Develop Bugs

Galaxy Nexus on Page Plus? I want that unlimited talk/sms/1GB data for $55

I'm a brand new Galaxy Nexus owner! Actually I bought it for my girlfriend; there's no way I could give up my Note. Anyone know how to get this thing set up on Page Plus? The first thing they asked for is an ESN or MEID #, so I pulled the battery and there's only an IMEI # listed. The customer service rep said they can't do anything without an ESN or MEID; but then how does it work on Verizon? If it works with Verizon, it should work with Page Plus.
I'm starting to worry now, because I also just found a thread here where they're trying the same thing but stuck because they can't find the diagnostic menu for manual programming. Anyone know anything about that? Now that I have it in my hands, I reallllly want to get it working!!!

I like how you bought the phone and then decided to do the research on it.
And why did you decide to go for the Verizon version and go with Page Plus? You'd be better off getting the GSM version anyway and using that. There are many many many more MVNO and prepaid options if you just bought GSM. Its not like you were going to get LTE on any prepaid network anyways. Buying a Galaxy Nexus and parking it on EVDO is kinda ****ty.
That being said, looks like you're gonna have to do some research on this one. My guess is theres an issue because Verizon activates and registers phones on their network using the LTE SIM, rather than traditional CDMA methods (afaik).

Err...Verizon uses the MicroSIM. It contains an MEID number, so it can easily be attached to the network when it's plugged in.
Also, the CDMA/LTE Nexus is carrier-locked, so even if you had an MEID number it wouldn't be allowed on Page Plus' network.
Did you seriously spend $650 without even doing a minute of research?

It was a great deal I couldn't pass up: $300! (though it does have a little road rash on the bottom edge.) That's why I bought it right away without first doing the research. I'm sure I can re-sell it if I have to, but I'd really rather not.
After posting I went to About in settings and found that it does have an MEID #, which happens to be the same as the IMEI, but missing the last digit.
So there's no unlock for it yet? I assumed that it being google's Android flagship would mean almost immediate root and unlock.
Yes, I know I still have some reading to do; I just got home and immediately posted because I couldn't wait!

maxh said:
So there's no unlock for it yet? I assumed that it being google's Android flagship would mean almost immediate root and unlock.
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But its a CDMA phone... Just resell it and buy the GSM model. Save yourself the trouble.

Do you think it might help if I went by a Verizon store and got a SIM card?
martonikaj said:
But its a CDMA phone... Just resell it and buy the GSM model. Save yourself the trouble.
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I will if I have to, but I'm gonna try to make it work first. She's pretty happy with Page Plus (Verizon service) where she travels for work.

maxh said:
Do you think it might help if I went by a Verizon store and got a SIM card?
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How are you gonna convince them to do that when you have no indication whatsoever of signing a contract or using their service? lol.
And that still doesn't remove the fact that it registers on the network with the SIM, which Page Plus (in my reading) does not do, as they don't have LTE.

martonikaj said:
How are you gonna convince them to do that when you have no indication whatsoever of signing a contract or using their service? lol.
And that still doesn't remove the fact that it registers on the network with the SIM, which Page Plus (in my reading) does not do, as they don't have LTE.
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I figured I'd do some sweet talking... And maybe ask to get set up for Verizon prepaid.
So are you saying if you're in an area where Verizon hasn't yet rolled out LTE the GNexus won't fall back to CDMA or EV-DO, or whatever those non GSM people use?

maxh said:
I figured I'd do some sweet talking... And maybe ask to get set up for Verizon prepaid.
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But their SIM is provisioned for their network. Not Page Plus' network. That's like saying you're going to walk into an AT&T store just to get a SIM, then try to go over to T-Mobile and use their network. That's not how it works.
So are you saying if you're in an area where Verizon hasn't yet rolled out LTE the GNexus won't fall back to CDMA or EV-DO, or whatever those non GSM people use?
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Of course it will. It does EVDO and LTE. Not everywhere has LTE yet. What I'm saying is why deal with EVDO (you'll never get LTE on Page Plus) when you could have HSPA+ with the GSM model.

