Using Project Fi on Pixel 2 (XL) in Australia - Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers

Hi Everyone,
I am researching the possibility of using the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL in Australia as a dual sim phone since it takes 1 physical sim and has the built in eSIM. I really want a dual sim phone and so I recently bought a OnePlus 5T. Really great phone but the camera just does not live up to my expectations. I came from a Nexus 6P which I think takes better pictures, or at least when you zoom in on the picture you dont get a washed out hazing effect like you do on the OP5T.
So I'm thinking of trying to get setup with Project Fi unless anyone knows info & details that I could use Telstra "One Number"? I should also mention that I currently have a Telstra sim provided by work (my company I work for) and then I have a person prepaid Telstra data only sim which use for my internet addiction and downloading which has 40GB data use on it currently). I'd like to keep this setup with SIMs so maybe I can get my company sim ported to Telstra One Number? I know using project Fi things will cost a little more with currency conversions since everything is in USA dollars. Plus the other thing I dont know yet is what number you'd get issued (a USA format number I guess?).
I also read that you need the North American model phone except I later found out that's for the Pixels (1st gen). The Pixel 2 (XL) phones all models are supported on Project Fi according to this google page https://support.google.com/fi/answer/6224695?hl=en
So I wanted to start this thread to get feedback and help provide answers to other about this possibility here down under in Australia to makes use of dual sim function on Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL.
Hopefully I haven't duplicated an already existing thread. I searched but not finding answers.
Paul.

Related

Difference Between Verizon and Unlocked Pixel 2XL?

I am looking to buy a Pixel 2XL 3rd party. I use T-Mobile and this is the Verizon version. I know it'll work on T-Mobile just fine however are there any differences between the Verizon and Unlocked versions such as timely updates?
I dont think so cause from what I've read Verizon people have gotten updates faster than I have. Only thing is if you plan to Unlock/Root but there has been threads saying its able to be done for the regular Pixel but not sure about the 2, I havent looked into the threads much as I have the Google version if I ever decide to do so. To me there really isnt a point to do it because the phone works so well without it.
So far no main difference in the two both. The Verizon one is just sold to the carrier portal but when used on another carrier it works just fine GSM or another CDMA carrier.
R/S
Otechtime
~YouTuber~
The verizon device bootloader cannot be unlocked as far as I know.
That's a rather important difference to note Id say.
Dont waste money on it, buy the google version.
sent from my Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
I think Verizon sells all of its phones locked. Maybe the Pixel 2 XL is different.
Taking a Verizon Pixel 2 XL and using it on a network other than Verizon is probably a lot easier than taking a Pixel 2 XL bought directly from Google as an unlocked phone and using it on Verizon. So luckily you don't have to do that.
jimv1983 said:
I think Verizon sells all of its phones locked. Maybe the Pixel 2 XL is different.
Taking a Verizon Pixel 2 XL and using it on a network other than Verizon is probably a lot easier than taking a Pixel 2 XL bought directly from Google as an unlocked phone and using it on Verizon. So luckily you don't have to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really dude? The VZW XL 2 is locked - hence why there is a bounty thread......
Really dude? It's very easy to use a Google XL on VZW...put sim card in and that's it.
twiz0r said:
Really dude? The VZW XL 2 is locked - hence why there is a bounty thread......
Really dude? It's very easy to use a Google XL on VZW...put sim card in and that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon must have changed in the last year or so then. Last time I was looking into Verizon they were really strict.
First of all, at least in the past, the SIM card on Verizon phones only activated the LTE portion of the connection. The CDMA portion used for calls and SMS still used the standard CDMA registration process than Verizon had always used.
Another thing that Verizon does, or used to do, is not allow just any phone on its network. Verizon required (again, his might have changed recently) phones to be provisioned on their network manually and if it wasn't a phone that Verizon sold they would usually say no. That is why phones like the Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X were almost impossible to use on Verizon despite the fact that the hardware was fully compatible with Verizon's network.
