Consumer Cellular - Moto G4 Play - XT1607 - $99 - Moto G4 Play Questions & Answers

Posting this as a heads-up for anyone looking for a fairly inexpensive Moto G4 Play.
Target carries the Consumer Cellular variant of the Moto G4 Play; XT1607 for $99.99.
It can be SIM unlocked for a couple dollars on eBay and bootloader unlocked through Motorola.
NOTE: 15% off from now until end of Monday, November 28 @ Target.com
(Thanks mrw187!)

A_H_E said:
Posting this as a heads-up for anyone looking for a fairly inexpensive Moto G4 Play.
Target carries the Consumer Cellular variant of the Moto G4 Play; XT1607 for $99.99.
It can be SIM unlocked for a couple dollars on eBay and bootloader unlocked through Motorola.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is confirmed XT1607 model? I don't want to buy then find out its XT1609.
:crying:

Yes, it is XT1607.
It is listed underneath the battery on the IMEI/Serial Number sticker and once you navigate into the bootloader.
I will post pictures later in the day.

A_H_E said:
Posting this as a heads-up for anyone looking for a fairly inexpensive Moto G4 Play.
Target carries the Consumer Cellular variant of the Moto G4 Play; XT1607 for $99.99.
It can be SIM unlocked for a couple dollars on eBay and bootloader unlocked through Motorola.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A_H_E said:
Yes, it is XT1607.
It is listed underneath the battery on the IMEI/Serial Number sticker and once you navigate into the bootloader.
I will post pictures later in the day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh cool so you've actually gone through the process? btw its going for $84.99 atm cause they got 15% off sitewide sunday/monday

Here you are Sir!
Just removed a few sensitive details.
I haven't unlocked the bootloader yet but did receive the unlock code from Motorola yesterday.

Any links for the sim unlock I only see the xt1609? Thanks for the info looking to grab 2 for my parents to use on ring +
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Looking to use on TMobile, can I unlock on eBay and have all bands? Target said will work on Tmo but want to confirm also want to make sure I can change carriers if needed later.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just put my buddies sim from metro PCS in it worked for one call and then stopped working. I'm betting it's more metro than anything, when he got an unlocked phone it wouldn't work till he called them and gave the imei number. You might not have to sim unlock with this bad boy I have a feeling it already is being that there's no x1607 unlock auctions out there, just the Verizon variant
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

udis said:
I just put my buddies sim from metro PCS in it worked for one call and then stopped working. I'm betting it's more metro than anything, when he got an unlocked phone it wouldn't work till he called them and gave the imei number. You might not have to sim unlock with this bad boy I have a feeling it already is being that there's no x1607 unlock auctions out there, just the Verizon variant
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, went ahead and grabbed the fully unlocked version for a bit more ($130). May as well be as free with my carrier and no speedbumps lol.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

udis said:
I just put my buddies sim from metro PCS in it worked for one call and then stopped working. I'm betting it's more metro than anything, when he got an unlocked phone it wouldn't work till he called them and gave the imei number. You might not have to sim unlock with this bad boy I have a feeling it already is being that there's no x1607 unlock auctions out there, just the Verizon variant
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you have one and were considering it for RingPlus, did you check the MEID on R+ device checker - https://my.ringplus.net/device_validation_requests/new
Someone checked on Slickdeals for R+ and Ting and it was not eligible (Ting said GSM, but not CDMA).
So these may not be in Sprint's whitelist database. And if they're not, you won't be able to activate on Sprint or a Sprint MVNO.

Got this CC Moto G4 Play Target deal $85, thinking save alittle cash. However, I think its time to rebox and return now as it really doesn't appear that it will ever work on Sprint MVNOs, despite having the right radio. I tried RingPlus checker and it fails; I guess its not on the Sprint whitelist. I bought an Unlocked XT1607 from Frys BF deal $109 and it passes RP checker as expected. So, for $25 less, you can get this CC XT1607 working on 3 of the 4 US carriers. I had to buy a SIM unlock code on ebay for $2, after which, I tested it successfully with a Verizon tracfone SIM, as well as a Freedompop global GSM SIM and they both worked great. I also had no troubles getting the bootloader unlocked from motorola, TWRP, Root, SuperSU, and finally- Xposed framework. But, in the end, I really bought this phone because of its "universal" radio and removable battery, and with one of the 4 carriers not working, its not worth the $25 savings over just getting the fully unlocked model; at least IMO.

Is it possible to use the native android hotspot without rooting the phone? Or is this hotspot programmed for CS use only? Or possibly even blocked as are some tracfone branded phones? Once in a while I need to use hotspot on the road, but not wanting to root or anything special.

I just tested the tethering function on the CC Moto G4 Play and it seemed to connect and work just fine. Note that my test set was rooted, but I didn't make any changes to enable the tethering. Also, for what its worth, I was testing using a freedompop global SIM, but that shouldnt matter either. Hope that helps- tested just for you, before I return it today!

