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I love the new WP7 phones and am dying to get my hands on one. I had a question about getting one though. Right now I am on a family plan with AT&T running a G1 that doesn't require a data plan. I would like to keep the data plan off of my tab. I have my reasons but my biggest is that I am constantly surrounded by WiFi and even when I am out and about, data isn't a big deal to me.
So is it possible to get a new phone without the data plan? I fully am aware that I will need to buy out of contract (which I am fine with), I just don't want to pay 200 - 300 bucks a year for a data plan. Last Wednesday, I went in to pick up a Focus at an AT&T store and the girl told me she had to add a data plan. I walked out and am hoping you guys can help me out a bit.
Has anyone had any luck with buying a phone out of contract, turning off the network data and not getting billed for a data plan? I am up for getting either a Samsung Focus or the HTC HD7 (whatever works... but the HD7 might be a good option as well considering I want to move to T-Mobile once I get out of my contract in a year).
Believe me I researched this. I have a Fuze on AT&T that has no data plan. We were lucky to have gotten them when contracts did not require a data plan. Our phone is grandfathered in...
However, if you get a new smartphone, it will trigger adding a data plan to your account. I believe it goes by IMEI number and your account... your original phone's IMEI number is set to be excluded from this provision. Any new phone you get will cause the data plan to be added automatically. If you put someone else's SIM card in your old phone... they get a data plan automatically. You can buy a new smartphone and pay full price online somewhere... as soon as you put your SIM card in it, you'll have a data plan added to your account.
There's just no way (as far as I know) to get one of these new phones without a data plan. I will be biting the bullet and getting a new Windows phone sometime in the next couple of months...
makku12 said:
Believe me I researched this. I have a Fuze on AT&T that has no data plan. We were lucky to have gotten them when contracts did not require a data plan. Our phone is grandfathered in...
However, if you get a new smartphone, it will trigger adding a data plan to your account. I believe it goes by IMEI number and your account... your original phone's IMEI number is set to be excluded from this provision. Any new phone you get will cause the data plan to be added automatically. If you put someone else's SIM card in your old phone... they get a data plan automatically. You can buy a new smartphone and pay full price online somewhere... as soon as you put your SIM card in it, you'll have a data plan added to your account.
There's just no way (as far as I know) to get one of these new phones without a data plan. I will be biting the bullet and getting a new Windows phone sometime in the next couple of months...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly correct. As soon as your SIM is inserted into a new smartphone, although it may take time, you will be charged for a data plan. It registers the IMEI number of that phone on your account.
Damn. Well... can't say I tried. Thanks for the info gents.
Even if you could, I wouldn't suggest it
as far as I've been able to tell, you can't turn off your data connection fully
and this phone is always grabbing data, you'd be paying tons for data...much more than on a data plan
dressanderc said:
This is exactly correct. As soon as your SIM is inserted into a new smartphone, although it may take time, you will be charged for a data plan. It registers the IMEI number of that phone on your account.
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Click to collapse
That's not true (At least in my case). As long as data is not initial from the phone, my AT&T Pure didn't trigger the automatic data plan (It did trigger once because I accidentally turn the data on and had to call At&t support to remove it).
For my X1a, I've been using it for almost 2 yrs on their cheap media-net plan without issue. Therefore, I suspect they could only verify smartphone that being sold by them (like the Focus I got recently). That's why I am looking at the HTC Mozart being sold in Austria (850mzh UMTS support)
edit: nevermind
drleospaceman said:
LG Optimus 7's on Ebay should work.
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Click to collapse
Only on UMTS 1900 portion. I don't think it support 850
That's pretty lame... I have T-mobile and picked up an HD7. No data package and my HD7 is running flawlessly. The only feature that doesnt work with wi-fi is slacker radio and to be honest I don't need it...
Hello, I'm going to have a T-mobile G2 soon that I'm going to use on T-mobile's prepaid monthly 4g plan. But I do have one question before I do it, and this might be a dumb question but do I technically have to carrier unlock the G2 to use it on prepaid versus contract?
nope...
Not to my knowledge and I used prepaid tmobile for years until last month they stoped doing prepaid and now am running regular contract...but no unlock needed for prepay as its already a tmobile phone..
No, there's no need to unlock for prepaid unless you're going to use a phone sold thru a different carrier. Like the Evo on T-Mobile, for instance.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
If you mean the simple plan it has a apn option built in. Just watch the data cap. Its like being crippled when it comes to data speed.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Have you looked at theyre no contract plans? They are much cheaper then the contract plans. If you have been a customer for a while they are even cheaper! I have a family plan but if i were on it myself i think its only around 50 a month. Unlimited data and whatever minutes...i dont talk much
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
I couldn't get them to give me a no contract plan (2 weeks ago), but I got unlimited everything for 50 a month. Saving me some big money right now compared to my old no contract plan (cause it only gave me 500 mins a month), and I kept going over talking with someone.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Karakoram2 said:
I couldn't get them to give me a no contract plan (2 weeks ago), but I got unlimited everything for 50 a month. Saving me some big money right now compared to my old no contract plan (cause it only gave me 500 mins a month), and I kept going over talking with someone.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, the main difference between prepaid (no contract) and contract is the discount on devices. I like to upgrade once a year, and with out my contract I wouldn't not qualify for a significant discount on a new device. So while non contract plans are cheaper, you do give up that annual discount on a new device. Basically, in the States, we're being ripped off no matter which way you look at it.