I guess Verizon must have changed the way it does things. From what you say simply entering a Verizon SIM card into a compatible unlocked phone will work without Verizon interaction and will register both the CDMA and LTE portions on Verizon's network
jimv1983 said:
Verizon must have changed in the last year or so then. Last time I was looking into Verizon they were really strict.
First of all, at least in the past, the SIM card on Verizon phones only activated the LTE portion of the connection. The CDMA portion used for calls and SMS still used the standard CDMA registration process than Verizon had always used.
Another thing that Verizon does, or used to do, is not allow just any phone on its network. Verizon required (again, his might have changed recently) phones to be provisioned on their network manually and if it wasn't a phone that Verizon sold they would usually say no. That is why phones like the Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X were almost impossible to use on Verizon despite the fact that the hardware was fully compatible with Verizon's network.
I guess Verizon must have changed the way it does things. From what you say simply entering a Verizon SIM card into a compatible unlocked phone will work without Verizon interaction and will register both the CDMA and LTE portions on Verizon's network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of that is great and true...but if you don't know for sure please don't spread misinformation. Have good night sir
twiz0r said:
All of that is great and true...but if you don't know for sure please don't spread misinformation. Have good night sir
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried using a phone other than the Pixel 2 XL that was not bought from Verizon on Verizon's network? What I said was true as recently as early November 2017. My friend has Verizon. His old phone died and he needed a phone to get him through a few weeks until he could get a new one. I tried to let him borrow my old Nexus 5X. From a hardware standpoint the Nexus 5X is fully compatible with Verizon. He put in his Verizon SIM card in and..... nothing. He called Verizon to see what the issue was. They said they won't activate it because the phone wasn't purchased from them. He went into a Verizon store in person and was told the same thing. Again, that was less than 3 months ago.
I did notice in my original post I did say in the "last year or so". That should have said "the last month or so". Sorry for the confusion that might have caused.
jimv1983 said:
Have you tried using a phone other than the Pixel 2 XL that was not bought from Verizon on Verizon's network? What I said was true as recently as early November 2017. My friend has Verizon. His old phone died and he needed a phone to get him through a few weeks until he could get a new one. I tried to let him borrow my old Nexus 5X. From a hardware standpoint the Nexus 5X is fully compatible with Verizon. He put in his Verizon SIM card in and..... nothing. He called Verizon to see what the issue was. They said they won't activate it because the phone wasn't purchased from them. He went into a Verizon store in person and was told the same thing. Again, that was less than 3 months ago.
I did notice in my original post I did say in the "last year or so". That should have said "the last month or so". Sorry for the confusion that might have caused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have bought several non verizon phones over the last several years and the only phone I had an issue with trying to get to work was a verizon pre-paid which they would not let me use on their service since it had never been activated before so they just want to get as much money as possible. I had the old unlimited plan and bought smartphones used on att and had no problem getting them activated several times.
Oh yes! Buy a Verizon phone, They all come with red handcuffs so that you can't alter the device in any way.
With a Verison phone you never really own the phone but you do have the privilege of paying for it.
Big red knows best.
CptnSpaulding71 said:
I have bought several non verizon phones over the last several years and the only phone I had an issue with trying to get to work was a verizon pre-paid which they would not let me use on their service since it had never been activated before so they just want to get as much money as possible. I had the old unlimited plan and bought smartphones used on att and had no problem getting them activated several times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Maybe it was a model of phone that Verizon did sell even if that actual phone wasn't bought from them and that was enough? Or maybe you were just lucky? I just know what I/my friend have experienced and I have heard of it happening to other people over the years. Although those other cases weren't very recent and I don't know what phones they were.
Honestly, the fact that it has to be "activated" by Verizon is bull****. When I got my Nexus 5, Nexus 5X and Pixel 2 XL there was no need for for the phones to be activated by AT&T. When I switched phones AT&T didn't even know about it.
twiz0r said:
Really dude? The VZW XL 2 is locked - hence why there is a bounty thread......
