Related
Is there any way to get around the internet sharing restriction on AT&T? My data plan doesn't allow tethering but my Android phones with custom ROMs don't care. Is there any way around this? My old Samsung WP7 phones which were hackable could be forced to allow it using provxml and registry editing, but those aren't available for the 920.
petard said:
Is there any way to get around the internet sharing restriction on AT&T? My data plan doesn't allow tethering but my Android phones with custom ROMs don't care. Is there any way around this? My old Samsung WP7 phones which were hackable could be forced to allow it using provxml and registry editing, but those aren't available for the 920.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. you will have to flash to a non-att rom which is not necessary easy and possibly risk brick your phone.
foxbat121 said:
no. you will have to flash to a non-att rom which is not necessary easy and possibly risk brick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone tried this yet then? Maybe the European ROM? I just got the phone yesterday so I have two weeks to return or exchange it if it gets bricked. I'm not going to move to a family share plan and pay $50/month more.
There is a thread here that someone tried to flash a different ROM and got bricked.
Where is this thread? I can't seem to find what the individual did to cause a brick. I would be very interested to know.
Just search it. It is here. He flashed a ROM not for his specific model of 920 (there are 3 different models for L920) and bricked the phone, If you like to flash custom ROMs and hacking phones, Windows Phone is the wrong choice. You should have stuck with Android phones.
foxbat121 said:
Just search it. It is here. He flashed a ROM not for his specific model of 920 (there are 3 different models for L920) and bricked the phone, If you like to flash custom ROMs and hacking phones, Windows Phone is the wrong choice. You should have stuck with Android phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't care about all that, all I want to do is tether with my phone. The rest is fine the way it is. I just don't want to go to a family share plan because it will be MUCH more expensive than what I'm currently paying.
I hope someone finds an exploit in WP8 that lets us have registry access then I can disable this stupid check. I don't see how this **** is legal.
Good luck with that. Check out the Lumia 900 forum. Those ppl are still waiting for this so called registry hack ever since that phone was released early 2012.
foxbat121 said:
Good luck with that. Check out the Lumia 900 forum. Those ppl are still waiting for this so called registry hack ever since that phone was released early 2012.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah if this doesn't come soon then I may have to go back to my Android Galaxy Note as my primary phone. Windows Phone STILL doesn't let me tether or have a good google talk client. Two simple things.
Google doesn't like Mircosoft. As simple as that. So, if Google's service is important to you, you should stay with Android. There is no official Google Maps, Google Voice, Google Talk. On the plus side, there will be new Skype client (totally redesigned) coming soon to WP8.
foxbat121 said:
Google doesn't like Mircosoft. As simple as that. So, if Google's service is important to you, you should stay with Android. There is no official Google Maps, Google Voice, Google Talk. On the plus side, there will be new Skype client (totally redesigned) coming soon to WP8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez Windows Phone fanboys are SOO defensive.
tethering
Foxbat - didn't I see on another thread how you changed the keyboard to spanish (and then presumably back) and it downloaded an OTA and then tethering worked? or did i mis-understand?
GregCra said:
Foxbat - didn't I see on another thread how you changed the keyboard to spanish (and then presumably back) and it downloaded an OTA and then tethering worked? or did i mis-understand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but that's not for AT&T VERSION. I have a unbranded 920.
petard said:
Jeez Windows Phone fanboys are SOO defensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a fanboy. I love and use both Android phones and Windows phones. I just tell you the truth.
petard said:
Jeez Windows Phone fanboys are SOO defensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is answering your questions being "defensive" and worth calling him a fanboy over? I don't really think google has any interest in porting their applications until the userbase for WP8 grows larger (and AFAIK there's no official app to use google talk on my iPhone either), and for that reason it's better to roll with an android phone if you want to fully utilize google services and pain-free tethering for now.
And since I'm interested in a tethering solution as well, are people with unlocked/non-at&t branded Lumia 800s and 900s able to use internet sharing on at&t?
OJ in Compton said:
How is answering your questions being "defensive" and worth calling him a fanboy over? I don't really think google has any interest in porting their applications until the userbase for WP8 grows larger (and AFAIK there's no official app to use google talk on my iPhone either), and for that reason it's better to roll with an android phone if you want to fully utilize google services and pain-free tethering for now.
And since I'm interested in a tethering solution as well, are people with unlocked/non-at&t branded Lumia 800s and 900s able to use internet sharing on at&t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tone he is answering in is defensive, so that's why I said that.
I'd also like to know if someone has tried to tether with a Rogers Lumia 920. It's also an RM-820 model so its ROM should work on the AT&T L920. I don't see any RM-820 ROMs on NaviFirm, though. Hopefully something gets uploaded before my 14 day return window is up in case it bricks. I'm going to keep my Galaxy Note but sometimes I like to just enable internet sharing very quickly so that I can do something on my laptop without the hassle of moving the SIM to my other phone. Especially now that it requires me to have that stupid paperclip thing to remove the SIM from the phone.
petard said:
The tone he is answering in is defensive, so that's why I said that.
I'd also like to know if someone has tried to tether with a Rogers Lumia 920. It's also an RM-820 model so its ROM should work on the AT&T L920. I don't see any RM-820 ROMs on NaviFirm, though. Hopefully something gets uploaded before my 14 day return window is up in case it bricks. I'm going to keep my Galaxy Note but sometimes I like to just enable internet sharing very quickly so that I can do something on my laptop without the hassle of moving the SIM to my other phone. Especially now that it requires me to have that stupid paperclip thing to remove the SIM from the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the chances of this happening within the next 2 weeks are very likely unfortunately, especially if there are no unlock codes for the 6 month exclusivity period. I'm holding off on a purchase entirely until something shows up, it's a feature I use too much and I'm not switching to a tiered/shared data plan.
I have the "internet sharing"
Mine's a 920 from AT&T... I can turn on internet sharing... I haven't done anything to the phone.....
OS:
8.0.9903.10
firmware: 1232.2109.1242.1001
need any more info?
I am on a shared data plan if that matters...
cappyron said:
Mine's a 920 from AT&T... I can turn on internet sharing... I haven't done anything to the phone.....
I am on a shared data plan if that matters...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shared data plan or 4GB or more tiered data plan qualifies for tethering because your data is capped. Most ppl want this feature through hacking is because they are on unlimited data plan and never will be qualified for tethering.
foxbat121 said:
Shared data plan or 4GB or more tiered data plan qualifies for tethering because your data is capped. Most ppl want this feature through hacking is because they are on unlimited data plan and never will be qualified for tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2GB and 3GB data plans don't allow tethering. It's total BS and I am not going to increase my bill because they only want me to use my 2GB plan on my phone.
Family share data plans qualify for tethering so it will turn on. They cost a **** ton more than the old plans if you aren't using tablets or laptops though.
