reseller) sim in the phone and it works as well.
Bad thing about CL and T-Mobile is you buy a phone, it's clean, works a week or 2 and then gets blacklisted when they dont pay the bill. AT&T & Verizon dont blacklist for non payment, although they may start for people who get the phones on payment plans.

[Q] Possible to Bypass Sprint Activation use it on GSM.

Hello,
I plan to buy (from ebay) a Sprint G3 and use it on GSM with a SIM card.
Is it possible ? Is it locked ot unlocked ? Is it possible to bypass sprint activation screen ?
Thanks.
hakkan said:
Hello,
I plan to buy (from ebay) a Sprint G3 and use it on GSM with a SIM card.
Is it possible ? Is it locked ot unlocked ? Is it possible to bypass sprint activation screen ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
locked and no way that i know of changing it as sprint version doesnt have root yet.
From Sprint's unlock policy:
I am a former Sprint customer or was never a Sprint customer but have purchased a Sprint device from a third party other than Sprint. Can I get the MSL code?
For individuals owners who can provide the telephone number last associated with the device, Sprint may be able to provide the applicable MSL Code if the account associated with the device is in good standing (service or installment contract fulfilled, payments are current, no write-off balance, not associated with a phone sent to collections, phone not reported lost or stolen, etc.).
hakkan said:
Hello,
I plan to buy (from ebay) a Sprint G3 and use it on GSM with a SIM card.
Is it possible ? Is it locked ot unlocked ? Is it possible to bypass sprint activation screen ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Important thing here is where are you located;
In US - Most probably not, until someone finds a hack for it. Sprint certainly doesn't want you to use their phone on GSM in US.
Outside US - You may get the SIM card slot unlocked from Sprint (done via OTA, not thru code) if some conditions are met like account should be in good standing, shouldn't be a bad ESN & phone should be 90 days old on the account (some people in past have been able to get past this requirement).
Apart from these, you also need to make sure that GSM/UMTS/LTE bands your carrier use are supported by Sprint G3.
I am in the same boat as you, looking to buy a Sprint G3 & use on GSM. Since I'm not in US, I can definitely use it once unlocked but the problem is how to ask Sprint for the unlock when you are not a customer & don't have an account with them.
---------- Post added at 09:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------
BretonGirl said:
From Sprint's unlock policy:
I am a former Sprint customer or was never a Sprint customer but have purchased a Sprint device from a third party other than Sprint. Can I get the MSL code?
For individuals owners who can provide the telephone number last associated with the device, Sprint may be able to provide the applicable MSL Code if the account associated with the device is in good standing (service or installment contract fulfilled, payments are current, no write-off balance, not associated with a phone sent to collections, phone not reported lost or stolen, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP is talking about GSM unlock, MSL is not going to help.
jainanshal said:
I
OP is talking about GSM unlock, MSL is not going to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, yes it is. You have to get the MSL from Sprint in order to unlock their phones for usage on GSM networks. It's all explained in their Unlock Policy on Sprint.com.
BretonGirl said:
Um, yes it is. You have to get the MSL from Sprint in order to unlock their phones for usage on GSM networks. It's all explained in their Unlock Policy on Sprint.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I say it again.. MSL has to do nothing with GSM slot unlocking for Int'l networks. For this, Sprint pushes an OTA to the phone which unlocks the SIM slot.
If you still think its explained in a different way (involving MSL) on the Sprint website, plz post the link.
Just wait until we have root and I will see if I can unlock it for everyone.
Sent from my LGLS990 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
jainanshal said:
Well, I say it again.. MSL has to do nothing with GSM slot unlocking for Int'l networks. For this, Sprint pushes an OTA to the phone which unlocks the SIM slot.
If you still think its explained in a different way (involving MSL) on the Sprint website, plz post the link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm talking about unlocking it for use on AT&T, T-Mobile, etc, here in the U.S. For that unlocking you need the MSL code.
Here's their unlock policy.
http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html
Seriously though, why do people buy a phone designed for one carrier wanting to use it on another? It's ridiculous. Just buy what your carrier offers, simple.