smithbobbyjoe said:
Got this CC Moto G4 Play Target deal $85, thinking save alittle cash. However, I think its time to rebox and return now as it really doesn't appear that it will ever work on Sprint MVNOs, despite having the right radio. I tried RingPlus checker and it fails; I guess its not on the Sprint whitelist. I bought an Unlocked XT1607 from Frys BF deal $109 and it passes RP checker as expected. So, for $25 less, you can get this CC XT1607 working on 3 of the 4 US carriers. I had to buy a SIM unlock code on ebay for $2, after which, I tested it successfully with a Verizon tracfone SIM, as well as a Freedompop global GSM SIM and they both worked great. I also had no troubles getting the bootloader unlocked from motorola, TWRP, Root, SuperSU, and finally- Xposed framework. But, in the end, I really bought this phone because of its "universal" radio and removable battery, and with one of the 4 carriers not working, its not worth the $25 savings over just getting the fully unlocked model; at least IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did the same thing, I had two of these for my parents and ring plus didn't like the imei. Wound up grabbing two from b and h last Monday and they showed up last night. Ran both through ring plus and they're good to go!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

well, I still have this thing because target return period STILL isnt up due to holidays (my reciept says return thru 1/24!), so I'm trying to fire it up on BOOM! but having troubles. will not connect to the "V" network. Shows my BOOM number when I insert the SIM and everything appears the same in the "cellular networks" menu including the correct APN. PRL version is also the same as my two other working handsets I've swapped the SIM into for test. The other two sets (LG Transpyre, and Moto G4 Play xt1609) are both Verizon branded phones, and of course, this one is Consumer Cellular but SIM unlocked, and bootloader unlocked. So, it seems like I need to update the PRL, or Profile, or APN, or something. Maybe run some #*#* codes? any clues?? I called BOOM but the rep I got wasnt technical.

bw 1 said:
Since you have one and were considering it for RingPlus, did you check the MEID on R+ device checker - https://my.ringplus.net/device_validation_requests/new
Someone checked on Slickdeals for R+ and Ting and it was not eligible (Ting said GSM, but not CDMA).
So these may not be in Sprint's whitelist database. And if they're not, you won't be able to activate on Sprint or a Sprint MVNO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder how many of these are floating around on the used phone market now, and if there's an easy way to check. I guess just have the eBay seller share the IMEI with you and test it on Sprint's BYOD checker? Would it tell you if it's explicitly not going to work, or only "We can't activate this phone online.", which is ambiguous?

Can't find an unlock service on eBay for CC... at least not any for $2. Does anyone have a SIM unlock code or other method to use this phone on different carriers?
I'm trying to buy these broken phones off eBay, fix them, and sell them.

Related

Moto G 2015 Verizon

This is a bounty- $100 if you get the new Moto G 2015 fully working on Verizon. I assume the Sprint version should partially work having similar bands though the lte band 13 is missing. Since the bootloader is unlockable, I have hope someone will tinker around with the software to get this working on Verizon postpaid. I really want this phone and am really pissed I cant get use it. I have no interest in a phablet (new moto x). If you figure this out, the $100 is yours, via google wallet, paypal, or bitcoin. I'll just leave this here for now....
If I'm correct, you cant truly activate a phone on Verizon unless they have the IMEI number in their system already. I may be wrong though.
Rarscaryfrosty said:
If I'm correct, you cant truly activate a phone on Verizon unless they have the IMEI number in their system already. I may be wrong though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I understand as well you are correct. I've heard of folks popping in a VZW SIM for LTE and getting hit with a fee for an "unknown IMEI" as well. It's Verizon's gateway you have to pass through, the phone has no way to force itself on their network.
that was not what i heard for the unlocked nexus 6 running on verizon
nexus7lte said:
that was not what i heard for the unlocked nexus 6 running on verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because the phone was already registered with Verizon's network.
The iPhone 6 has all radio bands, but if it doesn't come from the Verizon network (Say from AT&T, Tmobile) it will not be registered on their network. I would imagine that if any N6 works on Verizon its because Google setup a deal to register all IMEI's with them .. but I've not heard this.
Bump for answers.
Anyone put a Verizon sim in their moto g and try it?

Will the Moto G4 Plus work on Verizon???

I really want this phone but I use Verizon and I am not sure if the phone will work on the network. I have heard very conflicting information, Motorola says that it works on all networks and sells a Verizon SIM card, but people on online forums say it does not. Do any of you know if it will work. I do not want to buy the phone just to find out it will not work.
Verizon doesn't play nice with Moto G4 Plus, not a hardware issue but rather something with their ESN whitelist database that wasn't correctly updated with some of the G4 Plus phones. They would rather sell their own branded devices at overpriced rates.
The solution that Moto found is to replace the affected phones (new ESN).
PS: I had Verizon and jumped the ship a long time ago... never to look back.
I and my wife use our G4 Plus phones on Verizon.
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
I'll second, I've been using my G4 plus (64/3) on Verizon since September and I have yet to encounter any network problems (acknowledges Murphy's Law).
I didn't even have to go to a store to have it activated, just swapped the nanoSIM (it'll take a regular SIM too) from my ageing MAXX and gave it a reboot.
myk.robinson said:
I and my wife use our G4 Plus phones on Verizon.
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, do I have to use an existing SIM card, or can I buy the card from Motorola and hook it up to the network?
Rocketfin said:
So, do I have to use an existing SIM card, or can I buy the card from Motorola and hook it up to the network???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only say for Verizon, but you should be able to use a SIM that is already activated.
I don't believe that the SIM you buy from Motorola comes activated (the SIM ID gets bound to your account so that Verizon can provide you service (and bill you)), but I can't say for sure. I will mention that you don't necessarily have to buy a SIM, as I have never gone to a Verizon store to switch phones and had them charge me or give me a hard time because I needed a new SIM, but I cant speak for every Verizon store or employee.
Alias_44 said:
I can only say for Verizon, but you should be able to use a SIM that is already activated.
I don't believe that the SIM you buy from Motorola comes activated (the SIM ID gets bound to your account so that Verizon can provide you service (and bill you)), but I can't say for sure. I will mention that you don't necessarily have to buy a SIM, as I have never gone to a Verizon store to switch phones and had them charge me or give me a hard time because I needed a new SIM, but I cant speak for every Verizon store or employee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, just to make sure, I can use the SIM card from my Galaxy Nexus phone (I know dinosaur ages) in the Moto G4 Plus, right?
Rocketfin said:
So, just to make sure, I can use the SIM card from my Galaxy Nexus phone (I know dinosaur ages) in the Moto G4 Plus, right???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to GSM arena your Galaxy Nexus has a mini-SIM, so assuming that the SIM in your dinosaur is activated you should be able to take it out, put it G4 plus (there is an included Mini-SIM to SIM adapter), give it a boot, and enjoy the 21st century. At least that's how it went I moved from my Droid Maxx to my G4 plus.

