I have been under the impression for a long time that Verizon phones are unlocked, and had a tech tell me this - contracts stay in effect, but phones are free to come and go. So I took my N7 (for which I pd full retail, no contract) to a prepaid carrier and was able to use it with their SIM for a couple of weeks. It took help from a tech to configure the APN settings, but things worked fine. I did get a constant message in the status bar: not a Verizon SIM. Today the phone will not work, even though it shows many 4G bars, and says: No SIM or SIM not recognized. This message pops up every time I try to dial. I called the prepaid carrier and they said they are sure that Verizon has locked the phone and I should call them to unlock it. (Right!)
I don't know if it's a coincidence, but this happened right after I ordered a cell extender which requires the purchase of its own SIM. At first I thought there must be some confusion involved with this, but tech said he was sure it was a Verizon lock. Any ideas or information? Thanks!
Yes, the Verizon N7 is carrier unlocked; however, this isn't necessarily a prerequisite to using a pre-paid carrier's service if they're already using the same CDMA frequencies (in which case, their most likely just "leasing" their service from Verizon and reselling it as their own - these companies are called MVNO's (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) and there are plenty of them out there).
What I think is most likely happening is that Verizon is temporarily deactivating your SIM card, as if it were a Verizon SIM, due to the fact that you're still using the Verizon Note7 firmware. You have a couple options here:
If you have another phone, and another SIM card, you can do like the rest of us are doing and reactivate the other phone with the other SIM and then pop it into your N7. This will restore service to your Note7 and release the "hold" on the previous SIM, so that you can repeat the process with that card next time Verizon does one of their sweeps (appears to be a weekly event). A pain in the ass? Yes. But, after doing this a few times, I've gotten the process down to about 5 minutes. I just need to make sure I have my spare phone (a Verizon Note 4) nearby wherever I am.
Because the N7 is carrier unlocked and is capable of operating on either CDMA networks (Verizon & Sprint) or GSM networks (T-Mobile & AT&T), you can flash another carrier's firmware (like T-Mobile) and use their pre-paid service, or the pre-paid service of a MVNO that operates on GSM (like Simple Mobile). I use T-Mobile as an example because I know that they are not... yet... disabling SIM Cards (temporary or otherwise), but I can't say, with certainty, that the other two are not either. I do know that all of them have pushed firmware updates to permanently disable the ability to charge the Note7, so, if you go this route, you want to make sure you flash the firmware released circa mid-late October and then do whatever is necessary to block all subsequent updates.
Hope this helps,
Matt
raneym305 said:
Yes, the Verizon N7 is carrier unlocked; however, this isn't necessarily a prerequisite to using a pre-paid carrier's service if they're already using the same CDMA frequencies (in which case, their most likely just "leasing" their service from Verizon and reselling it as their own - these companies are called MVNO's (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) and there are plenty of them out there).
What I think is most likely happening is that Verizon is temporarily deactivating your SIM card, as if it were a Verizon SIM, due to the fact that you're still using the Verizon Note7 firmware. You have a couple options here:
If you have another phone, and another SIM card, you can do like the rest of us are doing and reactivate the other phone with the other SIM and then pop it into your N7. This will restore service to your Note7 and release the "hold" on the previous SIM, so that you can repeat the process with that card next time Verizon does one of their sweeps (appears to be a weekly event). A pain in the ass? Yes. But, after doing this a few times, I've gotten the process down to about 5 minutes. I just need to make sure I have my spare phone (a Verizon Note 4) nearby wherever I am.
Because the N7 is carrier unlocked and is capable of operating on either CDMA networks (Verizon & Sprint) or GSM networks (T-Mobile & AT&T), you can flash another carrier's firmware (like T-Mobile) and use their pre-paid service, or the pre-paid service of a MVNO that operates on GSM (like Simple Mobile). I use T-Mobile as an example because I know that they are not... yet... disabling SIM Cards (temporary or otherwise), but I can't say, with certainty, that the other two are not either. I do know that all of them have pushed firmware updates to permanently disable the ability to charge the Note7, so, if you go this route, you want to make sure you flash the firmware released circa mid-late October and then do whatever is necessary to block all subsequent updates.
Hope this helps,
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. It does help and that makes sense. What was odd was that I was still able to access internet (not wi-fi, but network showing 4 bars 4G). I got a new SIM today and when I popped it in, same thing. Are you saying I would have to activate the SIM on a second phone (currently N5 still with Verizon while I prepare to leave them) before putting it back in the N7? Just keep switching SIMs back and forth?
kat3k said:
Thanks. It does help and that makes sense. What was odd was that I was still able to access internet (not wi-fi, but network showing 4 bars 4G). I got a new SIM today and when I popped it in, same thing. Are you saying I would have to activate the SIM on a second phone (currently N5 still with Verizon while I prepare to leave them) before putting it back in the N7? Just keep switching SIMs back and forth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's kind of a crappy solution, and one that I doubt will continue to work forever (or, at least until the N8 is released)... but yeah. That seems to be the only work aground right now.
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 7 using XDA Labs
raneym305 said:
It's kind of a crappy solution, and one that I doubt will continue to work forever (or, at least until the N8 is released)... but yeah. That seems to be the only work aground right now.
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 7 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and it's a whole crappy situation. I can accept the recall, but not the hotlining by Verizon. I have learned from this I will never buy a phone from a carrier again. Should have bought non-carrier specific directly from Samsung.