I also agree with the previous user who posted about watching you data consumption on prepay. A friend of mine was throttled to a point where his phone was almost unusable after using only 300 MB! (on a 50 USD Unlimited prepaid plan).
shortlived said:
Have you looked at theyre no contract plans? They are much cheaper then the contract plans. If you have been a customer for a while they are even cheaper! I have a family plan but if i were on it myself i think its only around 50 a month. Unlimited data and whatever minutes...i dont talk much
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm doing, the monthly pre paid plans.
What I was asking is if I could take a G2 that's carrier locked to T-mobile to T-mobile prepaid without having to unlock it, basically if there was a difference in the phone seeing it as a supported carrier being locked.
vbetts said:
That's what I'm doing, the monthly pre paid plans.
What I was asking is if I could take a G2 that's carrier locked to T-mobile to T-mobile prepaid without having to unlock it, basically if there was a difference in the phone seeing it as a supported carrier being locked.
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Click to collapse
You know T-Mobile carried the G2, right? There is no reason to carrier-unlock a phone for it to work on it's intended carrier's network -- regardless of whether you're on a contract or prepay. Unless I'm completely misunderstanding you... which is entirely possible as I am sleep-typing...
vbetts said:
That's what I'm doing, the monthly pre paid plans.
What I was asking is if I could take a G2 that's carrier locked to T-mobile to T-mobile prepaid without having to unlock it, basically if there was a difference in the phone seeing it as a supported carrier being locked.
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Click to collapse
Just to reiterate what others have said, you're good dude. I just did the same thing, bought a used G2 off ebay and got the $30 100min, unlimited text/4G prepaid plan. No problemos. Just make sure you get a prepaid sim card, like this:
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit
(Tmobile has two separate sites for contract and prepaid, so as long as you go through above site, you're all good.)
P.S. If you buy your sim-card at a Tmobile store, they'll probably try to activate you there, but don't do it if you want that $30 plan mentioned above, which is only available online.
voltaic said:
Just to reiterate what others have said, you're good dude. I just did the same thing, bought a used G2 off ebay and got the $30 100min, unlimited text/4G prepaid plan. No problemos. Just make sure you get a prepaid sim card, like this:
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit
(Tmobile has two separate sites for contract and prepaid, so as long as you go through above site, you're all good.)
P.S. If you buy your sim-card at a Tmobile store, they'll probably try to activate you there, but don't do it if you want that $30 plan mentioned above, which is only available online.
Click to expand...
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I wasn't aware of this... I have a friend (who I gave a store bought prepaid SIM card to) who is paying 50 USD a month and they keep throttling him at like 300 MB. I'm wondering if this plan you're talking about would have the same issue... also, if he wanted to switch to this plan, he'd have to purchase a new SIM card from the link you posted above, right? But then would he have to change his number, or could he transfer it to the new SIM? I've always been under contract, so I only know the basics when it comes to prepay...
Ditamae said:
I wasn't aware of this... I have a friend (who I gave a store bought prepaid SIM card to) who is paying 50 USD a month and they keep throttling him at like 300 MB. I'm wondering if this plan you're talking about would have the same issue... also, if he wanted to switch to this plan, he'd have to purchase a new SIM card from the link you posted above, right? But then would he have to change his number, or could he transfer it to the new SIM? I've always been under contract, so I only know the basics when it comes to prepay...
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The prepaid plan I'm talking about is $30 a month for 100 minutes talk (.10 cents a minute if you go over, which is reasonable), unlimited texts, unlimited 4g web (speed is throttled when you pass 5gb in a month, but there are ways* around that, but still, that's MUCH better than 300mb) and it's only available online. So it does sound much better than what your friend has, specially if you get the GrooveIP app and use that to make calls through Google Voice over wifi/4g for free without using your minutes.
It's my understanding that they only let new accounts get this plan, so your friend would most likely need to get a new sim card AND either get a new number or port in a non-Tmobile number. (I ported in a landline number) You *might* be able to pull a fast one, and port the existing Tmobile number to Google Voice, then port it back to Tmobile under the new account, but I have no idea how doable that is.
As for porting in a number, since there was no option for it when activating the sim-card online, I completed the registration up to the point where they tell you your new number, but before I put any money in the account, I called Tmobile support line, and had them initiate the port. Once that was in motion, I funded the account.
* - Check out this thread for the unthrottle solution:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318460&page=2
voltaic said:
The prepaid plan I'm talking about is $30 a month for 100 minutes talk (.10 cents a minute if you go over, which is reasonable), unlimited texts, unlimited 4g web (speed is throttled when you pass 5gb in a month, but there are ways* around that, but still, that's MUCH better than 300mb) and it's only available online. So it does sound much better than what your friend has, specially if you get the GrooveIP app and use that to make calls through Google Voice over wifi/4g for free without using your minutes.
It's my understanding that they only let new accounts get this plan, so your friend would most likely need to get a new sim card AND either get a new number or port in a non-Tmobile number. (I ported in a landline number) You *might* be able to pull a fast one, and port the existing Tmobile number to Google Voice, then port it back to Tmobile under the new account, but I have no idea how doable that is.
As for porting in a number, since there was no option for it when activating the sim-card online, I completed the registration up to the point where they tell you your new number, but before I put any money in the account, I called Tmobile support line, and had them initiate the port. Once that was in motion, I funded the account.
* - Check out this thread for the unthrottle solution:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318460&page=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for all the info. I'll defintely pass this along to my friend.