The bottom line is AT&T wants you to pay certain amount monthly before they allow you to tether. The real truth is that AT&T's network is heavily congested, especially on HSPA side. They can't afford everyone jump in with free tethering. I certainly won't pay extra in order to be able tethering. On the other hand, even when I had my phone capable of tethering, I rarely ever use it. So, it is not that a big deal. If you using it heavily, AT&T will catch you sooner or later anyway.
Hello all, I'm making a thread hoping somebody with far more experience than I in this field can answer some questions that I have.
My current personal smartphone is a Samsung Galaxy Stardust "S766C". It's currently running Android 4.3 Jellybean, and is on the Tracfone network.
Recently, I've noticed a number of apps that I've wanted to install only support Android 4.4 or higher. (Yes, Pokemon GO is one of them). I've checked with my phone's software update, and it doesn't seem any updates are available for my OS, so it doesn't seem I'll be getting any further official updates for this device.
So what I was wondering, is if it's possible to root this phone and install a newer, more compatible OS, such as 5.0 or 6.0? I've also heard custom ROMs can also accomplish a similar feat. Basically, what would I need to do to get these apps installed and functioning normally, without bricking my phone or accidentally discontinuing service?
I've conducted a bit of research, but have been scarce in finding specific tutorials or solutions to my given scenario. I really do not want to upgrade my phone, I purchased it less than a year ago and the hardware is still more-than-enough to meet my needs.
Thanks.
Unfortunately it does not look like there are any options to update your phone, whether officially or unofficially. That's one of the downsides to having a less popular phone on a less popular network. Tracfone and Samsung couldn't care less to update a $100 phone as it's hard enough for them to keep up with the Galaxy S and Note lines while the developers that are into modding phones don't have the inclination or the source code from Samsung for devices like these to be able to make newer versions of Android run properly on older devices. As far as Pokemon Go, you might want to keep an eye on this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/to-patch-pokemon-to-4-3-jelly-bean-beta-t3412608, though be warned that there are some unofficial versions floating around that might have some spyware included: https://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/trojanized-pokemon-go-android-app-found-wild/.
es0tericcha0s said:
Unfortunately it does not look like there are any options to update your phone, whether officially or unofficially. That's one of the downsides to having a less popular phone on a less popular network. Tracfone and Samsung couldn't care less to update a $100 phone as it's hard enough for them to keep up with the Galaxy S and Note lines while the developers that are into modding phones don't have the inclination or the source code from Samsung for devices like these to be able to make newer versions of Android run properly on older devices. As far as Pokemon Go, you might want to keep an eye on this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/to-patch-pokemon-to-4-3-jelly-bean-beta-t3412608, though be warned that there are some unofficial versions floating around that might have some spyware included: https://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/trojanized-pokemon-go-android-app-found-wild/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, that's unfortunate, I was really hoping there would be at least some sort of option available to give this phone some extra life, but I guess I'll have to look into upgrading sooner than I originally thought.
I'll keep an eye on the Pokemon GO thread, but it doesn't seem like they're getting anywhere too quickly.
Iron124 said:
I see, that's unfortunate, I was really hoping there would be at least some sort of option available to give this phone some extra life, but I guess I'll have to look into upgrading sooner than I originally thought.
I'll keep an eye on the Pokemon GO thread, but it doesn't seem like they're getting anywhere too quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what kind of budget you're working with, but if you know someone with an Amazon Prime account, you can get the new Blu HD R1 for $60 with 2 GBs of RAM, 16 GB storage + SD card slot, quad core Mediatek processor, 5" 720P screen, 8 MP camera, and 6.0 Marshmallow. It's nothing special and the discount is because it has lockscreen ads, but it's an upgrade over your current phone in most every way, and is unlocked for any GSM network (Tracfone has GSM and CDMA options). You can remove ads by just replacing the lockscreen with a 3rd party app. Got one coming this week to give to my mom.
es0tericcha0s said:
Not sure what kind of budget you're working with, but if you know someone with an Amazon Prime account, you can get the new Blu HD R1 for $60 with 2 GBs of RAM, 16 GB storage + SD card slot, quad core Mediatek processor, 5" 720P screen, 8 MP camera, and 6.0 Marshmallow. It's nothing special and the discount is because it has lockscreen ads, but it's an upgrade over your current phone in most every way, and is unlocked for any GSM network (Tracfone has GSM and CDMA options). You can remove ads by just replacing the lockscreen with a 3rd party app. Got one coming this week to give to my mom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have Amazon Prime, but only the student version. I get free shipping, but I suppose this deal is not included. Total for that phone comes to $109, out of my budget range by about a mile.
I also couldn't find any confirmation that it worked with Tracfone, only Verizon, AT&T, and Net10. Theoretically, it'll just work if I purchase the $1 BYOP Tracfone kit?
Iron124 said:
I do have Amazon Prime, but only the student version. I get free shipping, but I suppose this deal is not included. Total for that phone comes to $109, out of my budget range by about a mile.
I also couldn't find any confirmation that it worked with Tracfone, only Verizon, AT&T, and Net10. Theoretically, it'll just work if I purchase the $1 BYOP Tracfone kit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's 2 versions of the phone - regular and the one with ads that is $50 off. I'm not sure about whether that is an option for the student version of Prime or not.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H2E0J5M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - see if that link works for you.
But yea, works on Tmo or ATT and I think Tracfone can support either, if I remember right. ATT network for sure.
es0tericcha0s said:
There's 2 versions of the phone - regular and the one with ads that is $50 off. I'm not sure about whether that is an option for the student version of Prime or not.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H2E0J5M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - see if that link works for you.
But yea, works on Tmo or ATT and I think Tracfone can support either, if I remember right. ATT network for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, same link that I followed, I can purchase it even though it says "only for prime members", but for $109.
Lame. Have to befriend someone else with a regular Prime account.
Hello from Switzerland,
A few days ago, I made a little-big mistake : I bought a second-hand LG G5 from AT&T, the inglorious H820 ...
The question is then, should I keep it or resell/return it ?
I need some help to decide what to do, hence this message.
The main interest for me was - and still is - the "photo quality" this Phone delivers.
And if I read well some posts here and there, the app provided by LG is the best one for this phone, better than ported ones from other builds or photo apps on GooglePlay.
=> a) could someone confirm that the best photo app for quality pix is the one provided by LG ?
As of still today (2018-03-03), the bootlader cannot be unlocked and certainly never will because this is done by LG Developpers and there is no interest in making an "old" bootloader unlockable for LG "heads".
This means no "custom recovery" with TWRP, no apps requiring root access, no "better" wifi eventually ... and so on.
No big deal for me as my main concern is debloating the phone more than anything else and keeping it updated for security reasons and keeping it update with genuine patches supposed to solve eventual issues. (The phone is old and these patches should be out by now).
=> b) If TWRP cannot be used, what is the best solution for the fullest backup and closest one to TWRP ?
Holo/Helium ?
Or is there a new/different way to do the fullest possible backup/restoration thing ?
LG G5 H820 seems to be still running on MM and at least other models such as Verizon and EU H850 should receive this year Nougat.
