Hello
I'm with ATT, but I want to switch to StraightTalk, since here in Miami, they use ATT anyways.
I also want to upgrade to the LG V10, but I want to get the T-Mobile variant (H901) since that one can be rooted.
So. Can I buy an H901 from ebay, wherever that is unlocked, and use the StraightTalk SIM on it? I will be able to root it, and get a sim card from StraightTalk that will work with ATT. Right?
Thanks
There should be no issue I have unlocked att phones I have use with t-mobile before might check to see what bands of lte att uses most In your area and check what bands the h901 uses
Buy an already unlocked Tmo phone if you can. If not, still OK, just get it unlocked. I would suggest buying from Amazon over eBay, better quality overall, less like to get ripped off, better sellers. As long as the device itself is fully paid they should unlock it. I've gone through major hassles getting my H901 unlocked, but it's done, as of today.
As far as Straight Talk, it should work. Tmo and ATT are mostly compatible with each other as far as networks are concerned. But check first. They both use SIM cards, so does ST. You should be able to switch pretty easily.
At work, we are affiliated with mywit.com, where we can buy refurbished phones in very good condition.
If I buy a T-Mobile phone that is locked to T-Mobile (as it says in the description), how would I use it on ATT until I decide to switch to StraightTalk?
The switch to Straight Talk involves our 3 phones, so it's something that I have to plan out; one of the phones lives in another city. So, I have to remain with ATT for now. How do I get this H901 to work with ATT? Can I do that somehow?
@nabril15: The answer is simple:
You cant use the phones with ATT or ST until they are unlocked from T-Mo's network. You can use T-Mo's Device Unlock app to get a temp unlock, but that only lasts 30 days. On the other hand, you should theoretically have no issues getting unlocks for all devices involved, if they are paid in full.
Unlock terms and conditions:
http://www.t-mobile.com/company/company-info/sim-unlock-policy/unlock-your-mobile-wireless-device.html
AnonVendetta said:
@nabril15: The answer is simple:
On the other hand, you should theoretically have no issues getting unlocks for all devices involved, if they are paid in full.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I can get this done by calling TMobile to unlock it even though I am NOT a customer of theirs?
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA-Developers mobile app
nabril15 said:
And I can get this done by calling TMobile to unlock it even though I am NOT a customer of theirs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, t mobile won't unlock it for you if you're not a customer, feel free to try but i doubt they will
Check Swappa, usually on of the best prices and sellers will say if unlocked - also i believe i saw them on eBay for like 250$ unlocked and refurbished
I recently purchased the H901 unlocked from the guys at Mytecell on Swappa. I'm on att. Had to do some research on entering a new APN to get data and MMS to work, but overall satisfied.
Does anyone know if root or which roms will allow wifi calling on att networks?
To my knowledge you can only use WiFi calling on a Tmo-issued phone if you are on Tmo's network. Doesnt matter if you're rooted or what ROM you use, there is probably a server side check. And you generally can only use Tmo wifi-calling on stock based ROMs, no AOSP/CM.
Related
Hi everyone,
I see that the Droid Incredible 4g does support sim cards, I was wondering is it microSIM like the IPHONE or regular SIM. Also, since Verizon doesn't give out unlock codes, is there anyway to get my phone unlocked myself so I can use a prepaid sim when i travel abroad? Thanks, any hlep would be appreciated!
morbius14 said:
Hi everyone,
I see that the Droid Incredible 4g does support sim cards, I was wondering is it microSIM like the IPHONE or regular SIM. Also, since Verizon doesn't give out unlock codes, is there anyway to get my phone unlocked myself so I can use a prepaid sim when i travel abroad? Thanks, any hlep would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's microSIM. Don't know about unlocking it.
I've heard mixed news on the unlocking process. I've heard if you pressure them for the unlock code they will give it to you. (tell them you are going out of country etc). I've also heard that they don't give them out. (which I don't believe because people have received them before). Other than that, there are companies that charge you $15 and they'll send you the unlock code.
*Madmoose* said:
I've heard mixed news on the unlocking process. I've heard if you pressure them for the unlock code they will give it to you. (tell them you are going out of country etc). I've also heard that they don't give them out. (which I don't believe because people have received them before). Other than that, there are companies that charge you $15 and they'll send you the unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got off the phone with Verizon Global Support and apparently the DI4G is not locked and you are free to use a 3rd party sim card. Same is true for Droid RAZR and MAXX.. can someone confirm this? I do not actually have the handset.
I read the same thing but with the question posted here I figured it wasn't true.