Related
What are other people's US experiences, what type LTE do you get?
Google starting selling the Nexus 7 LTE in the Google Play store 130909 https://play.google.com/store/devic...cked_T_Mobile_SI?id=nexus_7_32gb_2013_lte_tmo
It comes with 30 days of T-Mobile LTE/HSPA. I confirmed with Google Play support that they are shipping the US version that has LTE bands 13 and 17. This means that in addition to T-Mobile LTE and HSPA, this will do the same on AT&T and also LTE on Verizon.
Google says it does not work with Verizon, but technically, it should. Verizon has a full LTE nationwide coverage on band 13. I am going to try my Verizon sim the day I get this thing. Then I'll be raiding the AT&T store for 30 days of LTE: fastest provider wins.
What are other people's US experiences, what type LTE do you get?
If you go Nexus 7 LTE 〉Settings 〉About Tablet 〉Status, Mobile network type indicates what connection you have, eg. LTE:13.
best test apps:
- Speed Test
- Open Signal
- Sensorly
- SignalCheck Lite
- Firebind (check for blocked ports, shouldn't be any)
Some blog posts:
Nexus 7 LTE for the US: http://blog.haraldrudell.com/2013/08/nexus-7-lte-future-of-mobility-nexus-7.html
US Open Access: http://blog.haraldrudell.com/2013/08/googles-got-balls.html
LTE Portability in the US: http://blog.haraldrudell.com/2013/09/4-13-17-are-magic-numbers-mobile-device.html
PhoneGeek said:
Google says it does not work with Verizon, but technically, it should. Verizon has a full LTE nationwide coverage on band 13. I am going to try my Verizon sim the day I get this thing. Then I'll be raiding the AT&T store for 30 days of LTE: fastest provider wins.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source please?
It was supposed to work with Verizon, on LTE at least. I'm not going to order one if it doesn't.
It works with Verizon LTE not 3g
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Very interested to hear what happens when you pop in your Verizon SIM.
Actually someone already has: http://www.droid-life.com/2013/09/11/video-first-look-at-verizon-data-on-the-new-nexus-7-lte/
cmstlist said:
Very interested to hear what happens when you pop in your Verizon SIM.
Actually someone already has: http://www.droid-life.com/2013/09/11/video-first-look-at-verizon-data-on-the-new-nexus-7-lte/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the comments on that video, a couple of people are noting that Verizon stores have refused to supply sim cards and activate Nexus 7 tablets, because "they're not in their system". I think the person that made the video just removed the sim from his phone and it worked. I want to get one of these and add it to my current plan for $10/month and share my current data plan. It's too bad Google and Verizon can't seem to get it together and explain how this works. I'll wait until there are no hoops to jump through. I wonder if the LTE only, no 3G restriction on Verizon is Google's way of forcing Verizon's hand. I don't think they're allowed to refuse a device that operates solely on LTE.
patrickoneal said:
In the comments on that video, a couple of people are noting that Verizon stores have refused to supply sim cards and activate Nexus 7 tablets, because "they're not in their system". I think the person that made the video just removed the sim from his phone and it worked. I want to get one of these and add it to my current plan for $10/month and share my current data plan. It's too bad Google and Verizon can't seem to get it together and explain how this works. I'll wait until there are no hoops to jump through. I wonder if the LTE only, no 3G restriction on Verizon is Google's way of forcing Verizon's hand. I don't think they're allowed to refuse a device that operates solely on LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to activate one for my buddy on Verizon. It doesn't appear to be Verizon trying to be stubborn about it. It's more about technical limitations. Verizon devices need a serial number and a SIM ID to activate on their LTE network and the Nexus 7 only has a SIM ID that can be used. The serial number isn't recognized in Verizon's system because it's still a GSM device. So thus far, it looks like the method shown of using a SIM that's already activated is the only way of getting this going. Having its own dedicated number is a trickier matter.
j.bruha said:
I'm trying to activate one for my buddy on Verizon. It doesn't appear to be Verizon trying to be stubborn about it. It's more about technical limitations. Verizon devices need a serial number and a SIM ID to activate on their LTE network and the Nexus 7 only has a SIM ID that can be used. The serial number isn't recognized in Verizon's system because it's still a GSM device. So thus far, it looks like the method shown of using a SIM that's already activated is the only way of getting this going. Having its own dedicated number is a trickier matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edited to add: Thanks for the reply and the information.
Well, that sucks.
As far as I know, Google advertised this as working with Verizon when it was launched. Now they're saying next to nothing about it.
So, if I want to activate this as an add-on tablet at $10/month, I have to buy the Nexus 7, some other used Verizon tablet off ebay, activate it and swap the SIM. I may be incorrect, but I'd bet you couldn't sell off the other tablet and let someone else activate it using this method, unless the SIM isn't attached to the serial number in Verizon's system.
No offense intended, but I believe this is Verizon being stubborn. The tablet obviously functions on their network, but they aren't willing to supply a SIM and simply activate it.
Please let us know if you're successful in getting it activated without swapping a SIM from some other device. I can't be the only one interested in getting this going, but I'm not going to order one until I know it works.
I seem to remember reading that with past devices, others have had success bringing in a tablet that's already active on some other account but without the SIM, and asking for a SIM to activate it.
Buy Verizon ipad mini. Activate sim. Return ipad mini. Win?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
patrickoneal said:
Edited to add: Thanks for the reply and the information.
Well, that sucks.