martonikaj said:
But their SIM is provisioned for their network. Not Page Plus' network. That's like saying you're going to walk into an AT&T store just to get a SIM, then try to go over to T-Mobile and use their network. That's not how it works.
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Page Plus's network is Verizon's network. (though I don't think LTE is included. People on AT&T MVNOs (such as straight talk) regularly get SIM cards from AT&T stores to fix service issues...
I found these guys who claim to flash all sorts of devices including Android for Page Plus, and they have a huge Galaxy Nexus picture front and center; I contacted them and hope it's not false advertising.

maxh said:
Page Plus's network is Verizon's network. (though I don't think LTE is included. People on AT&T MVNOs (such as straight talk) regularly get SIM cards from AT&T stores to fix service issues...
I found these guys who claim to flash all sorts of devices including Android for Page Plus, and they have a huge Galaxy Nexus picture front and center; I contacted them and hope it's not false advertising.
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Yes its the same network, I'm aware of how an MVNO works... what I'm saying is Page Plus doesn't activate phones using SIM cards because it doesn't have LTE or that system in place, whereas Verizon does. Which leads to issues.
Just makes more hurdles. As I said, you're going through extra trouble to just get a EVDO-stuck Galaxy Nexus. But that's your choice...
And ouch, those guys charge $50 to flash your phone? Kinda lame...
Anyways, good luck to you.

maxh said:
It was a great deal I couldn't pass up: $300! (though it does have a little road rash on the bottom edge.) That's why I bought it right away without first doing the research.
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If you (really) ended up with a used, slightly damaged Verizon Galaxy Nexus for that price, and can't use it without signing a contract with Verizon. I say you're pretty much screwed since the price of Verizon's Galaxy Nexus just went down to $99 only.
http://wireless.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-Android-Wireless/dp/B0061R2A1S

martonikaj said:
Yes its the same network, I'm aware of how an MVNO works... what I'm saying is Page Plus doesn't activate phones using SIM cards because it doesn't have LTE or that system in place, whereas Verizon does. Which leads to issues.
Just makes more hurdles. As I said, you're going through extra trouble to just get a EVDO-stuck Galaxy Nexus. But that's your choice...
And ouch, those guys charge $50 to flash your phone? Kinda lame...
Anyways, good luck to you.
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Thank you for taking the time to comment in my thread. I started it with hopes of generating conversation that could lead to clues on overcoming the hurdles of putting the GNex on Page Plus. I don't need suggestions for other courses of action; my girlfriend is very happy with Page Plus (and the Verizon network) where she travels for work. I wanted to get her a new phone, the best one that'll work on Page Plus, and I found a smoking deal on it so I bought it.
So what it won't achieve LTE speeds; there's still many other things to like about it, and nothing else will achieve LTE on Page Plus, either. It's a perfectly good plan; not everyone's willing to pay twice as much or more just for LTE, but may still want a top notch phone.
I'll give it a week or two then sell it if nobody can figure out diagnostics mode on it, but I have high hoped.
And if it took paying $50, it'd still be dirt cheap compared to going to Verizon! You'd make that money back and then some on the first month with Page Plus instead of Verizon!

CyberPunk7t9 said:
If you (really) ended up with a used, slightly damaged Verizon Galaxy Nexus for that price, and can't use it without signing a contract with Verizon. I say you're pretty much screwed since the price of Verizon's Galaxy Nexus just went down to $99 only.
http://wireless.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-Android-Wireless/dp/B0061R2A1S
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Oh, it'd move. Looking at completed listings on Ebay and craigslist offerings, I'm pretty sure it'd be snatched up rapidly at $300. $99 is with 2-year commitment and those subsidies tend to translate to street value around $350 (i.e. that's the discount you get for signing a contract.) Anyways, I have a habit of giving old devices to friends/family.
Edit: especially with the terms/conditions Amazon puts on top of Verizon's in the contracts...
Edit 2: of course neither I nor anyone else would have to sign a Verizon contract on this phone, since the original guy who got the subsidized price did it.