=> c) Will there be a Nougat update for the H820 as for other types (=H850) ?
=> e) With the end of developpement of this phone, will security patches still be provided ?
Thanks for your attention and help in deciding what I should do with this "particular" version of LG G5.
xabzzz said:
Hello from Switzerland,
A few days ago, I made a little-big mistake : I bought a second-hand LG G5 from AT&T, the inglorious H820 ...
The question is then, should I keep it or resell/return it ?
I need some help to decide what to do, hence this message.
The main interest for me was - and still is - the "photo quality" this Phone delivers.
And if I read well some posts here and there, the app provided by LG is the best one for this phone, better than ported ones from other builds or photo apps on GooglePlay.
=> a) could someone confirm that the best photo app for quality pix is the one provided by LG ?
As of still today (2018-03-03), the bootlader cannot be unlocked and certainly never will because this is done by LG Developpers and there is no interest in making an "old" bootloader unlockable for LG "heads".
This means no "custom recovery" with TWRP, no apps requiring root access, no "better" wifi eventually ... and so on.
No big deal for me as my main concern is debloating the phone more than anything else and keeping it updated for security reasons and keeping it update with genuine patches supposed to solve eventual issues. (The phone is old and these patches should be out by now).
=> b) If TWRP cannot be used, what is the best solution for the fullest backup and closest one to TWRP ?
Holo/Helium ?
Or is there a new/different way to do the fullest possible backup/restoration thing ?
LG G5 H820 seems to be still running on MM and at least other models such as Verizon and EU H850 should receive this year Nougat.
=> c) Will there be a Nougat update for the H820 as for other types (=H850) ?
=> e) With the end of developpement of this phone, will security patches still be provided ?
Thanks for your attention and help in deciding what I should do with this "particular" version of LG G5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all of your questions can be answered if you put out 5 minutes of your day to google them.
And what do you think I've done all day before posting ?
Knowledge is always evolving ... and who knows ... maybe some nice guy will have a less "geeky moderator" approach to my message.
All I need is either confirmation or hints to know what to look for.
And this can be answered in less words it took you to answer "Google it"
Thanks.
it does have nougat
security patches will likely happen for a few more months, but i imagine not much longer since nobody cares about this phone
i dont backup anything. its just a phone. auto save your pictures to google and screw the rest. you cant do a full backup so why bother with a partial one.
best camera app for me is the stock one (nougat). ive tried others but they have weird issues. stock app always works and the quality is good.
if you want everything youre asking for, this isn't the phone to do it. As a stock phone, its wonderful.. but trying to modify anything on this is a joke. I did get wifi tethering to work with the settings database editor (playstore), and i was able to remove the stupid ATT address book popup... but thats about it as far as mods go.
resinis said:
it does have nougat
.. but thats about it as far as mods go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Resinis,
Thanks for your reply.
You're right ... Pictures and other personal and unreplacable things is what really matters.
The bootloader thing + root is not for customizing ... it is more more for debloating and convenience of usage is some particular change of setting goes wrong AND ... fop apps requiring root eventually.
Thanks for "nougat" info.
I'll see when I'll receive the phone ... it will be "keep it or resell it"
Have a nice day,
xabzzz said:
Hi Resinis,
Thanks for your reply.
You're right ... Pictures and other personal and unreplacable things is what really matters.
The bootloader thing + root is not for customizing ... it is more more for debloating and convenience of usage is some particular change of setting goes wrong AND ... fop apps requiring root eventually.
Thanks for "nougat" info.
I'll see when I'll receive the phone ... it will be "keep it or resell it"
Have a nice day,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't use ATT or ATTGo, then the phone (H820) will not update. But, you can buy an ATTGo phone sim card on ebay for like $3. Once you get the sim, go to ATT's website and activate the sim card. It will ask you to enter in some info... you can use a fake name if you want but you don't need to. Once it gets to the option of which plan you want, just pick whatever, it doesn't matter ($30/month plan is fine). Then it will say "activated! now go to payments page to make your first payment". Then just close the browser and that's it. Pop the sim card in your G5 and wait about 10 min before you try to update the phone. It should start taking all the updates, and eventually put Android 7 on it.
The sim will remain "active" for about 20 days. After that, the system flags it due to non payment and then its dead. It can't be used for anything besides updating the phone, because you didn't put money on it.
I agree with wanting to root so you could debloat this thing... I wish that was possible... but it's not and generally I don't think it matters... just disable what apps you can, and the couple ATT apps that can't be disabled are just left as is. Oh well. Phone still works great.
resinis said:
If you don't use ATT or ATTGo, then the phone (H820) will not update. But, you can buy an ATTGo phone sim card on ebay for like $3. Once you get the sim, go to ATT's website and activate the sim card. It will ask you to enter in some info... you can use a fake name if you want but you don't need to. Once it gets to the option of which plan you want, just pick whatever, it doesn't matter ($30/month plan is fine). Then it will say "activated! now go to payments page to make your first payment". Then just close the browser and that's it. Pop the sim card in your G5 and wait about 10 min before you try to update the phone. It should start taking all the updates, and eventually put Android 7 on it.
The sim will remain "active" for about 20 days. After that, the system flags it due to non payment and then its dead. It can't be used for anything besides updating the phone, because you didn't put money on it.
I agree with wanting to root so you could debloat this thing... I wish that was possible... but it's not and generally I don't think it matters... just disable what apps you can, and the couple ATT apps that can't be disabled are just left as is. Oh well. Phone still works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
op is in switszerland. AT&T requires you to be in the US and be an active subscriber at the same time
ChristopherXI said:
op is in switszerland. AT&T requires you to be in the US and be an active subscriber at the same time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you dont need an active plan... just an activated card (free)
but you do need to be in USA. That is true.
resinis said:
you dont need an active plan... just an activated card (free) .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ChristopherXI said:
op is in switszerland. AT&T requires you to be in the US and be an active subscriber at the same time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to both for the infos given.
Unfortunately, I don't plan to go to US.
Is it the same thing with T-Mobile second hand unlocked phones ?
xabzzz said:
Thanks to both for the infos given.
Unfortunately, I don't plan to go to US.
Is it the same thing with T-Mobile second hand unlocked phones ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. I only have H820.
xabzzz said:
Thanks to both for the infos given.
Unfortunately, I don't plan to go to US.
Is it the same thing with T-Mobile second hand unlocked phones ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download T-Mobile's firmware from LG to upgrade your phone. AT&T have their own server to host the files.
H820 Update outside USA
resinis said:
you dont need an active plan... just an activated card (free)
but you do need to be in USA. That is true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would still spend the $6 on an AT&T SIM and give it a shot. I am in Canada and activated the SIM I've got off E-bay on a $40 plan that includes roaming. My updates work.
Would it be because the plan I've picked has the Canada & Mexico Roaming option? Not sure.
rothas said:
I would still spend the $6 on an AT&T SIM and give it a shot. I am in Canada and activated the SIM I've got off E-bay on a $40 plan that includes roaming. My updates work.