As for the "unthrottle" method, I did read that thread a while back and explained the procedure to my friend, but he never got back to me about it... he was actually out of town at the time. And unfortunately that method doesn't work for everyone (or so I've read). He does use wifi at home, so this shouldn't be a problem too often. But, the plan you've described sounds 100% better than what he's working with... he's not a big talker either, so 100 minutes would likely suit him, especially with all the different ways to make voice calls these days. He could also probably port his landline number and get rid of it once and for all.
Thanks so much.
I just wanted to add that you can get no contract plans that are not prepaid. You do not get deals on phones but they do have an interest free loan option depending on vyour credit. I payed cash for my phone but the contract plan was a solid 50 dollars more a month and they would have approved me for an interest free phoneloan that would have cost 40 a month for what 10 months or so.... So either way it was cheaper monthly even if i got a new phone every year. However maybe my circumstances and unique? Either way i avoid term contracts at all costs! There is nothing like being able to call a company up and saying "hey fix X or i will cancel" you would be amazed at the deals you can get.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
Hi all, sorry if this has been covered. My wife recently upgraded to the Verizon HTC One, my contract isn't up till Feb '2014 on my razr but I was so impressed with the one and because I'm basically a 49 year old child I couldn't stand not having it, not having the cash to buy it out right I thought about using the edge program but I'm not eligible till my contract is up so I called Verizon to beg for an early upgrade,no go but the rep said I could add a line and when I activate my new phone switch it with an old flip phone I had before I had a smart phone, so on paper it looks like I added a smartphone for 40 bucks a month but I swapped that one for my razr, added the flip phone and it only costs me 10 bucks a month, to clarify the phone number on my razr is now on my one and the new number is on the old flip phone! I still thought my plan would go to the share plan where my wife and I would share 4 gigs but I just looked at my bill she's on a 2 Gig plan and I'm still on unlimited, I'm not sure if Verizon just messed up or if it didn't change because I added a line instead of upgrading from the razr. If nothing else this is a way to get the one before your contract is up without paying full price upfront with the added bonus of possibly keeping unlimited data!
Sent from my GT-P3113 using xda app-developers app
yup. its a workaround. since you never altered the status of your unlimited account/line - nothing happens. its essentially the same thing as buying a phone outright and activating it on your unlimited line.
bik2101 said:
yup. its a workaround. since you never altered the status of your unlimited account/line - nothing happens. its essentially the same thing as buying a phone outright and activating it on your unlimited line.
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There's the side effect of extending the contract on your unlimited line by 2 years, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it.
I'm amazed that it was the Verizon rep that suggested the work around! I really like the one and am glad I got it, all I've done to it is used rumrunners s -off and installed adaway and of course titanium backup to freeze bloat ,battery is good for such a powerful device
Sent from my GT-P3113 using xda app-developers app
djerk said:
I'm amazed that it was the Verizon rep that suggested the work around! I really like the one and am glad I got it, all I've done to it is used rumrunners s -off and installed adaway and of course titanium backup to freeze bloat ,battery is good for such a powerful device
Sent from my GT-P3113 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Yeah its bc (from what I've read) vzw reps get commission for phones sold, whether it's through upgrades, new lines, whatever. So it's in their interest.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
I never worked for Verizon, but with AT&T, that's what we would call a cross upgrade, technically. You should still be eligible for an upgrade on that old line too since you just added a line in order to get the One.
From what I'm told, Verizon reps' commission comes solely from selling devices, not so much from selling plans. However with AT&T, you get paid for anything you do, whether you're upgrading their device or upgrading their plan. A lot of AT&T reps will stress going to their Mobile Share plan because they get paid a ton for those plans. You'll also never run into an AT&T rep who will willingly sell you an iDevice either since in some cases you can potentially LOSE money.
This is all from an authorized retailer experience, of course. I'm not sure if corporate is the same way.
Sent from my LG-D800 using xda app-developers app
I just upgraded yesterday using similar method. Costco had HTC One with bonus travel bundle for $79 so I went to the kiosk and told the rep what I wanted to do, he was more than willing to help, although he said he couldn't do the switch between lines, he gave me 2 extra sim cards (one small and one big one) so I could do the switch myself. I needed two sim cards because I was switching from the Rezound to One and sim cards are different sizes so after initial activation of the One on tiered line I had to deactivate big sim card from my unlimited line (rezound), activate new small sim card and put it in the One, then do the opposite with my tiered line, deactivate small sim card (One) and activate big one to be used in the Rezound. So if you're planning to do the transfer, make sure you ask for additional sim cards. I did transfer online without any problems. I also asked the rep if he could transfer upgrades from my other lines and do the same and he said yes. I have 3 lines two unlimited one tiered all eligible for upgrade so I'm probably going in on Friday to upgrade another line
thatsonlyme said:
I just upgraded yesterday using similar method. Costco had HTC One with bonus travel bundle for $79 so I went to the kiosk and told the rep what I wanted to do, he was more than willing to help, although he said he couldn't do the switch between lines, he gave me 2 extra sim cards (one small and one big one) so I could do the switch myself. I needed two sim cards because I was switching from the Rezound to One and sim cards are different sizes so after initial activation of the One on tiered line I had to deactivate big sim card from my unlimited line (rezound), activate new small sim card and put it in the One, then do the opposite with my tiered line, deactivate small sim card (One) and activate big one to be used in the Rezound. So if you're planning to do the transfer, make sure you ask for additional sim cards. I did transfer online without any problems. I also asked the rep if he could transfer upgrades from my other lines and do the same and he said yes. I have 3 lines two unlimited one tiered all eligible for upgrade so I'm probably going in on Friday to upgrade another line
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Click to collapse
Geez, what SIM card did the Rezound use? Because the HTC One is the MicroSIM which was the standard for a bunch of years. I know some of the newest phones are now using the smaller NanoSIM. Luckily for me my Razr already used the MicroSIM so after I did the upgrade I just deactivated that new SIM, activated her old phone again (iPhone with no SIM) and put my SIM into the new HTC One. I did not use the upgrade transfer feature this time, because my sisters line was due for an upgrade anyway and was already on tiered data anyway. But if she wants a new phone I'll have to transfer my upgrade to her line to save my unlimited.
