Unlocked Moto Z Play not compatible with Straight Talk? Why? - Moto Z Play Questions & Answers

Before purchasing my Moto Z Play I searched google to see if anyone has been able to run Straight Talk on it. I found people who have confirmed that they are running straight talk with no issues other the VOLTE not working. I don't even know what that is so I likely won't miss that.
Fast forward a week or so. My wife and I both bought UNLOCKED Moto Z Play phones from Bestbuy and they delivered yesterday. I bought a Straight Talk BYOP sim card kit. I started activation on Straight Talk's website and followed the instructions to a T and the following message was displayed.
"Unfortunately, your device will not work with our Bring-Your-Own-Device Program.
The good news is that Straight Talk has all the best devices from all the brands you love. Find the best one for you online or at Wal-Mart."
So how are other people getting this combination to work together? I chatted with a straight talk rep who said it's because the phone is not unlocked.
I took a trip to the local Verizon store and they said "yes it is locked and can't be unlocked" and that "no Verizon phone can ever be unlocked". BS I know.
So what do I do next?

Straight Talk can be either CDMA or GSM. A Verizon phone is CDMA but can do either (no LTE on GSM I think), but a GSM phone won't work on CDMA. If you bought an unlocked Moto Z Play, that will probably be a GSM phone, so make sure you have a Straight Talk GSM activation kit and not a CDMA one.

gmkelly001 said:
Straight Talk can be either CDMA or GSM. A Verizon phone is CDMA but can do either (no LTE on GSM I think), but a GSM phone won't work on CDMA. If you bought an unlocked Moto Z Play, that will probably be a GSM phone, so make sure you have a Straight Talk GSM activation kit and not a CDMA one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kit that I bought comes with both nano CDMA and nano GSM, plus adapters for different sizes.
There's one compatible with AT&T
one with T-Mobile
and one with "used Verizon LTE phone"
I used the sim for Verizon because I thought I had to with this phone. Do I not?

83HatchGTI said:
The kit that I bought comes with both nano CDMA and nano GSM, plus adapters for different sizes.
There's one compatible with AT&T
one with T-Mobile
and one with "used Verizon LTE phone"
I used the sim for Verizon because I thought I had to with this phone. Do I not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is the Moto Z Play you bought
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/motorol...e-unlocked-lunar-grey/5601604.p?skuId=5601604
use the GSM SIM.
If you bought Moto Z Play Droid
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/verizon...hone-black-lunar-gray/5624229.p?skuId=5624229
use the CDMA SIM.

gmkelly001 said:
If this is the Moto Z Play you bought
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/motorol...e-unlocked-lunar-grey/5601604.p?skuId=5601604
use the GSM SIM.
If you bought Moto Z Play Droid
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/verizon...hone-black-lunar-gray/5624229.p?skuId=5624229
use the CDMA SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the first one that you said works with a GSM sim. So i should use the ATT sim and not the verizon one. Explains a lot. lol

Better ask in a Moto Z Play subforum.

I fixed this. I just had to use the ATT sim card in the kit and then activate it.

Related

Can I use my T-Mo TP2 on Verizon?