Would it be because the plan I've picked has the Canada & Mexico Roaming option? Not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont know. did you actually pay for the plan or did you just activate it?
At&T SIM
No, I just activated.
ChristopherXI said:
You can download T-Mobile's firmware from LG to upgrade your phone. AT&T have their own server to host the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, can we download and install the Oreo update for TMobile h830 on our at&t h820?
Does this let us obtain root as well!?
boxes said:
So, can we download and install the Oreo update for TMobile h830 on our at&t h820?
Does this let us obtain root as well!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah if you want a plastic/glass/metal paperweight
boxes said:
So, can we download and install the Oreo update for TMobile h830 on our at&t h820?
Does this let us obtain root as well!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My LG G5 on AT&T received the Oreo update today
carlson03 said:
My LG G5 on AT&T received the Oreo update today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you didn't download it yet ,is possible to capture the update and share it with us.
H820 Oreo
carlson03 said:
My LG G5 on AT&T received the Oreo update today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't see anything on the entire Internet confirming At&t pushing Oreo, can you please post a screenshot of the software version on your phone?
Submitting from my phone, hope it uploads, if not I will jump on a PC
I will be going out of my voice/data area.
I was unknowingly under the impression that everything was fine with my new U.S. Cellular's best 3Mbps Uncapped Unlimited 25GB Plus plan; nothing hidden, everything disclosed ["...and no hidden charges..." (right!? LoL)].
But, what I am finding out quickly is that not even all of CS Reps really know what's going on, and even they are not up-to-date on the details.
"The dickens is in the details!".
Unfortunately, U.S. Cellular's roaming is limited to 400MB per month, no matter what plan you are on, even if you are on their top-of-the-line plan.
Additional GB have to be purchased.
I am located in the States and on a U.S. Cellular 30-month contract.
KevinAuralee said:
I will be going out of my voice/data area.
I am located in the States and on a U.S. Cellular 30-month contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know:
I have a 'locked' Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965U). Would it be cheaper to buy a Sim and use my phone with another carrier instead of roaming?
Is it even possible on a 'locked' phone to temporarily use a different carrier?
I'm mostly concerned about my internet data (or, really my lack thereof), and how much it would cost to buy 'roaming' data.
1.5GB or 3.5GB roaming data will cost extra; $15 or $35 respectively.
I have the choice of Global, LTE/CDMA, LTE/GSM/UMTS under Mobile Networks => Network mode.
It would seem that I could use Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T for a month and not have roaming charges through the nose.
Also, I believe U.S. Cellular's biggest roaming package is 3.5GB (vs the 25GB [Unlimited Plus] plan that I have gotten used to).
I talked to U.S. Cellular's technical support, and they said... Because there is a balance on the phone, it is locked... And because it is locked, another carrier cannot be used.
I understand, also, from reading this forum, that unlocking a Stateside S9+ is not a good idea, because it will trip Knox and void the warranty.
Unless someone knows something else, looks like I'm sunk.
Can anyone please verify my latest fears?
KevinAuralee said:
I talked to U.S. Cellular's technical support, and they said... Because there is a balance on the phone, it is locked... And because it is locked, another carrier cannot be used.
I understand, also, from reading this forum, that unlocking a Stateside S9+ is not a good idea, because it will trip Knox and void the warranty.
Unless someone knows something else, looks like I'm sunk.
Can anyone please verify my latest fears?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 posts and I have no idea what your question really is. The Snapdragon models can't be rooted. At best, you could manage to brick your device trying. I'm also not sure what it would accomplish, given your problem.
CrazyApe18 said:
3 posts and I have no idea what your question really is. The Snapdragon models can't be rooted. At best, you could manage to brick your device trying. I'm also not sure what it would accomplish, given your problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have returned from my trip to no-service (roaming) PA. I had to use local wifi while roaming. It was a very bad phone data experience. I was talking about hidden fees with US Cellular to be able to even use my phone for internet access.
I have 1-1/2 years left and will unlock this phone. I really do like the camera and the speed of the apps, etc. But since Snapdragon models cannot be rooted, what is the point of my owning this phone?
Obviously, I should probably ditch this phone or upgrade... probably selling it would be the best way to put money towards a new phone that can be rooted.
What are your suggestions?
Carriers have pro's and con's... If you are worried about having high roaming use then perhaps pick up an unlocked phone that will work on a different provider (with applicable plan through the provider) and use it as a mobile hotspot. Then connect your S9+ to the mobile hotspot and you should be ok.
TBH one of the things you should consider when your buying service through a carrier is the coverage the carrier provides as well as if/what limitations may exist. In your case if you roam a lot and the price of roaming is to much then perhaps consider a different provider when your contract is up.
KevinAuralee said:
I have a 'locked' Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965U). Would it be cheaper to buy a Sim and use my phone with another carrier instead of roaming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is carrier/network locked which means it can only be used on the carrier you got it from. Because the phone is carrier locked you can not use any other sim card other then what is provided by the carrier.
KevinAuralee said:
Is it even possible on a 'locked' phone to temporarily use a different carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope
KevinAuralee said:
I have 1-1/2 years left and will unlock this phone. I really do like the camera and the speed of the apps, etc. But since Snapdragon models cannot be rooted, what is the point of my owning this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest you just gave 2 pro's and only 1 con over the device, which would kinda answer your question for you... But again that is the kind of question only you can answer..
IMHO if your sole purpose on having that phone is that you must have it rooted, then this phone is not the one for you. If your only trying to root the phone so you can get cheaper roaming data by using other sim cards then you probably shouldn't be trying to root the phone anyways (not that root is even possible cuz it's not... It's just better to get it carrier/network unlocked by paying it off).
On the other hand for the most part even if it was possible the device could be rooted it won't give you much outside of what you already have. Granted I have had phone(s) being samsung and other where rooting the device allowed me to get better performance and battery life. With this phone it is the first Samsung I have had that is quite snappy, battery life is surprisingly good and overall it works quite well with just the stock firmware.
About the only thing I would root the phone for (if it were possible, it's not obviously) is for nandroid backups. Still even from factory data reset to back up and running doesn't take that long anymore. Outside of that I myself have no reason to root the phone.
KevinAuralee said:
Obviously, I should probably ditch this phone or upgrade... probably selling it would be the best way to put money towards a new phone that can be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would strongly suggest you entertain/consider those notions after you paid the phone off. But just as an FYI once you get the phone unlocked (after paying it off) you can use it on T-Moble, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T... The G965U and G965U1 whether bought from samsung or the carriers themselves have the same internal hardware. The software determines what bands and carrier compatible features are active... Should be noted that carriers may have additional requirements (like AT&T not letting non AT&T S9+ use VoLTE) for specific services/features.
So if anything pay the phone off faster so you can get it carrier/network unlocked.. The phone or the fact the model isn't rootable isn't the real problem here, it's the data roaming charges your carrier has.