Unlocked LG G6 US997 Won't Activate on Verizon, Advice Needed

I brought an unlocked LG G6 to Verizon store today to get it activated and they were unable to do this. It appears I have 3 options:
1. Return device to bhphotovideo.com. Not sure what their return policy is.
2. Switch from Verizon to T-Mobile. Live in Silicon Valley close to San Jose, California. Their network is probably fine here.
3. Get an imei from an Android device with nano sim. The Verizon tech person said if I had a friend or family member with this they could get the unlocked G6 working on Verizon. Trouble is that I do not know anyone with an Android phone with nano sim. My old G4 used micro sim. The friends and family members have either iPhones or older Androids with micro sim.
So I could really use some advice here.
And in addition let this be a warning to anyone trying to get unlocked devices working on Verizon. I had read elsewhere that Verizon was now more friendly towards unlocked devices, but this was clearly not the case in my experience. Perhaps this is one reason Verizon is starting to lose customers for the first time in its history.
Cut your old micro sim to nano size put it in the G6 and fire it up. Then your new G6 will work and be in the Verizon data base.
Than sometime go in to Verizon and get a new nano sim. I have been down this road with unlocked phones and its not LG it is Verizon.
If you want to use the old G4 again you need a nano to micro adaptor.
I am using the US997 G6 from BH right now but my old phone used the nano sim so I just had to swap it out. Works perfect so long as you start with a Verizon sim that is already activated.
Earlier this week I activated a new SIM/device with my ancient Galaxy S3 IMEI and verizon sent me a 3-in-1 card that I punched down to the nano size cutout. Which allowed me to put my US997 on the network.
By the way, can you share if VoLTE, WiFi Calling or Video Calling work?
jiggyman said:
By the way, can you share if VoLTE, WiFi Calling or Video Calling work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know the same thing! Thanks
I got this phone all I did was take my sim out of my iphone put it in the g6 and boom it works. Verizon has no idea I have this phone. Lol
Update: got the LG G6 working on Verizon after all. We had to make sure the LG G4 is powered down in order for the activation to complete since the G6 was replacing the G4 on Verizon. And boy do I feel like an idiot for not knowing that. Surprising most of the Verizon staff did not suggest to do this.
I received mine and activated it yesterday. VoLTE works perfectly. No Video/WiFi Calling though. I love this phone! No bloatware!
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
jiggyman said:
I received mine and activated it yesterday. VoLTE works perfectly. No Video/WiFi Calling though. I love this phone! No bloatware!
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any other differences between the US997 model and the Verizon VS988, other than lacking wifi calling? (I don't know anyone who actually uses verizon video calling, iphone people use facetime, and as android user I'd always just use duo, hangouts or skype)
How do you tst if VoLTE is working?
I'm also curious about this process. I've done a lot of searching, but haven't been able to find a direct answer yet.
I'm considering buying a Sprint G6, then unlocking it to use it on Verizon. Is this even possible? Obviously, they're both CDMA. And appear to have the bands necessary for Verizon. But I've had trouble in the past with unlocking Sprint devices to work on Verizon.
Any insight is greatly appreciated.
madmax988 said:
Are there any other differences between the US997 model and the Verizon VS988, other than lacking wifi calling? (I don't know anyone who actually uses verizon video calling, iphone people use facetime, and as android user I'd always just use duo, hangouts or skype)
How do you tst if VoLTE is working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE worked out the box for me on Verizon. I just inserted my SIM and checked, and it was enabled. WiFi calling does not work on most unlocked phones, and the US997 unlocked edition is no different here. Video calling through the carrier does not work either.
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
htcnext said:
I brought an unlocked LG G6 to Verizon store today to get it activated and they were unable to do this. It appears I have 3 options:
1. Return device to bhphotovideo.com. Not sure what their return policy is.
2. Switch from Verizon to T-Mobile. Live in Silicon Valley close to San Jose, California. Their network is probably fine here.
3. Get an imei from an Android device with nano sim. The Verizon tech person said if I had a friend or family member with this they could get the unlocked G6 working on Verizon. Trouble is that I do not know anyone with an Android phone with nano sim. My old G4 used micro sim. The friends and family members have either iPhones or older Androids with micro sim.
So I could really use some advice here.
And in addition let this be a warning to anyone trying to get unlocked devices working on Verizon. I had read elsewhere that Verizon was now more friendly towards unlocked devices, but this was clearly not the case in my experience. Perhaps this is one reason Verizon is starting to lose customers for the first time in its history.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news that you got most of the functionality working, OP. Do you happen to know if the phone was factory unlocked? Or was it tied to a carrier, then unlocked afterward? Again, thanks for any additional info!
ctyonthehil said:
I'm also curious about this process. I've done a lot of searching, but haven't been able to find a direct answer yet.
I'm considering buying a Sprint G6, then unlocking it to use it on Verizon. Is this even possible? Obviously, they're both CDMA. And appear to have the bands necessary for Verizon. But I've had trouble in the past with unlocking Sprint devices to work on Verizon.
Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlikely to work. Stick with the unlocked version, model us997. Keep in mind Verizon sometimes blocks phones from their network that have the necessary hardware, like the ZTE Axon 7.
htcnext said:
Unlikely to work. Stick with the unlocked version, model us997. Keep in mind Verizon sometimes blocks phones from their network that have the necessary hardware, like the ZTE Axon 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's wrong. Im using Axon 7 on Verizon right now. No issues at all.
I really like the G6, not sure if i should get it. I have the Axon 7 as i stated above.
tolymatev said:
That's wrong. Im using Axon 7 on Verizon right now. No issues at all.
I really like the G6, not sure if i should get it. I have the Axon 7 as i stated above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want OOB compatibility, the device must be certified through Verizon's Open Development process. See below.
https://opennetwork.verizonwireless.com/content/open-development/home.html
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
jiggyman said:
If you want OOB compatibility, the device must be certified through Verizon's Open Development process. See below.
https://opennetwork.verizonwireless.com/content/open-development/home.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OOB???
Axon 7 is just like Moto X Pure or this us997. They are unlocked with Verizon's bands. Stick an activated sim in them and they will work.
tolymatev said:
OOB???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of The Box, without any mods.
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
https://community.zteusa.com/thread/14776
htcnext said:
https://community.zteusa.com/thread/14776
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is old. And only one build. I went through that. They fixed it right away. I had the phone since launch. MM was great out of the box, 7.0 had a hiccup with service, GSM sim after the update fixed it on 1st boot, then you could put your​ CDMA sim back in.
If you buy the device now, the 7.1.1 build will work out of the box.
If you look through the zte forums people have had a lot of problems getting the Axon 7 to work with Verizon. Anyway, I am glad to hear you got it working all right. I like the Axon 7 a lot but was not willing to go through the extra effort that others reported to get it working. And some people could not get it working at all, not a risk I was willing to take. I blame Verizon, I do not think they are supportive of unlocked phones.