Is there anything I can do to make my T-Mobile Touch Pro2 usable on Verizon's network?
Root it? Unlock it? Anything?
No, the T-Mobile Touch Pro2 is exclusively GSM, and Verizon's network utilizes CDMA technology. You would need to buy a Verizon Touch Pro2 from Verizon to use Verizon's network.
LOL.
AT&T, T-Mobile = GSM
Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular = CDMA
You CANNOT use a GSM phone on a CDMA network and vice versa.
AT&T to T-Mobile??
Hello,
I just upgraded to HTC Evo and moved to Sprint couple of days ago. I am trying to sell my Touch Pro2 to my friend who has a T-Mobile.
My TP2 is currently running the EneryROM, so I am wondering what I could do to get this phone run on T-Mobile.
We inserted his SIM-Card but unfortunately the phone asked for a code because the network is blocked.
I think I can download the T-Mobile's official ROM for TP2, would that work by itself?
Any suggestions?
Thank you
niM
nimdivino said:
Hello,
I just upgraded to HTC Evo and moved to Sprint couple of days ago. I am trying to sell my Touch Pro2 to my friend who has a T-Mobile.
My TP2 is currently running the EneryROM, so I am wondering what I could do to get this phone run on T-Mobile.
We inserted his SIM-Card but unfortunately the phone asked for a code because the network is blocked.
I think I can download the T-Mobile's official ROM for TP2, would that work by itself?
Any suggestions?
Thank you
niM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope... wont work.. you cant just install a rom on the phone and have it work on another network... The phones themselves have to be compatible.. like was said up there.. gsm phones run on gsm networks.. cdma on cdma... now that said.. arent the touch pro 2's with verizon and sprint world phones so will run on both gsm and cdma?? Although I'm fairly certain even if it is possible to get it to work on the network you want you definatly wont get 3G....
You're better off just selling your phone to someone ON your network... craigslist or ebay can be your best friend... and he's better off buying one made for his network.
Just my two cents!
nimdivino said:
Hello,
I just upgraded to HTC Evo and moved to Sprint couple of days ago. I am trying to sell my Touch Pro2 to my friend who has a T-Mobile.
My TP2 is currently running the EneryROM, so I am wondering what I could do to get this phone run on T-Mobile.
We inserted his SIM-Card but unfortunately the phone asked for a code because the network is blocked.
I think I can download the T-Mobile's official ROM for TP2, would that work by itself?
Any suggestions?
Thank you
niM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, don't try to flash the T-Mobile ROM onto your Sprint Rhodium, since that's a great way to brick your device (the ROM is for a GSM device, flashing that to a CDMA/GSM device will brick it). Sprint allows the use of SIM cards for any carriers except US ones, so what you need to do is Security Unlock your Sprint TP2, then flash this special modified radio that will allow for the use of SIM cards from US carriers. Only then can you use your Sprint TP2 on T-Mobile US.
EDIT: Disregard this entire post, I misread it and this probably doesn't apply to the actual situation. My bad...
Aaron McCarthy said:
nope... wont work.. you cant just install a rom on the phone and have it work on another network... The phones themselves have to be compatible.. like was said up there.. gsm phones run on gsm networks.. cdma on cdma... now that said.. arent the touch pro 2's with verizon and sprint world phones so will run on both gsm and cdma?? Although I'm fairly certain even if it is possible to get it to work on the network you want you definatly wont get 3G....
You're better off just selling your phone to someone ON your network... craigslist or ebay can be your best friend... and he's better off buying one made for his network.
Just my two cents!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, the TP2s on Verizon are World Phones, but I really doubt that you could go and use a Verizon TP2 on a GSM carrier like AT&T or T-Mo. I would assume Verizon would lock the feature to do that, and that the GSM antenna is more then likely an underpowered or unable to really take advantage of GSM networks (3G/HSDPA, Edge, etc). I think they are only set on on Verizons end to do basic voice and basic features.
nimdivino said:
Hello,
I just upgraded to HTC Evo and moved to Sprint couple of days ago. I am trying to sell my Touch Pro2 to my friend who has a T-Mobile.
My TP2 is currently running the EneryROM, so I am wondering what I could do to get this phone run on T-Mobile.
We inserted his SIM-Card but unfortunately the phone asked for a code because the network is blocked.
I think I can download the T-Mobile's official ROM for TP2, would that work by itself?
Any suggestions?
Thank you
niM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently no one is READING your post. You want to take an AT&T Tilt2 and run it on T-Mobile. It will work with the following restrictions:
1. Your phone is network locked to AT&T. You have to either call AT&T and get an unlock code, or buy a code off ebay or one of the forums here. That way the phone will work on a different carrier network.
2. Having unlocked your phone, with a T-Mobile SIM card it will work - but only on the slower Edge speed, NOT 3G. AT&T uses a different 3G technology than T-Mobile.
I would suggest selling it as an AT&T locked phone on ebay.
Aaron McCarthy said:
Although I'm fairly certain even if it is possible to get it to work on the network you want you definatly wont get 3G....
You're better off just selling your phone to someone ON your network... craigslist or ebay can be your best friend... and he's better off buying one made for his network.
Just my two cents!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stevedebi said:
Apparently no one is READING your post. You want to take an AT&T Tilt2 and run it on T-Mobile. It will work with the following restrictions:
1. Your phone is network locked to AT&T. You have to either call AT&T and get an unlock code, or buy a code off ebay or one of the forums here. That way the phone will work on a different carrier network.
2. Having unlocked your phone, with a T-Mobile SIM card it will work - but only on the slower Edge speed, NOT 3G. AT&T uses a different 3G technology than T-Mobile.
I would suggest selling it as an AT&T locked phone on ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Steve
Everyone,
I apologize for the confusion.. I re-read my post and I didn't mention that my Touch Pro 2 is an AT&T phone. (I was an AT&T customer and moved to Sprint). Sorry about that guys..
But thank you everyone especially stevedabi for reading between the lines.. LOL.. He won't buy it but my other co-worker is very interested. Need to sell this thing so I can offset my termination fee from AT&T. haha.
stevedebi said:
Apparently no one is READING your post. You want to take an AT&T Tilt2 and run it on T-Mobile. It will work with the following restrictions:
1. Your phone is network locked to AT&T. You have to either call AT&T and get an unlock code, or buy a code off ebay or one of the forums here. That way the phone will work on a different carrier network.
2. Having unlocked your phone, with a T-Mobile SIM card it will work - but only on the slower Edge speed, NOT 3G. AT&T uses a different 3G technology than T-Mobile.
I would suggest selling it as an AT&T locked phone on ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just transfer the entire contract to him WITH the phone.. Then you don't have to pay a cancellation fee... Can they do that here? I know of a few people that did it up in Canada but have never heard of anyone in the states doing it. I'm sure it's got to be possible down here.
seansweat said:
Is there anything I can do to make my T-Mobile Touch Pro2 usable on Verizon's network?
Root it? Unlock it? Anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sell it to me....
Verizon is cdma...tmobile is gsm they aren't interchangeable. PM me if you are interested in selling.

