Related
Was hoping an owner could shed some light on the subject for me.
GSM arena says it has HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100, but I don't always trust that site as I've seen some wrong info on it.
Can anybody confirm that it has HSDPA 850 / 1900? Would love to use this on Rogers 3G network in Canada.
It seems that they are blocking the 850/1900 band. check out this thread/page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=838259
http://www.droid-life.com/2010/11/17/verizon-blocking-att-gsm-bands-on-droid-2-global/
I believe it will not work on any GSM carriers in the US or Canada. It will, however, work on GSM and UMTS carriers outside of US/Canada.
jayhammy said:
I believe it will not work on any GSM carriers in the US or Canada. It will, however, work on GSM and UMTS carriers outside of US/Canada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is until the figure out how to fix that issue.
Thanks everybody. I haven't actually seen anybody try they phone in Canada yet but I've seen plenty of evidence that it is at least blocked in the U.S. It would be nice(for me at least) if they only block within the U.S. There are more countries than just Canada and the U.S. that use these frequencies. I'm tempted to purchase one and try anyways but with a $35 restocking fee and $15-$25 unlock code it gets a little pricey to just try it out.
abdulla1 said:
It seems that they are blocking the 850/1900 band. check out this thread/page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=838259
http://www.droid-life.com/2010/11/17/verizon-blocking-att-gsm-bands-on-droid-2-global/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nevermind, looks like I have to keep reading. It appears that it will work on other 850/1900 networks as long as you are out of the U.S. Now I have to find a decent price on an unlock code, upgrade the wifes BB 9000 to an iPhone4, sell the iPhone4 and hop over to a Verizon store and by this bad boy. Hopefully Rogers doesn't give me too much difficulty.
Thanks for the links everybody. Just got the phone working in Canada all for under $600 as well
Phone was $518.39 US after tax
Unlock code was 15.99 from CellUnlock.net
Few odd things. The iemi number was difficult to figure out. The 5's looked a lot like 6's. I found some site that checks imei codes and when I checked the imie with 5's as 6's instead it said it was impossible to be valid imei code. When I checked it as 5's it was a valid code.
After I unlocked the phone I tried to set the APN values but it wouldn't let me, however after a phone reboot HSPA data turned on. All is good now
How did you actually unlock the phone? I called Verizon and they gave me the unlock code but said it won't unlock until I take out the Verizon SIM and insert a foreign SIM. At that point, I'll be prompted to enter the code.
jayhammy said:
How did you actually unlock the phone? I called Verizon and they gave me the unlock code but said it won't unlock until I take out the Verizon SIM and insert a foreign SIM. At that point, I'll be prompted to enter the code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct, and congrats on getting the Unlock code from Verizon. Everything I read said you would have to have an active account for 6 months before they give you the code.
All I did, was turn off the phone, take off the back, remove the battery, insert my Rogers sim card, put the battery back in, turn on the phone. When it booted up before it booted into the OS there as a screen asking for the SIM unlock code. I just entered the code and hit continue. Voila. Oh yeah, I had to restart the phone to get the data to work.
Looking at your profile you're from the U.S., so unlocking it wont allow you to use it on any network in the U.S. except for Verizon(they've locked it in the radio firmware), however if you're planning on traveling it'll be great.
Hello, I have bought a Droid Pro and was looking for some alternatives to eBay unlocking. You have mentioned Cellunlock.net, but I wanted to ask you what option you selected? I ran a search in that site and I did not find the Droid pro listed. Did you pay for the plain Motorola "any phone" unlock? Thanks for the info.
alejo said:
Hello, I have bought a Droid Pro and was looking for some alternatives to eBay unlocking. You have mentioned Cellunlock.net, but I wanted to ask you what option you selected? I ran a search in that site and I did not find the Droid pro listed. Did you pay for the plain Motorola "any phone" unlock? Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. The generic unlock any Motorola phone.
So I am going to buy a probably used Galaxy S5, most likely from Swappa.com and I am going to activate it with Metro PCS, which is a GSM carrier, so I know I need a GSM carrier GS5, like from AT&T or T-Mobile. I did a bit of googling and I only ended up with more questions... Are the AT&T and T Mobile versions of the GS5 carrier locked? From what I read online, the ATT is locked and the Tmobile is unlocked, but I cant be certain from the couple forum posts I could only find. If the phone is already unlocked, I can just bring it into the Metro PCS store and activate it, right?
Now, what if it is locked? Can I carrier unlock it myself? How do I do that? Do I really need to buy an unlock code online? Seems kinda sketchy to buy these codes from random unlocking sites, but if I have to...? Also, can I have it unlocked by Metro PCS or T-Mobile or ATT?
Next part of my question is about the bootloader. Again, I did some research, but found only one relatively... relevant forum post. So I come here for direct help. I was chatting with AT&T tech support on their site asking about the bootloader.
Anyways, ATT told me the bootloader on their GS5's are encrypted locked. What about TMobiles version? Supposedly if they are encrypted, there is near to no chance of really getting that unlocked. Although, if they are not encrypted, would they be able to be unlocked? I have no idea about T-Mobile having a locked bootloader or not.
Lastly, has the bootlader been unlocked already for any GS5? I ask because ive seen some GS5's with custom ROM's and launchers and stuff, but last I heard, they were still locked.
You didn't do much "research" via Google or searching this forum or you'd already have the answers your are looking for. These questions have been asked and answered innumerable times.
Very few carriers other than ATT and Verizon lock bootloaders. TMB's bootloader is not locked. Generally speaking, TMB model has the most GSM bands and is arguably the most desirable model but you need to check whether those include the bands you need with the carrier you plan to use. Do that by checking and comparing the bands that both carriers use or simply find out what S5 model your carrier uses itself.