VZW bootloader IS unlockable (not grayed out and switchable)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UV2u66UVF7PWUuYD8
Weird, its grayed out for me
Were you able to root it?
A little off topic, but why do people buy the Verizon version when you can buy the Unlocked version for the same price and 0% interest financed?
ackliph said:
A little off topic, but why do people buy the Verizon version when you can buy the Unlocked version for the same price and 0% interest financed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people don't know, some people have weird trust issues, sometimes the Verizon one is much cheaper.
I wish there were confirmation on this- local Verizon stores have stock while WorstBuy requires shipping or store stock next week.
Nope, picked up a 3a from a Verizon corporate store (asked for clearly white, turns out it slightly purple) and no joy on OEM unlock. Toggle is grayed out and states "Unavailable on carrier-locked devices". Going back tomorrow and hopefully won't get dinged $50 on the return since they gave me the wrong color but I don't think that will play out.
lattosimbaste said:
Nope, picked up a 3a from a Verizon corporate store (asked for clearly white, turns out it slightly purple) and no joy on OEM unlock. Toggle is grayed out and states "Unavailable on carrier-locked devices". Going back tomorrow and hopefully won't get dinged $50 on the return since they gave me the wrong color but I don't think that will play out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the bootloader definitely cannot be unlocked if the carrier has it sim carded locked. Carrier issued phone are generally sim card locked by default and the user has to usually request for the device to be sim card unlocked. I still don't believe the Verizon edition will be bootloader unlockable, but seeing that particular message does not confirm one way or another as it appears on every carrier sim card locked device - even those that can be bootloader unlocked once the phone is sim card unlocked.
I can confirm this true, at least in the bestbuy I bought my pixel 3a.
Like I say bought on bestbuy unlocked, when I get home turn on without a sim card and no WiFi, then turn on developer option and there was the beautiful oem unlock available, immediate I turn on and go to fastboot and do the fastboot flashing oem unlock and successful, now I rooted with magisk and button remapper with the active edge remapped.
P.s it was in the latest firmware
i wonder if the method for the orig pixel would work. would be funny if it did. for those wondering https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 i doubt it will, but might be worth trying
So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...
Yes, the unlocked 3a works fully on Verizon's LTE bands as well as calling over WiFi and VoLTE. 100% compatible and none of the preinstalled crap.
sn00gan said:
So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the same only the differences are that one it's unlockable bootloader(Google) and the other not(verizon).
Both have the same bands and processor, etc.
If you want to make this phone more great and you knowledge about flashing and that stuff buy from Google but if you don't care about that buy the one from verizon and I don't sure but on verizon have very good discounts like 100 bucks more cheap with activation.
pbanj said:
i wonder if the method for the orig pixel would work. would be funny if it did. for those wondering https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 i doubt it will, but might be worth trying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it yesterday....lol. no go, cant uninstall the phone apk. Could be named differently I guess.
sd_N said:
Tried it yesterday....lol. no go, cant uninstall the phone apk. Could be named differently I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shame lol. I just checked and the name still seems to be the same
pbanj said:
Shame lol. I just checked and the name still seems to be the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant remember what exactly it said when I tried uninstalling the phone apk. Something about the user 0 not found
sn00gan said:
So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALUCARD4DEAD said:
It's the same only the differences are that one it's unlockable bootloader(Google) and the other not(verizon).
Both have the same bands and processor, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the Google Store version and Verizon version are NOT the same. Almost, but not "just the same with one sim locked". They don't have exactly the same model name and LTE bands.
Verizon Pixel 3a model: G020E
Google Store Pixel 3a model : G020G
The Verizon model miss some LTE bands (14, 29, 30, 71) and miss e-sim support. Maybe Verizon LTE network doesn't use the missing bands and there is no difference with the LTE coverage, but they are not the same.
Source: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7158570?hl=en&ref_topic=7530176
I know this is almost a 2 year old thread but just bought a used Verizon 3a because my Pixel died. I have to have a Verizon version because those are the only phones that Page Plus will activate. Anyone know which OTA version they were able to unlock on? Have my doubts any of them will actually work but wanted to know before I update too far. Currently on QQ3A.200605.002.
I know I did not get a response before and have upgrade to the latest April 2021 patch with no success at unlocking. Wondering if anyone has tried using a AT&T sim to try and unlock bootloader? Not sure how the phone knows it is a Verizon phone. The OTAs are for all versions. Wonder if there is something in the code that could be tweaked before install.