Really dude? It's very easy to use a Google XL on VZW...put sim card in and that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a Google version Pixel 2 XL from swappa. I went to a VZW authorized retailer, bought a Sim for $10 - profit. I didn't even get slapped with the one time $3O activation fee!
When I bought my wife's Iphoe 8 plus VZW hammered me with that $30 fee, hence now I always go to side chain VZW retailers not bug red HQ in my area.
Connecting an Unlocked Pixel XL2 on Verizon - No Verizon Software Wanted
I currently have an Unlocked Nexus 6P running on Verizon which was set up by a Verizon store support member in Jan 2016 when they weren't selling the phone. Seems to work fine, except the phone connectivity is a bit poor in less populated areas (Assuming that not all bands are supported).
Recently (Dec 2017) bought an Unlocked Pixel XL2 and intend to connect to Verizon. Reason I bought an Unlocked phone from Google is my desire to not have any Verizon software / bloatware installed when I put my SIM in and connect to the network; Not intending to root, just to avoid.
Anyone have any thoughts / input on how I can insure no Verizon garbage on the new phone during activation? Phone cost more just to avoid and I need to be sure I don't mess the activation up.
Thank you.
Twinsxchange said:
I currently have an Unlocked Nexus 6P running on Verizon which was set up by a Verizon store support member in Jan 2016 when they weren't selling the phone. Seems to work fine, except the phone connectivity is a bit poor in less populated areas (Assuming that not all bands are supported).
Recently (Dec 2017) bought an Unlocked Pixel XL2 and intend to connect to Verizon. Reason I bought an Unlocked phone from Google is my desire to not have any Verizon software / bloatware installed when I put my SIM in and connect to the network; Not intending to root, just to avoid.
Anyone have any thoughts / input on how I can insure no Verizon garbage on the new phone during activation? Phone cost more just to avoid and I need to be sure I don't mess the activation up.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. I'm amazed that Verizon allowed a Nexus 6P on its network since it never sold that phone. I tried to let my friend (who is a Verizon customer) use my Nexus 5X while he was waiting to get a new phone. Two different Verizon employees refused to register the phone on the Verizon network.
Twinsxchange said:
I currently have an Unlocked Nexus 6P running on Verizon which was set up by a Verizon store support member in Jan 2016 when they weren't selling the phone. Seems to work fine, except the phone connectivity is a bit poor in less populated areas (Assuming that not all bands are supported).
Recently (Dec 2017) bought an Unlocked Pixel XL2 and intend to connect to Verizon. Reason I bought an Unlocked phone from Google is my desire to not have any Verizon software / bloatware installed when I put my SIM in and connect to the network; Not intending to root, just to avoid.
Anyone have any thoughts / input on how I can insure no Verizon garbage on the new phone during activation? Phone cost more just to avoid and I need to be sure I don't mess the activation up.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just my personal experience, and not necessarily a guide. I've been on Big Red for 10+ years. When I went from a Verizon S5 to the Nexus 6p, I simply cut my micro sim card to make it a nano sim card. I booted up the 6p without the sim, and went through the Google setup process. Then I shut the phone off, installed the sim card, booted up and bang. Have full Verizon service, HD calling and Volte, and no Verizon bloat. Then, this past November when I got the P2XL, I did the same thing, with the same results. My point is, I have yet to speak with a Verizon rep, or go through an activation process. All my services work just fine, and still have no Verizon bloat. My P2XL is rooted, and when I dirty flash the monthly factory images, everything is still fine with no Verizon bloat. Hope this helps ?
I've not run a Verizon branded on big red since November of 2015, with a Moto X Pure Edition, followed by a Nexus 6P, followed by a Moto Z2 Play (not the Verizon version), followed by an OG Pixel XL(not the Verizon version), followed by an LG G6 (not the Verizon version), followed by a Pixel 2 XL (not the Verizon version).