Anybody know anything more about this yet?

maxh said:
Anybody know anything more about this yet?
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I highly doubt anyone is doing much research on this, since it's such a rare request. Most people will just get the GSM model, if they do not want to use Verizon.
If you have a local shop willing to do this for you, I recommend contacting them - but I wouldn't pay a cent until you've verified functionality.
Cheers

Hi!
I am doing my own research too cause I too own a Verizon Galaxy nexus, and want to get it working with my local carrier in Mexico. Still looking to get it in diagnostic mode but wit no possitive results yet. As always, there will be a solution, but as things are going until now, it could take some time to appear.
And as yomuppet says, dont pay a cent until you see the thing workin!

I'd pay the 50 bucks to get it flash by that website or another site called beige something...
Otherwise you need CDMA workshop.
Look up HTC Thunderbolt on pageplus on these forums and you'll find a video on how to do it on that fone. I image it would be similar process for the sammy

did anyone ever get this working?

I totally understand original posters issue. I like the nexus and would like to get one but I too am a happy pageplus customer and would like to see if there's a way to make it work. Lame that people can't address the issue at hand but instead try to ridicule your decision. I tried setting up the droid charge (also a 4g lte phone) on pageplus but with no success - and ended up selling it. And yes, I walked into the verizon store and asked and they just gave me a sim card. but it still wouldn't register - and I also gave them the imei #minus the last digit. Too bad... I really like the new lte phones but I haven't seen many of then work on pageplus yet. If anyone figures it out, please post it here.

Is it possible for me as an American to get an international note 7? Is it worth it?

I'm on AT&T, but no contract so, correct me if I'm wrong, there isn't any reason to buy the note from AT&T. How, as an American, do I buy the international version? The only place I see it is on amazon, where they're charging an extra 100$ for.
Additionally is there any reason not to go with the international version?

Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.

The 930U is the unlocked American version? When does that even come out? I don't care about the bootloader, I just would prefer the exynos version because it's usually a slight bit better, but I'm not dropping 980$ on it.

The U version of the S7 was still a snapdragon. If you want the exynos, you'll need to get the international version. It's not out so that's probably why it's still pricey. If you want to save some cash just wait for it to be cheaper on Swappa or eBay.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Galax...ack-Silver-Gold-Blue-/201637586849?nav=SEARCH
Only $30 more than carrier pricing on eBay.

cadcamaro said:
Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.
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How did you flash the U version I thought Verizon has locked bootloaders and you couldn't make modifications ?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

It flashes through Odin. Since it's a stock firmware it flashed over just fine.
---------- Post added at 01:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:34 PM ----------
Bump
Here's another store selling for even less. I'm not sure if they charge tax though, but either way with any carrier upgrade you're looking at the phone price and tax anyways.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1269581-REG/samsung_n930_black_galaxy_note_7_64gb.html

would it be worth it to spend 100$ more to buy the Exynos version? That's what I am wondering too...
are there any downside?
Isn't there more support for Exynos version and more battery saving?

If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.

LouK said:
If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.
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Thanks! that's what I was thinking! and Exynos version seems to have better battery as well!
As for frequencies - it looks like they are good for most Canadian wireless companies.
Do we know for sure if Exynos N930F will come with an unlocked bootloader? (still waiting to order mine)
And what about warranty? Isn't Samsung supposed to honor warranty no matter where you buy it from on brand new phones just launched for a year since their launch date (it only makes sense and they used to back in Galaxy S2 days - from experience) *sigh*

galaxyluv said:
Thanks! that's what I was thinking! and Exynos version seems to have better battery as well!
As for frequencies - it looks like they are good for most Canadian wireless companies.
Do we know for sure if Exynos N930F will come with an unlocked bootloader? (still waiting to order mine)
And what about warranty? Isn't Samsung supposed to honor warranty no matter where you buy it from on brand new phones just launched for a year since their launch date (it only makes sense and they used to back in Galaxy S2 days - from experience) *sigh*
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Nope, from what im seeing they wont honor warranty in the US if you buy an international phone. Thats my major hurdle right now. I would really like to get some type of warranty. Even contacted Squaretrade and they said no. So will try upsie.