As far as I know, Google advertised this as working with Verizon when it was launched. Now they're saying next to nothing about it.
So, if I want to activate this as an add-on tablet at $10/month, I have to buy the Nexus 7, some other used Verizon tablet off ebay, activate it and swap the SIM. I may be incorrect, but I'd bet you couldn't sell off the other tablet and let someone else activate it using this method, unless the SIM isn't attached to the serial number in Verizon's system.
No offense intended, but I believe this is Verizon being stubborn. The tablet obviously functions on their network, but they aren't willing to supply a SIM and simply activate it.
Please let us know if you're successful in getting it activated without swapping a SIM from some other device. I can't be the only one interested in getting this going, but I'm not going to order one until I know it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense taken, though let me clarify what I meant in my post by it being a technical limitation.
The serial numbers on the Nexus 7 are for GSM devices (IMEI's starting with 35xxx). Verizon's system does not recognize these serial numbers to work on their network. The system looks for ESN numbers (usually starting with 99000xxx) for a CDMA network, then asks for the ICCID (SIM ID) for the LTE SIM card. The Nexus 7 doesn't have a CDMA radio in it at all, which Verizon's network still needs in a device for it to complete the activation process.
Once activated, that SIM can be moved into another compatible device and work beautifully as Droid Life showed already, but that's not the issue we're having. Your described scenario is what I'm going to try for my buddy this weeked, but I have a feeling it won't work.
I don't think d11dog11's suggestion won't work either A) because the iPad Mini uses a nano SIM (4FF), B) because when the iPad is returned, the system defaults to disconnecting the number that was activated on that device, and C) you'll still get nailed with a restocking fee.
Indeed, this sucks!
LTE Results are in
Here's my download experience from a downtown San Francisco rooftop:
T-Mobile USA LTE:
SpeedTest: 43 ms 8.39 down 1.23 up Mb/s
signal: -104 dBm 36 asu rsrq -9 dB
T-Mobile HSPA:
SpeedTest: 73 ms 9.03 down 0.78 up Mb/s
signal: -104 dBm 35 asu rsrq -8 dB
Verizon Wireless:
SpeedTest: 196 ms 0.481 0.265 Mb/s <<== SUCKS BIG TIME! 2G Speed?
Signal -73 dBm 67 asu -12 dB
Comcast Wi-Fi: 18 ms 27.274 7.880
T-Mobile is on the higher frequency that would give spottier coverage, but they are doing quite alright.
Verizon sucks ass. A year ago everybody but Verizon looked like clowns. Today (starting about six months ago) the clown is Andy MacLeod, CTO of the Verizon Wireless partnership. How could they possibly fail?
San Francisco is the most densely populated area outside Manhattan, and this dude needs to pay attention. If you stay up until 1 am on a weekday, Verizon might give you 8 Mb/s down. The sucky area is not only downtown, as a matter of fact, I don't now of a good area anymore. A year ago it was 18 Mb/s greatness 24/7. There's crazy talk of a high-capacity overlay on band 4, but we got none of that, and one might wonder how this can go on for months on end. I canceled the day I got the Nexus 7 LTE. Nexus 5 will support everyone but Verizon, i'll get that one, too: hello Sprint!
The included T-Mobile SIM is a broadband pass that gives you 30 days/2 GB of HSPA or LTE but no voice.
Sensorly, SignalChecker and Open Signal are not good for speed test, so stick with SpeedTest.
PhoneGeek said:
Nexus 5 will support everyone but Verizon, i'll get that one, too: hello Sprint!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One reason why it's less likely that Sprint will be supported on the same unlocked unit as GSM carriers: Sprint's LTE devices do not store the CDMA subcriber identity on the SIM card like Verizon does. Their Androids tend to have an internal non-removable SIM, and their iPhones have a SIM that only stores the LTE identity. So when two Verizon iPhone users swap SIMs, the phone numbers follow suit completely. When two Sprint iPhone users swap SIMs, the phone numbers remain on the devices but the LTE identities swap which must be confusing for the phone.
Nexus 5 on Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile
The FCC publish on the Nexus 5 (LG D820) removes any doubt of it not being a Sprint phone. It’s a herkulean effort to support all their LTE bands, which I believe nobody has done yet. It quacks like an LG G2 but has a different display size from all other LG 8xx submissions. And then then was the KitKat leak, conveniently 2 days before the FCC published it, where there was an LG logo. Google must start shipping before Christmas, and September plus two months is November.
The likelihood that Google would put out a Sprint-only phone is zero.
The likelihood of Sprint kissing the feet of anyone putting out a Nexus phone on their network is really high.
The rest is engineering.
AT&T didn't work on LTE only HSPA+
I just bought hey Nexus 7 LTE from Best Buy yesterday.when I tried to activated through AT&T it activated but it only showed H in the signal strength menu bar. when I called AT&T customer supportTo provision it for LTE they said it wasn"t in their system and they wouldn't help me so I returned it.
needless to say I am very disappointed anybody else have the same issue?
oilpressure said:
I just bought hey Nexus 7 LTE from Best Buy yesterday.when I tried to activated through AT&T it activated but it only showed H in the signal strength menu bar. when I called AT&T customer supportTo provision it for LTE they said it wasn"t in their system and they wouldn't help me so I returned it.
needless to say I am very disappointed anybody else have the same issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange, considering there's an AT&T option on Play Store. You returned the tablet or cancelled the SIM?