From the GSM thread in this section:
Brooose said:
I was curious because I heard that the Droid Incredible 4G has a GSM radio in it so I did an experiment. I used a T-mobile micro SIM. I used the 4GLTE switch app for the Thunderbolt to access the hidden menu and I changed the radio mode to one that included GSM/W-CDMA. I popped in my T-mobile SIM and, presto, I got a T-mobile signal. I tested and I was able to make and receive calls and text messages. I had to manually set the APN for data to epc.tmobile.com and now I have EDGE data. I am sure an AT&T Sim will get HSPA+. The GSM appears unlocked now but hard to access. I am afraid, however, that once Verizon releases the update to make GSM roaming available, that it will be locked. Anyway, for now, you can pop in a GSM SIM and use your phone native.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can
VZW has unlocked the majority of there 4gLTE smart phones. It is a new thing they just started doing to get a bigger hold on the global market that att has had for the longest time. So if you have a VZW 4g LTE phone and you are planning on going out of country all you have to do is call customer care, and ask them about the support and they will set you up with either a global SIM or you could use a prepaid SIM purchased in the country you are traveling to. I am a customer service rep at a local call center in Utah, we just had training on this subject last month.
morbius14 said:
I got off the phone with Verizon Global Support and apparently the DI4G is not locked and you are free to use a 3rd party sim card. Same is true for Droid RAZR and MAXX.. can someone confirm this? I do not actually have the handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this also applies for the HTC Rezound
They're not locked, but they're not "officially" globally capable either. I imagine in their global updates they will be locked to Verizon's official roaming carriers and you'll have to request an unlock code
As I am not a Verizon customer. I need someone to help me out. I have 2 iPhone 4s, both clean ESN. I need them unlocked for international use by Verizon. Until then, can't use them in my part of the world. Can anyone help me...please.
Thanks.
mwuahjaan said:
As I am not a Verizon customer. I need someone to help me out. I have 2 iPhone 4s, both clean ESN. I need them unlocked for international use by Verizon. Until then, can't use them in my part of the world. Can anyone help me...please.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how anyone can help you here. If you're not a Verizon customer then Verizon can't unlock them for you. Not sure what their policy is on unlocking 3g phones either.
Update: Pulled this from the web.
Verizon has confirmed (here and here) they WILL unlock the SIM on the iPhone 4S, allowing for use of local SIM cards while traveling abroad (no word yet on whether this will allow for use on AT&T and T-Mobile.) This is different than the jailbreak unlocking method; SIM unlocking through Verizon is permanent and will not affect your warranty in any way.
1. Meet the following requirements:
* Must be a Verizon Wireless customer.
* The iPhone 4S being unlocked must be active on a Verizon Wireless line of service.
* The line of service must be active at least 60 days.
* The line of service must be in good standing for the past 60 days.
* Only one SIM Unlock per line every 10 months.
If you don't meet one or more of the above requirements, call anyway. You may still get lucky.
2. Insert a foreign SIM into the SIM card slot on the side of your phone (only required to confirm that the unlock is successful.)
3. Call 1-800-711-8300 (Verizon Global Support) and ask the representative for a SIM unlock. Occassionally a representative may not know exactly what you are referring to; make sure you are not transferred to a different department. You are in the right place. Explain that they should have a walkthrough on how to do this, and that it allows for the use of local, non-Verizon SIM cards while traveling abroad.
4. Get confirmation from the rep that the unlock has been applied to your account, then check your phone to make sure it recognizes your SIM and can connect (if successful it will roam on AT&T, assuming you are calling from the USA.) You will NOT see an unlock confirmation in iTunes as that is for a factory-applied unlock only.
5. Enjoy your new unlocked iPhone 4S!
*Madmoose* said:
Not sure how anyone can help you here. If you're not a Verizon customer then Verizon can't unlock them for you. Not sure what their policy is on unlocking 3g phones either. CDMA isn't available anywhere but north america. So unlocking for use "abroad" isn't really in the cards anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPhone 4s I have got clean ESN. Someone has to put it on his line and call up Verizon to unlock the device for international use. Need to tell them that he wants to use it with a local sim card of the country where he is travelling to. All the time, the device is resting here, powered off. So that there are no charges incurred to the person who is doing this favour to me.
*Madmoose* said:
1. Meet the following requirements:
* Must be a Verizon Wireless customer.
* The iPhone 4S being unlocked must be active on a Verizon Wireless line of service.
* The line of service must be active at least 60 days.
* The line of service must be in good standing for the past 60 days.