Most phones, incuding TMB, ATT, et al are SIM locked. But you can easily get a third party vendor to provide an unlock code for about $20 and thereafter use it on another carrier.
.
fffft said:
You didn't do much "research" via Google or searching this forum or you'd already have the answers your are looking for. These questions have been asked and answered innumerable times.
Very few carriers other than ATT and Verizon lock bootloaders. TMB's bootloader is not locked. Generally speaking, TMB model has the most GSM bands and is arguably the most desirable model but you need to check whether those include the bands you need with the carrier you plan to use. Do that by checking and comparing the bands that both carriers use or simply find out what S5 model your carrier uses itself.
Most phones, incuding TMB, ATT, et al are SIM locked. But you can easily get a third party vendor to provide an unlock code for about $20 and thereafter use it on another carrier.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, this is just totally new to me. Ive never had an android device other than a Nexus 7 I was gifted that i hardly use. Ive never even had a smartphone, so Ive had to find and absorb all this info about rooting, bootloaders, unlocking. Its been kinda mind boggling. So in the meantime after I posted this I pieced together this info.. I hope I am corrrect:
-AT&T and Verizon have been locking their bootloaders for a while and everyone hates them for that
-Any GSM carrier phone can be unlocked to work with any other GSM carrier
-CDMA cannot be unlocked at all
Kinda iffy on this one, not 100% sure... -Rooting is the same as unlocking the bootloader. If the bootloader is not encrypted, the phone can be rooted and custom ROM's/recoveries can be installed.
-Supposedly Verizon and AT&T GS5's can now be rooted... (cant link to outisde links, but just search "How to Root ANY Samsung Galaxy S5 Variant (Even AT&T & Verizon) in 20 Seconds Flat" and its the first link.
Based off this new info I have gathered... I want a T-Mobile GS5 (or AT&T if they can in fact be rooted and have custom ROM's installed on them). I will have to carrier unlock it myself unless it is already unlocked (someone on Swappa.com says they are selling a "factory unlocked" T-Mobile GS5 for $480, so I guess T-Mobile also sells carrier unlocked versions). I will unlock it using a code from theunlockingcompany website for $40 (seems like a steep price, but supposedly its the best site to use). I will then unlock it with the code which should take a couple minutes after I get the code, code taking up to 5 hours to arrive in my email. I will then have to take it in store to Metro PCS (hopefully I can do it online too if I order the SIM card online to ship to me for $10) to have it activated with them and get service. Then it should be activated, have my phone number, have cell and data service, paid/pay $40 a month. All is well in the world.
Is that info I discovered above true, what about the steps I should go through in the last section, above?
DannyDee15 said:
Is that info I discovered above true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't know where to begin. Yes, a TMB phone is ideal IMO for ATT because it covers all of the ATT frequencies and then some, plus has an unlocked bootloader. Most of the rest you have wrong.
Any GSM carrier phone can be unlocked to work with any other GSM carrier
No. You can unlock phones, but models will seldom work well on a different carriers frequency allotment.
CDMA cannot be unlocked at all
Not true.
Rooting is the same as unlocking the bootloader.
They are not the same thing.
If the bootloader is not encrypted, the phone can be rooted
Not correct. You can root phones with locked (encrypted) bootloaders.
Supposedly Verizon and AT&T GS5's can now be rooted
Almost any Android with a pre-June6th firmware build can be rooted.
so I guess T-Mobile also sells carrier unlocked versions
Nope.
I don't know how you managed to adopt so much misinformation. I can only assume that you haven't done much reading yet and /or made a lot of assumptions. You should read some of the sticky posts to get a better general understanding of how everything fits together. Then you can pose more informed questions.
It has nothing to do with being new to smartphones. You just thought that it was easier to ask than to do a proper search or puzzle out a few confusing points. It would be in your own best interests to do some reading, but whether you do or not is entirely up to you.
.
Hey all,
I recently got my Note 4 through US Cellular SIM unlocked and when I insert another SIM from AT&T or Tmobile, the phone accepts the SIM but there isn't any setting to change the phone to global mode in the network settings area, nor is there a way to change APNs. I cannot place calls on either Tmobile or AT&T with it, which I find odd since the phone doesn't reject the SIM. Does this version not have support for GSM bands or is it something to do with US Cellular's software that prevents it from connecting to United States GSM carriers? Is there a hidden setting that I need to get into to enable GSM use? Thanks all!
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 (US Cellular) using XDA Free mobile app
Here's a screenshot of what I get when I try to change the network type to Global or GSM.
Sent from my US Cellular Note 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Old thread but bumpin, any news on this?
I also have bought a US Cellular Note Edge (not arrived yet) to use it in European GSM Networks. Phone was really cheap, so i thought i'll give it a try. Anyone have news on how to unlock GSM capabilities on this ? Maybe with a Rom from a GSM Edge ?
sportsinger75 said:
Hey all,
I recently got my Note 4 through US Cellular SIM unlocked and when I insert another SIM from AT&T or Tmobile, the phone accepts the SIM but there isn't any setting to change the phone to global mode in the network settings area, nor is there a way to change APNs. I cannot place calls on either Tmobile or AT&T with it, which I find odd since the phone doesn't reject the SIM. Does this version not have support for GSM bands or is it something to do with US Cellular's software that prevents it from connecting to United States GSM carriers? Is there a hidden setting that I need to get into to enable GSM use? Thanks all!
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 (US Cellular) using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get your note 4 unlocked?