it's been a few years since I bought international, last phone was s3, what's the current state of international Samsung phones on att? do we still only get 2 compatible bands? I know theres a thing where you have to use the phone for 5 mins in that country with the country Sim card, anything else I should know about? speed and coverage still good? i been out of the game a bit so I'm playing catch up here.

LouK said:
If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.
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Click to collapse
I am in the same boat as you. Being able to flash my phone and play around with it, is my version of a work day stress reliever. Being an owner of a S7E and my old reliable N4, I cant wait for the N7 to be released. I will be replacing my N4 with it so I need to make sure that the Intl version will be unlocked. Will be following the early reports that will soon start trickling in as units arrive to their new owners.

I may be able to help I'm in Thailand.
Sent from my SM-N910C using XDA-Developers mobile app

naruto.ninjakid said:
Nope, from what im seeing they wont honor warranty in the US if you buy an international phone. Thats my major hurdle right now. I would really like to get some type of warranty. Even contacted Squaretrade and they said no. So will try upsie.
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I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warrenty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is giong to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warrenty program like Upsie. Good Luck

Thanks Alot !
mocsab said:
I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warranty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is going to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warranty program like Upsie. Good Luck
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This is why I like this community. Thanks for coming back and updating. This was my biggest issue and you have now solved it. knowing I can get a warranty alleviates the what if's for me. I'm paranoid and always insure my devices even though i have never broken one. So I will be ordering from B&H as well. They seem very knowledgeable on unlocked phone issues from the FAQ and they don't charge tax in some states. All Im waiting for now is to see if Root is coming and development support. I'm on T-Mobile by the way so I will not get VoLTE and WiFi-calling but TEKHD said he will work on that in his ROM so I have some hope. Thanks again.

naruto.ninjakid said:
This is why I like this community. Thanks for coming back and updating. This was my biggest issue and you have now solved it. knowing I can get a warranty alleviates the what if's for me. I'm paranoid and always insure my devices even though i have never broken one. So I will be ordering from B&H as well. They seem very knowledgeable on unlocked phone issues from the FAQ and they don't charge tax in some states. All Im waiting for now is to see if Root is coming and development support. I'm on T-Mobile by the way so I will not get VoLTE and WiFi-calling but TEKHD said he will work on that in his ROM so I have some hope. Thanks again.
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I am on ATT and use the G935F right now on ATT and it works great - I don't knwo for sure if the N930 (note 7) will be unlocked but it seems like it probably will be - I htink the chances are high that the bootloader is unlocked and if that turns out to be true, root is not too far away - just need to get it in the hands of a few devs who do that sort of thing - and all should be good. Fingers Crossed...

mocsab said:
I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warrenty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is giong to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warrenty program like Upsie. Good Luck
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Click to collapse
would you know if the square trade warranty would apply to people living in Canada as well?

cadcamaro said:
Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.
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Interesting. What advantages does the U firmware have over the stock Verizon firmware, or are you just getting rid of all the Verizon bloat? Do you lose wifi calling and Samsung pay?

spinedoc said:
Interesting. What advantages does the U firmware have over the stock Verizon firmware, or are you just getting rid of all the Verizon bloat? Do you lose wifi calling and Samsung pay?
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You lose all bloatware and Verizon apps. It essentially turns the phone into a stock Samsung expensive.
You will lose any carrier extras like wifi calling VOLTE and Verizon's own vvm service. For some reason they only allow you to install their voicemail apps on their phones. Samsung pay still works though, and to get around the voicemail issue I just use Google voice as a forwarding number if I don't answer. It's honestly better than any carrier voicemail service I've used as there's no extra charges and you get notifications anywhere.