* Only one SIM Unlock per line every 10 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mwuahjaan said:
The iPhone 4s I have got clean ESN. Someone has to put it on his line and call up Verizon to unlock the device for international use. Need to tell them that he wants to use it with a local sim card of the country where he is travelling to. All the time, the device is resting here, powered off. So that there are no charges incurred to the person who is doing this favour to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be really hit and miss for someone here to do that. The 4S is a 3g phone, activating it on our lines would require someone to go in store and get a sim swap. And even then, with the rules posted above, they probably still wouldn't do it.
*Madmoose* said:
Would be really hit and miss for someone here to do that. The 4S is a 3g phone, activating it on our lines would require someone to go in store and get a sim swap. And even then, with the rules posted above, they probably still wouldn't do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope you don't need a sim swap. Just need to put the MEID of my device on your line. Once you do that my device gets 'active' on your line and then a call need to be made to VZW international dept or a live chat can be done, telling them to unlock the device for international use.
While you do the device swap on your line they may ask you to put the data plan on iPhone 4s which is mandatory to have. Ofcourse, I'll be more than happy to pay any expense.
mwuahjaan said:
Nope you don't need a sim swap. Just need to put the MEID of my device on your line. Once you do that my device gets 'active' on your line and then a call need to be made to VZW international dept or a live chat can be done, telling them to unlock the device for international use.
While you do the device swap on your line they may ask you to put the data plan on iPhone 4s which is mandatory to have. Ofcourse, I'll be more than happy to pay any expense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats understood. But putting a 3g device on your line, deactivates the 4g LTE card. They cannot be reactivated, you have to go in store to get a new LTE card.
are you sure....
AshtonTS said:
this also applies for the HTC Rezound
They're not locked, but they're not "officially" globally capable either. I imagine in their global updates they will be locked to Verizon's official roaming carriers and you'll have to request an unlock code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an HTC Rezound, and I'd heard it was unlocked.
I'm abroad in the UK (Scotland) but when I put in an international sim card it says the sim card is unrecognized, and I can't get any signal but I can turn on mobile network I just can't access it (no signal). I messed with the APNs (using my network in the UKs suggested settings) but I can't seem to get it to function.
I know that the phone itself says it only offers CDMA and LTE but I was wondering if there was a sneaky way to get to the GSM capabilities of the phone that aren't in the menu.
I tried
*#*#4636*#*#
and when I hit the final hash tag the phone just acts like I just opened the dialer app
HELP
vonny3492 said:
I have an HTC Rezound, and I'd heard it was unlocked.
I'm abroad in the UK (Scotland) but when I put in an international sim card it says the sim card is unrecognized, and I can't get any signal but I can turn on mobile network I just can't access it (no signal). I messed with the APNs (using my network in the UKs suggested settings) but I can't seem to get it to function.
I know that the phone itself says it only offers CDMA and LTE but I was wondering if there was a sneaky way to get to the GSM capabilities of the phone that aren't in the menu.
I tried
*#*#4636*#*#
and when I hit the final hash tag the phone just acts like I just opened the dialer app
HELP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about the Rezound, but on our phone, since the latest update, you could change the setting under Settings -> Call -> Preferred Network to Global. There's also an option for GSM/UMTS.
vonny3492 said:
I tried
*#*#4636*#*#
and when I hit the final hash tag the phone just acts like I just opened the dialer app
HELP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try something like SWITCHIT - 4G LTE TOGGLE -- it fires a different intent that gets you to the magic phone info page that *#*#4636*#*# is supposed to send you to.
On my Inc 4G, this lets me use AT&T's network in the US (with an appropriate sim). I haven't tried it abroad.
I tried it abroad. No restrictions. 2.17.605.2.710RD is needed
Is it possible to unlock the Verizon version of the S4? I'm deploying in 4 weeks and would like to use my phone with international carriers. I have an SCH-I545 build and I'm still running on stock. Thanks
I think ATT has begun to unlock phones internationally when asked.
Verizon? Not sure... one think to check is if the Verizon GS4 supports a carrier in the country you travel to.
Take a look at Leo Laporte's Tech Guy show... he has callers ask this quetion on average every other week... I think he has show notes on his site now days... techguylabs.com
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
PetrichorXFi said:
I think ATT has begun to unlock phones internationally when asked.
Verizon? Not sure... one think to check is if the Verizon GS4 supports a carrier in the country you travel to.
Take a look at Leo Laporte's Tech Guy show... he has callers ask this quetion on average every other week... I think he has show notes on his site now days... techguylabs.com
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon phones are unlocked out of the box, but you have to make sure that the country you are going to has a GSM network.