Thanks,
Shaun
mv-testarossa said:
I also have bought a US Cellular Note Edge (not arrived yet) to use it in European GSM Networks. Phone was really cheap, so i thought i'll give it a try. Anyone have news on how to unlock GSM capabilities on this ? Maybe with a Rom from a GSM Edge ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you let us know what your experience with the US Cellular Note Edge?
I am having the same problem
gd
kv
I recently spent some time on the phone with the executive assistant to the president uscellular and well I had no success in getting my phone unlocked if I understand correctly the phone is cable of gsm also. If anyone would like I can give you the number 4 this lady name Karen and you can bring her directly. I also spoke with several members of the presidents executive Support technical service and they all indicated that the machine would have to be taking it into the store to be unlocked. the weird thing was that the machine is not blacklisted, stolen nor gained in any ill gotten way but yet all with one accord further said that it would be refuse for unlocking without giving any good reason. I understand the company was sued in court and lost the battle to not unlock their phones and this seems to not affect them only one to one basis. I will find a solution to this and I will share it. I would be grateful for any help in doing meanwhile.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Hey, everybody. I hope I'm able to help... and in turn, I hope someone is able to help me.
Supposedly... newer Qualcomm-powered Android phones are inherently capable of connecting to any CDMA or GSM network. However, the different bands are enabled/disabled per the carrier's specifications. For instance, I'm a Verizon customer, and I connect to bands 4 and 13 for LTE service. However, US Cellular devices do not have band 13 enabled by default.
All hope is not yet lost, though. There is a thread (which has since been closed due to trolling/bickering) that details a method to flash the Qualcomm chip to enable/disable bands as needed. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059 According to the information there... it seems that I'd be able to flash the CPU chip to enable band 13, and then I'd have support for all 1x / 2G / 3G / LTE bands that I'd need for Verizon. Likewise for T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, etc.
Now for my problem...
I have recently purchased a USC Note 4 (N910R4) from Amazon, though it was listed as a N910F, International Edition. It was listed as having been unlocked for use on any CDMA network. Unfortunately, the phone does not recognize my Verizon SIM, Verizon couldn't give me any information about the device, and a US Cellular support chat representative said I'd have to visit a store to check if the phone is actually unlocked. The closes USC store is several hours away in another state. The phone came with a USC SIM still in it... and it recognizes that SIM without a problem. I can't make phone calls, though... and no mobile data, either.
I had intended to use the International Version (N910F) and enable the correct bands per the thread above... and then activate the phone on my Verizon account... but the USC version should be close enough in band support that I'd be able to at least activate the phone. The USC phone supports band 4 LTE, and I get band 4 service where I'm sitting right now. If not that, the 2G and 3G band support are identical, I believe. So, I'm just doubtful that I'll be able to activate the phone just yet.
Can anyone shed light on how to verify that my new phone is actually carrier/SIM unlocked? I was hoping I'd be able to get someone to query a database of unlocked MEIDs, but for some reason, I am supposed to go to a store. I can't even call.
Any help is appreciated.
DrPhant0m said:
Hey, everybody. I hope I'm able to help... and in turn, I hope someone is able to help me.
Supposedly... newer Qualcomm-powered Android phones are inherently capable of connecting to any CDMA or GSM network. However, the different bands are enabled/disabled per the carrier's specifications. For instance, I'm a Verizon customer, and I connect to bands 4 and 13 for LTE service. However, US Cellular devices do not have band 13 enabled by default.
All hope is not yet lost, though. There is a thread (which has since been closed due to trolling/bickering) that details a method to flash the Qualcomm chip to enable/disable bands as needed. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059 According to the information there... it seems that I'd be able to flash the CPU chip to enable band 13, and then I'd have support for all 1x / 2G / 3G / LTE bands that I'd need for Verizon. Likewise for T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, etc.
Now for my problem...
I have recently purchased a USC Note 4 (N910R4) from Amazon, though it was listed as a N910F, International Edition. It was listed as having been unlocked for use on any CDMA network. Unfortunately, the phone does not recognize my Verizon SIM, Verizon couldn't give me any information about the device, and a US Cellular support chat representative said I'd have to visit a store to check if the phone is actually unlocked. The closes USC store is several hours away in another state. The phone came with a USC SIM still in it... and it recognizes that SIM without a problem. I can't make phone calls, though... and no mobile data, either.
I had intended to use the International Version (N910F) and enable the correct bands per the thread above... and then activate the phone on my Verizon account... but the USC version should be close enough in band support that I'd be able to at least activate the phone. The USC phone supports band 4 LTE, and I get band 4 service where I'm sitting right now. If not that, the 2G and 3G band support are identical, I believe. So, I'm just doubtful that I'll be able to activate the phone just yet.
Can anyone shed light on how to verify that my new phone is actually carrier/SIM unlocked? I was hoping I'd be able to get someone to query a database of unlocked MEIDs, but for some reason, I am supposed to go to a store. I can't even call.
Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I share all your concerns sir. I too have not learned yet how to determine if USC nope for exactly carrier locked or no but I am of the firmest belief based on what I've learned from USC at various levels up to the Presidents executive team that it is indeed carrier locked. I cannot answer for yours then I believe that all under phones come in one of the two varieties and I am convinced even after the court ruling against them that they I have no intent to unlock a phone by less than forcesure. Furthermore I have no confidence that the store they may send you to has any unlocking abilities. According to the executive team that does this work in reality you must in the machine into them and prove its worthwhile to be unlocked. In my case well they cannot prove there is any malfeasance, they still choose to err on the side of caution and refuse to accept any proof then I have of the machine purchased new complete and clean but from a second party. They furthermore refuse to contact the locals that originally sold the phone and truthfully are the first corporation that ever more me so thin that I chose to unlock the bang bang myself. I remain as giddy as a schoolboy hoping to hear more good news from this post. I'm confident then I currently have the knowledge to fix the phone but do not currently have the time. I will happily update I'll with my success be crying the Blues at my failure soon.