When I got the MXPE, I had a Samsung Galaxy S4. It had a micro SIM. I bought a sim cutter and copied it down to a nano. Popped it into the MXPE and didn't look back. Eventually I got a real nano sim, but no issues.
If you wish to use a phone on Verizon, that is not on their list of authorized phones, the sim simply has to be "activated" on a Verizon phone and then you can put it in any phone. As long as the phone has the proper CDMA band support, you'll be good to go with no service issues.
jimv1983 said:
Wow. I'm amazed that Verizon allowed a Nexus 6P on its network since it never sold that phone. I tried to let my friend (who is a Verizon customer) use my Nexus 5X while he was waiting to get a new phone. Two different Verizon employees refused to register the phone on the Verizon network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not amazing. Verizon has allowed compatible phones to work on their network for years. I had a nexus 6p, google version pixel xl, and google version pixel 2 xl on verizon.
nomisunrider said:
It's not amazing. Verizon has allowed compatible phones to work on their network for years. I had a nexus 6p, google version pixel xl, and google version pixel 2 xl on verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Google version of the Pixel's make more sense because Verizon does (or did sell those phones). The Nexus 6P and other phones that are compatible but not sold by Verizon are a different story. You must have gotten lucky being able to get a Nexus 6P working on Verizon. They wouldn't allow the Nexus 5X on Verizon and it's just as compatible with Verizon as the Nexus 6P.
jimv1983 said:
The Google version of the Pixel's make more sense because Verizon does (or did sell those phones). The Nexus 6P and other phones that are compatible but not sold by Verizon are a different story. You must have gotten lucky being able to get a Nexus 6P working on Verizon. They wouldn't allow the Nexus 5X on Verizon and it's just as compatible with Verizon as the Nexus 6P.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stuck an active SIM in a Nexus 5x and used it for almost a year on Verizon with full functionality. Then I took the same card and used it in a 6p. Hate your luck but I've been swapping SIM cards on Verizon for years using branded and unlocked phones and never had any trouble.

Using a US Verizon Pixel 2 XL in South Korea

Hi everyone,
I looked around the internet/XDA and couldn't find anything on this, so I figured I'd make a post. I recently bought a Pixel 2 XL from Verizon. I'm a US student traveling to South Korea this summer and didn't know if anyone has had any luck taking their Pixel abroad with them. Verizon has expensive plans for overseas, so I was hoping to just grab a SIM card from another carrier in South Korea when I get there. However, I don't even know if that's a viable option with this phone. I know a lot of the times, phones have to be unlocked to use a different SIM card and I thought I read somewhere that Pixels are carrier unlocked by default. Can anyone point me in the right direction or share their experience? Thanks!
blalonde729 said:
Hi everyone,
I looked around the internet/XDA and couldn't find anything on this, so I figured I'd make a post. I recently bought a Pixel 2 XL from Verizon. I'm a US student traveling to South Korea this summer and didn't know if anyone has had any luck taking their Pixel abroad with them. Verizon has expensive plans for overseas, so I was hoping to just grab a SIM card from another carrier in South Korea when I get there. However, I don't even know if that's a viable option with this phone. I know a lot of the times, phones have to be unlocked to use a different SIM card and I thought I read somewhere that Pixels are carrier unlocked by default. Can anyone point me in the right direction or share their experience? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I live in France and i bought a pixel 2 xl verizon variant when i went to usa.. and yeah my french sim card works perfectly
blalonde729 said:
Hi everyone,
I looked around the internet/XDA and couldn't find anything on this, so I figured I'd make a post. I recently bought a Pixel 2 XL from Verizon. I'm a US student traveling to South Korea this summer and didn't know if anyone has had any luck taking their Pixel abroad with them. Verizon has expensive plans for overseas, so I was hoping to just grab a SIM card from another carrier in South Korea when I get there. However, I don't even know if that's a viable option with this phone. I know a lot of the times, phones have to be unlocked to use a different SIM card and I thought I read somewhere that Pixels are carrier unlocked by default. Can anyone point me in the right direction or share their experience? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon units are not carrier locked and will work in South Korea. See the LINK for the best carrier.