Ahowe125 said:
Geez, what SIM card did the Rezound use? Because the HTC One is the MicroSIM which was the standard for a bunch of years. I know some of the newest phones are now using the smaller NanoSIM. Luckily for me my Razr already used the MicroSIM so after I did the upgrade I just deactivated that new SIM, activated her old phone again (iPhone with no SIM) and put my SIM into the new HTC One. I did not use the upgrade transfer feature this time, because my sisters line was due for an upgrade anyway and was already on tiered data anyway. But if she wants a new phone I'll have to transfer my upgrade to her line to save my unlimited.
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Click to collapse
yeah I didn't use upgrade transfer either but I saw that option online and also costco rep told me he could do it too.
I had the original LTE sim card that came with my thunderbolt I used it with my rezound. it was just a little bigger than htc one sim.
This is exactly what I did, add a line to get my one, then switch the One to my main number and threw an old lg8100 flip phone on the new line so it only costs me $10 a month to keep my unlimited data. Being someone who streams a lot of movies on xbmc, so this was important
i spoke to a best but rep yesterday about doing this very same option and he said any time a device was added that wasnt the same as what you had before, as in replacing your current device, the system would automatically upgrade your account and you lose unlimited. i dont see how that is true tho because if i buy a phone off contract and just replace my current sim in it my plan wouldnt change. i thought about going this route so i could get the blue htc one, which for some reason blows the other colors away imo, but its really not worth it if im stuck paying 240 for an additional line for 2 years and the upgrade price is 199 currrently. i could buy one on ebay for less than that total and not have to deal with 2 lines it seems.
MJL99 said:
i spoke to a best but rep yesterday about doing this very same option and he said any time a device was added that wasnt the same as what you had before, as in replacing your current device, the system would automatically upgrade your account and you lose unlimited. i dont see how that is true tho because if i buy a phone off contract and just replace my current sim in it my plan wouldnt change. i thought about going this route so i could get the blue htc one, which for some reason blows the other colors away imo, but its really not worth it if im stuck paying 240 for an additional line for 2 years and the upgrade price is 199 currrently. i could buy one on ebay for less than that total and not have to deal with 2 lines it seems.
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that best buy rep was wrong lol
you just have to make sure they don't touch your unlimited line and upgrade your tiered line. if best buy can't do it, go somewhere else. I tried walmart first and at the end of the process it showed a message that I would lose unlimited data so I just told him to cancel the order and I went to costco where it worked.
I paid $80 for my phone at costco, I'm not sure if blue color is worth additional $120. also my wife uses her tiered line so I'm not paying extra for unused line that's why it made sense to go this rout for me but everyone's situation is different
Agreed that sales rep was wrong. Any verizon store can do this. Even if you call verizon and ask, they will say that this can be done or your other option is just buy the device outright and you can even switch it over and activate it yourself and nothing will change.
Has anyone had any luck pre-ordering an S6 Edge from T-Mobile USA on a pre-paid plan?
There doesn't seem to be any way to do this on their website. I went to 2 different stores and they both said I would have to wait until a couple months (!) after launch before I could get one on a prepaid plan. I complained about this on twitter and a t-mo rep said that I should be able to get one on launch day so I guess we'll see about that.
I don't care about financing (I'd actually prefer to buy it outright) so I figured there must be a way to get one, but it doesn't look like it.
I put in a pre-order at gsmnation.com but I don't have a ton of faith anything will come of that.
Other options I've considered:
1. Signing up for a post-paid plan and then cancelling it right away. Kind of a pain, plus it means paying $50 for the first month of service and $15 for the sim card (I can't believe they actually charge you for the sim card when you're signing up for a plan. Total rip).
2. Buying one from AT&T and then getting them to unlock it immediately (they say they'll do it - https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/). The AT&T price is $35 more than T-Mo and it doesn't include the "free" year of Netflix that T-Mobile is offering.
I might end up doing one of those two but I just feel like I'm getting ripped off. Anyone have any better suggestions?
I went the tmobile route. Paid the 870 plus the 50 and the 15 and the 62 for tax. Bought it outright to use with cricket wireless. Just waiting on the unlock code to be delivered hopefully sometime soon. Will likely not be able to get a prepaid one unless you get the metro pcs or the cricket wireless s6
Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk
I tried this very thing. I called TMO and they would not budge on it. The only option i can find is to do what @osmosizzz suggested.
smaskell said:
Has anyone had any luck pre-ordering an S6 Edge from T-Mobile USA on a pre-paid plan?
There doesn't seem to be any way to do this on their website. I went to 2 different stores and they both said I would have to wait until a couple months (!) after launch before I could get one on a prepaid plan. I complained about this on twitter and a t-mo rep said that I should be able to get one on launch day so I guess we'll see about that.