GH
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Any updates, guys? Did flashing the ROM to allow access to additional channels work for anyone? Thinking of buying a USC Note 4 and then trying to unlock it for GSM usage.
Any news on unlocking or using on GSM networks? thx
kardeşim ne yaptın telefonu açabildin mi ?
aynı sorun bendede var
Has anyone got any further with this? I've just bought a US cellular note 4 and my APN settings are greyed out. I'm assuming that US cellular will be difficult to deal with to get the phone unlocked especially if it has been bought from a third party. Has anyone had any luck with getting there's unlocked?
Hi!i set my Note Edge to say on Network mode:GSM/WCDMA/LTE but i can't place calls etc...has anyone an idea to make it work?
use z3x box to unlock it
To whom might be concern;
Make things short, NO, you cant use USC Note 4 on any US carrier if u look at the spec. The phone support only some GSM850 and FDD LTE band 5 (850mzh). And att/tmobile 2g voice is on gsm1700/2100 and LTE band is not match....... So that being said you are buying note 4 as Samsung Player and only good with USC and somewhat Verizon(need to hack for it to work, and stillike not all feature will work). Hope answer most you guy question
Phone is cdma unlocked automatically on 6.0.1 roms
---------- Post added at 05:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:45 PM ----------
DrPhant0m said:
Hey, everybody. I hope I'm able to help... and in turn, I hope someone is able to help me.
Supposedly... newer Qualcomm-powered Android phones are inherently capable of connecting to any CDMA or GSM network. However, the different bands are enabled/disabled per the carrier's specifications. For instance, I'm a Verizon customer, and I connect to bands 4 and 13 for LTE service. However, US Cellular devices do not have band 13 enabled by default.
All hope is not yet lost, though. There is a thread (which has since been closed due to trolling/bickering) that details a method to flash the Qualcomm chip to enable/disable bands as needed. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059 According to the information there... it seems that I'd be able to flash the CPU chip to enable band 13, and then I'd have support for all 1x / 2G / 3G / LTE bands that I'd need for Verizon. Likewise for T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, etc.
Now for my problem...
I have recently purchased a USC Note 4 (N910R4) from Amazon, though it was listed as a N910F, International Edition. It was listed as having been unlocked for use on any CDMA network. Unfortunately, the phone does not recognize my Verizon SIM, Verizon couldn't give me any information about the device, and a US Cellular support chat representative said I'd have to visit a store to check if the phone is actually unlocked. The closes USC store is several hours away in another state. The phone came with a USC SIM still in it... and it recognizes that SIM without a problem. I can't make phone calls, though... and no mobile data, either.
I had intended to use the International Version (N910F) and enable the correct bands per the thread above... and then activate the phone on my Verizon account... but the USC version should be close enough in band support that I'd be able to at least activate the phone. The USC phone supports band 4 LTE, and I get band 4 service where I'm sitting right now. If not that, the 2G and 3G band support are identical, I believe. So, I'm just doubtful that I'll be able to activate the phone just yet.
Can anyone shed light on how to verify that my new phone is actually carrier/SIM unlocked? I was hoping I'd be able to get someone to query a database of unlocked MEIDs, but for some reason, I am supposed to go to a store. I can't even call.
Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though the phone is automatically cdma unlocked on android 6.0.1 roms, the bands are still disabled. I suggest following DrPhant0m's advice and look into the posted link above.
Deadbit said:
Phone is cdma unlocked automatically on 6.0.1 roms
---------- Post added at 05:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:45 PM ----------
Though the phone is automatically cdma unlocked on android 6.0.1 roms, the bands are still disabled. I suggest following DrPhant0m's advice and look into the posted link above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've still got the USC Note 4. My son uses it on wifi and to watch videos that we load to local storage. In other words... no sim card installed.
If I manually update the phone to 6.0.1... what will I gain being that I'm a Verizon customer? Is the only difference that 1 band of LTE will be inaccessible? Would it actually start working for calls and some data with a verizon sim?
The whole "reprogram other-carrier Qualcomm phones to work on Verizon's bands" is frequently debunked as chasing a unicorn in the verizon forums.
Further... is the same applicable to newer phones? Could I get a newer (note 5/7) USC phone with android 6.x+ to work with verizon? (Unlocked bootloader would be my only reason to try)
Thanks!
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I can't find any definitive answers on this. All I know is the minimum is 25, 26 and 41 but it'd be nice to know the full list. I travel internationally and without other LTE bands like band 7, it makes it tough to use it anywhere outside the US.
EDIT: Someone answered this question in another thread but it would be good to get screenshots to verify this.
m03sizlak said:
LTE Bands: 2 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 12 / 13 / 25 / 26 / 41
I've heard that the FCC filings show that the Sprint variant is not capable (tested or approved) for GSM or WCDMA, which is kind of disappointing since I travel a lot in Canada. Any confirmation on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This list of bands is a little better than both the Sprint variants of the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7. If this phone can be unlocked, you at least have a way to go abroad and use LTE connections in much of Europe and elsewhere. Band 7 is the most common band in the world from what I understand.