[Q] Verizon model - Sim Unlock Possible

I am interested in getting the Verizon model for how cheap it is. Is it possible to sim unlock the Verizon model to use on T-mobile?
I know someone is offering a boot unlocks and regular sim unlocks with GSM models. Not sure if it will work with the CDMA model.
Insights?
He said he can unlock Verizon locked Plays as well.
He just said on the 12th page post of his unlocking forum that the GSM baseband isnt supported.
"Originally Posted by mightytharos
Hello,
I am still wondering if the root process allows the XPERIA PLAY from Verizon (cdma version) to be used as a World phone (by putting a sim card in the slot). I'd appreciate if you guys can tell me if this is possible.
Thank you
I think @netorino is right, baseband doesnt allow gsm networks."
I am just asking and double making sure cause I kept seeing people using the word "unlocked". And I know unlocked has multiple meanings. (boot, sim,ect)
I come from HD2 XDA.
joeminati said:
I am interested in getting the Verizon model for how cheap it is. Is it possible to sim unlock the Verizon model to use on T-mobile?
I know someone is offering a boot unlocks and regular sim unlocks with GSM models. Not sure if it will work with the CDMA model.
Insights?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't quote me...but I think you would be better off getting the AT&T play as its gsm as is T-mob, while Verizon is cdma.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
joeminati said:
I am interested in getting the Verizon model for how cheap it is. Is it possible to sim unlock the Verizon model to use on T-mobile?
I know someone is offering a boot unlocks and regular sim unlocks with GSM models. Not sure if it will work with the CDMA model.
Insights?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick answer? NO, absolutely not.
Longer answer?
Basically the SIM Slot seems to be physically uncoupled from the chassis. Further, the chipset that would be running the GSM is replaced with one for the CDMA. Whether it can function as both is a question, but the chip is actually different (from my teardown to look, the chip numbering is different from the tech/repair manuals).
I would, in general, assume that no phone that is on Verizon (unless it specifically says "World phone" or "World Edition") can be used on T-Mobile. CDMA vs GSM silliness. Different frequencies, different methods, different technologies.
So while the bootloader unlcok could work for the CDMA model, the SIM-unlock wouldn't.
Interestingly enough, there are still traces of the GSM code in the phone's diagnostic menus though.
i have a friend that has a phone repair shop in my hometown. i called him when i found a play that is cdma thru verizon. it is a world phone and has a sim card slot. he said that as long as its a world phone version it can be unlocked for gsm use in the united states. idk im getting one tonight and im gonna tinker with it and once i get it all going i will let everyone know on here if it can in fact be unlocked for gsm use in the US.
Well???
darkkarny717 said:
i have a friend that has a phone repair shop in my hometown. i called him when i found a play that is cdma thru verizon. it is a world phone and has a sim card slot. he said that as long as its a world phone version it can be unlocked for gsm use in the united states. idk im getting one tonight and im gonna tinker with it and once i get it all going i will let everyone know on here if it can in fact be unlocked for gsm use in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well did your tinkering work?
starboi4eva said:
Well did your tinkering work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well turns out that the phone ended up not having a sim card slot and the person that i was supposed to purchase it from had no clue about anything. i did not end up buying this device. sorry!!!!
This was stated years ago, the R800x has a sim card slot but it is turned off on a hardware level. It is a non-functioning sim slot.