cadcamaro said:
You lose all bloatware and Verizon apps. It essentially turns the phone into a stock Samsung expensive.
You will lose any carrier extras like wifi calling VOLTE and Verizon's own vvm service. For some reason they only allow you to install their voicemail apps on their phones. Samsung pay still works though, and to get around the voicemail issue I just use Google voice as a forwarding number if I don't answer. It's honestly better than any carrier voicemail service I've used as there's no extra charges and you get notifications anywhere.
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Yeah I use Google voice as well. Great info thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

What are the drawbacks to buying the unlocked S9 for Verizon?

I'm trying to figure out why the Verizon S9 is $80 more than the unlocked one. I used to have the unlocked S7 on Verizon and I understand that some carrier features such as VVM and VoLTE will not work. You also lose some of the Verizon specific apps that are preinstalled. I'm trying to find out if the unlocked phone will support all frequency bands used by Verizon for the best speed and coverage. I tried contacting Samsung through thier web site and here is my conversation:
Murtuza MD, SAMSUNG Care Pro
Them - Please excuse us for the long hold. We have had an unusually high volume of chats coming in. I would be happy to assist you with any questions you have about our products.
Me - What are the drawbacks to buying the unlocked S9 to use on Verizon. I understand that VVM will not work but will the phone support all of the bands used by Verizon to get the best call reception and data speeds?
Them - Please give me a few minutes to review the information you have shared.
Them - I see that the Unlocked S9 phone will be compatible with all the carrier's including Verizon.
Me - I understand that it will be compatible but will it perform the same as the Verizon branded S9? Why is the Verizon S9 $80 more expensive? What does the additional $80 buy for me?
Them - It will get you the Verizon specific feature's and applications that will be Pre installed on the phone.
Them - Please let me know if you have any more questions or queries for me.
Me - So the unlocked S9 will support all available Verizon radio bands?
Them - Yes, you are right.
Me - OK Thank you.
So it appears that the unlocked phone will work properly. Do anyone else find it ridiculous that the carrier locked phone would cost more? I would expect it to cost less unless there is some advantage to the carrier branded phone I am missing. Can anyone think of any other drawbacks to buying the unlocked phone? I could also note that the updates for the unlocked S7 were actually slower than the Verizon branded S7's updates.

unlocked bootloader is the must as well as aosp !!
usa and Canada will get the worst version again !!

I used a prepaid Verizon SIM on an Verizon S8 and lost VVM and WiFi calling but had HD Calling and I then purchased the unlocked Unlocked Pixel 2 XL directly from Google and it worked with with the Verizon prepaid SIM with the same downfalls of no VVM or WiFi calling but again I had HD calling. Not sure if this info helps but I WILL be buying the unlocked version S9 because I don't gain anything due to me using my prepaid SIM.

I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.

For those that had HD calling still usable with the unlocked versions of other devices, were you able to take calls and browse the web at the same time? I used an unlocked S7 with Verizon service for a while, but every time I was on a call I was not able to browse the web at the same time. Unfortunately for the kind of work I do I need to be able to do both.
That may be a drawback from not having the Verizon version of the S9 on their network.

So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?

xgman said:
So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?
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If it is a Verizon postpaid (contract) SIM? Yes
If it is a Verizon prepaid SIM? NO

Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.

xgman said:
Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.
Click to expand...
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No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM

Throwinrocks said:
No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM
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Click to collapse
It is not a pre paid sim. It is a contract sim, but it won't make any difference. VVM won't work on a locked Verizon phone since the actual app won't even be on the phone and can't even be downloaded from the app store apparently.