You could try ordering from Play Store instead with the bundled AT&T SIM. Maybe that one will be provisioned properly for LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Picked up the new Nexus 7 LTE (2013 edition) and popped in my Verizon micro-SIM. Everything worked great for a few days. Just got a notification in my tray asking me to register my device with the Verizon Network? I clicked the link, it opened my browser and went to some Verizon site, but the page didn't load. I couldn't receive/send any data or even pick up a signal.
When I removed and re-insert the SIM and rebooted the device, it would pick up a cellular signal for a few minutes, then would drop signal.
I put the SIM back in my GS3, it registered with the network and got signal on the phone. I then re-inserted the SIM into the Nexus 7 and have LTE service once again.
Anyone else have this problem?
studiddie said:
Picked up the new Nexus 7 LTE (2013 edition) and popped in my Verizon micro-SIM. Everything worked great for a few days. Just got a notification in my tray asking me to register my device with the Verizon Network? I clicked the link, it opened my browser and went to some Verizon site, but the page didn't load. I couldn't receive/send any data or even pick up a signal.
When I removed and re-insert the SIM and rebooted the device, it would pick up a cellular signal for a few minutes, then would drop signal.
I put the SIM back in my GS3, it registered with the network and got signal on the phone. I then re-inserted the SIM into the Nexus 7 and have LTE service once again.
Anyone else have this problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bump I'm wondering this same thing had mine one day but wandering how long they will let it work?
cliftonrouse said:
Bump I'm wondering this same thing had mine one day but wandering how long they will let it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had mine in my tabet for about the past 5 days. The only thing that has changed is when I login to my VZW account, it shows an Unknown device. However, it still works. I am planning to leave my sim in for as long as it will let me. Great tablet.
I have a Galaxy nexus with Verizon with cm 11, I was wondering if I can take it to tracfone. I called customer service and they told me I can buy a activation code and a sim card and it will work. But I was wondering since I have a custom rom would it work. And if it does can I flash toro roms?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
allcity187 said:
I have a Galaxy nexus with Verizon with cm 11, I was wondering if I can take it to tracfone. I called customer service and they told me I can buy a activation code and a sim card and it will work. But I was wondering since I have a custom rom would it work. And if it does can I flash toro roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know verizon does not allow 4G device on tracfone/net10/straight-talk BYOP plans. I would loved to be proved wrong.
I don't think ROM is an issue, but I've read that people had difficult with the initial activation until they flash back to (unroot) stock, activate and then reroot/install custom ROM.
YMMV. Do let us know how it turns out!
I will definitely let you guys know, my contract with Verizon will expire in a few days, I'm so tried of paying so much money for cell phone service. If this doesn't work I will buy a nexus 5 and take it too T-Mobile.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I tried this - it doesn't work.
a big NO?!?
Well I have been fighting with tracfone for about a month now and only had them erase my account once so not as bad as some times.
I have tried most every permutation as well and am currently trying factory mysid/toro 4.2.2 (JDQ39) with locked bootloader and all I get are busy signals on activation. Tracfone finally says my phone and my LTE sim card are good. Tracfone also says things are ok on their end. Everything looks like it should work, yet no.
Has anyone else EVER gotten a Samsung Galaxy Nexus SCH-I515 to work on tracfone?
Moving a GNex toro from VZW to Tracfone - all done!
case-sensitive said:
As far as I know verizon does not allow 4G device on tracfone/net10/straight-talk BYOP plans. I would loved to be proved wrong.
I don't think ROM is an issue, but I've read that people had difficult with the initial activation until they flash back to (unroot) stock, activate and then reroot/install custom ROM.
YMMV. Do let us know how it turns out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, you ARE wrong; I'm taking my own ex-VZW GNex to Tracfone, and it does NOT have to be stock when you do it.
Tracfone itself is a neutral (CDMA/GSM) MVNO and uses the towers of three providers (T-Mobile, Sprint, and VZW) on a regional basis; the difficulty is that it's easier to port a Tracfone phone number - which you can't do from a feature phone. This is why you need a customized SIM kit (pre-loaded with the target phone's IMEI and MEID). I'm taking a lifeline number issued by Safelink Wireless (Tracfone's lifeline brand - porting such a number is legit), and the IMEI and MEID are hardware-specific - NOT carrier-specific (the IMEI and MEID travel with the phone - and are neither carrier-specific or ROM-specific; other than the stock ROM, I have changed firmware twice, and neither IMEI or MEID changed a whit).
What you have to do is go online and explain the situation to the agent (that you are transferring your existing number to a former VZW Galaxy Nexus); the agent will ask for the IMEI and MEID of the target phone, and confirm that said phone is NOT active on VZW's network. The bigger issue with the SOURCE phone is that - more often than not, it either uses a different SIM (Tracfone sells LTE phones itself; however, they also sell feature phones up to 3G, such as various Alcatel models that don't run Android) or doesn't use a SIM at all (these non-Android Alcatel OneTouch models are in that category). As a backup, grab Tracfone's Transfer Wizard from the Play Store after the ROM changeover (it's a free app).
SIMs for phones are of three sorts - standard (the oldest Android phones, such as our GNex), micro (later, but not necessarily current, such as the Nexus 5 or 6) or nano (Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel, Pixel XL, and Galaxy J3) - the SIM must match the phone! I have a nano SIM for Google Fi - can't use that in a GNex; microSIMs are commonly purchasable, even for Tracfone - however, I can't use THOSE in a GNex, either. Hence I have to go custom. (Turns out I was wrong; the GNex uses a microSIM - I took a picture of it after the swap (the VZW microSIM, that is). When I have enough points, I'll attach the picture I took; it's currently backed up to cloud storage.)