Thanks to both sabi95190 and v12xke for the information! Hopefully others will find this info useful in the future, too.

Dual SIM: active eSIM & SIM

Fellow XDA Devs:
A capability that a few of us approximated but never fully accomplished was using two Carriers on the Pixel 2 XL (active and passive modes).
Now that the Pixel 3 class is released, does anyone have insight on the feasibility of Active eSIM & Active SIM? That would be such an amazing feather which some much cheaper phones accomplish. I recognize that the Telecom overlords (i.e. Verizon and AT&T) would fight tooth and nail against this capability as the technology would diminish their control).
Thus, it may require playing under the hood and determining if the hardware can support. Appreciate any perspectives or insight you may have
Regards,
Herb
I'd be really surprised (and a little disappointed) if the hardware didn't support active/active, so fingers crossed it happens at some point - or is made to happen by one of the resident geniuses here.... but the box shots I have seen only have one IMEI so who knows?
hschreib said:
Fellow XDA Devs:
A capability that a few of us approximated but never fully accomplished was using two Carriers on the Pixel 2 XL (active and passive modes).
Now that the Pixel 3 class is released, does anyone have insight on the feasibility of Active eSIM & Active SIM? That would be such an amazing feather which some much cheaper phones accomplish. I recognize that the Telecom overlords (i.e. Verizon and AT&T) would fight tooth and nail against this capability as the technology would diminish their control).
Thus, it may require playing under the hood and determining if the hardware can support. Appreciate any perspectives or insight you may have
Regards,
Herb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, no reason to believe the 3 will be any different than the 2 with regards to active dual sim.
Another 'issue' would still be the eSIM can only be used with Project Fi (unless Google changed their mind).
Yes, but imagine Google Fi on the eSIM and the ability to install any other carrier (domestic or ESPECIALLY International) on the nano-SIM. Appreciate the feedback, markd66 and uicnren. Cheers, Herb
hschreib said:
Yes, but imagine Google Fi on the eSIM and the ability to install any other carrier (domestic or ESPECIALLY International) on the nano-SIM. Appreciate the feedback, markd66 and uicnren. Cheers, Herb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you can do that now, you just can't use them concurrently.
Obviously having both active simultaneously is what is desired, but given past history, its not going to happen.
I spoke to the Google Pixel Support and they confirmed that it won't support dual sim.
Ha dual sim? Verizon is not even letting you use the esim in the Pixel 3 XL. At least th 2 XL let you switch between sims. Not true dual but better than nothing. I used the fi for work calls and used the verizon for my personal calls. The sad part is this will not be a major issue so it will be ignored. I will either have to go back to 2 XL or walk with two phones...
Are you saying they have the esim blocked?
Yes that is correct. I really blows
Dazedust28 said:
Yes that is correct. I really blows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying active/active is blocked or the e-sim. On my pixel 3 xl I can now scan a qr code from any carrier or enter in the code manually to activate e-sim. Unfortunately T-Mobile doesn't do esim yet.
My wife is looking to get a pixel 3 and switch to Fi, and was hoping to use the esim thing to also have her work Verizon # on it. Is that a thing that's even possible?
DOMF said:
My wife is looking to get a pixel 3 and switch to Fi, and was hoping to use the esim thing to also have her work Verizon # on it. Is that a thing that's even possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If she or you are buying through Google, that should be no issue.
eSIM only works on Fi anyway, so you'd then need to get a VZW SIM.
DOMF said:
My wife is looking to get a pixel 3 and switch to Fi, and was hoping to use the esim thing to also have her work Verizon # on it. Is that a thing that's even possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, only one active at a time.