After a lot of searching, I decided to ask this here:
I have a Verizon S4, but I was wondering if it was actually unlocked out-of-box or if there is something I have to do in order to use it with, for instance, Cricket, or U.S. Cellular. I have done lots of rooting/developing for Android, but have never tried to use an Android phone with a differing carrier. Can anyone help or point me to a thread that helps? (Again, did lots of Googling and XDA-searching)
furballbeethoven said:
After a lot of searching, I decided to ask this here:
I have a Verizon S4, but I was wondering if it was actually unlocked out-of-box or if there is something I have to do in order to use it with, for instance, Cricket, or U.S. Cellular. I have done lots of rooting/developing for Android, but have never tried to use an Android phone with a differing carrier. Can anyone help or point me to a thread that helps? (Again, did lots of Googling and XDA-searching)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is GSM-unlocked. This means that you buy a SIM, plug it in, then add the proper APN to enable data. (Settings, Connections, More networks, Mobile networks, Access Point Names). The "+" (Add APN) button is disabled if you have a VZ SIM installed but will be enabled if you insert a non-VZ SIM.
Whoever you get the SIM from will tell you what to enter for the APN.
Whether or not it'll work and how fast a network you'll get depends on the bands that the local carrier uses.
k1mu said:
The phone is GSM-unlocked. This means that you buy a SIM, plug it in, then add the proper APN to enable data. (Settings, Connections, More networks, Mobile networks, Access Point Names). The "+" (Add APN) button is disabled if you have a VZ SIM installed but will be enabled if you insert a non-VZ SIM.
Whoever you get the SIM from will tell you what to enter for the APN.
Whether or not it'll work and how fast a network you'll get depends on the bands that the local carrier uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI k1mu,
So do you mean to say if I purchase this device with full price from VZW ~$400 (month to month plan),
the next thing I can do is take off VZW SIM and would it work on my AT&T GSM SIM in US?
malhotra.aakash said:
HI k1mu,
So do you mean to say if I purchase this device with full price from VZW ~$400 (month to month plan),
the next thing I can do is take off VZW SIM and would it work on my AT&T GSM SIM in US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe. While the VZW version is GSM-unlocked for international use, it is unclear how well it works with US GSM carriers. Some people say they can get it to work, some say they can't. Theoretically, it should only take you putting in an AT&T SIM then plugging in the APN data for it to work, but some people still say it won't.
So, you should be able to, but going by the accounts of XDA members, it doesn't always work, which may or may not come down to user error.
joshm.1219 said:
Maybe. While the VZW version is GSM-unlocked for international use, it is unclear how well it works with US GSM carriers. Some people say they can get it to work, some say they can't. Theoretically, it should only take you putting in an AT&T SIM then plugging in the APN data for it to work, but some people still say it won't.
So, you should be able to, but going by the accounts of XDA members, it doesn't always work, which may or may not come down to user error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks joshm.1219,
It still leaves me in a dilemma.. I do really want to get a "S4 mini" model but don't want to stuck up with CDMA providers to be true. Might want to use with ATT or Tmobile or H2O.. I visited the VZW store and the model has option under networks as
1. Global
2. LTE/CDMA
3. GSM/UTMS
Now the Qs are,
1. If this model does have a SIM card slot, how at the first point VZW has lock on it
2. When i asked the VZW associate, he was not sure whether they ever do unlock the device or not
3. If I am ready to pay off complete price of the device which is ~400, what else I would need from them to really 'UNLOCK' it?
4. Is there any means by root/flashing to make such model work for US GSM carriers like H2O or even T-mobile.
Sorry to be so annoying but m new to all these things and quite confused :crying:
many Thx in advance..
malhotra.aakash said:
Thanks joshm.1219,
It still leaves me in a dilemma.. I do really want to get a "S4 mini" model but don't want to stuck up with CDMA providers to be true. Might want to use with ATT or Tmobile or H2O.. I visited the VZW store and the model has option under networks as
1. Global
2. LTE/CDMA
3. GSM/UTMS
Now the Qs are,
1. If this model does have a SIM card slot, how at the first point VZW has lock on it
2. When i asked the VZW associate, he was not sure whether they ever do unlock the device or not
3. If I am ready to pay off complete price of the device which is ~400, what else I would need from them to really 'UNLOCK' it?
4. Is there any means by root/flashing to make such model work for US GSM carriers like H2O or even T-mobile.
Sorry to be so annoying but m new to all these things and quite confused :crying:
many Thx in advance..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I can't be of more help, I've been on Verizon for 10 years now, but it is by all intents & purposes, fully SIM-unlocked. It's simply unclear as to why some people report problems of using Verizon phones on US GSM carriers. If you really don't want to worry about it & are willing to pay full price, purchase a device through the carrier you want to use it on.
here is the code to choose network
you might need to change the network frequency to gsm if you wanna use it on att or tmobile and when you wanna switch back to verizon choose wcdma try dialing *#*#4636#*#*:good:
joshm.1219 said:
Sorry I can't be of more help, I've been on Verizon for 10 years now, but it is by all intents & purposes, fully SIM-unlocked. It's simply unclear as to why some people report problems of using Verizon phones on US GSM carriers. If you really don't want to worry about it & are willing to pay full price, purchase a device through the carrier you want to use it on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had people argue with me over this, but the fact is that NO Verizon LTE phone is SIM-locked. None. Nada.