I don't care about financing (I'd actually prefer to buy it outright) so I figured there must be a way to get one, but it doesn't look like it.
I put in a pre-order at gsmnation.com but I don't have a ton of faith anything will come of that.
Other options I've considered:
1. Signing up for a post-paid plan and then cancelling it right away. Kind of a pain, plus it means paying $50 for the first month of service and $15 for the sim card (I can't believe they actually charge you for the sim card when you're signing up for a plan. Total rip).
2. Buying one from AT&T and then getting them to unlock it immediately (they say they'll do it - https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/). The AT&T price is $35 more than T-Mo and it doesn't include the "free" year of Netflix that T-Mobile is offering.
I might end up doing one of those two but I just feel like I'm getting ripped off. Anyone have any better suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will AT&T unlock it right away? What's with the part under prepaid that says it must be active for 60 days before unlocking? I'm also T-Mo prepaid ($30 plan) but am unable to buy it at full retail price without buying a simple choice plan. In the end the extra $35.00 would be cheaper than the $50.00 deposit plus $15.00 sim card with the simple choice contact-free plan. But I wouldn't want to use it for 2 months on AT&T lol.
DanRyb said:
Will AT&T unlock it right away? What's with the part under prepaid that says it must be active for 60 days before unlocking? I'm also T-Mo prepaid ($30 plan) but am unable to buy it at full retail price without buying a simple choice plan. In the end the extra $35.00 would be cheaper than the $50.00 deposit plus $15.00 sim card with the simple choice contact-free plan. But I wouldn't want to use it for 2 months on AT&T lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T's site says this
Non-AT&T Mobility Customers
You’ve never had an AT&T wireless account and you meet the General Requirements for unlock requests.
Not sure how that works if you previously had an account that you cancelled but that doesn't apply to me. You should be able to just buy the phone outright and then get it unlocked immediately. The 60 day thing only applies to current AT&T customers.
Oh I didn't even see that! I just tried to buy it for retail price but even AT&T's website won't let me purchase just the phone. They want me to select a plan. Did you try or are you just going the T-Mobile route?
DanRyb said:
Oh I didn't even see that! I just tried to buy it for retail price but even AT&T's website won't let me purchase just the phone. They want me to select a plan. Did you try or are you just going the T-Mobile route?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that sucks. I haven't decided what I want to do yet. Probably going to wait until the 10th and see if anything changes.
Mine came with an app called device unlock from tmobile and I just tapped unlock and it unlocked for my phone. No unlock codes needed.
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
iPathik said:
Mine came with an app called device unlock from tmobile and I just tapped unlock and it unlocked for my phone. No unlock codes needed.
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
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Have you tested it at&t sim card? and did you purchase it at full price as a t-mobile customer?
Be Careful with Unlocked Flagship Phones on Different Carriers
On Tmobile Flagships you will have VoLTE and WiFi calling.
IF you get an AT&T Device and unlock it - and use on Tmobile or another Carrier you may not have VoLTE so phone will drop to 3G on calls and may interrupt temporarily your Internet Data and Connection..
Your speed on a fast Network like Tmo may be slower with a non carrier optimized Device.
Your speed and performance on a Flagship Device on ANY Network is unlikely to be equal to a Device Software Optimized for that Network.
If you are buying a Powerhouse Phone for a specific Carrier - you need the Carrier Software to get ALL the features and speed.
The exceptions to this are rare.
All the info about BYOD and all the Internet Articles about Bands and Towers and etc. do NOT mention this.
For example is there ANY DEVICE that has VoLTE across multiple Carriers ?
Or even VoLTE on AT&T and Tmobile ?
robertkoa said:
On Tmobile Flagships you will have VoLTE and WiFi calling.
IF you get an AT&T Device and unlock it - and use on Tmobile or another Carrier you may not have VoLTE so phone will drop to 3G on calls and may interrupt temporarily your Internet Data and Connection..
Your speed on a fast Network like Tmo may be slower with a non carrier optimized Device.
Your speed and performance on a Flagship Device on ANY Network is unlikely to be equal to a Device Software Optimized for that Network.
If you are buying a Powerhouse Phone for a specific Carrier - you need the Carrier Software to get ALL the features and speed.
The exceptions to this are rare.
All the info about BYOD and all the Internet Articles about Bands and Towers and etc. do NOT mention this.
For example is there ANY DEVICE that has VoLTE across multiple Carriers ?
Or even VoLTE on AT&T and Tmobile ?
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Click to collapse
Good info, but I'm doubting most people who are doing this care about carrier optimizations. Most are buying T-mobile devices for the unlocked bootloader so they can run custom ROMs that likely wouldn't have this software anyways.
I went to a T-mobile store this morning and they refused to sell me one. They said I could order one from Samsung but that's just not true. This is so annoying.
smaskell said:
I went to a T-mobile store this morning and they refused to sell me one. They said I could order one from Samsung but that's just not true. This is so annoying.
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Click to collapse
Went to another store after work and they sold me one. I don't know what the deal is here but I'm happy I got one.
I was looking to get it from Samsung. com and wanted to make sure if it will work fine (all the bands) on T-Mobile. I checked with Verizon and they said I wouldn't have to unlock it and it should be already unlocked.
My verizon version arrived today and I want to use it on Cricket. Fist boot looks positive showing LTE and 3 bars, but halfway through initial setup LTE disappears and prompt shows that alternate SIMS cannot be used at this time. From the little I have researched looks like since a few months ago Verizon phones no longer come unlocked out of box and require you to activate on their network. Upon activation the phone should automatically be unlocked within 48 hours.