When your SIM kit arrives, you WILL need the number from the source phone - with feature phones (including lifeline phones, such as the Alcatels I mentioned), this will be in the Prepaid section of the phone's menu. There will almost certainly be a "dummy" SIM in the phone you are moving; that is fine; as the Galaxy Nexus does NOT support SD cards at all, that tell you where your new SIM should go.
While you wait
Like a lot of the phones of the same age, the Galaxy Nexus can be used as a tablet while not on anybody's network; further, unlike most tablets, it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This lets you "explore" a bit and find the ideal ROM for you and your apps - not all ROMs , even for the GNex, are the same; between straightforward OS variety and other ROM-specific features, the differences are legion. (Not every user will be comfortable with Unlegacy Android - or even with 7.1, for example.)
My SIM Kit arrived, and it is FULLY compatible with most CDMA (and all LTE) phones from VZW. Even according to the booklets (plural - both English and Spanish), stock firmware is not a requirement. (In fact, I'm doing this with OmniROM 6.0 Security Update installed.). The surprise is that the GNex uses a microSIM (not a standard SIM) - I'll be including a picture of it in a later edit (the original one from VZW). The transfer is, in fact, nearly done; the hiccups were all on the back end - and had mostly to do with a quirk in OmniROM 6.x; the animation of the logo went a bit screwball (it kept not only repeating itself, but interfered with app recognition). It's why I put Unlegacy-Android back on the GNex in question.
If you have issues
This is actually included if the number ports, but hangs between Tracfone and the phone itself (and is referred to via the documentation) - auto-programming mode; you dial (via the Phone Dialer included with GApps) a special number (it doesn't even look like a real phone number, so you can't dial it by accident) and the phone is programmed to your new carrier (Tracfone, in this case) utterly hands-free. (It's also why even if you are running a non-stock ROM (all too likely), it's utterly irrelevant.
Lifeline phones
Yes; lifeline numbers from Safelink CAN be ported this way - in fact, Safelink is specifically covered as a number source - so you do NOT need to purchase an airtime card (either now or for at least a year - my ported number is, in fact, covered until January 2018). Be warned, though; your feature phone will basically become a paperweight.
allcity187 said:
I have a Galaxy nexus with Verizon with cm 11, I was wondering if I can take it to tracfone. I called customer service and they told me I can buy a activation code and a sim card and it will work. But I was wondering since I have a custom rom would it work. And if it does can I flash toro roms?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Decidedly yes - any ROM you could flash before the move, you can flash AFTER the move; it's still toro-based.
Carrier choice
The very reason I chose Tracfone is that they are neutral - they use multiple carriers (in this area, it is either T-Mobile or VZW) to provide service. The very reason, in fact, I have tried to avoid T-Mobile is due to my ALWAYS having signal-strngth issues with T-Mobile towers (and not just with Safelink; Virgin Mobile USA also uses T-Mobile towers with THEIR feature phones). However, unfortunately, you DO pay a premium in this area to use VZW compared to a neutral MVNO - and you can't get lifeline service directly from VZW (at least here).
ROM choice
ROM choice is NOT carrier-dependent - unless your phone is carrier-locked - which is not, and has never, been true with Tracfone (unless you are talking about feature phones; however, that is, in fact, true of all feature phones, regardless of carrier). You can choose any community ROM that your phone supports - and Tracfone won't care. (My issue with OmniROM has more to do with an animation issue in OmniROM itself - an issue that UA doesn't have - which is why I put UA back on the phone.) Also, I took a good HARD look at the Tracfone TOS - which in no way blocks community ROMs - not even on Android phones sold by Tracfone itself - let alone BYOP. (Also, do you realize that Tracfone sells a LOT of Android phones? Tracfone is, in fact, the largest carrier in terms of HSN phone sales, and trails only VZW on Amazon (and not by much, either). If anything, just in terms of TOS, Tracfone is the most friendly carrier in terms of community ROMs - also, how many US-based carriers even HAVE a real BYOP policy? That you can also port lifeline numbers (the number I ported was a lifeline number) drove the point home with a jackhammer.
The Bigger Issue
The biggest issue I have EVER had with Tracfone is that they tend to rely on T-Mobile towers compared to VZW for feature phones (at least locally) and compared to using feature phones on VZW (which I have done as a former VZW prepaid customer) quite frankly bites - especially in the exurbs. I haven't gone urban with the phone itself since I moved the number; however, I will before Christmas; we will see if the service improves. (Voice service - not data; since I won't be using cellular data at all; why would I when I have access to Comcast's network of hotspots at a cost of none?)