I'm curious about this comment about GSM and WCDMA. Hopefully someone can verify this one way or another.
asuh said:
I'm curious about this comment about GSM and WCDMA. Hopefully someone can verify this one way or another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever get an answer on this? I have a Sprint variant of the 10 and am trying to unlock it as I will be travel for the next 2 years. I've done everything I can think of but cannot get the phone's radio to work with any unlocked ROM. I could use some help here. Any advice or information you can provide?
vijn said:
Did you ever get an answer on this? I have a Sprint variant of the 10 and am trying to unlock it as I will be travel for the next 2 years. I've done everything I can think of but cannot get the phone's radio to work with any unlocked ROM. I could use some help here. Any advice or information you can provide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you plan to travel outside the US during most of this time, your best options are to sell your HTC 10 and get one of the few unlocked flagship phones on Sprint's networks, assuming you want to stay with Sprint.
Here are your options:
Google Pixel
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-930U
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-935U
Nexus 6P or 5X
Motorola X Pure Edition
Apple iPhone
Here's a full list as of February 2017 of radio unlocked phones compatible with Sprint.
There are other unlocked phones that are not compatible with Sprint because CDMA and LTE bands are crippled or missing.
asuh said:
If you plan to travel outside the US during most of this time, your best options are to sell your HTC 10 and get one of the few unlocked flagship phones on Sprint's networks, assuming you want to stay with Sprint.
Here are your options:
Google Pixel
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-930U
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-935U
Nexus 6P or 5X
Motorola X Pure Edition
Apple iPhone
Here's a full list as of February 2017 of radio unlocked phones compatible with Sprint.
There are other unlocked phones that are not compatible with Sprint because CDMA and LTE bands are crippled or missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. The thing is I'm not on Sprint and have no desire to be. I won't be in the states long. I bought the phone thinking that like most, it could be unlocked and used as needed wherever I travel to. I knew it wasn't unlocked but figured I could do it myself. Well, I've tried a number of times, and keep having an issue with the radio. Can you explain what you mean by bands being crippled? What I'm trying to find out now is whether it's possible for me to get this HTC10 completely unlocked. I think I've done everything right but maybe not. I'm kinda desperate at this point. I love this phone. And if I have to I'll return it and grab another that can be unlocked but I just have a hard time believing that the phone can't be unlocked. It's a strange concept for me. Any help or info would be appreciated.
vijn said:
Thanks for the response. The thing is I'm not on Sprint and have no desire to be. I won't be in the states long. I bought the phone thinking that like most, it could be unlocked and used as needed wherever I travel to. I knew it wasn't unlocked but figured I could do it myself. Well, I've tried a number of times, and keep having an issue with the radio. Can you explain what you mean by bands being crippled? What I'm trying to find out now is whether it's possible for me to get this HTC10 completely unlocked. I think I've done everything right but maybe not. I'm kinda desperate at this point. I love this phone. And if I have to I'll return it and grab another that can be unlocked but I just have a hard time believing that the phone can't be unlocked. It's a strange concept for me. Any help or info would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, go go Google and look up what LTE bands are.
Crippled LTE bands = the hardware inside the phone will not allow certain LTE bands to work unless physically altered. It doesn't matter which ROM you install, you will not unlock all the LTE bands without physical alteration. https://www.quora.com/Does-installing-different-rom-change-LTE-band-frequency
So no, HTC 10 will never be completely unlocked. Look at the list above and buy one of those phones if you want a completely unlocked phone.
asuh said:
First, go go Google and look up what LTE bands are.
Crippled LTE bands = the hardware inside the phone will not allow certain LTE bands to work unless physically altered. It doesn't matter which ROM you install, you will not unlock all the LTE bands without physical alteration. https://www.quora.com/Does-installing-different-rom-change-LTE-band-frequency
So no, HTC 10 will never be completely unlocked. Look at the list above and buy one of those phones if you want a completely unlocked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I fully understand. Yes, I know that different chips have different bands that they work with. So, what you're saying is the Sprint HTC10 variant uses either a different chip or has some sort of other hardware configuration that is incompatible with GSM and the wider LTE bands and that no matter what I do with this phone I'll never have a truly unlocked phone? That's what I have understood, so my best option is to send it back. Ok, I get that. But I have read across tons of forums and threads of people who unlocked their Sprint 10s and are able to use them on other non-cdma carriers. So, how does that work? Are all the Sprint 10s the same or are some more limited than others? Are you essentially saying that i would have to get an unlocked/dev edition of the htc10 to be able to use GSM in other countries?
Sorry if i'm asking stupid questions here, I'm just trying to fully understand this. Thanks again for helping me out on this.
If anyone reading this knows better, please feel free to correct me.
This is my understanding of LTE bands and CDMA/GSM radios.
Phones like HTC 10, which are locked, include hardware that are built for specific usages. Prior to HTC 10, HTC phones built for Sprint's CDMA radio were specifically built to lock out GSM radio signals and most other LTE bands using the hardware. This means you'd have to open the physical device and modify the wiring inside the phone in order to allow other signals to work.
As of HTC 10, the locks are supposedly now just software based but I haven't seen proof of that. What this essentially means is that you should be able to unlock the bootloader and flash new Roms that could allow the GSM radio to work universally. However, lots of people are having issues with it. Here's one story of someone who was mostly successful but still had issues:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68960210&postcount=47
Read through the thread above and you'll see a lot of people having issues trying to fully unlock the radios and LTE bands for this phone.
If you ultimately don't want to be on Sprint anyway, I think you really should consider getting something already unlocked that can universally work anywhere. And lots of interesting non-Sprint compatible phones like OnePlus 3t (among the others on the lists I provided) are already unlocked and have a lot of good capabilities and would work great anywhere. The Pixel is one of the best devices out there and the camera is amazing from what most people say.