Can confirm, can't buy a VZ phone and use eSim. It is disabled
I believe that you can only use one sim at a time. At least that was my experience with the 2XL. Both sims (e and nano) can be active, but you have to switch service to use. I did this traveling internationally.
As for blocking the sim, I cannot comment since I didn't experience this (Google version).
uicnren said:
If she or you are buying through Google, that should be no issue.
eSIM only works on Fi anyway, so you'd then need to get a VZW SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel 3 supports eSIM with any carrier by scanning QR code provided by the carrier the same way iPhone XS does. There are few carriers supporting QR code eSIM right now, but launch is imminent on iPhone XS for more, and QR codes should work on Pixel 3 too.
How do you use the eSim on the Pixel anyway?
I wanted to bring this thread back to life as I am interested in the potential capabilities regarding active dual sim, but also wanted to clear up a few things.
the eSIM is not locked to project fi
the eSIM is not disabled
Verizon does not support eSIM (yet)
T-Mobile US does not support eSIM (yet)
the eSIM isn't being 'blocked' by anyone.
I want to know if the hardware would somehow allow dual active. I have two of these devices to test on. I don't know where to start
I'm on Project Fi using eSIM and also have a Giffgaff physical SIM installed just as a backup. It's very quick and easy to switch between them. When I first contacted Fi support to set it up I asked if this was feasible and they said definitely. So confirming that setup does work, but not dual active.
samnada said:
I'm on Project Fi using eSIM and also have a Giffgaff physical SIM installed just as a backup. It's very quick and easy to switch between them. When I first contacted Fi support to set it up I asked if this was feasible and they said definitely. So confirming that setup does work, but not dual active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the Apple 3 watch also uses eSim. I'm just waiting for Apple to put the hammer down on Verizon and demand eSim support. Then we'll have it on the Pixel 3 / XL for other than Fi. I'm figuring early 2019 but we'll see. Even so, this will not be eSim dual active but dual standby. It will be some time before manufactures (major ones) will go dual active. Pixel 4, iPhone XI?

External sim device

Hi folks,
I want to be able to use a second physical sim with my pixel 3xl. I need the second sim to be active for calls and texts but the main sim in the phone will be for data use and calls to that sim etc. I've seen a few bluetooth external devices but nothing relatively news. Has anyone a good relatively cheap solution for this?
Thanks,
Michael
micks_address said:
Hi folks,
I want to be able to use a second physical sim with my pixel 3xl. I need the second sim to be active for calls and texts but the main sim in the phone will be for data use and calls to that sim etc. I've seen a few bluetooth external devices but nothing relatively news. Has anyone a good relatively cheap solution for this?
Thanks,
Michael
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your idea will not work with the Pixel 3s at this time. Your only option is to get a different device, i.e. iPhone XS or XR. But those are not cheap. There is a buy one get one free deal going on which makes the least expensive one about $500 each. (wanna split it? but only the XS 5.8 lol)
I spoke with a Verizon tech yesterday and he has the XR with primary line on the esim and secondary on an international nano sim. His phone does exactly what you want and that's exactly what he does with it. He also believes, as do I, that this is software related not hardware. So perhaps in the coming months we'll see what the iPhone has ported to the Pixel 3 line. Just don't hold your breath. Other than the bluetooth solution you describe at this point you should probably sell the Pixel 3 and get a different device if it's imperative.

G Power phones from Google Fi not unlocked, help?

It has become apparent to a few of us who purchased G Power phones from Google Fi that their claim it is unlocked is not true. If you have them port your number over to a MVNO, such as I did, to Boom Mobile, (Verizon ), that sim card will only get you 2G, 1xRTT, with no data. There is a thread on Reddit , and Motorola forum. And, the claims are it would be difficult to rid the phone of the Fi rom and replace it with one that will truly unlock the phone.