People who claim differently are simply misinformed. (My I545 comes up on AT&T when I plug in my UK SIM and switch to GSM.)
Not to say that all VZ phones are unlocked - my Inc2 had to be unlocked before it would work with that same SIM. If I remember right, it wouldn't connect in the US, either, even after being unlocked. Not so for the GS4.
I appreciate the posts here from people who know. As for me, I am switching to tmobile and will attempt to use this there. If it doesnt work out, I will sell it on swappa and get a nexus 5!
Hi,
Verizon S4 with 4.3 is international unlocked by default.
You just need to select network mode 'GLOBAL'. Then add the right APN.
I am using Indian GSM SIM with the GLOBAL mode selected. All is well for me.
I can provide screenshots if anybody wanna see.
Verizon phones are unlocked out of the box and they DO work fine on US carriers I'm running my Verizon S4 right now on AT&T and I also ran it on tmobile for short time,
even works with Walmart straight talk and Net10 as those are just subsidies of T Mobile and AT&T anyway.
so don't sweat it if you have a verizon phone that uses a sim card, you can run it on any network that uses a SIM card US or international.
baseband issue
Doesn't the MK2 baseband with jb 4.3 block US Sim cards?
Or do I just have a weird s4?
kendonsh said:
Doesn't the MK2 baseband with jb 4.3 block US Sim cards?
Or do I just have a weird s4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine dont? Im on mk2,
soon as I got my verizon s4 replacement from a damaged model that I turned in,
I threw a net10/att sim card in it.
completely stock phone not even rooted nothin, and it works fine, I did get a popup that said non Verizon SIM card but it works fine
calls in and out MMS works fine
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:53 PM ----------
CafeAdrutico said:
The S4 is supposed to work globally right out of the box, as long as you've called Verizon to enable International roaming on your account. But, used that way, you'll be paying Verizon for International roaming and it's bloody expensive.
The question is, can you remove the SIM and put in a SIM for a local carrier in the foreign country where you are and use the phone on that carrier? That is what being unlocked would allow you to do. Past Verizon phones have not been unlocked to allow this. But, if you called Tech Support and told them you were going to, for example, Europe and wanted to use a local SIM, they would walk you through unlocking (at no charge).
I read a report that the S4 is not locked and that you can use a SIM for a local carrier in Europe, as it comes out of the box. But, I would not trust that. I would call VZW Tech Support and tell them exactly what you want to do - i.e. don't say "can I use my phone in Europe?" The answer to that is yes, you can, at about $1/minute. What you should ask them is, "can I travel to Europe and purchase a SIM from a local carrier and use that in my phone?" If not, they should be able to walk you through unlocking the phone, so you can do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to answer your question simply yes.
let's say I take my phone to Spain are somewhere in the UK, I'll go to store buy a SIM card for local network and BAM local phone number in Europe making phone calls, you can even get Data to work if you have that local carrier's APN settings
no unlocking is required because it is not locked.
other companies AT&T, Sprint, t-mobile, yes you have to get The phone sim unlocked.
k1mu said:
I've had people argue with me over this, but the fact is that NO Verizon LTE phone is SIM-locked. None. Nada.
People who claim differently are simply misinformed. (My I545 comes up on AT&T when I plug in my UK SIM and switch to GSM.)
Not to say that all VZ phones are unlocked - my Inc2 had to be unlocked before it would work with that same SIM. If I remember right, it wouldn't connect in the US, either, even after being unlocked. Not so for the GS4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is 100% correct. NO LTE phones on verizon are sim locked. They are REQUIRED to keep them unlocked because of their agreement with the FCC for their use of the spectrum they lease. NO OTHER CARRIER must abide by these rules. Only VZW. Sprint I've heard will unlock ANY phone that is capable if you ask them too, and AT&T will NOT unlock any of their phones unless it 2 years old and out of contract (which makes no sense if you have to pay them while under contract anyway). There was a big deal about the Iphone 5 when it came out with LTE for verizon. If you bought a Verizon Iphone, you could put an ATT sim in it and it works, but not an ATT on VZW because ATT keeps them locked.