I jumped on xda to see if there was an unlocked firmware i can flash to avoid that, and if I find something... if i dont update it means I never did and probably asked a family member whose on Verizon to use my phone for a few days until its unlocked.
*update/edit*
Just to clarify, my first boot had an alternate sim in(Mint mobile). Next boot I tried with the provided Verizon sim, and got through the initial setup screens choosing to skip the Verizon account setup. Then tried switching the sims, which prompted me to restart. Upon restart I again see LTE and 3 bars while booting. Once booting is complete I see the gray antenna mark with the "x" again. So still no good. Havent seen a release of an unlocked firmware yet, except for one paid service ($4). Not willing to pay for something that should be free... yet. SO I will keep looking
Similar issue, did you ever find a solution? Third party unlocks via ebay also do not support the Verizon or Sprint version it seems.
Ended up biting the bullet and paying for a month, but its prorated so I figure should get 90% of the money back -$20 fee for opening the line. Also rakuten has $75 cashback for opening a new verizon line. So not too bad. Might even make money in the end.
Anyway here is my process:
1. Get a plan - $55 single device plan is the cheapest you can get
2. Stick sim in and it will activate fairly quickly (less than 10 minutes, likely less that 5)
3. Wait 12-24 hours. Might not be necessary but I did this anyway
3. Create Verizon online account and login
4. Chat with agent and ask them to unlock the phone (do not call, it takes longer and they are worthless)
I did this, and immediately swapped out the sim and put it in another Verizon A50 bought from samsung and it quickly activated, Waited 12 hours and chatted with another agent. Now I have two unlocked, and if I get that $75 cashback the cost will be under $15.
($55 + $20 activation fee + tax = ~$90) - $75 cashback = $15 + prorated return on the $55
Thanks, may try that if flashing to the canadian version A-505W fails. Usually Canadian and US samsung phones are the same hardware and firmware compatible. This seems more like a software lock on Verizon firmware than a true SIM lock as those would not register any signal from a different provider for any length of time (which these do) and ask for an unlock code which in the case of these is no where to be found or entered.
Would activating on a prepaid Verizon plan works or does it have to be post pay?
moku160 said:
My verizon version arrived today and I want to use it on Cricket. Fist boot looks positive showing LTE and 3 bars, but halfway through initial setup LTE disappears and prompt shows that alternate SIMS cannot be used at this time. From the little I have researched looks like since a few months ago Verizon phones no longer come unlocked out of box and require you to activate on their network. Upon activation the phone should automatically be unlocked within 48 hours.
I jumped on xda to see if there was an unlocked firmware i can flash to avoid that, and if I find something... if i dont update it means I never did and probably asked a family member whose on Verizon to use my phone for a few days until its unlocked.
*update/edit*
Just to clarify, my first boot had an alternate sim in(Mint mobile). Next boot I tried with the provided Verizon sim, and got through the initial setup screens choosing to skip the Verizon account setup. Then tried switching the sims, which prompted me to restart. Upon restart I again see LTE and 3 bars while booting. Once booting is complete I see the gray antenna mark with the "x" again. So still no good. Havent seen a release of an unlocked firmware yet, except for one paid service ($4). Not willing to pay for something that should be free... yet. SO I will keep looking
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Click to collapse
lol i dont think u will get an "unlocked" firmware on the A50 since it is a exynos chipset and the "unlocked" firmware you speak of assuming you mean U1 firmware ive only ever seen on qualcomm..
to add, it sounds like ur device is probably unlocked but u need to set the apns and network mode.. vzw typically uses LTE/CDMA/UMTS or something rather whereas tmo uses GSM n other modes..
on my A10e from tmo it works with vzw and tmo and spr etc etc but usually i need to play with the modes and apns to get it just right..
to add, if it was still locked itd tell you.. usually something about using a non vzw sim or simply say the device is locked etc etc
undertaker2k14 said:
Thanks, may try that if flashing to the canadian version A-505W fails. Usually Canadian and US samsung phones are the same hardware and firmware compatible. This seems more like a software lock on Verizon firmware than a true SIM lock as those would not register any signal from a different provider for any length of time (which these do) and ask for an unlock code which in the case of these is no where to be found or entered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct.. wat ppl r describing in here seems to me the devices r unlocked lol.. wat i noticed on my tmo a10e is that it seems the carrier configs are not switching over properly at times so it might seem like its locked but it isnt..
then again my tmo a10e is sim/carrier locked.. chimera tool is pretty good.. they have a paid feature they recently added called carrier relock.. instead of unlocking the sim they lock the device to up to 64 carriers which works the same as a sim unlock without actually sim unlocking lol.. quite clever i must say..
i get a vzw a50 tomorrow and will b testing it out on tmo and will try to remember to report back here..
romeo0119 said:
Would activating on a prepaid Verizon plan works or does it have to be post pay?
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Click to collapse
id research that if i were u.. go to vzw site and view the device unlock policy.. sometimes prepaid has different policies.. if its purchased for vzw postpaid then might need to b activated on postpaid.. prepaid might require a longer timeframe possibly as most prepaid carriers have a time frame such as 50 days or somethin
elliwigy said:
id research that if i were u.. go to vzw site and view the device unlock policy.. sometimes prepaid has different policies.. if its purchased for vzw postpaid then might need to b activated on postpaid.. prepaid might require a longer timeframe possibly as most prepaid carriers have a time frame such as 50 days or somethin
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Click to collapse
Yea seems like it’s 60 days for prepaid, I might just open a line and cancel after a month.
romeo0119 said:
Yea seems like it’s 60 days for prepaid, I might just open a line and cancel after a month.