KevinAuralee said:
What are your suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep the phone and use it until it's paid off.. Then get it carrier/network unlocked would be my suggestion. At that point you can use a sim card with a different provider for cheaper data roaming.. Or after it's paid off and network unlocked you can just sell it (you could probably get more for it since it would be unlocked to work for any carrier).
scottusa2008 said:
IMHO if your sole purpose on having that phone is that you must have it rooted, then this phone is not the one for you.
With this phone it is the first Samsung I have had that is quite snappy, battery life is surprisingly good and overall it works quite well with just the stock firmware.
About the only thing I would root the phone for (if it were possible, it's not obviously) is for nandroid backups. Still even from factory data reset to back up and running doesn't take that long anymore. Outside of that I myself have no reason to root the phone.
I would strongly suggest you entertain/consider those notions after you paid the phone off...
...The phone or the fact the model isn't rootable isn't the real problem here, it's the data roaming charges your carrier has.
Keep the phone and use it until it's paid off.. Then get it carrier/network unlocked would be my suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like a lot of things that deal with not having root.
Google and Samsung push are trying to take over my phone, even though I have a lot of stuff disabled. I just found out my location is full on, and I always have it turned off or set to minimal.
I even had some data usage and never turned data on... am 100% running on wi-fi. And now Samsung's keyboard is active and can't be disabled.
Seems to me that I would like to stock load what I originally had when I first received the phone. I have never taken any updates and get nagged a lot.
But, like you said it isn't mine to root yet! But gimminies, I mean give me a break... I can't even side-load anymore. And that's gonna smart quite a bit.
I have entertained the idea of upgrading to a newer phone, but that would probably result in digging my hole deeper and even harder to get out of. I have 1-1/2 years left to go on my phone, or just flat buy it out while it is still worth something.
Oh, and I have never been able to back up my phone without spilling all of my information to Google or Samsung -- that's the way they like it!
So I have been running without a backup for a year now, and I don't like it. Sure, I have almost everything pics & stuff on hard drive, but my apps, text messages, phone book, etc. I don't.
I'm thinking I would like to take screen pics of my apps & contacts, etc. and start all over. If only I knew of a sure way of gaining 100% control over my phone, I would do it!
But like you say, it might make more sense to just pay it off and then sell it and be rid of it.
KevinAuralee said:
I don't like a lot of things that deal with not having root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not the only one... but if that is the case then it would seem that samsung has pretty much gotten on the ball and took care of the exploits that would allow root. While in one sense it's a bummer for those who want to root, but in the other they are making devices that aren't as exploitable (which is actually a good thing).
KevinAuralee said:
I even had some data usage and never turned data on... am 100% running on wi-fi. And now Samsung's keyboard is active and can't be disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you turn off roaming data? If you did then it would not have connected to the roaming data.. Mine never does unless I have it turned on. Also if your sending and recieving MMS messages this would use mobile data, so check your MMS settings for roaming auto retrieve.
KevinAuralee said:
Oh, and I have never been able to back up my phone without spilling all of my information to Google or Samsung -- that's the way they like it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This whole cloud backup thing has been around for a long time and is not a Samsung or Google thing. Microsoft Windows, Apple devices, Amazon devices all do the same thing. It's convenient for many and for those who are paranoid (or just don't want to use cloud backup) you don't have to use cloud backup services.
You can use smartswitch and make a backup of what is on the phone on your computer. You can save your contacts to the device only and you can export those contacts to a .vcf file... so you can later import them if you get a different phone (or factory data reset).
KevinAuralee said:
So I have been running without a backup for a year now, and I don't like it. Sure, I have almost everything pics & stuff on hard drive, but my apps, text messages, phone book, etc. I don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out Smartswitch
https://account.samsung.com/membership/terms/privacypolicy
I just did... their privacy policy is that I have no privacy. So I am back to square one and I feel better off NOT backing anything up both by their services and/or their software.
I have no active accounts with the goog, or samsung.
I plan on keeping it this way.
I guess my only question would be if I did a hard reset, and because I have never allowed any updates, would I be able to get back to day one when I first got the phone and be able to start from scratch?
KevinAuralee said:
I guess my only question would be if I did a hard reset, and because I have never allowed any updates, would I be able to get back to day one when I first got the phone and be able to start from scratch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you did a factory data reset your phone would erase all your data and apps from the phone and all settings restored to factory defaults. You would have to go through the setup process again and restore your data (and make what ever changes, disable what apps you need too, misc customizations) which ever way you are going to do so.
I only mention this because I do not know what firmware your running or what was on the phone when you originally bought it. This part may or may not apply in your case, but in case it does... The only thing about a factory data reset is it does not change what firmware is installed on the phone. If you have the latest android pie installed then that is what will be on the phone once the factory data reset is completed.
Hello!
Recently i've bought an LG V30 H931 AT&T,from a user that got it as a replacement for his faulty primary LG V30,but it was stored for more than 1 year without being used,because in the meantime he bought something else.
I admit that it's selling price was more than amazing for a new device of that kind,but I've just discovered something weird with its battery.
When I got it in my hands and before I charge it,i've checked via the hidden menu,that the battery had no charging cycles..just 0.
Also via the same menu,in battery condition section,I have a result N/A.
So I decided to install the Accubattery app to see how is the battery condition.
Surprisingly after 2 charging cycles from10-100%,my battery health is in 3120 mah from 3300,which translates to 95% of battery life.
And the question that first comes to my mind is if all these replacement devices by carriers,are brand new devices or refurbished ones.
One more thing I have to say is that this replacement smartphone delivered to him from AT&T in a plain paper box without all the accessories that a new boxed device has..charger,user manual,etc.
Just a smartphone in a plastic small bag and sealed with a sticker that had a barcode on it.
Of course the device had all the plastic stickers on it,like all the new smartphones have,and a sticker with the new IMEI number on it.
Any ideas?is there a possibility that my battery started to get very old because it hasn't been charged for a long period?
Is it a real brand new device or refurbished one?
According to the IMEI,the smartphone has as manufacturing date September 2017,and the seller got it as new replacement in August 2019..almost 2 years after manufacturing date.
Thank you in advance for any answers.
I can almost guarantee that it's a refurbished device. That's what most vendors do when they provide replacements. The V30 was launched in the fall of 2017. There's probably not been any new units manufactured the last 1.5 years or longer.
The battery cycle counter is reset to 0 when you refurbish.
But even if new, a battery would slowly deteriorate even without use. That's particularly true if stored at full charge (which nobody does for the same reason).
That said, AccuBattery is still just an estimate. Particularly after just 2 cycles.
TheDannemand said:
I can almost guarantee that it's a refurbished device. That's what most vendors do when they provide replacements. The V30 was launched in the fall of 2017. There's probably not been any new units manufactured the last 1.5 years or longer.
The battery cycle counter is reset to 0 when you refurbish.
But even if new, a battery would slowly deteriorate even without use. That's particularly true if stored at full charge (which nobody does for the same reason).