My unlocked Verizon S10+ is somehow locked

Alright, got a pretty wacky situation here. Trying to see if anyone has any ideas of how to fix this.
I bought an S10+ Verizon firmware from Swappa a few days ago. I intended to use it with T-Mobile. Good deal, good transaction, all good right? Wrong...
It was my understanding that most Verizon phones were unlocked and that I could just flash the Unlocked or T-Mobile firmware to get full T-Mobile functionality.
On receiving the phone I got a "This phone is locked, contact Verizon at etc etc" message. I shrugged and flashed it over to unlocked firmware, where I was met with an "Invalid SIM card. Network locked SIM card inserted." and "PIN to unlock SIM service provider" window. So the phone was locked. Here's my troubleshooting steps from there.
Contacted Verizon support online. They said they lock all their phones for 60 days now as of late July. I said I'd bought it used, they said it had been bought at Walmart recently and there was nothing they could do.
Contacted the seller. He gave me his proof of purchase that the phone was bought new from Samsung.com back in March. I used a site to check the IMEI and the phone was legit from March, and not reported stolen or sketchy at all. Samsung.com specifically says they don't lock their phones and it was well before the 60 day policy anyway.
Contacted Verizon support where they said the phone was purchased as a Verizon phone so it can't be used with other networks. I should sign up for Verizon to enjoy all the features of my phone ? ....and also have it activated on the network so it could be cleared and unlocked. Alright...
I took the phone to a Verizon store where they put an active Verizon SIM in it. Verizon SIM worked great, T-Mobile still had an unlock code. The employee was confused and said they've never entered an Unlock PIN before so he sent me to corporate Verizon support store they had nearby.
Corporate Verizon store was a ton more helpful and the guy called up their god-tier upper support guys. Those guys took over an hour fiddling with things and along the way determined that the phone and it's IMEI were all clear, not stolen, and unlocked. The previous owner had a clean account and was in good standing. The store guy said he'd never seen anything like this and in his four years he'd never entered a SIM pin before. They additionally made sure I hadn't accidentally encrypted my SIM with a pin (I hadn't) and that all the default Verizon 000000, 123456, and 111111 codes weren't going to work. They recommended I contact Samsung support.
Samsung support thought I was an idiot and said that all the phones sold on their storefront are locked and I should contact Verizon to get it unlocked. I tried explaining all of the above but it was like talking to a brick wall.
So what have I tried?
Flashed the phone from Verizon to Unlocked to T-Mobile to Unlocked firmware using Frija and patched Odin. Verizon firmware throws a "contact Verizon" message and sometimes a code window, unlocked gives me code window, and T-Mobile just says it's locked and doesn't give me anything.
I have tried Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile SIMs from my friends. T-Mobile and AT&T work for a couple minutes completely normally on reboot. Connection establishes, data, text, and calls come in. Then it locks up and doesn't work. Verizon SIM works entirely normally, but doesn't unlock phone even after being left in for an hour.
Going forward I am going to try
Ask the internet for help. I've googled the living daylights out of this problem and I can't find anyone in my situation. Help?
[\LIST]
Flash the phone back to Verizon firmware. Perhaps the unlock mechanism works somewhere in the firmware and only when it's connected to the Verizon network. Take it to the store, have them pop a Verizon SIM in for a bit, and hope for the best. Flashing from Unlocked to VZW firmware isn't working right now for some odd reason though. It's going back to TMB instead and I'm confused about that to.
[\LIST]
Figure out how to get non-incompetent support out of Verizon (though I've mostly gotten there already) or Samsung and see if someone can help me. When I had to unlock my T-Mobile S8 I bought from Samsung, the IMEI numbers weren't passed to T-Mobile so the regular support people said it was impossible. Eventually I got in contact with someone who broke me out of idiot-land and directly contacted a network engineer who solved the problem in less than 10 minutes. Maybe I can find a network engineer at Verizon?
I could use a sketchy SIM unlock website. Is there any not-sketchy ones?
There's an XDA thread for S10+ U & U1 updates by the mod ibowtoandroid. I believe he has an unlock service that's legit but apparently not cheap. If you read through that thread you might find information helpful for your situation. But if you post a question that was previously answered you will likely be told to read through the thread even though the person who tells you that could have actually answered your question in the same amount of time. It's not the friendliest thread but you might find your answer.
There is a lot of discussion about switching carrier firmware. Since your phone shows up as locked by Verizon even though it shouldn't be you might need to use a Verizon SIM for 48 hours before the phone will revert back to unlocked status--at the time your phone was originally purchased it was necessary to use a Verizon SIM on their branded phones for 48 hours before they could be switched to another carrier.
It's possible you got that message when you purchased your phone because the 48 hour clock started over for some reason but that's only a guess--the ibowtoandroid guy is far more knowledgeable since he actually has a business that unlocks phones.
Are you sure the person who you bought your phone from actually unlocked it before selling it to you? Even if the phone shows up as a device that should be unlocked the previous owner who had the Verizon service might have needed to call Verizon to verify the phone's unlock status before selling it.
Sometimes people accidentally relock these phones when flashing carrier firmware. It doesn't sound like you did that based on your description but if the previous owner flashed firmware to completely reset the phone instead of just performing a factory reset he might have accidentally relocked your phone on the software end.