The Dinc 2 above was NOT an LTE device. Therefore no sim card....and it wouldn't work on most overseas networks anyway as it was a CDMA only phone. I believe VZW tested the limits of the "unlocked" SIM with their first few LTE phones. My Rezound worked with a GSM network sim....but voice and SMS only. It took some unlocking of the bootloader and rooting to run a special Rom to get Data to work on it.
I am heading to the Caribbean in a few weeks, and I will be using a rented SIM card to be able to message back and forth with my wife (with a data based messenger service as data rates are far cheaper than SMS rate there)
318sugarhill said:
This is 100% correct. NO LTE phones on verizon are sim locked. They are REQUIRED to keep them unlocked because of their agreement with the FCC for their use of the spectrum they lease. NO OTHER CARRIER must abide by these rules. Only VZW. Sprint I've heard will unlock ANY phone that is capable if you ask them too, and AT&T will NOT unlock any of their phones unless it 2 years old and out of contract (which makes no sense if you have to pay them while under contract anyway). There was a big deal about the Iphone 5 when it came out with LTE for verizon. If you bought a Verizon Iphone, you could put an ATT sim in it and it works, but not an ATT on VZW because ATT keeps them locked.
The Dinc 2 above was NOT an LTE device. Therefore no sim card....and it wouldn't work on most overseas networks anyway as it was a CDMA only phone. I believe VZW tested the limits of the "unlocked" SIM with their first few LTE phones. My Rezound worked with a GSM network sim....but voice and SMS only. It took some unlocking of the bootloader and rooting to run a special Rom to get Data to work on it.
I am heading to the Caribbean in a few weeks, and I will be using a rented SIM card to be able to message back and forth with my wife (with a data based messenger service as data rates are far cheaper than SMS rate there)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just spent a week in the UK with an ekit.com SIM in my Verizon GS4 - no problem with getting service, no Verizon charge (even though I was on the Vodaphone network for at least some times.)
And the dinc 2, while not LTE, was CDMA/GSM - not just CDMA (yes, the dinc was CDMA-only), so it did accept a SIM card. I'm using that in the GS4 now that it's cut down to micro SIM.
That phone WAS SIM-locked, but VZ happily unlocked it. For the GS4, I didn't have to do anything with VZ to use it off their network.
bickin said:
Is it possible to unlock the Verizon version of the S4? I'm deploying in 4 weeks and would like to use my phone with international carriers. I have an SCH-I545 build and I'm still running on stock. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO
UNLFOK s4 UK VERSION sorry I'm new to the website
furballbeethoven said:
After a lot of searching, I decided to ask this here:
I have a Verizon S4, but I was wondering if it was actually unlocked out-of-box or if there is something I have to do in order to use it with, for instance, Cricket, or U.S. Cellular. I have done lots of rooting/developing for Android, but have never tried to use an Android phone with a differing carrier. Can anyone help or point me to a thread that helps? (Again, did lots of Googling and XDA-searching)
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The phone is already unlocked for SIM and other carriers, all you need is the correct APN for the carrier. I currently have T-Mobile on my i545 and everything works on it.
My phone had some water damage and i would like to change motherboard because fixing at shop would cost me 230€.
I watched some phones at ebay and all were verizon models.
My question is that does verizon phones have sim lock and does it work at finland??
Get Unlocked phones.
Ihmejampah said:
My phone had some water damage and i would like to change motherboard because fixing at shop would cost me 230€.
I watched some phones at ebay and all were verizon models.
My question is that does verizon phones have sim lock and does it work at finland??
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You can go for unlocked phones then. You can get XT910s for just 215$ in ebay.com.
i am not buying phone that is fully working i just want phone with working motherboard so i can change it to mine
Verizon phones are GSM capable for global networks, but not domestic. I think with the proper international firmware, you should be fine. It's got the hardware, but the Verizon software locks out the other domestic networks.
Sent from my XT912
LuckiestNut419 said:
Verizon phones are GSM capable for global networks, but not domestic. I think with the proper international firmware, you should be fine. It's got the hardware, but the Verizon software locks out the other domestic networks.
Sent from my XT912
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So if i buy this http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Motherb...e_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item3385810018 and install new software i should be fine??
I believe that will do just fine. It's already unlocked, and the description suggests it would work on domestic GSM as well (though I know you're not in the US). That said, it's only 35 USD! Give it a go. You can always turn around a sell it to someone else. As long as you have Finnish firmware and the applicable kernel, I would say your set.
Hi folks,
I'm looking at BestBuy and they are offering both an unlocked version, and a cheaper Verizon version (monthly payment plan which equates to a ~$30 discount). At face value, makes sense to me.