This forum will not let me post those links now. However, users of this phone from Fi have tried everything but rooting, which of course, voids the warranty. And, the consensus is, it is installed firmware. Most bought these from Fi at a attractive price of $149, for a claimed, "unlocked", phone. $100 less then from Best Buy etc.
And, probable not that many complaints yet, as most stick with Fi.
Multiple emails to Google Fi, get you nowhere, as they will not admit to the problem.
As I, and others no little about rooting., we are looking for a simple answer to get Google Fi's rom off the phone, without a lot of hassle.
Any help would be appreciated. We all have tried; Factory, Network Reset etc. nothing so far works. If we had purchased the phone from another retail store unlocked this would not happen.
As you may know, Google Fi uses T-Mobile/Sprint/ Us Cellular networks on this phone, and their service is generally good. However, where I live and travel, Verizon just works more of the time. I put Boom Mobile's, (Verizon), sim card into my older, unlocked Moto G6, bought from Best Buy, which was on Google Fi for some time, and it works, 4G,without doing anything.
Thank you for any help.
I might have mis-spoke about a Moto G Power unlocked from non-network retail, it may have same problem, no conformation on this yet.
So I did the same as you. I purchase from Google FI. But I place my at&t sim on this phone and everything is working fine. Download speeds around 33 to 28mbps. Only thing I noticed is my calls are not Cristal clear. Other than that I had no issues so far
@PesSarmiento Thanks for that Info! It has been pretty consistently reported on various forums that the problem lies in trying to use the Google Fi sourced Moto G Power on the Verizon network. I have personally wondered what would happen if I inserted an AT&T SIM card, so that's good to know. It seems that Google promotes the G Power as an "unlocked" phone, only to find that is not so.
180pilot said:
It has become apparent to a few of us who purchased G Power phones from Google Fi that their claim it is unlocked is not true. If you have them port your number over to a MVNO, such as I did, to Boom Mobile, (Verizon ), that sim card will only get you 2G, 1xRTT, with no data. There is a thread on Reddit , and Motorola forum. And, the claims are it would be difficult to rid the phone of the Fi rom and replace it with one that will truly unlock the phone.
This forum will not let me post those links now. However, users of this phone from Fi have tried everything but rooting, which of course, voids the warranty. And, the consensus is, it is installed firmware. Most bought these from Fi at a attractive price of $149, for a claimed, "unlocked", phone. $100 less then from Best Buy etc.
And, probable not that many complaints yet, as most stick with Fi.
Multiple emails to Google Fi, get you nowhere, as they will not admit to the problem.
As I, and others no little about rooting., we are looking for a simple answer to get Google Fi's rom off the phone, without a lot of hassle.
Any help would be appreciated. We all have tried; Factory, Network Reset etc. nothing so far works. If we had purchased the phone from another retail store unlocked this would not happen.
As you may know, Google Fi uses T-Mobile/Sprint/ Us Cellular networks on this phone, and their service is generally good. However, where I live and travel, Verizon just works more of the time. I put Boom Mobile's, (Verizon), sim card into my older, unlocked Moto G6, bought from Best Buy, which was on Google Fi for some time, and it works, 4G,without doing anything.
Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I am going to guess that something else is going on here. If it wasn't unlocked, I don't think you would get any service at all, not just 2G, 1xRTT.
Has anyone tried a factory reset with the different provider sim in the device?
I am using mine on FI and don't currently have another sim to test.
boog said:
I think I am going to guess that something else is going on here. If it wasn't unlocked, I don't think you would get any service at all, not just 2G, 1xRTT.
Has anyone tried a factory reset with the different provider sim in the device?
I am using mine on FI and don't currently have another sim to test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, many of us have done numerous factory resets. And yes, we've tried other sim cards, on a VZW MVNO in my case. Nothing works. I read of one person inserting an AT&T sim card and that did work for him.
I did get a response from Motorola Support today on the Lenovo Forum. It reads...