Unlock Verizon Nexus for T-Mobile?

So I'm thinking of buying a Verizon Galaxy Nexus.
I know it has a sim tray so i'm wondering if it can be unlocked for T-Mobile.
Any help would be appreciated.
djphooka said:
So I'm thinking of buying a Verizon Galaxy Nexus.
I know it has a sim tray so i'm wondering if it can be unlocked for T-Mobile.
Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why wouldn't you buy the GSM version?
It wont work. Different technologies.
jhernand1102 said:
Why wouldn't you buy the GSM version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because that would make sense.
Yea, It's just that the guy told me it has a sim tray so i figured i would post here to find out.
Anyone know where I can get the GSM version?
I don't want to pay $500 but ...
Thanks all
Try Negri Electronics
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
djphooka said:
Yea, It's just that the guy told me it has a sim tray so i figured i would post here to find out.
Anyone know where I can get the GSM version?
I don't want to pay $500 but ...
Thanks all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sim tray maybe but the vzw one is cdma and the GSM one is...well..GSM.
Different technologies! Not compatible.
I have the Verizon phone and yes it does have a SIM card but it uses different radios. Verizon uses CDMA/LTE and T-Mobile uses GSM so you can put whatever SIM card you want in there but since it uses different radios it won't physically be able to talk to T-Mobile (or any GSM carrier's towers)
btw, what happen if you travel away USA in a country without CDMA?.
At least, the CDMA iPhone have a simcard tray but it's locked until your operator wants.
jairmoreno said:
btw, what happen if you travel away USA in a country without CDMA?.
At least, the CDMA iPhone have a simcard tray but it's locked until your operator wants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Starting with Verizon's 4G LTE phones they all require SIM cards. They were also used in 3G global phones (my old blackberry and droid pro had them) but the CDMA Galaxy Nexus isn't global so you'd just SOL.
well.
nope. it won't work cause it's not CDMA...
djphooka said:
So I'm thinking of buying a Verizon Galaxy Nexus.
I know it has a sim tray so i'm wondering if it can be unlocked for T-Mobile.
Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@[email protected] can't believe people are asking this question. The phone has been out for over 3 months now.
Besides, the SIM card slot is specifically for LTE... as in, the SIM card is an LTE SIM card. LTE, not HSPA+.
I can only think, because the AT&T (HSPA+) model would be more prolific among sellers, that you'll have a better time finding a better price than a Verizon (LTE) one.
jairmoreno said:
btw, what happen if you travel away USA in a country without CDMA?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you have no service. Grab a cheap GSM phone and pre-paid SIM.
Try the yellow or the sky blue Galaxy Nexus. Those ones will work on both Verizon and T-Mobile.
Thats odd cause I have done it before
nodstuff said:
Sim tray maybe but the vzw one is cdma and the GSM one is...well..GSM.
Different technologies! Not compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back when verizon did both GSM and CDMA I had a verizon phone that I got to work on tmobile. I think it might have been a windows phone, honestly it was a while ago. I had to pay for a network unlock code and patch a radio or something....anyway, just wanted to say that it is in fact possible. My phone did brick in about two months, but that might have been from getting it wet...anyway...Good luck!
derigoagin said:
Back when verizon did both GSM and CDMA I had a verizon phone that I got to work on tmobile. I think it might have been a windows phone, honestly it was a while ago. I had to pay for a network unlock code and patch a radio or something....anyway, just wanted to say that it is in fact possible. My phone did brick in about two months, but that might have been from getting it wet...anyway...Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Total non sequitur. The phone in question must have been an old "world phone". The Verizon Galaxy Nexus never had any GSM radio whatsoever.
Also you bumped a 2 year old thread.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
weirddan455 said:
Starting with Verizon's 4G LTE phones they all require SIM cards. They were also used in 3G global phones (my old blackberry and droid pro had them) but the CDMA Galaxy Nexus isn't global so you'd just SOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the CDMA GNex you would need either a CDMA or neutral carrier/MVNO (such as StraightTalk, Tracfone, etc.). I have a CDMA ex-VZW GNex (now running Unlegacy-Android 7.1) that I am taking to Tracfone (replacing a Tracfone feature phone) because Tracfone uses a mix of carrier towers (depending on location, either T-Mobile or VZW). My current feature phone uses T-Mobile towers - because I am bringing a CDMA phone under BYOP, I have to ask the carrier (Tracfone, in this case) to create a custom SIM Kit for the brought phone, and thus have to communicate the IMEI and MEID of the incoming phone (this information is in the phone under Settings). Yes - this also applies to lifeline feature phones supplied by Tracfone/Safelink (if Safelink supplied the phone, Tracfone is your MVNO). If you want a GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus, you would want the maguro (the Galaxy Nexus in AT&T Mobility or T-Mobile guise); because GSM is more popular overseas, they tend to get exported compared to CDMA or W-CDMA (Verizon or Sprint, respectively).