However, my understanding was that FCC rules that all LTE devices would be SIM unlocked. So can somebody please explain to me what the difference is between these two versions? Is the Verizon variant actually locked?
NegativeOne said:
Hi folks,
I'm looking at BestBuy and they are offering both an unlocked version, and a cheaper Verizon version (monthly payment plan which equates to a ~$30 discount). At face value, makes sense to me.
However, my understanding was that FCC rules that all LTE devices would be SIM unlocked. So can somebody please explain to me what the difference is between these two versions? Is the Verizon variant actually locked?
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I've had Verizon phones for the past 2 years and they were both unlocked outta the box even though I purchased them through the payment plan. I passed them on to my brother whose on AT&T and they worked flawlessly. from my experience, all verizon phones are unlocked
I've inspected the Verizon phone in the store, and it literally is an unlocked s9 plus, same model and all.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
I know that Verizon and Sprint (or better said Sprint iPhones) are always unlocked.
So, if you have the chance of walking into bestbuy, just take a GSM sim with you and insert it into a Verizon S9+. if it picks up signal and you can place a call, than it's unlocked.
Has anyone been able to confirm? The first Verizon shipments have started to arrive by now. Rumor was this was the first phone they were going to lock, they announced that they were going to start in January.
I've picked up an unlocked S9+ from Samsung and I'm on the Verizon network. Somethings I'm starting to notice... I don't have the "Advanced calling" options, so I can't do WiFi calling. I also don't have OEM Unlock in my developer options. I'd deal with Verizon's bloat for WiFi calling...
Phluffy said:
I've picked up an unlocked S9+ from Samsung and I'm on the Verizon network. Somethings I'm starting to notice... I don't have the "Advanced calling" options, so I can't do WiFi calling. I also don't have OEM Unlock in my developer options. I'd deal with Verizon's bloat for WiFi calling...
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I've noticed the same I just put my Verizon sim into my unlocked so plus, no wifi calling for me it's not a issue and I've noticed that all the Verizon bloat I was dealing with on my s9 plus is gone.
NegativeOne said:
However, my understanding was that FCC rules that all LTE devices would be SIM unlocked. So can somebody please explain to me what the difference is between these two versions? Is the Verizon variant actually locked?
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Click to collapse
Oh, how wrong you are. ATT, T-Mobile, and Sprint all lock their LTE devices. Verizon had been the one exception due to a deal with the FCC when they acquired some 4G bandwidth. However, now that the head of the FCC is a muppet/puppet/ahole, Verizon has decided that they no longer need to obey that agreement and are locking their phones. Not 100% sure if they started with the S9 series or not.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy...es-to-its-network-to-prevent-armed-robberies/
Averix said:
Oh, how wrong you are. ATT, T-Mobile, and Sprint all lock their LTE devices. Verizon had been the one exception due to a deal with the FCC when they acquired some 4G bandwidth. However, now that the head of the FCC is a muppet/puppet/ahole, Verizon has decided that they no longer need to obey that agreement and are locking their phones. Not 100% sure if they started with the S9 series or not.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy...es-to-its-network-to-prevent-armed-robberies/
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This was my understanding, Verizon is going to start locking their devices again. Hopefully not with the S9....
My understanding is:
The phones are the same model. Verizon loads their devices with bloatware and they no longer sale their phones unlocked, unless it's paid in full. You can still call customer service and get an unlocking code if you want. Verizon will run specials on their devices, specially if you buy it making monthly payments on it, because this means you're their customer.
Unlocked Galaxy phones are the phones without bloatware, just as Samsung wanted them to be. You'll get updates from Samsung instead of from a carrier. Those are the differences.
Phluffy said:
I've picked up an unlocked S9+ from Samsung and I'm on the Verizon network. Somethings I'm starting to notice... I don't have the "Advanced calling" options, so I can't do WiFi calling. I also don't have OEM Unlock in my developer options. I'd deal with Verizon's bloat for WiFi calling...
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Click to collapse
Try installing "Carrier Services" from the Play store.
Phluffy said:
I've picked up an unlocked S9+ from Samsung and I'm on the Verizon network. Somethings I'm starting to notice... I don't have the "Advanced calling" options, so I can't do WiFi calling. I also don't have OEM Unlock in my developer options. I'd deal with Verizon's bloat for WiFi calling...
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Not to mention video calling
NegativeOne said:
Try installing "Carrier Services" from the Play store.
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That's the first time I've seen this recommendation. What does it do? Does it enable Verizon wifi calling and video chat?
Hi all, I purchased an unlocked S9+ from Samsung yesterday and was hoping to get some answers about this used with Verizon.