So I think your options are limited and I'd highly suggest you consider getting a Pixel or something else already unlocked.
asuh said:
If anyone reading this knows better, please feel free to correct me.
This is my understanding of LTE bands and CDMA/GSM radios.
Phones like HTC 10, which are locked, include hardware that are built for specific usages. Prior to HTC 10, HTC phones built for Sprint's CDMA radio were specifically built to lock out GSM radio signals and most other LTE bands using the hardware. This means you'd have to open the physical device and modify the wiring inside the phone in order to allow other signals to work.
As of HTC 10, the locks are supposedly now just software based but I haven't seen proof of that. What this essentially means is that you should be able to unlock the bootloader and flash new Roms that could allow the GSM radio to work universally. However, lots of people are having issues with it. Here's one story of someone who was mostly successful but still had issues:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68960210&postcount=47
Read through the thread above and you'll see a lot of people having issues trying to fully unlock the radios and LTE bands for this phone.
If you ultimately don't want to be on Sprint anyway, I think you really should consider getting something already unlocked that can universally work anywhere. And lots of interesting non-Sprint compatible phones like OnePlus 3t (among the others on the lists I provided) are already unlocked and have a lot of good capabilities and would work great anywhere. The Pixel is one of the best devices out there and the camera is amazing from what most people say.
So I think your options are limited and I'd highly suggest you consider getting a Pixel or something else already unlocked.
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They are software based. I have unlocked AT&T bands on my Sprint variant, 2 actually , and they worked perfectly fine. I would show you proof but I am back on T-Mobile which the Sprint HTC 10 already has LTE support for by default.
unlock
jblparisi said:
They are software based. I have unlocked AT&T bands on my Sprint variant, 2 actually , and they worked perfectly fine. I would show you proof but I am back on T-Mobile which the Sprint HTC 10 already has LTE support for by default.
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how did you unlock it manualy? can you show me some instruction?
jacobtvaliashvili said:
how did you unlock it manualy? can you show me some instruction?
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See my other reply.
Has anyone tried to use the Verizon variant on a GSM network yet? We've gotten lucky in the past with other Verizon prepaid LTE phones working.
I don't think the XT1609 is GSM capable. It has no 3G UMTS bands enabled, though it does have the full range of GSM 2G/EDGE bands enabled.
So, pretty much unless you're in a VoLTE area, you might be out of luck for voice calls if it is unlocked. I'm not even sure if this phone does VoLTE anyway though.
Sent from my Moto G Play using XDA Labs
somebody has a moto g4 play to try the same method of moto e 2º generation ?? following the steps with Network app to get gsm capable in the phone.
moto g4 play verizon
i bought one moto g4 play verizon and their coming locked i need a imei code for unlock help me
kamelsouki said:
i bought one moto g4 play verizon and their coming locked i need a imei code for unlock help me
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did you try the "network" app and follow the same method than moto e 2° verizon?
best buy have them $64.99 at the moment hurry hurry someone please completely confirm if unlockable to work on gsm lol
http://www.android.gs/sim-unlock-verizon-moto-e-2015/
this is what you mean a possible unlock method?
mrw187 said:
best buy have them $64.99 at the moment hurry hurry someone please completely confirm if unlockable to work on gsm lol
http://www.android.gs/sim-unlock-verizon-moto-e-2015/
this is what you mean a possible unlock method?
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It would probably be a waste of time and $. Someone already bought one in the other Verizon moto g4 play thread and returned it because it looked like a no go. And without unlocking the bootloader, how would you flash a custom or alternate ROM to use the bands needed for GSM (as mentioned above). That's if it's a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation. If we want an unlocked Moto G4 play, the only option looks like we're shelling out $100 to Amazon for the one with ads or $150 without ads.
ryanl2299 said:
It would probably be a waste of time and $. Someone already bought one in the other Verizon moto g4 play thread and returned it because it looked like a no go. And without unlocking the bootloader, how would you flash a custom or alternate ROM to use the bands needed for GSM (as mentioned above). That's if it's a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation. If we want an unlocked Moto G4 play, the only option looks like we're shelling out $100 to Amazon for the one with ads or $150 without ads.
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please show me in the above link where there is any mention of a needed bootloader unlock or custom rom? stop spreading your negative bs without any factual backup other than your negative assumptions
mrw187 said:
best buy have them $64.99 at the moment hurry hurry someone please completely confirm if unlockable to work on gsm lol
http://www.android.gs/sim-unlock-verizon-moto-e-2015/
this is what you mean a possible unlock method?
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Click to collapse
yes, i have 2 moto e 2º from verizon 4G LTE and it work completely in Movistar Mexico, but a relative bring a samsung j1 , from verizon too and it can´t be unlocked, the menu "network" is disable and if yiu try to run network app, it close..... so, i don´t know if all verizon 4G LTE can be unlocked to get gsm signal like the moto e 2 , samsung s4,etc.....
mrw187 said:
please show me in the above link where there is any mention of a needed bootloader unlock or custom rom? stop spreading your negative bs without any factual backup other than your negative assumptions
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What link do you need, the link to the product page? Did you even research this phone one little bit before posting or was it a case of post now, think later? What network are you even looking to use this phone on? I'll tell you right now that several of the bands used for other networks are completely missing for this phone (can see this clear as day on any product or spec listing for this phone). Then there's the matter of this phone being carrier locked (it's not as simple as popping in a different sim anymore - Verizon changed their policy this year). People need to stop comparing this to the Moto e from last year because this clearly isn't. What else do you need to know?
ryanl2299 said:
It would probably be a waste of time and $. Someone already bought one in the other Verizon moto g4 play thread and returned it because it looked like a no go. And without unlocking the bootloader, how would you flash a custom or alternate ROM to use the bands needed for GSM (as mentioned above). That's if it's a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation. If we want an unlocked Moto G4 play, the only option looks like we're shelling out $100 to Amazon for the one with ads or $150 without ads.