Senior MotoAgent
Re:LTE Not Working When moving from Google Fi to Red Pocket MVNO (using CDMA / VZW)
2020-08-14, 11:25 AM
Hi Yar33,
We checked that Google Fi Models having a problem with calls and data when moving to other carriers not just Verizon. These models will get fixed in future updates which is an update coming from us, not by Google. For now, we do not have any time frame for the update.
Best regards,
Zeke
Motorola Support
Yar33 said:
Yes, many of us have done numerous factory resets. And yes, we've tried other sim cards, on a VZW MVNO in my case. Nothing works. I read of one person inserting an AT&T sim card and that did work for him.
I did get a response from Motorola Support today on the Lenovo Forum. It reads...
Senior MotoAgent
Re:LTE Not Working When moving from Google Fi to Red Pocket MVNO (using CDMA / VZW)
2020-08-14, 11:25 AM
Hi Yar33,
We checked that Google Fi Models having a problem with calls and data when moving to other carriers not just Verizon. These models will get fixed in future updates which is an update coming from us, not by Google. For now, we do not have any time frame for the update.
Best regards,
Zeke
Motorola Support
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That actually sounds a bit more reasonable, thanks for sharing that.
The bit of testing on Fi for me appears to show that the phone switches to H or 3g for calls when connected to T-Mobile. Sprint acts like sprint and switches to 1x for phone calls.
But it has a hard time staying connected to T-mobile compared to Pixel devices I used in the past.
I hope they fix it soon.
So I recently got my visible sim card, and like you mentioned I have no service on Moto G Power. The sim card is working fine in a Galaxy note 9. Let me know if you got some fix to this problem. I will really appreciate if you can send me a PM with those links from the other forums
PesSarmiento said:
So I recently got my visible sim card, and like you mentioned I have no service on Moto G Power. The sim card is working fine in a Galaxy note 9. Let me know if you got some fix to this problem. I will really appreciate if you can send me a PM with those links from the other forums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isn't visible on Verizon? So you can't just switch a sim from one device to another like GSM.
Edit: This solution worked from a user u/yagyaxt1068 on Reddit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MotoG/comments/i7djqx/guide_on_how_to_get_lte_working_on_verizon_again/
You'll have to unlock the bootloader and flash the Verizon ROM. The Retail/RETUS ROM doesn't solve the issue.
Meanwhile 6+ months later... They must have fixed the problem.
I just bought a 'used' Moto G Power (XT2041-4) off of eBay a few weeks ago. Two months old.
Private Seller. He made sure that the device was wiped properly so I didn't have to deal with FRP issues.
Android 10, Google Fi software channel.
I installed my SIM from Mint Mobile and was off to the races. I haven't had any connection issues (that I know of.)
I'm still learning my way around the device...
Seems last update did something, my G power now works with Boost Mobile sim? software channel still, Google Fi. Bought another G power from Best Buy, channel is, US retail. Both work fine Verizon LTE. Now always carry two identical phones, for safety backup. Waiting for Android 11 update to see if the channel changes on Fi phone?
Try disabling Google Fi app before trying on any other sim card. I'm using G power(bought from google) with ultra-mobile. Everything is working as expected.
Most likely because Ultra Mobile is using T- Mobile. Same as Fi.
Does the Software Channel in "about phone" page still show Google Fi or US retail?
I disabled the Fi app and still could not use Verizon MVNO before last update.
Did any of you guys set up the ****ing APN at all or what? If you have nothing except for basic "2G" its because you need the APN and the moment it's in there it will take a tenth of a second for it to pop up and that's it
Tried that' first phone from Google has "Google FI" as APN. and prefs are grayed out can't change it. Second Moto G from Best Buy has "VZWINTERNET". Found by; Settings, Network & internet, Mobile network, Advanced, Access Point Names. Seems Phone from Google the APN will stay the same if inserting a verizon sim card? Unlocked changes.

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