That said, AccuBattery is still just an estimate. Particularly after just 2 cycles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my thought about refurbished phone seems to be real,but unlikely even in that condition,my phone looks completely new,without even a tiny scratch and runs perfectly good.
Ok i can live with that small battery wear..anyway 6+ hours sot for more than 24 hours out of charge,is a really good performance that a lot of newest smartphones could never reach.
And basically for the $100 i've got it.
Thank you for your answer..have a nice day!
Absolutely, it's a great phone for the money.
V30 has always had good battery life: LG balanced the hardware and optimized the software pretty well. You can improve it further if you get rid of the hidden LG tracking apps, which will also speed it up quite a bit.
They can be easily removed with ADB shell, no root required:
# SRTC LG Root Checker
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.lge.srtc
# LG LDB/MLT tracking service
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.lge.mlt
# T-Mobile tracking (present on T-Mobile models)
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.tmobile.pr.adapt
I can guarantee you will never miss these, and you will feel it when they're gone.
I usually charge my phone every two days, at which point it's down to ~40% battery, and I've had some ~7 hrs SOT. Sometimes I go 3 days, and of course it'll be lower. Batteries suffer the most near full charge and (worse) at low charge.
I often leave mine in Battery Saver mode much of the time. But I Exclude apps I care about from Battery Saving, such as Contacts (dialer), Gmail, Hangouts, Messages, Gboard, Google Backup Transport, Google Calendar Sync, Google Contact Sync, Blokada, XDA. That way they'll run full speed and stay updated during idle, while Google's incessant background business is kept in check.
And it's time to recharge: ~48 hrs, ~7hrs SOT, ~40% battery left.
The high Phone Idle time (and battery usage during Idle) is where Battery Saver makes a big difference. AND getting rid of trackers and other background buggers.
TheDannemand said:
And it's time to recharge: ~48 hrs, ~7hrs SOT, ~40% battery left.
The high Phone Idle time (and battery usage during Idle) is where Battery Saver makes a big difference. AND getting rid of trackers and other background buggers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woow..really amazing performance..and all of this SOT is after getting rid of trackers via adb?
The screenshot below is from my record after 2 days out of charge..5+ hours sot without debloating AT&T apps and battery saver,I think is a very good performance for a refurbished phone.
https://m.imgur.com/a/BvyFDGh
granazias said:
The screenshot below is from my record after 2 days out of charge..5+ hours sot without debloating AT&T apps and battery saver,I think is a very good performance for a refurbished phone.
https://m.imgur.com/a/BvyFDGh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you have good battery performance, particularly considering (A) it's 48 hours of idle time, consuming 21% of your battery usage, and (B) it's without really doing anything to optimize it nor using Battery Saver.
In addition to uninstalling the trackers I mentioned and using Battery Saver (with key apps Excluded from Battery Saving), I also disable apps I don't use from the Apps menu (Amazon Assistant, LG Health, Facebook/Instagram -- some of which are System apps), and I enable Background Restrictions for apps known to be background buggers (AliExpress, Amazon apps, IMDB, almost any News app...). Pie's Adaptive Battery feature is great at doing this automatically.
Disabling from the Apps menu is generally safe, and can be easily undone.
Uninstalling with ADB can cause havoc if you remove key system apps. You have to be careful. But it can be undone with a Factory Reset. Nowadays I only use it on the trackers I mentioned, although I used to be more aggressive.
You may be able to improve further on your Idle battery usage by locating background hogs with BetterBatteryStats. Member @One Twelve was very helpful guiding me through that process a few years ago. See the discussion starting here.
TheDannemand said:
Yes, you have good battery performance, particularly considering (A) it's 48 hours of idle time, consuming 21% of your battery usage, and (B) it's without really doing anything to optimize it nor using Battery Saver.
In addition to uninstalling the trackers I mentioned and using Battery Saver (with key apps Excluded from Battery Saving), I also disable apps I don't use from the Apps menu (Amazon assistant, LG Health, Facebook/Instagram -- some of which are System apps), and I enable Background Restrictions for apps known to be background buggers (AliExpress, Amazon apps, IMDB, almost any News app,...). Pie's Adaptive Battery feature is great at doing this automatically.
Disabling from the Apps menu is generally safe, and can be easily undone.
Uninstalling with ADB can cause havoc if you remove key system apps. You have to be careful. But it can be undone with a Factory Reset. Nowadays I only use with with the trackers I mentioned.
You may be able to improve further on your Idle battery usage by locating background hogs with BetterBatteryStats. Member @One Twelve was very helpful guiding me through that process a few years ago. See the discussion starting here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically I have disabled some apps I dont need,and especially all AT&T apps I am able to disable,because they are useless to me as a European user.
Also some apps like yours and some Google apps I never use.
In addition to you,I am on Oreo so I don't know how much more battery efficient is Pie..unfortunately I can't update to Pie,even though my phone is carrier unlocked,because I am not AT&T user.
Of course I already know the way how I can Frankenstein my phone to US998 in order to update android version,thanks to XDA kind members,but i just want to have a small experience with a foreign to me carrier firmware.
About adb commands,unfortunately I have never tried it,and I am not so confident to do so.
Anyway I really appreciate your help and guiding.
One last question..why are you used to charge your phone at nearly 40% and not on lower level?
Does it have to do with less charging cycles?
I usually charge between 15-20% until 100% and leave the phone on charger about 1-2 hours more after full charge..do you think I am doing wrong?
granazias said:
Basically I have disabled some apps I dont need,and especially all AT&T apps I am able to disable,because they are useless to me as a European user.
Also some apps like yours and some Google apps I never use.
In addition to you,I am on Oreo so I don't know how much more battery efficient is Pie..unfortunately I can't update to Pie,even though my phone is carrier unlocked,because I am not AT&T user.
Of course I already know the way how I can Frankenstein my phone to US998 in order to update android version,thanks to XDA kind members,but i just want to have a small experience with a foreign to me carrier firmware.
About adb commands,unfortunately I have never tried it,and I am not so confident to do so.
Anyway I really appreciate your help and guiding.
One last question..why are you used to charge your phone at nearly 40% and not on lower level?
Does it have to do with less charging cycles?
I usually charge between 15-20% until 100% and leave the phone on charger about 1-2 hours more after full charge..do you think I am doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My primary phone is on Oreo as well (the screenshot I posted). For some reason I just thought you were on Pie, but I can definitely understand why you are not, since AT&T makes that so difficult. (I believe somebody posted a trick for H931 users without AT&T service to trigger an update using an AT&T SIM card, although I forget the details and where.)
It's good that you already know about the Frankenstein procedure. You could convert to US998 to unlock and root the phone, then re-install the AT&T ROM to gain the additional LTE bands it supports, if they're useful where you live.
ADB isn't hard to get going. Just follow one of ChazzMatt's threads.