When you put that post paid SIM into a Verizon S8 the VVM will appear on that phone along with 2 or 3 other apps plus Verizon phones aren't locked. My Verizon S8 had the VVM icon on my phone but it would not let me use it because I have a prepaid SIM. I have that icon on my phone.
There are two levels of VVM one is free with postpaid and the other is premium that cost $2.99 a month
Try this. Log in:
My Verizon>My Plans and Services>Blocks>Block Services>Block Visual Voice Mail>ON
Reboot and try a test call

I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.

xgman said:
I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.
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Click to collapse
I agree. You'd think no matter if it's locked or unlocked phone or a post paid or prepaid SIM they would want to keep you as a customer and allow us to have a simple feature. I still remember when you had to buy text messaging like minutes. LOL
---------- Post added at 12:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
RossTeagan said:
I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.
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Click to collapse
Wait for what? What details and specific features are you talking about?

I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?

skiddingus said:
I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?
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Click to collapse
Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now

Josh LaCelle said:
Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now
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From what I'm hearing Verizon hasn't started locking them yet but what difference does it make? AT&T and Sprint have been doing it for years. Once you activate the phone you can unlock it and in some cases they unlock once activated. They are locking them so when people steal them they're unable to use them. There's a ton of articles explaing why and I can't understand why everyone gets upset about it.

Now I take everything samsung says with a grain of salt and some hot sauce but the lady I just talked to (I recorded it) said that the snapdragon verizon s9+ had a unlockable bootloader (but she highly recommended against it). Has anyone else called samsung and asked them?

I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!

droideris1 said:
I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told something similar by the first person I talked to at Verizon. When I started to ask specific questions, they transferred me to tech support and then I was told the opposite. The tech confirmed that VVM will not be available on the unlocked version. I guess we will find out for sure in a couple weeks.

Find me one person with an unlocked S8 on Verizon that has normal visual voice mail? S9 is no different. I need the VVM for my business, don't need or want a new activation, so I have no choice but to pay the ransom.

Unlocked S20 Ultra

Debating to get the AT&T or Unlocked version.
Previously if you get the unlocked versions of the S series you don't get VVM or VoLTE access unless you do some workaround but that only worked for about a month for me on a S9+.
Currently have the AT&T S10+ and I don't remember having to pay the any additional fees last year.
If I get the AT&T version, the $600 credit is only applied if I do the AT&T payment plan AND a $30 upgrade fee is added. This would be the safe bet to ensure all carrier services are included, but also don't like that I'd be forced to pay an additional $30 when I can just pay the full asking price*.
*If i choose to pay the full price without the payment plan I lose about $300 in credit for my S10+
If I get the unlocked version, I might not have access to VVM or VoLTE. I can deal without the VVM, since I did that for a year when I had the unlocked S9+, and want to know if VoLTE/Vo5G would work out-of-the-box or if only Vo5G will work(because there is going to be more standardized access/bands) but not VoLTE since I believe access to LTE was more limited from unlocked phones?

Emperor_Jesse said:
Debating to get the AT&T or Unlocked version.
Previously if you get the unlocked versions of the S series you don't get VVM or VoLTE access unless you do some workaround but that only worked for about a month for me on a S9+.
Currently have the AT&T S10+ and I don't remember having to pay the any additional fees last year.
If I get the AT&T version, the $600 credit is only applied if I do the AT&T payment plan AND a $30 upgrade fee is added. This would be the safe bet to ensure all carrier services are included, but also don't like that I'd be forced to pay an additional $30 when I can just pay the full asking price*.
*If i choose to pay the full price without the payment plan I lose about $300 in credit for my S10+
If I get the unlocked version, I might not have access to VVM or VoLTE. I can deal without the VVM, since I did that for a year when I had the unlocked S9+, and want to know if VoLTE/Vo5G would work out-of-the-box or if only Vo5G will work(because there is going to be more standardized access/bands) but not VoLTE since I believe access to LTE was more limited from unlocked phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the unlocked if it gives you more $ back. You could just flash the carrier FW, which will activate the extra features.