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Click to collapse
I asked the question about unlocking at my local Xfnity store. They said they want to see it activated for 60-90 days (she wasn't sure exactly how long) on the Xfinity mobile plan (postpaid only available) before they will entertain any unlock requests. They only sell the phone if you bundle it with some sort of plan. I believe the US carriers with the A50 (Sprint, Verizon, Xfinity) will want you to activate it on their network first for a specific length of time before they will unlock it. She said it will work on any US carrier after unlocking, but she was unsure whether the phone will automatically rebrand like the higher end Samsung phones.
As far as I can tell the only out-of-the-box unlocked phones available in the USA are grey market. Their specs are not identical to the multi-CSC A505U version that is sold in the US that support the domestic carrier bands (and features like wifi calling.)
I asked Verizon and they said 60 days, doesn’t matter post or prepaid. I think it will depend on the rep. I activated mine on the cheapest prepaid plan, will try to chat in a few days and ask them to unlock the phone. I don’t think it will be a problem.
Why Switch...
occams-razor said:
I asked the question about unlocking at my local Xfnity store. They said they want to see it activated for 60-90 day on the Xfinity mobile plan before they will entertain any unlock requests.. She said it will work on any US carrier after unlocking, but she was unsure whether the phone will automatically rebrand like the higher end Samsung phones.
As far as I can tell the only out-of-the-box unlocked phones available in the USA are grey market. specs are not identical to the multi-CSC A505U version that is sold in the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just sent back an Overpriced (IMO) Galaxy S9+ ($600.00) after tax (Amazon..) after using it for 14 days once I seen this deal at Xfinity for the Galaxy A50..
How The Hell can you beat $385.00 (Out The Door) with a $250.00 rebate after 3-4 Months using the service.. ?
$0.00 down.. and after making four $14.58 payments and applying the $250.00 rebate to the balance.. you throw $75.00 on top of that and your done.. for only $135.00 out of your pocket.. :angel:
And to top it off... Xfinity still has the cheapest Unlimited Plan That I see in the U.S.A. @ $45.00 a month.. Hell I was paying $50.00 on MetroPCS for the same thing.. and get better and faster coverage with Xfinity using Verizon's Towers.. :good:
The coverage may not be as good as using other carrier's for some of you.. I get that.. but, the price is consistent across the U.S.
This device is equal to the S9+ I just sent back minus the stereo speakers.. battery is superior.
For a Brand New device that has Samsung Pay and only cost the buyer $135.00 bucks.. This is a STEAL.
RaiderWill said:
I just sent back an Overpriced (IMO) Galaxy S9+ ($600.00) after tax (Amazon..) after using it for 14 days once I seen this deal at Xfinity for the Galaxy A50..
How The Hell can you beat $385.00 (Out The Door) with a $250.00 rebate after 3-4 Months using the service.. ?
$0.00 down.. and after making four $14.58 payments and applying the $250.00 rebate to the balance.. you throw $75.00 on top of that and your done.. for only $135.00 out of your pocket.. :angel:
And to top it off... Xfinity still has the cheapest Unlimited Plan That I see in the U.S.A. @ $45.00 a month.. Hell I was paying $50.00 on MetroPCS for the same thing.. and get better and faster coverage with Xfinity using Verizon's Towers.. :good:
The coverage may not be as good as using other carrier's for some of you.. I get that.. but, the price is consistent across the U.S.
This device is equal to the S9+ I just sent back minus the stereo speakers.. battery is superior.
For a Brand New device that has Samsung Pay and only cost the buyer $135.00 bucks.. This is a STEAL.
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Click to collapse
It was even a bigger steal before August 1st. You could buy the phone outright from XFinity with their "free" unlimited calling and text plan and not use any mobile data (it was $12/gig rounded up if you used it). Leave the plan after a couple of months and then you have an unlocked phone and $250. As of August 1st, the minimum charge per month changed to $12 after Xfinity realized what was going on. Only issue for some was the need to be an xfinity internet customer. So outright robbery is now just theft.
I Mean.. Really...
occams-razor said:
It was even a bigger steal before August 1st. You could buy the phone outright from XFinity with their "free" unlimited calling and text plan and not use any mobile data (it was $12/gig rounded up if you used it). Leave the plan after a couple of months and then you have an unlocked phone and $250. As of August 1st, the minimum charge per month changed to $12 after Xfinity realized what was going on. Only issue for some was the need to be an xfinity internet customer. So outright robbery is now just theft.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What You Are Stating Is Not Entirely Correct..
You still can NOT use Data.. and just pay the Sir-Charges..
These A50's ( Verizon's Sprint's and Xfinity's ) all released at: $349.00 + Tax..
In what State did someone sell you one for only $250.00 + Tax ???
Even with NOT using data.... and only using Wi-Fi for your connection to the Internet.. ( Which Most People Cannot Do.. ) you still have Sir-Charges of a few dollars a Month.
Finally... Please Tell Us....
What United States "U-Version" A50 Do You Have That Came With A "Carrier Unlocked Bootloader" ..