About your question: Lithium-ion polymer batteries are most comfortable in the middle of their range. Time spent below 20% and above 80% hurts them. A case could be made for small charges to keep them in the 30-70% range, but that seems too much trouble for me.
So I generally charge for a couple hours every other day, during the day, when the phone gets to that 35-40% level. If I go three days between charges, it'll often drop below 20%. And I don't like charging overnight, since that leaves the phone at 100% for several hours.
I used to go three days instead of two on my previous H932, which I had optimized a little tighter than my current US998. For example I had disabled high-frequency LTE bands which take more power (although they're generally faster). But selecting bands is trickier on US998 as there is no way to completely reset it.
I never practiced the AccuBattery thing of unplugging at 80-90%, both because it's hard to do, and because I think it screws up the battery statistics maintained by the firmware when it never gets to fully charge. I could be wrong, but it seemed that way to me.
TheDannemand said:
My primary phone is on Oreo as well (the screenshot I posted). For some reason I just thought you were on Pie, but I can definitely understand why you are not, since AT&T makes that so difficult. (I believe somebody posted a trick for H931 users without AT&T service to trigger an update using an AT&T SIM card, although I forget the details and where.)
It's good that you already know about the Frankenstein procedure. You could convert to US998 to unlock and root the phone, then re-install the AT&T ROM to gain the additional LTE bands it supports, if they're useful where you live.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically I was thinking that kind of trick with an AT&T sim card you've mentioned before,and I have made a little search on ebay in order to purchase one,but I don't know if I can use it..normally I can use it with roaming.
Are these sim cards for top up users who want to just get an AT&T prepaid number,or only as replacement for existing contracts?I don't know.
On the other hand,even though it is my first time that I use an American carrier firmware,cause as I wrote before I live in Europe,and I have read a lot of complaints about AT&T firmware here and there,i see a very good behavior of my V30.
This is the second one I own,the first is H930 EU model,and I can confirm that is a little bit slower and have some small lags sometimes,which I think have to do with my European open rom..maybe.
Do you believe that if I convert my H931 to US998,it will have much better performance in general,or is better to leave it as is with AT&T rom?
I ask you because as I already have read here on XDA,once you convert it there is no return back because AT&T doesn't release it's kdz for downloading as other carriers do.
And until now I am completely satisfied with my phone's behavior and performance.
At this moment I write to you,my SOT has exceeded 8 hours in 52 hours out of charge..this is the first time I get such a SOT in so many hours of use.
And dont forget that I use a refurbished phone with a used battery,even if I have charged it only 3 times.
Of course I had many SOT like this with my H930 EU model,but in less than 48 hours of general use,which I suppose has to do with radio signal of my carrier and probably the rom..that's why I asked you before if it will be better to convert my H931 to US998 or leave it as is.
See attached screenshot below.
You're definitely getting great battery life. Well done on that!
As for whether to Frankenphone or not:
1) If you're happy with the phone's current firmware and have no intention of rooting, that's a good reason to leave it as it is. H931 has more LTE bands than US998, some of which may be relevant to you. (And US998 has some CDMA bands which you'll never need in Europe).
2) If your current ROM is an old version of Oreo, that would be a reason to convert, both for the later security fixes and for some functionality and stability improvements in later Oreo versions. The latest H931 Oreo version is 20s.
3) VoLTE and WiFi Calling are implemented differently in H931 and US998: If they're working for you now on the H931 ROM, they may or may not work on the US998 ROM. And vice versa.
4) After converting to US998, unlocking bootloader, and installing custom recovery (TWRP) you can CAN actually re-install the H931 ROM as a flashable ZIP from this thread. Brilliant work by the Dev there! The download is currently pulled, but if you ask in the thread, someone may have saved a copy. I tested that ROM for its WiFi Calling features, and it works great (likely the same ROM you have now).
5) You don't need to decide right away: You can keep using the phone as it is and Frankenphone it later. If you want to be 100% sure to always have the option, you can download and save all the relevant files and guides now -- though I doubt that will be a problem: ChazzMatt hosts most of them and he's the stable rock of the V30 community.
TheDannemand said:
2) If your current ROM is an old version of Oreo, that would be a reason to convert, both for the later security fixes and for some functionality and stability improvements in later Oreo versions. The latest H931 Oreo version is 20h.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again and thank you for your detailed informations.
As you already mentioned about old version of Oreo,that was about in my last post,where I was referring to the trick with a sim card in order to get further firmware updates,and thats why I am looking for an AT&T sim card.
I found some on ebay but I don't know if they are suitable for what I want to do.
What I want to know is if these sims provide a new phone number so I can top up and use it even in roaming..maybe this way can I get an OTA update,or this is possible only inside US?
My Oreo version is 20q with security patch level March 1,2019,but 2 versions older than the latest 20s.
I'm afraid I don't know the details of that trick to force an H931 OTA. I just remember seeing it sometime ago. I do seem to recall it was someone overseas, but I could wrong.
Try Googling with XDA in the search string. It could have been V35 or G8, a lot of overstocked AT&T models of those floating around.
Otherwise I'd say this would be a good reason to Frankenphone. You'll want to escape the claws of AT&T sooner or later anyway.
TheDannemand said:
I'm afraid I don't know the details of that trick to force an H931 OTA. I just remember seeing it sometime ago. I do seem to recall it was someone overseas, but I could wrong.
Try Googling with XDA in the search string. It could have been V35 or G8, a lot of overstocked AT&T models of those floating around.
Otherwise I'd say this would be a good reason to Frankenphone. You'll want to escape the claws of AT&T sooner or later anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I confirm there are a lot of overstocked AT&T phones around..I am waiting for an AT&T unlocked V35 to be delivered to me from day to day..I like to enrich my collection with V30 type phones lol.
I hate notched phones,even though G8 had been in my plans when it was announced..finally V30 won me..twice!!
To our topic again..I tried Googling on net about sim card trick but didn't find something similar..I will try your suggestion in XDA search string and if I find any infos I"ll leave my comment here,in order to help others for future reference.
Once again thanks for your valuable replies.
granazias said:
Yeah I confirm there are a lot of overstocked AT&T phones around..I am waiting for an AT&T unlocked V35 to be delivered to me from day to day..I like to enrich my collection with V30 type phones lol.
I hate notched phones,even though G8 had been in my plans when it was announced..finally V30 won me..twice!!
To our topic again..I tried Googling on net about sim card trick but didn't find something similar..I will try your suggestion in XDA search string and if I find any infos I"ll leave my comment here,in order to help others for future reference.
Once again thanks for your valuable replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the V35 thread linked below, starting around page 7. Admittedly all the success stories there are domestic users (US) although several non-US users are posting as well. Key is to have an AT&T prepaid SIM (no surprise) but not necessarily activating it or creating an account. And then manually adjust the date forward to trigger the update. One user posted how it had to be an expensive international AT&T SIM to work on a roaming network.