based on wat ur saying the phone definitely seems to b carrier locked. I got an A50 from verizon and it does the same ecact thing..
theres services online you can use or some boxes have methods as well.. my tmo a10e for example was locked but chimera tool has a neat feature called carrier relock.. it essentially locks it to up to 64 carriers instead of actually unlocking the sim..
one thing i suggest tho is dont try to do it urself unless ur a seasoned expert lol.. i tried on a n976v and after a few harmless at commands it completely killed my imei and cert and mipi etc etc
camwow13 said:
Alright, got a pretty wacky situation here. Trying to see if anyone has any ideas of how to fix this.
I bought an S10+ Verizon firmware from Swappa a few days ago. I intended to use it with T-Mobile. Good deal, good transaction, all good right? Wrong...
It was my understanding that most Verizon phones were unlocked and that I could just flash the Unlocked or T-Mobile firmware to get full T-Mobile functionality.
On receiving the phone I got a "This phone is locked, contact Verizon at etc etc" message. I shrugged and flashed it over to unlocked firmware, where I was met with an "Invalid SIM card. Network locked SIM card inserted." and "PIN to unlock SIM service provider" window. So the phone was locked. Here's my troubleshooting steps from there.
Contacted Verizon support online. They said they lock all their phones for 60 days now as of late July. I said I'd bought it used, they said it had been bought at Walmart recently and there was nothing they could do.
Contacted the seller. He gave me his proof of purchase that the phone was bought new from Samsung.com back in March. I used a site to check the IMEI and the phone was legit from March, and not reported stolen or sketchy at all. Samsung.com specifically says they don't lock their phones and it was well before the 60 day policy anyway.
Contacted Verizon support where they said the phone was purchased as a Verizon phone so it can't be used with other networks. I should sign up for Verizon to enjoy all the features of my phone ? ....and also have it activated on the network so it could be cleared and unlocked. Alright...
I took the phone to a Verizon store where they put an active Verizon SIM in it. Verizon SIM worked great, T-Mobile still had an unlock code. The employee was confused and said they've never entered an Unlock PIN before so he sent me to corporate Verizon support store they had nearby.
Corporate Verizon store was a ton more helpful and the guy called up their god-tier upper support guys. Those guys took over an hour fiddling with things and along the way determined that the phone and it's IMEI were all clear, not stolen, and unlocked. The previous owner had a clean account and was in good standing. The store guy said he'd never seen anything like this and in his four years he'd never entered a SIM pin before. They additionally made sure I hadn't accidentally encrypted my SIM with a pin (I hadn't) and that all the default Verizon 000000, 123456, and 111111 codes weren't going to work. They recommended I contact Samsung support.
Samsung support thought I was an idiot and said that all the phones sold on their storefront are locked and I should contact Verizon to get it unlocked. I tried explaining all of the above but it was like talking to a brick wall.
So what have I tried?
Flashed the phone from Verizon to Unlocked to T-Mobile to Unlocked firmware using Frija and patched Odin. Verizon firmware throws a "contact Verizon" message and sometimes a code window, unlocked gives me code window, and T-Mobile just says it's locked and doesn't give me anything.
I have tried Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile SIMs from my friends. T-Mobile and AT&T work for a couple minutes completely normally on reboot. Connection establishes, data, text, and calls come in. Then it locks up and doesn't work. Verizon SIM works entirely normally, but doesn't unlock phone even after being left in for an hour.
Going forward I am going to try
Ask the internet for help. I've googled the living daylights out of this problem and I can't find anyone in my situation. Help?
[\LIST]
Flash the phone back to Verizon firmware. Perhaps the unlock mechanism works somewhere in the firmware and only when it's connected to the Verizon network. Take it to the store, have them pop a Verizon SIM in for a bit, and hope for the best. Flashing from Unlocked to VZW firmware isn't working right now for some odd reason though. It's going back to TMB instead and I'm confused about that to.
[\LIST]
Figure out how to get non-incompetent support out of Verizon (though I've mostly gotten there already) or Samsung and see if someone can help me. When I had to unlock my T-Mobile S8 I bought from Samsung, the IMEI numbers weren't passed to T-Mobile so the regular support people said it was impossible. Eventually I got in contact with someone who broke me out of idiot-land and directly contacted a network engineer who solved the problem in less than 10 minutes. Maybe I can find a network engineer at Verizon?
I could use a sketchy SIM unlock website. Is there any not-sketchy ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, did you manage to solve the problem? mine S10 also asks for an unlock code 5 minutes after turning it on.
wwwxxx1982 said:
hi, did you manage to solve the problem? mine S10 also asks for an unlock code 5 minutes after turning it on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
Yes I did solve the situation! Here's the steps that I used to unlock my Verizon Galaxy S10+
I had changed the firmware to unlocked firmware using Odin and Freya. This was premature.
Verizon does not do unlock codes. You need to have the Verizon firmware on the phone, a Verizon SIM card from a friend, access to the Verizon account, and like an hour of spare time.
Pop the Verizon SIM into your phone, you can get them from a friend, convince a Verizon store guy to help ya out, or just pay a few bucks for a prepaid plan. The phone has to be on the Verizon network for this to work.
Call up Verizon technical support. Tell them you've got a phone to unlock and have been working with their Tier 2 team to square things away. You have to be transferred to Tier 2.
Important to note that Verizon has instigated a 60 day locking policy to prevent theft and whatnot on their network. If the phone was purchased less than 60 days ago and activated on Verizon's network than you're outa luck. You got to wait. If you don't fall under this restriction, you should make sure the support people understand because they'll assume that's what's happening... a lot.