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EDIT: NEVER MIND. I just realized you were saying they'd need to flash a rom to enable the GSM 2G bands the phone hardware IS capable of. I thought you were trying to say you could magically enable 3g/UMTS bands that it's NOT capable of with a rom lol. Disregard the parts below about enabling bands the hardware isn't capable of, that's my misunderstanding!!
Original post:
I don't know what you're smoking bro. It most certainly IS a hardware limitation. You can't just enable bands that the antenna isn't capable of. SOME devices, very rarely, have antennae capable of more bands than are enabled in the radio firmware(NOT the Rom) but those are very few and far between.
Simply put, you can't make a 1609 into a 1607 just by flashing a new radio. If you could, then hell... I'd make every one of my old phones work with all carriers by turning on the bands they don't already have. Sadly, this is not possible.
As I said earlier in the thread, it's capable of EDGE (2g), and some of the GSM LTE bands that CDMA carriers use for data, BUT you wouldn't be able to call/text over LTE and it would fall back to EDGE for voice and sms (so no simultaneous voice and data) if you got a carrier unlock code from Verizon, but most GSM carriers are phasing out EDGE for postpaid accounts so if it's not a prepaid SIM it likely wouldn't register to the network at all for voice calling.
tl;dr unlocking the XT1609 for use on GSM carriers would be a very painful and unpleasant experience on prepaid where calls would go to voicemail when you're using data, and the SIM wouldn't register at all on a contract/postpaid account.
what about international use? is it possibly just locked in usa unlocked international for roaming?
mrw187 said:
what about international use? is it possibly just locked in usa unlocked international for roaming?
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I'm afraid that you're misunderstanding the meaning of "locked" in this scenario. It's probably carrier locked to Verizon prepaid no matter where you take it, but that can be remedied very easily (it was brought to my attention last night in a different forum that there are now unlock codes for these on eBay for around $2.50, so buying an unlock code takes care of that problem). But the real issue is the bands that this phone is capable of using and what is available where you're going and what network you'll be using. I believe the bands Verizon uses are more prevalent over seas, but I'm sure you can find this out with a quick web search.
ryanl2299 said:
It would probably be a waste of time and $. Someone already bought one in the other Verizon moto g4 play thread and returned it because it looked like a no go. And without unlocking the bootloader, how would you flash a custom or alternate ROM to use the bands needed for GSM (as mentioned above). That's if it's a firmware thing and not a hardware limitation. If we want an unlocked Moto G4 play, the only option looks like we're shelling out $100 to Amazon for the one with ads or $150 without ads.
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Click to collapse
ryanl2299 said:
I'm afraid that you're misunderstanding the meaning of "locked" in this scenario. It's probably carrier locked to Verizon prepaid no matter where you take it, but that can be remedied very easily (it was brought to my attention last night in a different forum that there are now unlock codes for these on eBay for around $2.50, so buying an unlock code takes care of that problem). But the real issue is the bands that this phone is capable of using and what is available where you're going and what network you'll be using. I believe the bands Verizon uses are more prevalent over seas, but I'm sure you can find this out with a quick web search.
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I see. Need to find out what 3g bands get unlocked if any because according to gsmarena the 4g bands on this model are not applicable in my country and rolling 2g only is not worth it.
agentfusion said:
EDIT: NEVER MIND. I just realized you were saying they'd need to flash a rom to enable the GSM 2G bands the phone hardware IS capable of. I thought you were trying to say you could magically enable 3g/UMTS bands that it's NOT capable of with a rom lol. Disregard the parts below about enabling bands the hardware isn't capable of, that's my misunderstanding!!
Original post:
I don't know what you're smoking bro. It most certainly IS a hardware limitation. You can't just enable bands that the antenna isn't capable of. SOME devices, very rarely, have antennae capable of more bands than are enabled in the radio firmware(NOT the Rom) but those are very few and far between.
Simply put, you can't make a 1609 into a 1607 just by flashing a new radio. If you could, then hell... I'd make every one of my old phones work with all carriers by turning on the bands they don't already have. Sadly, this is not possible.
As I said earlier in the thread, it's capable of EDGE (2g), and some of the GSM LTE bands that CDMA carriers use for data, BUT you wouldn't be able to call/text over LTE and it would fall back to EDGE for voice and sms (so no simultaneous voice and data) if you got a carrier unlock code from Verizon, but most GSM carriers are phasing out EDGE for postpaid accounts so if it's not a prepaid SIM it likely wouldn't register to the network at all for voice calling.
tl;dr unlocking the XT1609 for use on GSM carriers would be a very painful and unpleasant experience on prepaid where calls would go to voicemail when you're using data, and the SIM wouldn't register at all on a contract/postpaid account.
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Part of me says that the disabled bands is a firmware thing rather than a hardware thing since it's much cheaper for moto to make "one phone" with different programming, but it's probably just wishful thinking on my part. Either way, I'm sure Verizon locked these phones down so we'll because of the whole moto e thing last year (hordes of zombies flocked to bestbuy to buy $10 Verizon branded phones only to use them on other networks). All it took was a couple of commands in abd from what I remember (there was an ultra long thread about it at the time). Probably pissed off Verizon and I hope they lost their shirts. I'm sure that these types of phones are subsidized in some way since the unbranded ones are almost always double or more in price (especially with verizon- they usually have cheaper phones but more expensive service - great way to hook you).