Nexus Phone to Tracfone
allcity187 said:
I have a Galaxy nexus with Verizon with cm 11, I was wondering if I can take it to tracfone. I called customer service and they told me I can buy a activation code and a sim card and it will work. But I was wondering since I have a custom rom would it work. And if it does can I flash toro roms?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have taken several i515 and a Maguro to Tracfone with many different ROMs ...Tracfone uses Verizon Towers for activation...the only thing Tracfone needs is the MEI number to activate not what ROM you're using...Not Verizon is a different story...sometimes they want you back on stock ROM to activate...some people just like to cause trouble...LOL
Tracfone vs. VZW
rm571 said:
I have taken several i515 and a Maguro to Tracfone with many different ROMs ...Tracfone uses Verizon Towers for activation...the only thing Tracfone needs is the MEI number to activate not what ROM you're using...Not Verizon is a different story...sometimes they want you back on stock ROM to activate...some people just like to cause trouble...LOL
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VZW is that way because they do in-store/dealer activation; Tracfone does not. Further, Tracfone allows for DIY (automated) activation; sensible, since they also allow for BYOD - again, this is something that VZW does NOT do. I don't hate VZW (or even Verizon as a company); in point of fact, in most cases, I recommend VZW for prepaid and NEW hardware because of the strength of their network and towers (compared to anyone else - especially T-Mobile). VZW's lowest-common-denominator is the salespeople in the stores and dealer network (like used-vehicle salespersons); Tracfone doesn't have any of that to deal with. If you're familiar with community ROMs, I can recommend Tracfone and especially if VZW has towers in your vicinity (because - unless T-Mobile has an exclusivity deal in your area - which is darn unlikely - you will be on VZW's towers for LTE); quite frankly, VZW beats T-Mobile with Da Ugly Stik for LTE or CDMA (somewhat understandable, as T-M is still a GSM network at heart - ex-VZW LTE gear - and especially phones - prefers CDMA for voice, as VoLTE isn't out yet). Before I walked into the world of Android, I had been using exclusively feature phones (with VZW, Virgin Mobile, and later Tracfone/Safelink). That gave me the opportunity to evaluate all the carrier networks for connectivity with as little money risk as possible. VZW won there with Sprint a surprising second.
This is going to seem like a stupid question but, I have a Nexus running CyanogenMod 11 that I no longer use as a phone; it has no data plan. I am currently using a Moto X. But I'd like to do a factory reset through TWRP. Basically start fresh. The only thing I use the phone for now is WiFi to browse the web. Since a factory reset would clear all of my settings would I be able to sign back in on Google even though I don't currently have a data plan? I'm going to say that yes, I'd be able to but I just want to make sure. I don't want to render the device a paperweight.
safe reset
Most definitely, you can do anything device related via Wi-Fi that you could do via mobile data. If during initial setup after reset your device does not want to allow you to add a Google account using Wi-Fi, simply skip Google signin, and once device is running, just activate your Wi-Fi, join your network and add a Google account directly from Accounts and Sync in settings.
oddball3 said:
Most definitely, you can do anything device related via Wi-Fi that you could do via mobile data. If during initial setup after reset your device does not want to allow you to add a Google account using Wi-Fi, simply skip Google signin, and once device is running, just activate your Wi-Fi, join your network and add a Google account directly from Accounts and Sync in settings.
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Thanks. That's what I thought but figured I'd jump on here and make sure. I'm not even sure what my plans are for this device. I love the Nexus but the Moto X is pretty awesome out of the box. My Nexus is on the last known good nightly for CM 11; 11-20140117-NIGHTLY-toro. I might just sell it. I just didn't want to reset it and make it a complete brick for someone else.
Safe reset
is your device gsm or cdma?
oddball3 said:
is your device gsm or cdma?
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It's Verizon so I believe it's CDMA.
The Tallest said:
It's Verizon so I believe it's CDMA.
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make and model? we can get it onto prepaid, or possibly enable gsm to pop a sim in, depending on what it is
Free Moto X
Verizon Wireless is the only major wireless carrier today that does not put a software lock on any of its 4G LTE smartphones. This means that whether you are on a contract or you paid full price for your Verizon 4G LTE handset, it is automatically unlocked.
You should be able to put a SIM card in it from any GSM carrier and it will offer basic voice, texting and 3G data. Whether it will also support LTE depends on what LTE frequency bands are
supported in the phone.
A Moto X designed for Verizon will work with either an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM on the gsm network. But you may be limited in terms of the service that you can access. As I said, you will definitely be able to text, call and use 3g, access to LTE will depend on the frequency band being used in your area, but most likely you'll be covered.
As far as the nexus is concerned, it supports LTE Band 4 AWS, which is also supported by AT&T and T-Mob on GSM, although not everywhere. A simple, cheap prepaid SIM from one of these networks popped into your nexus will confirm if it will work.
Hope I was able to help out, so now what are you waiting for? Go get yourself an AT&T or T-Mobile prepaid SIM and free your Gnex.
oddball3 said:
Verizon Wireless is the only major wireless carrier today that does not put a software lock on any of its 4G LTE smartphones. This means that whether you are on a contract or you paid full price for your Verizon 4G LTE handset, it is automatically unlocked.
You should be able to put a SIM card in it from any GSM carrier and it will offer basic voice, texting and 3G data. Whether it will also support LTE depends on what LTE frequency bands are
supported in the phone.
A Moto X designed for Verizon will work with either an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM on the gsm network. But you may be limited in terms of the service that you can access. As I said, you will definitely be able to text, call and use 3g, access to LTE will depend on the frequency band being used in your area, but most likely you'll be covered.
As far as the nexus is concerned, it supports LTE Band 4 AWS, which is also supported by AT&T and T-Mob on GSM, although not everywhere. A simple, cheap prepaid SIM from one of these networks popped into your nexus will confirm if it will work.
Hope I was able to help out, so now what are you waiting for? Go get yourself an AT&T or T-Mobile prepaid SIM and free your Gnex.