VZTech said:
Get the unlocked if it gives you more $ back. You could just flash the carrier FW, which will activate the extra features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing the carrier FW on the S9+ only worked for about a month then I had to register an IMEI from a AT&T branded phone (used a G4) to use VoLTE but that only worked for another month.
The VVM app never got to work either. There's an voicemail app from AT&T on the Play Store but it's for something else(which doesn't make sense since TMobile's VVM works [from what I've read online for the S9s & worked on an unlocked PIxel 2 I had] from the Play Store).
There were a few forums of other folks going through the same issue in 2018(?) but I want to believe this was fixed by Samsung/AT&T.

Emperor_Jesse said:
Flashing the carrier FW on the S9+ only worked for about a month then I had to register a IMEI from a AT&T branded phone (used a G4) to use VoLTE but that only worked for another month.
The VVM app didn't work either.
There were a few forums of other folks going through the same issue in 2018(?) but I want to believe this was fixed by Samsung/AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, damn. ATT is a PITA.

Hm. I hope this isn’t the case with Ultra. From reading about it, it seemed the best bet was to get the Unlocked as it has access to all bands? But maybe that’s not right?
In the same situation as you OP. Went for Unlocked instead of the ATT version. I did it for resale value down the road. If it ends up not being able to use certain LTE that’d be highly disappointing

I only use Verizon. Should I get the unlocked or Verizon version of the ultra?

felloffthetruck said:
I only use Verizon. Should I get the unlocked or Verizon version of the ultra?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through Verizon because in the end I usually keep the phone after paying it off. Also after 2 years they usually only are worth a couple hundred trade in value.
I still have a Note 4, Note 8, S7, 2 S5's. I'm trading in an S8 Plus for $200

I have AT&T. I like the service, I like the plan I have (not available any more), and I make good use of wifi calling. I get it on my unlocked Pixel but the unlocked Samsung phones don't. That's been the case for a few years - I've been paying close attention. I ordered the S20 Ultra AT&T brand and gave up the $600 Pixel trade in , took the $350 option instead. I didn't want a new line or a new plan and it wasn't clear that I could finance through AT&T and keep my plan. It is just as well for me, I will keep my P4XL. That will solve my dilemma of which phone to have. I'll have both. I want the new S20 but I'll miss my Pixel as soon as it is gone.

I got the unlocked versions of the Note 9 and now pre-ordered unlocked S20 Ultras. TMO VVM, Wifi Calling, and VoLTE has worked on my unlocked devices, not sure about AT&T.

steely123 said:
I got the unlocked versions of the Note 9 and now pre-ordered unlocked S20 Ultras. TMO VVM, Wifi Calling, and VoLTE has worked on my unlocked devices, not sure about AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. I've been wondering about that. I wasn't sure if the T-Mobile features would work with the unlocked version. I went with the T-Mobile version, but I'll probably change my order and get the unlocked version now.

teamfresno said:
Thanks for this. I've been wondering about that. I wasn't sure if the T-Mobile features would work with the unlocked version. I went with the T-Mobile version, but I'll probably change my order and get the unlocked version now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That`s what I did, I have used oneplus 6 and the pixels on Tmobile and wifi calling and everything worked fine, I cancelled my tmobile s20 ultra 512gb and ordered the unlocked s20 ultra 512gb this morning, took me like 50 tries since they were low on stock and then i was able to place a order, but the delivery the ship date moved from feb 5th to feb 13th, so i`ll have to wait another week for it to ship.

2003vstrom said:
That`s what I did, I have used oneplus 6 and the pixels on Tmobile and wifi calling and everything worked fine, I cancelled my tmobile s20 ultra 512gb and ordered the unlocked s20 ultra 512gb this morning, took me like 50 tries since they were low on stock and then i was able to place a order, but the delivery the ship date moved from feb 5th to feb 13th, so i`ll have to wait another week for it to ship.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to give them a call. If I have to cancel my order, then I'll probably get stuck with the T-Mobile version. Since it was my first purchase on Samsung, I got the additional 5% off. I won't be able to use the referral code again. I wish I would of known before I ordered.