Every version I've seen does not even have the option in Developer Settings... So, you're saying you just Pop In any old Sim and it works for "You" ? :victory:
If Xfinity sold you a GSM / CDMA "Unlocked" version of this device ( ) AND you only paid $250.00 for it.. AND you can use it on any CDMA / GSM Carrier.. Then *Bully!* for you.
RaiderWill said:
What You Are Stating Is Not Entirely Correct..
You still can NOT use Data.. and just pay the Sir-Charges..
These A50's ( Verizon's Sprint's and Xfinity's ) all released at: $349.00 + Tax..
In what State did someone sell you one for only $250.00 + Tax ???
Even with NOT using data.... and only using Wi-Fi for your connection to the Internet.. ( Which Most People Cannot Do.. ) you still have Sir-Charges of a few dollars a Month.
Finally... Please Tell Us....
What United States "U-Version" A50 Do You Have That Came With A "Carrier Unlocked Bootloader" ..
Every version I've seen does not even have the option in Developer Settings... So, you're saying you just Pop In any old Sim and it works for "You" ? :victory:
If Xfinity sold you a GSM / CDMA "Unlocked" version of this device ( ) AND you only paid $250.00 for it.. AND you can use it on any CDMA / GSM Carrier.. Then *Bully!* for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You completely misunderstood me. The phone was $349 + local sales tax at Xfinity. The $250 is the gift card they give you back after you port your number, activate the phone, and stay on the plan for a few months. Before August 1st you could get away without being charged the minimum $12 per month for being on the "by-the-gig" plan. Use no data and you just pay the telecom taxes and fees if you bought the phone before August 1st (effectively a free plan). After you meet the minimum requirements for being on the Xfinity mobile plan, the phone is yours and unlocked + the $250 dollar visa gift card or whatever it is. This deal is still available but the cheapest "by-the-gig" plan now is $12 +taxes because they don't want you getting a free plan.
Since only xfinity internet have access to this deal, any decently populated area should have enough access to their hotspots so lack of mobile data is not a deal killer for many. Kids, grandmas, and the like will probably be ok with this if all they need is a way to call and text mom and dad from the mall or school.
And I did not participate in this deal since I already have the verizon version.
Time To Close This Out..
occams-razor said:
You completely misunderstood me. The phone was $349 + local sales tax at Xfinity. The $250 is the gift card they give you back after you port your number, activate the phone, and stay on the plan for a few months. Before August 1st you could get away without being charged the minimum $12 per month for being on the "by-the-gig" plan. Use no data and you just pay the telecom taxes and fees if you bought the phone before August 1st (effectively a free plan). After you meet the minimum requirements for being on the Xfinity mobile plan, the phone is yours and unlocked + the $250 dollar visa gift card or whatever it is. This deal is still available but the cheapest "by-the-gig" plan now is $12 +taxes because they don't want you getting a free plan.
Since only xfinity internet have access to this deal, any decently populated area should have enough access to their hotspots so lack of mobile data is not a deal killer for many. Kids, grandmas, and the like will probably be ok with this if all they need is a way to call and text mom and dad from the mall or school.
And I did not participate in this deal since I already have the verizon version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A Lot To Unpack Here...
AS I AM A BUYER WHO "DID PURCHASE THE DEVICE UNDER THIS PROMO".... Let me explain the FACTS to you. :angel:
FACT 1 ) Xfinity Gives You * 100 mb of data* FOR FREE.. If One Can Use That To Quickly Check Their Mail, Tweets.. Whatever.. And Somehow Stay Strictly on Wi-Fi.. Then Their Bill Is NOT A MINIMUM OF $12.00...
It Will Consist Of Regulatory / 911 / Misc Fees.. Totaling Less Than $5.00 A Month.
August 1st Had Nothing To Do With Changing That.. That's All Day Every Day.. Standard Fare With Xfinity. :victory:
FACT 2 ) You're Thinking Of Yourself... Maybe All You Do Is Call Mommy & Daddy... But, Most Of Us Adults Need And Want Internet Access *When We Want It* And Are Not Going To Drive / Walk / Bus Or Bike Their Way Around Towns Looking For A Wi-Fi Connection.
If You Have The Funds / Credit To Purchase A $350.00 Phone.... Then You Have The Means To Pay A Monthly Cellular Bill.. :victory:
Fact 3 ) The A50 Through Xfinity Will Cost $100.00 + Tax @ Whatever A Person's County Tax Rate Is... PERIOD.. After The $250.00 Rebate Which Indeed Comes Around The 4th Month Of Service.
And Finally,
So... You Think Your CDMA Verizon A50 ( Or Xfinity's And / Or Sprint's ) Has All The Bands.. And Is Ready For You To Unlock It And Run It On ANY Carrier's Network You Choose?
I'd Like To See That...
By All Means.. Hit Me Up.. with A Pic Showing Your Verizon A50 Running On T-Mo , Cricket, MetroPCS Or AT&T..
You'd Certainly Be The 1st To Do So..... :victory:
I got one from Verizon and it is GSM unlocked.
Hi,
Has anyone found a solution to use the Verizon A50 on other carriers. Some where I read that the device can be used on international Sim, but when I tried the international Sim, it's not working
Any suggestions?
Thanks
As of today after unlocking from xfinity, an Xfinity a50 works on the T-Mobile mvno mint and att postpaid plans. I tried various flavors of gsm Sims including FreedomPop and they are all working. Only issue is sprint and their mvnos. Sprint still uses their IMEI whitelist and the Xfinity branded phones are not in their database. Maybe a corporate cs can add it if you beg.