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I wasn't really looking to put service on it. BUT, now that you mention it, maybe I could get a sim card from a prepaid Verizon phone and put it into my Nexus and give it to my son.
The Tallest said:
I wasn't really looking to put service on it. BUT, now that you mention it, maybe I could get a sim card from a prepaid Verizon phone and put it into my Nexus and give it to my son.
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Great idea... shouldn't let old G-Nex go to waste Lol or you could send it over to me in south Africa hehe
Just got off the phone with Google, and apparently my service, Go Smart Mobile (feeds off of T-Mobile towers) is not compatible with the Nexus 5x because it only is unlocked to the major carriers. This is very strange to me, as the Nexus 5 was able to use Go Smart. Anyways, I am wondering if me rooting / unlocking the bootloader will open up any opportunity for my device to be compatible with my carrier. I'd like to know if I should return the device, or stick it out and order the converter for my computer and attempt to root. Thanks.
it only is unlocked to the major carriers - I think this is inaccurate information. If the Nexus 5 worked on GoSmart, the 5x should also, I believe.
Before you do any cable ordering or rooting, have you tried sticking a GoSmart nanoSIM in the phone and activating it? If it works on Tmobile towers, it uses the same bands, so it should work. If you have a functioning GoSmart microSIM in your possession, you can cut it down to fit in the 5x or get a nanoSIM from your provider.
You will also have to add the APN settings of GoSmart in Settings/More/Cellular Networks/Access Point Names. Your provider can give you this info.
After a bit more research is GoSmart 3G only? If so, you need another provider. Where are you located?
cabracorax said:
it only is unlocked to the major carriers - I think this is inaccurate information. If the Nexus 5 worked on GoSmart, the 5x should also, I believe.
Before you do any cable ordering or rooting, have you tried sticking a GoSmart nanoSIM in the phone and activating it? If it works on Tmobile towers, it uses the same bands, so it should work. If you have a functioning GoSmart microSIM in your possession, you can cut it down to fit in the 5x or get a nanoSIM from your provider.
You will also have to add the APN settings of GoSmart in Settings/More/Cellular Networks/Access Point Names. Your provider can give you this info.
After a bit more research is GoSmart 3G only? If so, you need another provider. Where are you located?
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I'm so sorry, I should have specified. I actually went to a local Go Smart Mobile and tried two different nano SIM cards and even replaced one of them completely. None of them worked. The rep then tried a T-Mobile and AT&T SIM, which worked. My Go Smart Mobile SIM works in my Galaxy S6 Edge, but not in the Nexus 5x. I spoke with a Google agent who confirmed that when Google says "Unlocked" for specifically the Nexus 5x, it only means for the major carriers. This of course proving why my SIM will not be recognized. I can't even access the mobile network settings, since it is greyed out completely. Very disappointing since I am in love with Nexus's and I really don't understand why the Nexus 5 was compatible, but not the 5x. This baffles me
Also I am located in South Florida, and Go Smart does have 4G.
Are you totally commited to GoSmart? Starting at $30 a month Project Fi would likely work in South Florida, as would other providers.
Hopefully others can chime in with solutions. Good luck!
Bump. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I'm using my 5X on MetroPCS, which isn't a major carrier, but it is part of T-Mobile. I have zero problems with it. I got my SIM activated and have full LTE and even WiFi calling.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
OldJon said:
My Go Smart Mobile SIM works in my Galaxy S6 Edge, but not in the Nexus 5x.
Also I am located in South Florida, and Go Smart does have 4G.
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Glad to see that Go Smart does have 4G in your area. The maps are misleading--obviously not up-to-date with T-Mobile upgrades. Are you still interested in keeping your S6? If not, you could try calling Go Smart Mobile for a device change (entering the new IMEI) using the same sim. You may want to try that anyway. If, after correct IMEI and APN settings are entered on the phone, it still doesn't work, I'd get the phone replaced. I don't know if you've tried FB, but I asked for some support there. (Basically, anyone have a 5X on this MVNO.)
MVNOs which is what all the sub networks are, for the most part. Being an MVNO they use the same towers as their provider. Any unlocked phone that will work with the provider should work with the MVNO
Rooting probably won't help. Where did you buy the phone. Also what doesn't work, calls and data? What APN are you using?
There are providers that do block IMEI of phones they don't recognize. AT&T used to do this a long time ago and have since abandoned it. Are you sure your MVNO carrier is not doing such a thing?
The Google rep is wrong. The phone can't be unlocked for "only major carriers". It's either unlocked or it's not, though any network can choose to block specific devices if they so choose.
This device is compatible with every network in the world up to 3g/H+. LTE is region specific however.
scoliosis said:
There are providers that do block IMEI of phones they don't recognize. AT&T used to do this a long time ago and have since abandoned it. Are you sure your MVNO carrier is not doing such a thing?
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Device input at the Go Smart Mobile returned a positive on the Google N5X for the service. Hopefully, the device id's are in their system.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk
Hi all,
I have in my hands an unopened G960F/DS. I was considering this phone to replace an old model, it's long due. I thought I did my homework and was able to determine this phone worked on Verizon in the US, but a serious note on the box and further research suggests I may have been wrong. Although it would be nice to have new hardware, I am replacing the old one almost entirely out of a desire to flash a custom ROM on it. I was under the impression the lack of CDMA support wasn't a big issue given that Verizon (and everyone else) is phasing out CDMA and the phone still had LTE. Thus my choice of the F/DS. I am informed that opening the box and returning the phone will incur a charge, while keeping the box sealed and returning it will not. I am trying to decide to continue forward and test on Verizon's network here in the US or just return the thing, the choice lies in compatibility with this network. So now I get to play a guessing game.