I'm trying to avoid that stupid "activation" fee so I went with unlocked. When I went to place an order, there's an option to have it activated through either Verizon, AT&T, but and TMobile (or Sprint, don't remember). I called Samsung and asked if I choose to skip the activation from their site, pop the SIM card from a phone (S7 Edge) with an existing line into it, will there be an activation fee? They told me to call Verizon about it.
So I chat with a Verizon rep online and they told me if I wanted to bring my own phone, there will be a new line fee and an activation fee. A new line fee even though I'm just replacing a phone on an existing line of mine??
So what I'm asking here is, have any of you guys who purchased the unlocked model and had it activated on Verizon, was there some stupid fees that followed?
Thanks
I have a Verizon S9+ running on T-Mobile. While still on the Verizon firmware, the T-Mobile card would pick up the signal, but wouldn't make or take any calls, and the phone kept telling me that I have a non-Verizon SIM card inserted. Flashed unlocked firmware and TMB USERDATA and the phone works great including WiFi Calling.
Phluffy said:
I've picked up an unlocked S9+ from Samsung and I'm on the Verizon network. Somethings I'm starting to notice... I don't have the "Advanced calling" options, so I can't do WiFi calling. I also don't have OEM Unlock in my developer options. I'd deal with Verizon's bloat for WiFi calling...
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Click to collapse
jaszek said:
I have a Verizon S9+ running on T-Mobile. While still on the Verizon firmware, the T-Mobile card would pick up the signal, but wouldn't make or take any calls, and the phone kept telling me that I have a non-Verizon SIM card inserted. Flashed unlocked firmware and TMB USERDATA and the phone works great including WiFi Calling.
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Yeah but what are the chances of getting a Verizon rom and being able to flash it on a phone thats been out 3 days?
GigaSPX said:
Hi all, I purchased an unlocked S9+ from Samsung yesterday and was hoping to get some answers about this used with Verizon.
I'm trying to avoid that stupid "activation" fee so I went with unlocked. When I went to place an order, there's an option to have it activated through either Verizon, AT&T, but and TMobile (or Sprint, don't remember). I called Samsung and asked if I choose to skip the activation from their site, pop the SIM card from a phone (S7 Edge) with an existing line into it, will there be an activation fee? They told me to call Verizon about it.
So I chat with a Verizon rep online and they told me if I wanted to bring my own phone, there will be a new line fee and an activation fee. A new line fee even though I'm just replacing a phone on an existing line of mine??
So what I'm asking here is, have any of you guys who purchased the unlocked model and had it activated on Verizon, was there some stupid fees that followed?
Thanks
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I work for a certain Authorized Retailer and what that person is bull****. All you have to do is pop your sim card into the other phone and good to go, as long as your previous device was an android phone.
wrichards2009 said:
Yeah but what are the chances of getting a Verizon rom and being able to flash it on a phone thats been out 3 days?
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https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/how-to/g965u-g965u1-firmware-links-t3763487
Just saiyan
So I have an issue with my current tablet that is locked to T-Mobile not getting any data using a normal phone sim. I'm not about to risk buying a different T-Mobile locked tablet or even one with T-Mobile Firmware as I have a feeling I will run into the same issue, and I can't get any clear answers about it.
Does it make sense for me to buy an ATT Unlocked S7 and use a T-Mobile Phone SIM in it then? Surely an unlocked Tablet from another carrier wouldn't get caught in the data-only SIM mess right? Or are there other ways around this issue? Ironically all I really need is data, but I need to be able to use a normal phone sim from my T-Mobile plan.
Usually t-mobile doesn't care if you use tablet plan sim cards inside phones but it does limit the usage of phone plan sim cards inside tablets.
So with tablet from popular/well known brands, no matter if it's from another carrier or a factory unlocked version, you are almost certain to be detected by t-mobile and it will either block the tablet or limit the speed to 3g speed, especially with those free phone lines with unlimited data.
You would better go with an imported tablet not dedicated for US market.
armyofbear136 said:
So I have an issue with my current tablet that is locked to T-Mobile not getting any data using a normal phone sim. I'm not about to risk buying a different T-Mobile locked tablet or even one with T-Mobile Firmware as I have a feeling I will run into the same issue, and I can't get any clear answers about it.
Does it make sense for me to buy an ATT Unlocked S7 and use a T-Mobile Phone SIM in it then? Surely an unlocked Tablet from another carrier wouldn't get caught in the data-only SIM mess right? Or are there other ways around this issue? Ironically all I really need is data, but I need to be able to use a normal phone sim from my T-Mobile plan.
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I bought unlocked att samsung tab s7 5g. Problem is that you get to use lte but not 5g
Last update is from June 2021. I'm still on Android 11