The Tier 2 people generally know what they're doing. They'll verify the device's IMEI and that it hasn't been stolen, is paid off, and that your Verizon account is in good standing. They'll need the PIN access code from the Verizon account holder or a two step verification with another one of their phones.
Once they run the unlock process you should get a text saying the phone is now unlocked. Leave the SIM in for another hour or two to allow the process to complete. I removed the SIM shortly after on the first try and it didn't work so I had to do it again.
After that the phone should be unlocked and you'll be able to flash whatever firmware you want and use it on whichever network. I've got mine running Unlocked firmware on T-Mobile, works great
If you don't have a Verizon S10+ that's locked to Verizon I dunno where to start. Contact the mod ibowtoandroid on here if you get really really stuck. He can get it unlocked but it will cost a ton. He's legit though.
camwow13 said:
Hello!
Yes I did solve the situation! Here's the steps that I used to unlock my Verizon Galaxy S10+
I had changed the firmware to unlocked firmware using Odin and Freya. This was premature.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, but I upgraded the phone to another firmware with the code XAA and now I can’t get it back to Verezion
camwow13 said:
Hello!
Yes I did solve the situation! Here's the steps that I used to unlock my Verizon Galaxy S10+
I had changed the firmware to unlocked firmware using Odin and Freya. This was premature.
Verizon does not do unlock codes. You need to have the Verizon firmware on the phone, a Verizon SIM card from a friend, access to the Verizon account, and like an hour of spare time.
Pop the Verizon SIM into your phone, you can get them from a friend, convince a Verizon store guy to help ya out, or just pay a few bucks for a prepaid plan. The phone has to be on the Verizon network for this to work.
Call up Verizon technical support. Tell them you've got a phone to unlock and have been working with their Tier 2 team to square things away. You have to be transferred to Tier 2.
Important to note that Verizon has instigated a 60 day locking policy to prevent theft and whatnot on their network. If the phone was purchased less than 60 days ago and activated on Verizon's network than you're outa luck. You got to wait. If you don't fall under this restriction, you should make sure the support people understand because they'll assume that's what's happening... a lot.
The Tier 2 people generally know what they're doing. They'll verify the device's IMEI and that it hasn't been stolen, is paid off, and that your Verizon account is in good standing. They'll need the PIN access code from the Verizon account holder or a two step verification with another one of their phones.
Once they run the unlock process you should get a text saying the phone is now unlocked. Leave the SIM in for another hour or two to allow the process to complete. I removed the SIM shortly after on the first try and it didn't work so I had to do it again.
After that the phone should be unlocked and you'll be able to flash whatever firmware you want and use it on whichever network. I've got mine running Unlocked firmware on T-Mobile, works great
If you don't have a Verizon S10+ that's locked to Verizon I dunno where to start. Contact the mod ibowtoandroid on here if you get really really stuck. He can get it unlocked but it will cost a ton. He's legit though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was very helpful Thanks. I am pretty sure that my phone has passed that 60 days time frame and the device has a clean IMEI as well but I am not in the US. Do I have to be on the Verizon network or just a Verizon sim will work as well?
Tarar said:
That was very helpful Thanks. I am pretty sure that my phone has passed that 60 days time frame and the device has a clean IMEI as well but I am not in the US. Do I have to be on the Verizon network or just a Verizon sim will work as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone please help?
Tarar said:
Can someone please help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if its locked its locked.. meet verizons requirements to have it unlock or pay for a service that can unlock it for you..
theres no easy way to unlock the device.. if there was then itd be posted on xda.. and if it was that easy thered b no point in carriers locking them to begin with
Tarar said:
Can someone please help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
elliwigy said:
if its locked its locked.. meet verizons requirements to have it unlock or pay for a service that can unlock it for you..
theres no easy way to unlock the device.. if there was then itd be posted on xda.. and if it was that easy thered b no point in carriers locking them to begin with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its actually done through an android app modified by the carrier. The only way to get around it would be to have the carriers unique key as well as the private signing key so you could create your own version. Then you would need a way to modify the system image and successfully install it. After all that there's a good chance there's even more security server side. (Its Verizon, so you know...)
So yes, ultimately it isnt exactly possible.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
jwarrior319 said:
Its actually done through an android app modified by the carrier. The only way to get around it would be to have the carriers unique key as well as the private signing key so you could create your own version. Then you would need a way to modify the system image and successfully install it. After all that there's a good chance there's even more security server side. (Its Verizon, so you know...)
So yes, ultimately it isnt exactly possible.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep.. exactly y i said he needs to unlock via official means or pay for a service.. theres plenty services out there.. of course they most likely have access to servers and some tend to be fairly expensive lol.. outside of that hes sol im afraid.
Sent from my SamPWND N976V or G975U
Verizon needs to unlock your phone if you don't want to pay a third-party service. I don't think you need to have a Verizon SIM inserted for them to unlock the phone as long as it meets the necessary requirements.