How to get latest ATT OTA/Firmware
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/help/how-to-att-ota-firmware-t3912173/page7
If I were in your situation, I would just Frankenphone, unlock and root. It's easy with this phone. Then if you want the AT&T ROM back (because it has more of your LTE bands and/or because its VoLTE and VoWiFi works better where you are) just flash the H93120h I mentioned earlier.
When I had a brand new $850 V30+ back in the days, I had no desire to root, both because of the risks, and in case I needed LG warranty (which I did, twice). But it's different now when good condition V30+ units can be had for $150.
Edit: Wait! I see you're saying 20s is the latest Oreo for H931. That's quite a bit later than the latest TWRP flashable H931 zip I've seen. So better to hold off on the conversion if you think you'll want to come back to the H931 ROM. Or ask in that H931 ROM thread (linked earlier).
TheDannemand said:
Check the V35 thread linked below, starting around page 7. Admittedly all the success stories there are domestic users (US) although several non-US users are posting as well. Key is to have an AT&T prepaid SIM (no surprise) but not necessarily activating it or creating an account. And then manually adjust the date forward to trigger the update. One user posted how it had to be an expensive international AT&T SIM to work on a roaming network.
How to get latest ATT OTA/Firmware
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/help/how-to-att-ota-firmware-t3912173/page7
If I were in your situation, I would just Frankenphone, unlock and root. It's easy with this phone. Then if you want the AT&T ROM back (because it has more of your LTE bands and/or because its VoLTE and VoWiFi works better where you are) just flash the H93120h I mentioned earlier.
When I had a brand new $850 V30+ back in the days, I had no desire to root, both because of the risks, and in case I needed LG warranty (which I did, twice). But it's different now when good condition V30+ units can be had for $150.
Edit: Wait! I see you're saying 20s is the latest Oreo for H931. That's quite a bit later than the latest TWRP flashable H931 zip I've seen. So better to hold off on the conversion if you think you'll want to come back to the H931 ROM. Or ask in that H931 ROM thread (linked earlier).
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Just to clarify, he doesn't need to bootloader unlock and root just to convert to US998.
I know that's not what you are saying, but yes only to convert BACK to H931 firmware he would need that.
But if he's not an AT&T customer he would never need to convert back.
Frankenstein existed before WTF bootloader unlock and root, just for people like him who have AT&T H931 or Sprint LS998 and want to be free of that firmware and/or want updates.
I even wrote a sticky Guide:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/ls998-h931-how-to-update-t3927155
Sure, for you and me it's obvious he should root -- if just to get DTS Surround Sound stereo... Tons of advantages and options once rooted, but I don't want to overwhelm him.
Right now, he should probably just convert to US998 firmware. That's the first step to bootloader unlock and root anyway.
TheDannemand said:
Absolutely, it's a great phone for the money.
V30 has always had good battery life: LG balanced the hardware and optimized the software pretty well. You can improve it further if you get rid of the hidden LG tracking apps, which will also speed it up quite a bit.
They can be easily removed with ADB shell, no root required:
# SRTC LG Root Checker
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.lge.srtc
# LG LDB/MLT tracking service
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.lge.mlt
# T-Mobile tracking (present on T-Mobile models)
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.tmobile.pr.adapt
I can guarantee you will never miss these, and you will feel it when they're gone.
I usually charge my phone every two days, at which point it's down to ~40% battery, and I've had some ~7 hrs SOT. Sometimes I go 3 days, and of course it'll be lower. Batteries suffer the most near full charge and (worse) at low charge.
I often leave mine in Battery Saver mode much of the time. But I Exclude apps I care about from Battery Saving, such as Contacts (dialer), Gmail, Hangouts, Messages, Gboard, Google Backup Transport, Google Calendar Sync, Google Contact Sync, Blokada, XDA. That way they'll run full speed and stay updated during idle, while Google's incessant background business is kept in check.
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Interesting, the only thing I found was an srtc.apk, any idea what it actually does? I got rid of LG Health first thing, as soon as it told me I couldn't stop it. pr.adapt will actually ask for root and log it.
callihn said:
Interesting, the only thing I found was an srtc.apk, any idea what it actually does? I got rid of LG Health first thing, as soon as it told me I couldn't stop it. pr.adapt will actually ask for root and log it.
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Well, as it says in that comment, SRTC is an LG Root Checking app. Removing it will speed up the phone measurably. The only downside is that you will no longer keep LG updated about whether your phone is rooted
ChazzMatt said:
Just to clarify, he doesn't need to bootloader unlock and root just to convert to US998.
I know that's not what you are saying, but yes to convert BACK to H931 he would need that.
But if he's not an AT&T customer he would never need to convert back.
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Absolutely, good point! I'm glad you shared the link to that guide.
I don't know whether H931 or US998 is a better fit regarding LTE bands and IMS compatibility (VoLTE and VoWiFi) for the OP. Depends on the country and carrier. It's possible that H931 would be better, if they can get the updates. But that's a big if.
TheDannemand said:
Well, as it says in that comment, SRTC is an LG Root Checking app. Removing it will speed up the phone measurably. The only downside is that you will no longer keep LG updated about whether your phone is rooted
Absolutely, good point! I'm glad you shared the link to that guide.
I don't know whether H931 or US998 is a better fit regarding LTE bands and IMS compatibility (VoLTE and VoWiFi) for the OP. Depends on the country and carrier. It's possible that H931 would be better, if they can get the updates. But that's a big if.
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@TheDannemand and @ChazzMatt,I really thank you both for your help and response till today to my questions.
Is less than a week I own the H931,and I already believe that this firmware is much better and battery efficient than my first H930 EU model which is carrier unlocked by default.
Today I swapped my sim card from H930 to H931 and had it at my job,where is an area with really bad cellular signal,and despite this and comparing these 2 models,i can say that H931 had much better signal reception in places where H930 was impossible to have.
I don't know if it has to do with maybe another band that my carrier uses,which the H930 is not using..maybe is the H931 firmware itself?
I can give an example..during the days I was using the H930,when I was entering the building's elevator which is surrounded by thick concrete walls,immediately I was getting out of signal reception until the moment I was getting out of it to the desired floor..today I was able to receive calls inside the elevator and I was really surprised with the fact that the signal strength level on my phone,was 2 lines from 5.
Is it just a coincidence?I don't think so.
In general I am very satisfied with the phone's behavior in H931..the only downside is that I cant use volte and WiFi calling because my carrier doesn't provide that feature..and basically non of the carriers here in country does..they are a little bit in stone age era..lol.
Another thing that I saw in the settings menu is that I don't have the option of the preferred network selection as I have in the H930..e.g..2g/3g/lte,wsdma only or GSM only.
Every time I turn on mobile data,I get 4g LTE icon.
Maybe this means that even if I have mobile data turned off,I get lte signal?
With the H930 I have this option and when I turn on data,usually I see 4g+ icon and H+ or even E in areas with low signal..with H931 I have 4g lte icon wherever I go.
Also if I dont want to have auto 2g,3g,LTE,I choose GSM only.
Is there somewhere this option and I can't see it?