Sprint Galaxy Nexus on Tmobile

I'm able to pick up this phone for a really low price. Would it work on my Tmobile network? Appreciate the help.
Sorry, oops...meant to throw this in Q&A
aaronuser said:
I'm able to pick up this phone for a really low price. Would it work on my Tmobile network? Appreciate the help.
Sorry, oops...meant to throw this in Q&A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not the Sprint one. That one will only work on Sprint.
The HSPA GSM version, like the one sold in the Play Store, will work. That's what I have on TMobile. It will also work on ATT and other GSM carriers, the ones that take SIM cards.
Spring is using CDMA network. TMobile is using GSM network. They are totally different networks. So, no. But what you can do is buy the unlocked GSM (HSPA+) Galaxy Nexus on Play Store for only 350bucks
I'm about to order my second Nexus from the play store. Using the T-Mobile $30 plan on the current phone. I have already ordered the Sim Card Activation kit for the other. The service has been very good.

Use Verizon galaxy nexus to GSM in India

Hey, I'm getting a Verizon Galaxy Nexus from U.S. and i just came to know that Verizon is a CDMA carrier not a GSM one..
is there any way to get the phone unlocked/flashed/rooted or anything to get it working got GSM carriers here in India ?
or should i cancel my purchase ?
please help me.
Thanks
No.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Cancel your purchase as there is no way to make the CDMA Verizon able to work on a GSM network. It does have a sim slot but only for the Verizon LTE sim card. Only the newer Verizon phones (Note 2, Iphone 5, etc) have a sim slot that is already unlocked and would be able to be used on GSM carriers. Good luck and hopefully you can cancel your purchase in time.
mendezj666 said:
Cancel your purchase as there is no way to make the CDMA Verizon able to work on a GSM network. It does have a sim slot but only for the Verizon LTE sim card. Only the newer Verizon phones (Note 2, Iphone 5, etc) have a sim slot that is already unlocked and would be able to be used on GSM carriers. Good luck and hopefully you can cancel your purchase in time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! i've canceled my purchase..
just one more thing, is will an AT&T phone work in India ? i might be getting a One X from AT&T then..
predatoralex said:
Thanks for the info! i've canceled my purchase..
just one more thing, is will an AT&T phone work in India ? i might be getting a One X from AT&T then..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any ATT phone will work as long as you can get it unlocked or its already sim unlocked. The One X uses a microsim and you can just pop in your international sim once it is unlocked and be good to go.

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