I find myself in 4G LTE areas most of the time. I want to use data and make voice calls.
This 2-post thread suggests not much can be done:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/help/sm-g960f-verizon-network-t3856443
This guy demonstrating slower speeds, which I'm not too concerned about, but also HSPA+ in an area he usually gets LTE. In the video description he says after applying a software update it works 'fine':
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkNXCK2iVO8
This site lists some band compatibility but doesn't say anything about not being able to use it with Verizon:
https://apn.gishan.net/en/apn/verizon/samsung-galaxy-s9
This site also lists band compatibility but warns about Verizon's strict device policy:
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...e-samsung-star/verizon-wireless-united-states
Is there any hope to use an unlocked S9 on Verizon in the US? I see this going one of several ways: 1) Everyone works out and I can make calls and use data and there are no issues and rainbows and unicorns 2) Data in certain places, no voice because something something "VoLTE" 3) Absolutely no data/voice whatsoever 4) I switch carriers I return this piece of junk and buy a phone that works. (might coincide with 2/3)
If I end up with (4), how can I avoid this issue in the future? I spent some considerable time deciding on this model, which has the features I want and an unlockable bootloader. Will the S10 have this issue? What about the Note 9? I apologize for the noobposting, and if I missed a thread that answered this question. Thanks for any help you can provide, I sincerely appreciate it.
Edit: This thread asks a similar question but isn't specific and neither are the answers:
https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-S9/Unlocked-galaxy-S9-on-Verizon/td-p/277493
I have been using a G965f/ds on Verizon Wireless.
VoLTE, vowifi, text, and data work after rooting.
Having done a speed test with a U device and on the g965f/ds, the speed I can receive seems equal.
I haven't had issues with making LTE calls in my area.
CynicalHeight00 said:
I have been using a G965f/ds on Verizon Wireless.
VoLTE, vowifi, text, and data work after rooting.
Having done a speed test with a U device and on the g965f/ds, the speed I can receive seems equal.
I haven't had issues with making LTE calls in my area.
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Thanks for the feedback. Are you based in the US? How did you activate the phone? I found instructions on LTE activation here:
www . verizonwireless . com/businessportals/support/how_to_use/activate_4g_lte.html
And an IMEI checker, which fails when I enter what I find on the box my phone is in:
www . verizonwireless . com/od/prepaid/bring-your-own-device/#/checkDevice
Edit: It also looks like they have a second page that checks IMEI (this also fails for me). Can you tell me what either of these pages say when you enter your IMEI?
www . verizonwireless . com/onedp/byod#/
I reside in the US.
The imei of my g965d/fs failed when inputted in to their system;however, the SIM is all that's needed for Verizon wireless to work on it. Initially, though, you might need to insert the SIM card into another imei Verizon wireless compatible device only to allow the system to have that imei in the system for your number. Since, you already have vzw, I'm assuming you already are activated on it with a device, so moving sims is the next step.
Thanks for your input. Anyone else have experience with this device on Verizon's network?
I could have written this exact post.
jmtroth said:
Thanks for your input. Anyone else have experience with this device on Verizon's network?
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I am trying to do the same thing with the same model Note 9, SM-N960F/DS. I was told by Verizon Level 2 tech rep that simply installing an activated SIM would make the phone work, obviously 4gLTE only since there are no CDMA bands. He checked the 4 bands Verizon uses for their 4gLTE and the F/DS model has all 4 of them.
I am in the same boat as you though. IF I try it and it doesn't work I have to return and lose $125 or switch to GSM network (AT&T or TMO) I am also trying to decide whether to take the gamble. This Level 2 Tech guy didn't mention anything about having to root the phone.
I would also like to know about the advisability of attempting this. I thought I read somewhere that this phone won't have any warranty in US anyway but I am not 100% sure about that. Sellers seem to want to gloss over that issue.
I'm very very interested in this
to put this to bed, you cant use any F galaxy phone on verizon and get full usage. vzw is a CDMA based carrier whereby voice is transmitted primarily via CDMA and data over GSM (which includes voLTE, obviously). The F model do not have CDMA radios in them. You CAN get data to work and therefore voLTE as long as you can flash the vzw CSC to get the phone to install the voLTE app. Long story short, dont try it. Its a fruitless endeavor. I mean, do what you want, i guess, but dont expect for the F to work well, or at all on vzw. There is nothing anybody on xda or anywhere can do to alleviate that.
I had straight talk using Verizon towers on note 8, my note 8 broke, I missed flashing custom ROMs, I bought a note 9 n960f, read online it would work too. I inserted sim. Did not get data or calls. Flashed custom ROMs found a lineage is rom that worked with data for like 2 min then quit. I kept Singapore rom csc stock radios I guess from Singapore, guy on here said he flashed Singapore stock Odin flash and ended up making his work but didn't work with my straight talk Verizon sim. My buddy came over and he uses visible network on Verizon towers we popped in his sim and it worked flawlessly on stock Singapore csc/flashed custom rom from xda. I switched, it's cheaper, it works and first month was 5$ no fee to transfer my number over. Visible is great, join a group and it's 25$ a month.