And I know exactly what you're talking about with using this in stock form on gsm carriers. If you're in need of a laugh, go check out the thread for Verizon moto g4 play over on slickdeals. There was one poster who got this phone unlocked (via eBay) and was going to try to use this for VOIP with Google voice or something (data only I suppose) since he claimed to have excellent LTE in his region. I believe that he's in for an underwhelming experience and constant missed/dropped calls. I guess it might work if you stand in one spot all day. To each his own. Some people would do just about anything to save a few bucks. Here's a link and their username was TheLao :http://slickdeals.net/f/9195543-16g...ipping-free-store-pickup-best-buy-ebay?page=7
Just got off live chat with motorola with 2 different csrs neither knew anything outside of public info on what bands the xt1609 has or it truely has no 3g gsm bands.
may have to wait until someone who physically has this and can confirm what bands it has once unlocked? i tried searching for an app on store that can tell you available bands on the device but gave up after about 4-5 apps.
ryanl2299 said:
Part of me says that the disabled bands is a firmware thing rather than a hardware thing since it's much cheaper for moto to make "one phone" with different programming, but it's probably just wishful thinking on my part. Either way, I'm sure Verizon locked these phones down so we'll because of the whole moto e thing last year (hordes of zombies flocked to bestbuy to buy $10 Verizon branded phones only to use them on other networks). All it took was a couple of commands in abd from what I remember (there was an ultra long thread about it at the time). Probably pissed off Verizon and I hope they lost their shirts. I'm sure that these types of phones are subsidized in some way since the unbranded ones are almost always double or more in price (especially with verizon- they usually have cheaper phones but more expensive service - great way to hook you).
And I know exactly what you're talking about with using this in stock form on gsm carriers. If you're in need of a laugh, go check out the thread for Verizon moto g4 play over on slickdeals. There was one poster who got this phone unlocked (via eBay) and was going to try to use this for VOIP with Google voice or something (data only I suppose) since he claimed to have excellent LTE in his region. I believe that he's in for an underwhelming experience and constant missed/dropped calls. I guess it might work if you stand in one spot all day. To each his own. Some people would do just about anything to save a few bucks. Here's a link and their username was TheLao :http://slickdeals.net/f/9195543-16g...ipping-free-store-pickup-best-buy-ebay?page=7
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Click to collapse
I'm sure in some phones it is probably just a firmware thing. I remember some of the early Kindle fire models that were on the low end were really underclocked high end models with a smaller NAND. If you rooted them and flashed a new kernel, you could enable Bluetooth and set the clock speed up to match the higher end model and all you'd be missing is some storage. In the case of the Moto g4 play, though, it's probably cheaper to just leave out the physical antenna hardware for non VZW bands than disabling them via firmware. That's likely just a matter of dropping a step from the assembly process, so it wouldn't cost them any extra... Might even save a few pennies per run. But I'd imagine on high end flagship devices where it's a different model for every carrier, it's just a firmware thing. That's probably the REAL reason some phones have locked bootloaders. Like the LG G4, the only one with bootloader unlock is the international version with all bands enabled. I bet if I COULD unlock the bootloader on my sprint LG G4, I could turn it into a GSM phone.
And LOLOLOL about that link. Dude is going to hate life. When my LG G4 was in for repair and the Moto G4 Play hadn't shipped yet, I was using a LG G Pad F7 LTE tablet with Google voice, using hangouts and hangouts dialer for sms and voice. Missed calls SO many times because it would take too long to start ringing on my end, and I'm in one of the major US markets so LTE coverage is literally everywhere.
Welp, TIFU. I bought two of the Moto g4 play at walmart... got home and found out that Verizon locks 4g phones again. Paid for an unlock, found the phone doesn't allow connecting to GSM networks, but that is because even with a GSM sim in the phone it still only connects to Verizon. With my t-mobile sim in the phone, I make a call and get the "your call is being transfered to a representative who will take your credit card info to complete this call". Leave it to verizon to only allow the phone to connect to their network even after you unlock it...
Xt1609 doesn't have connection of gsm or 2g
Hi! I bought a "Moto 4G play" of Veirzon USA (XT1609). Unfortunately, My network operator in Mexico (Telcel) hasn't compatible with the VoLTE.
The cellphone doesn't have connection of GSM or 2G only LTE 4G. I did unlocked it and use everything, photo, video, WhatsApp. The cellphone recognize my SIM Card and network carrier, but I can't make, or receive, calls.
Shrraga said:
Welp, TIFU. I bought two of the Moto g4 play at walmart... got home and found out that Verizon locks 4g phones again. Paid for an unlock, found the phone doesn't allow connecting to GSM networks, but that is because even with a GSM sim in the phone it still only connects to Verizon. With my t-mobile sim in the phone, I make a call and get the "your call is being transfered to a representative who will take your credit card info to complete this call". Leave it to verizon to only allow the phone to connect to their network even after you unlock it...
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Well, that's what the Moto E 2nd gen did out of the box as well, they removed the setting to swap CDMA/GSM in the menu, but the folks over in that part of the forum figured out that using the app "Network" from the play store, and a sequence of turning on/off airplane mode, they were able to switch it from CDMA to GSM and make it stick. Otherwise, it would keep trying to connect to Verizon just like you describe.
So it doesn't mean anything that you didn't get it to work immediately after unlocking. You probably have to force it off CDMA in a similar fashion. Bigger issue is whether or not the phone will be able to actually access the appropriate bands you'd need, whether because the hardware doesn't support it or because it is disabled in firmware. We don't really know for sure yet. But if you've come this far and have a penchant for torture but don't want to give up until you know for certain, give it a try!