BretonGirl said:
Here's their unlock policy.
http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html
Seriously though, why do people buy a phone designed for one carrier wanting to use it on another? It's ridiculous. Just buy what your carrier offers, simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You tired of giving that link yet?
I think hidden key/hidden menu unlocking
BretonGirl said:
Here's their unlock policy.
http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html
Seriously though, why do people buy a phone designed for one carrier wanting to use it on another? It's ridiculous. Just buy what your carrier offers, simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply because Sprint phones are much cheaper than any other carrier if bought slightly used or from sites like swappa and ebay. However due to strict unlocking policies of sprint it is near impossible to unlock their devices if you are not a customer. Heck even if you are a customer they give you a hard time. Hence phones on Sprint tend to have much lower resale value for this very reason and hence the reason for people attracted to these devices because they do have the hardware capability of using gsm networks it's only sprint/software that's holding these phones back.
As of now i would hold off on buying a Sprint lg g3 if you plan to use on another network. The phone doesn't even have root yet for sim unlocking hacks to even be attempted. Check out the Sprint HTC m8 sim unlock hack is out for that phone and very capable device with much more development.
I get that I should buy a phone for a given carrier - However, if I were to buy a Sprint LG G3 that WAS unlocked, would I be able to use it on T-Mobile would I be able to have some reasonable expectation to have UTMS+/LTE connectivity?
(if I can buy an unlocked sprint phone for ~ $275 vs ~ $450 for a t-mobile version...)
scifan said:
I get that I should buy a phone for a given carrier - However, if I were to buy a Sprint LG G3 that WAS unlocked, would I be able to use it on T-Mobile would I be able to have some reasonable expectation to have UTMS+/LTE connectivity?
(if I can buy an unlocked sprint phone for ~ $275 vs ~ $450 for a t-mobile version...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not get lte on it bands are not there.....
BretonGirl said:
Here's their unlock policy.
http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html
Seriously though, why do people buy a phone designed for one carrier wanting to use it on another? It's ridiculous. Just buy what your carrier offers, simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though this is old ill comment my idea of why. The very reason is , i believe anyway is that sprint phones' resale value is the cheapest overall ...why? Because of the sprint reputation as well as the old days it would not connect to gsm period. However today its global capabilities has began a big buy spree on this model mainly for price ..This is why you might see as example on craigslist, s4 175 as opposed to verizon 250 or T-Mobile etc. Sprint has always had cheaper or lower resale value. Not sure how much longer but ive bought many sprint devices for this reason ..also since sprint sells to more lower to no credit with the spending limit option they are more prone to blacklisted phones and or risk. Lol. So to me i believe this is why you see lots more sprint phones today trying to get on gsm or any. Peace.
Sent from rotary technology Phone
Most phones after 2012 using LTE have to have a Sim card slot.
Verizon had to unlock their phones because of the LTE bands they use.
Prior to that Sprint was using Clear as thier 4G provider using WiMAx. When they built up their network their network they had to use sim card slots
Just like Boost, Virgin, they lock down the sim using UCC.
By locking down the sim and the modem you cant access the service menus to take the lock off.
Currently the HTC One, One MAX, and M8 for Sprint are capable of gsm but man is it a pain.
There may be a way hopefully since yes Sprint phones are very cheap in resale value. I got a HTC One MAX for $150. Took me 3 days to unlock, s-off and figure out the instructions on the internet so I can use it on T-Mobile.
I came here to see if the LG G3 can be done as well...so far looks like a no go.
So far the Note 3, Mega and other Samsung phones can be unlocked.
I think it's a steal to get a 5.9" 1080p Quad Core phone for $150. Cheaper than the Desire 820 GSM which is only 720p for $350.
The sim can be unlocked ..... All you have to do is read.
jamesb85 said:
The sim can be unlocked ..... All you have to do is read.
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Click to collapse
Can you please explain or point us in the right direction? Thanks.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using XDA Free mobile app
bypaass activation
blane73 said:
Can you please explain or point us in the right direction? Thanks.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used that way with no problems sa far http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-lg-g3/general/unlock-sim-gsm-how-to-t2853594
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-lg-g3/orig-development/how-to-gsm-unlock-t2961099 check and this!
for disable activation go to system priv apps and find LgStartUpWizzard.apk and rename it to .bak save it, and you get rid of activation process

Question about using without activating/use monthly plan.