Waiting
VZTech said:
Oh, damn. ATT is a PITA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll probably wait til the last possible day to order if I DO end up getting it.
Going to miss the headphone jack.
I'll also waiting to see what LG releases but I don't have high hopes. :fingers-crossed:

teamfresno said:
I'm going to give them a call. If I have to cancel my order, then I'll probably get stuck with the T-Mobile version. Since it was my first purchase on Samsung, I got the additional 5% off. I won't be able to use the referral code again. I wish I would of known before I ordered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah they will probably tell you that the order will need to be cancelled, and reordered......unfortunately.

2003vstrom said:
yeah they will probably tell you that the order will need to be cancelled, and reordered......unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what happened. The good news is, they told me that the referral code should activate again within 3 to 5 business days if I want to use it again for the 5% off. Now, I just gotta decide if I want to cancel and wait or not.

teamfresno said:
That's exactly what happened. The good news is, they told me that the referral code should activate again within 3 to 5 business days if I want to use it again for the 5% off. Now, I just gotta decide if I want to cancel and wait or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually you can flash the unlocked software (U1) to the carrier version (U) since it's the same hardware.

Just get unlocked and flash att firmware. I do it every year.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

johnwayne27 said:
Just get unlocked and flash att firmware. I do it every year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless the IMEI is in AT&T's database it usually doesn't get WiFi calling and such

_Dennis_ said:
Usually you can flash the unlocked software (U1) to the carrier version (U) since it's the same hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Learned something new today. I didn't know you were able to do that. I thought you could only flash on the unlock version to a carrier one and not vice versa. Thanks! I just ended up cancelling and re-ordering it.

teamfresno said:
Learned something new today. I didn't know you were able to do that. I thought you could only flash on the unlock version to a carrier one and not vice versa. Thanks! I just ended up cancelling and re-ordering it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, the hardware is all the same so you can flash between the two. At least you could on the S10.

WiFi calling on Verizon network.

Has anyone confirmed that this feature works on the Verizon network on the US unlocked version of the phone?

I'm surprised that no one has the answer to this question.

Probably not. VZW seems not allowing WiFi calling on non-contract phones

Motorola's website says Yes, but I can't find anyone who has done it first hand. Just ordered one on Amazon so I'll let you know...

tpearsall said:
Motorola's website says Yes, but I can't find anyone who has done it first hand. Just ordered one on Amazon so I'll let you know...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. This is a puzzle regarding the WIFI. It looks like it supports their 5g also. Can you confirm this as well?

ahalol said:
Probably not. VZW seems not allowing WiFi calling on non-contract phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's confusing since the unlocked (non contract) Galaxy Z flip has wifi calling on Verizon.

Verizon chat support says Yes, but I don't put a lot of stock in that. (chat screens attached). I'm hoping it will at least be enough to get the activation fee waived if it doesn't work and I return it. I bought a Razr from Verizon not realizing it was the 2019 non-5G version. It will likely go back because I'm having trouble swallowing $1000 for a generation behind phone, but I love the form factor.
Razr 2020 will be here Wednesday so fingers crossed and stay tuned.

So far not looking good. I made sure the phone was updated to the latest OS and apps, but there is no wifi-calling option to turn on. If I move the SIM back to my old phone wifi-calling works just fine. I'm going to call Verizon support later, but I'm not optimistic. I'll update again after I talk to support.

I spent an hour on the phone with a pretty knowledgeable tech and no luck.

Motorola has updated it's website to only say "Supports 4G, VoLTE", no longer 5G or wifi calling.

WiFi calling isn't working on Vodafone UK either, and the phone came from them.
The WiFi calling 'app' is installed, but the options in the settings are not available.
Did anyone on any network got WiFi calling to work?