jhs39 said:
Verizon needs to unlock your phone if you don't want to pay a third-party service. I don't think you need to have a Verizon SIM inserted for them to unlock the phone as long as it meets the necessary requirements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Verizon only unlocks automatically with a sim installed thats had service for 60 days(might be 30 now). I remember seeing someone say they put a friend's Verizon sim in and rebooted and it unlocked for him. I guess they dont verify IMEI to unlock just sim number.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
jhs39 said:
Verizon needs to unlock your phone if you don't want to pay a third-party service. I don't think you need to have a Verizon SIM inserted for them to unlock the phone as long as it meets the necessary requirements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am outside the USA so no way to be on the Verizon network. I will however reinstall the original Verizon firmware and have some one call them for me. Let's see whether that works out or not. Thanks man.
Tarar said:
I am outside the USA so no way to be on the Verizon network. I will however reinstall the original Verizon firmware and have some one call them for me. Let's see whether that works out or not. Thanks man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious, how did you get a verizon device outside of the country?
To point out, this is the very reason Verizon changed their sim unlocking policy.. to help prevent fraud and theft as they would take vzw devices then sell them for profit to non vzw customers and theyd be unlocked..
Bcuz of this is why they implemented the device needing to be activated on the vzw network and a 60 day period before it will be unlocked.
I dont see them being able to manually override/bypass this as it is policy. That as well as most reps dont even kno the policy and will tell you its unlocked or "verizon doesnt lock devices" which is inaccurate lol
jwarrior319 said:
I believe Verizon only unlocks automatically with a sim installed thats had service for 60 days(might be 30 now). I remember seeing someone say they put a friend's Verizon sim in and rebooted and it unlocked for him. I guess they dont verify IMEI to unlock just sim number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not based on sim number lol..
elliwigy said:
Its not based on sim number lol..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So any random Verizon sim thats active and has had service for 60 days or more will unlock it?
If thats the case someone could still make money off them by using there sim before selling it.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
jwarrior319 said:
So any random Verizon sim thats active and has had service for 60 days or more will unlock it?
If thats the case someone could still make money off them by using there sim before selling it.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.. i didnt say that lol.. its not tied to the sim card.. device needs to be active on verizon for 60 days.. i always use my same sim card that ive had for years now in my new devices.. i still had to wait 60 days for it to be sim unlocked..
U cant just pop an old sim in and have it unlock.. the device itself needs to be active 60 days..
When checking if a device is sim unlocked or not u dont put the sim number into the checker, u put the imei.. this is bcuz its tied to the imei/device.. not sim card itself..
What i dont know however is if you only need to activate it once on vzw network or if it needs to remain on vzw the full 60 days.. then again u cant use it on other networks until its unlocked anyways
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
elliwigy said:
No.. i didnt say that lol.. its not tied to the sim card.. device needs to be active on verizon for 60 days.. i always use my same sim card that ive had for years now in my new devices.. i still had to wait 60 days for it to be sim unlocked..
U cant just pop an old sim in and have it unlock.. the device itself needs to be active 60 days..
When checking if a device is sim unlocked or not u dont put the sim number into the checker, u put the imei.. this is bcuz its tied to the imei/device.. not sim card itself..
What i dont know however is if you only need to activate it once on vzw network or if it needs to remain on vzw the full 60 days.. then again u cant use it on other networks until its unlocked anyways
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does it say that on the verizon site or fcc site? I see you just need to activate it with a valid verizon account then 60 days it's unlocked...
---------- Post added at 02:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 AM ----------
elliwigy said:
No.. i didnt say that lol.. its not tied to the sim card.. device needs to be active on verizon for 60 days.. i always use my same sim card that ive had for years now in my new devices.. i still had to wait 60 days for it to be sim unlocked..
U cant just pop an old sim in and have it unlock.. the device itself needs to be active 60 days..
When checking if a device is sim unlocked or not u dont put the sim number into the checker, u put the imei.. this is bcuz its tied to the imei/device.. not sim card itself..
What i dont know however is if you only need to activate it once on vzw network or if it needs to remain on vzw the full 60 days.. then again u cant use it on other networks until its unlocked anyways
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does it say that on the verizon site or fcc site? I see you just need to activate it with a valid verizon account then 60 days it's unlocked...
Urbbs said:
Where does it say that on the verizon site or fcc site? I see you just need to activate it with a valid verizon account then 60 days it's unlocked...
---------- Post added at 02:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 AM ----------
Where does it say that on the verizon site or fcc site? I see you just need to activate it with a valid verizon account then 60 days it's unlocked...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I said lmao.. u need to activate it on vzw then wait 60 days and it will be unlocked..
A quick Google search you can easily find vzw unlock policy:
https://www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy

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