I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
burtonfamily101 said:
I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy unlock gs from ebay.....just make dammm sure it will work on your gsm network. If it will, yes you can swap the sim from the phone to the gs....but the risk of breaking something is much greater...if you know what I mean. You can always go pre-paid.
Example: Pri att/unlock to use on tmobile.......it might work....people are saying they are having trouble with unlock gs and vice versa with Pri tmobile/unlock to att. But I think it is a hit and miss, cause I have a unlock att and I can go tmobile network any time with no issues.....as of now I am on pre paid h2o (att network) for when I want to go remote and leave the phone at the house while jogging.
Thank you for the reply and sorry for my late one. So ive found a few on ebay that say unlocked. So what I would need to do is get a sim from h2O as prepaid use that when I set up the watch from my AT&T s4?
With h2o you dont really need a unlock gs if you get an att gs......since it runs off the att network. You should not have an issue since your s4 is also running on the att network.
Unknown Zone said:
With h2o you dont really need a unlock gs if you get an att gs......since it runs off the att network. You should not have an issue since your s4 is also running on the att network.
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Click to collapse
Yep. I posted on a similar thread- $10 gets you 90 days, 100 megs with H2O's cheapest pay-as-you-go. I take the watch to the gym on remote connection every few days since january-- I've used about $1.70 of the $10 credit from getting notifications and few calls routed to the watch.
Since you'll be buying the watch off contract- go ahead and submit that request for the unlock from AT&T anyway, even though h2o works on locked att devices. It'll make it worth a little more for resale down the road, plus it's free and easy to do so- you just need a non-att/h2o sim card.
btw, if there's no huge hurry for cell coverage on the watch, you can get H2o and simple mobile SIMs on amazon for one penny & free shipping. Get a simple mobile one so you can unlock the watch with it.
make sure you get a nano-sim
edouble312 said:
Yep. I posted on a similar thread- $10 gets you 90 days, 100 megs with H2O's cheapest pay-as-you-go. I take the watch to the gym on remote connection every few days since january-- I've used about $1.70 of the $10 credit from getting notifications and few calls routed to the watch.
Since you'll be buying the watch off contract- go ahead and submit that request for the unlock from AT&T anyway, even though h2o works on locked att devices. It'll make it worth a little more for resale down the road, plus it's free and easy to do so- you just need a non-att/h2o sim card.
btw, if there's no huge hurry for cell coverage on the watch, you can get H2o and simple mobile SIMs on amazon for one penny & free shipping. Get a simple mobile one so you can unlock the watch with it.
make sure you get a nano-sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep forgetting the unlock code can be asked when bought out right after the new ruling went into affect. I don't have att nor tmobile as my phone carrier and bought the att gs since it was the cheapest of them all and needed coverage as a second carrier when out of phone range (I have sprint on the note2).....also since it has a sim....it could be unlock...etc. I was telling cyper the other day.....I too was afraid of the data usage, but after 2 to 3 months the gs eats data like a bird.......I bought the $100/1yr and I am sitting at 97.00 (since Dec) cause I was not sure how the gs with going to eat data..etc. I am going to have to down grade when it is time to reboost next yr..lol. I might go with the $10/90 days next time around.
burtonfamily101 said:
I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use a family shared plan and you don't have that $10 access charge.
They do not charge extra just for a new line? Thanks though I will contact AT&T and find out now to be 100% before I shop on ebay.
2 different networks
Unknown Zone said:
I keep forgetting the unlock code can be asked when bought out right after the new ruling went into affect. I don't have att nor tmobile as my phone carrier and bought the att gs since it was the cheapest of them all and needed coverage as a second carrier when out of phone range (I have sprint on the note2).....also since it has a sim....it could be unlock...etc. I was telling cyper the other day.....I too was afraid of the data usage, but after 2 to 3 months the gs eats data like a bird.......I bought the $100/1yr and I am sitting at 97.00 (since Dec) cause I was not sure how the gs with going to eat data..etc. I am going to have to down grade when it is time to reboost next yr..lol. I might go with the $10/90 days next time around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking to do the EXACT same thing you did. I have sprint, sprint version is about 399 in the store but I can get the international unlocked for 253.00 I can send you the link if anybody needs it off amazon. The challenge of course is sprints restrictive network so I have 2 questions, 1st when your phone is paired can you receive calls when tethered and talk through the watch and 2nd when you popped the sim card into the watch did you have issues using it as a stand alone device?
eternal22x said:
I am looking to do the EXACT same thing you did. I have sprint, sprint version is about 399 in the store but I can get the international unlocked for 253.00 I can send you the link if anybody needs it off amazon. The challenge of course is sprints restrictive network so I have 2 questions, 1st when your phone is paired can you receive calls when tethered and talk through the watch and 2nd when you popped the sim card into the watch did you have issues using it as a stand alone device?
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Click to collapse
Yes, when tethered you can receive calls and talk through watch. Only at&t & T-Mobile Gear S watches have sim card slot (GSM). So if your looking to use the watch as standalone on Sprint network (not sure if your talking wifi or 3G network) , assuming your talking 3G network via Sprint there would be no SIM card required. Are you talking standalone via wifi/no 3G plan or standalone as connected to the Sprint 3G network with the $9.99 plan?
**The previous persons comments are very misleading and I think confuses anyone who reads it. In order to even use the device via Sprint 3G they will need your IMEI number NO SIM CARD.**
I paid the cost for Sprints Gear S which didn't bother me, although I'm using it connected to the $9.99 plan as well as tethered to my phone. Its also much easier to get a warranty replacement device. This thread seems so off topic I'm confused if previous poster is talking with 3G plan or not considering the OT was no plan.
well my plan is to bypass sprint all together and use a prepaid AT&T h20 nano sim card on the watch. This way I use sprint when tethered and AT&T when using as a stand alone watch phone if that makes any sense. Again this is a gamble as I ordered the international South Korean unlocked version, Ive seen one or 2 posts on this being a possibility but I will update if it does work, if so this option may save many people money and frustration of being tied to one network.
---------- Post added at 06:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 PM ----------
Unknown Zone said:
If you buy unlock gs from ebay.....just make dammm sure it will work on your gsm network. If it will, yes you can swap the sim from the phone to the gs....but the risk of breaking something is much greater...if you know what I mean. You can always go pre-paid.
Example: Pri att/unlock to use on tmobile.......it might work....people are saying they are having trouble with unlock gs and vice versa with Pri tmobile/unlock to att. But I think it is a hit and miss, cause I have a unlock att and I can go tmobile network any time with no issues.....as of now I am on pre paid h2o (att network) for when I want to go remote and leave the phone at the house while jogging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am attempting to do this with a T-mobile note 4 and a South korean unlocked GS from amazon I will update if it does work. On a side note the seller had their prices listed as low as $235.00 New and the day after I purchased it they bumped their prices back up to $319.00!! (I was at the right place at the right time i guess)
eternal22x said:
well my plan is to bypass sprint all together and use a prepaid AT&T h20 nano sim card on the watch. This way I use sprint when tethered and AT&T when using as a stand alone watch phone if that makes any sense. Again this is a gamble as I ordered the international South Korean unlocked version, Ive seen one or 2 posts on this being a possibility but I will update if it does work, if so this option may save many people money and frustration of being tied to one network.
---------- Post added at 06:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 PM ----------
I am attempting to do this with a T-mobile note 4 and a South korean unlocked GS from amazon I will update if it does work. On a side note the seller had their prices listed as low as $235.00 New and the day after I purchased it they bumped their prices back up to $319.00!! (I was at the right place at the right time i guess)
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Click to collapse
That makes perfect sense, thanks for clarifying that. Actually would like to know how that turns out for you. I just have a personal grudge against at&t/Verizon and left at&t for Sprint not long ago, so that just wasn't an option for me. How much is the line going to cost through at&t? I was thinking it was a little bit more per month unless you already have a phone line..

Unlocked Galaxy S9 Question

Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
mdonnelly1127 said:
Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Also wondering if sideloading the app will work for this purpose.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Bxrider117 said:
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
Just went through this at Best Buy on Friday, also.
Was strongly considering the unlocked S9+ and porting it to the VZW network. I inquired with the blue-shirt if there would be any loss of functionality should I make such a choice. The answer was "no".
The Samsung representative was in attendance, so I put the question to him as well. After glazing over while he went into an analogy of how your IMEI and SIM card are like licensing a car - and how they all can drive on the same road - I directed him back to the issue at hand, and his response was "no difference".
Then I called VZW, waited for the obligatory 15 minutes on hold, and asked the representative the same question. The answer was "No. None. Exactly the same."
Did a few searches on the feature I was specifically concerned about - that being Wi-Fi calling - and it appeared, from an historical perspective, there would be the potential for that functionality to be absent unless one purchased the branded device.
The VZW store was across the street, so I brought my question to them. In an experience that is as unique as it was surprising, I was lucky enough to get a salesperson who genuinely seemed to want to know the definitive answer as much as I did. He researched his on-line documentation for a few minutes before calling what he claimed to be their "network engineer".
The answer came back that VoLTE would work but Wi-Fi calling would not, on an unlocked S9+ ROM in the VZW network.
I've subsequently read contradicting indications but, considering the self-assigned importance of that capability, I decided not to chance it and find out the hard way that it would not work - should that be the case.
While this does not address your Visual Voice Mail concern, it does demonstrate exactly how many differing answers one can get from supposedly knowledgeable resources.
So, my solution was to lease the branded device with the understanding that I will need to deal with all of the pre-loaded stuff that I (or for that matter, just about anyone) do not need, want or use.
I have seen this questions asked hundreds of times, and I have seen both answers regarding WiFi calling. I know I have purchased unlocked phones right from Google in the past and never had an issue with any feature on VZW. I guess I will find out soon if anything has changed, as I ordered the 9+ unlocked from Samsung (they offered $100 more in a trade and a cheaper base price = no brainer). Will the confusion ever end?
Having had a unlocked s8+ and a Note 8 with VZ I can say VVM does not work. I've tried various applications and am not a fan of using google voice so I reached out and had standard messaging applied to my account and basic VVM removed. I'll get a notification but have to call in to check my voicemail which is no biggie. Never tried wifi calling but HD Voice does work ok. I preordered an unlocked S9+ so I'm sure it'll be the same boat
Verizon had the demo for the s9 plus in their store today, and the model of the phone is IDENTICAL to the unlocked US model. Also kinda wishing I'd stuck to the purple one I'd ordered by accident and cancelled, as it looks amazing in person.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
With the S7, you could flash the any of the carrier or unlocked firmware on the phone. This would give you access to verizon VVM, WiFI calling, etc if you flashed that firmware. I heard the S8 was the same since the hardware in them are the same between carriers. Here's to hoping that the S9 is the same.
MaddnessX said:
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
Geekser said:
If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
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Click to collapse
This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
dmb219 said:
This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
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Click to collapse
And that is very unfortunate. I am hoping that one day they will open up WiFi Calling to non carrier phones - but I doubt it will happen any time soon if at all.
Is it the same for tmobile?
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GS8 Unlocked worked with both VoLTE and Wifi Calling on TMO so there is no reason for the GS9+ unlocked not to support these features.
---------- Post added at 01:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem with VZW is support for integrated video calling thru the phone app which is different from the Samsung default. On VZW the unlocked USA version will support VoLTE but not WIfi Calling, VVM, Video Calling.
my 2 cents.
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're wrong. I tested a Verizon model in stores, and it's literally the exact same model number as the unlocked one I've got on order from Samsung. But of course they want you to buy the Verizon one, the mark up in the price is pure profit for them, and they probably get a commission for selling it to you.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget their useless $30+ "activation fee" they charge when you buy a device through them. I shouldn't have to pay $30 to take the SIM out of my old phone and put it in my new phone. I'm going with the unlocked version because I'm considering switching to T-Mobile due to all this type of crap Verizon pulls.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
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Click to collapse
So I'm curious what happens if you have a leased phone. Do they just not accept it and then charge your card for what you weren't charged at time of checkout?

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