So let me tell you how this went down...
First, I go to a local Best Buy Mobile store to check out the Moto G for my girlfriend. They tell me they can't sell me one in the store until Jan. 9th, but if I purchase one online and choose to pickup in the store, I could get one. So I stand in the store, buy the phone on my GS4, and pick it up at the counter. Weird process, but whatever.
So I bought the phone. The lady at the register assured me that I would be able to use this on her line (which is a contract line). Go to activate it, and find out that it can't be done until the 9th. That's cool, no problem. Once I get home, I find out that the phone will only work on a prepaid line and BestBuy did not inform me of this. I go back up to the store to return it, but they won't take it back because it's opened. Oh, I forgot to mention, the lady at the damn counter was the one who opened it!
So, is there ANY way that I could get this to activate on a contract line without having it activated on a prepaid line for 6 months, or am I screwed? If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
If I actually am screwed, anyone want this thing for $80 shipped in the continental US?
That's a lie about it being opened. I have returned prepaid phone there on several occasions. There is something either shady about your story or the person working but something isn't adding up here.
Sent from my XT1034 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
There is no SIM slot right?
big gulps huh? said:
That's a lie about it being opened. I have returned prepaid phone there on several occasions. There is something either shady about your story or the person working but something isn't adding up here.
Sent from my XT1034 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought something was fishy about that too. I'm going to try and take it back when someone else is working.
szymgio said:
There is no SIM slot right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, there is no SIM slot.
rngrdanny22 said:
If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can bypass the activation easily, simply hit next 1 time, pull down the notification center, click on the multitasking button and swipe away the activation screen quickly, and boom! You have a $100 iPod touch alternative (which is why I bought it) I recorded a short video to show you, wiped it real quick because I just got it yesterday anyways
Code:
youtu.be/qhphsyRFEy4
rngrdanny22 said:
Yeah, I thought something was fishy about that too. I'm going to try and take it back when someone else is working.
Correct, there is no SIM slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't make sense to buy device without SIM slot...
szymgio said:
It doesn't make sense to buy device without SIM slot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? CDMA phones have never used SIM slots. It's only with LTE now that Verizon and Sprint have used SIMs in their phones
wws12 said:
Why? CDMA phones have never used SIM slots. It's only with LTE now that Verizon and Sprint have used SIMs in their phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like to have choice.
uhm it was my impression that with bestbuy you can return prepaid phones opened within 14 days, the part you left out of your story is how long you waited to return the phone!
rngrdanny22 said:
So let me tell you how this went down...
First, I go to a local Best Buy Mobile store to check out the Moto G for my girlfriend. They tell me they can't sell me one in the store until Jan. 9th, but if I purchase one online and choose to pickup in the store, I could get one. So I stand in the store, buy the phone on my GS4, and pick it up at the counter. Weird process, but whatever.
So I bought the phone. The lady at the register assured me that I would be able to use this on her line (which is a contract line). Go to activate it, and find out that it can't be done until the 9th. That's cool, no problem. Once I get home, I find out that the phone will only work on a prepaid line and BestBuy did not inform me of this. I go back up to the store to return it, but they won't take it back because it's opened. Oh, I forgot to mention, the lady at the damn counter was the one who opened it!
So, is there ANY way that I could get this to activate on a contract line without having it activated on a prepaid line for 6 months, or am I screwed? If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
If I actually am screwed, anyone want this thing for $80 shipped in the continental US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice
skyhawk21 said:
uhm it was my impression that with bestbuy you can return prepaid phones opened within 14 days, the part you left out of your story is how long you waited to return the phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon phone has only been available for 3 days. He's no way near the 14 day limit. Love the attitude.
szymgio said:
I like to have choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool story, brah. Nonetheless, I guess you missed the fact that he bought this for his girlfriend who is under contract with Verizon which is a CDMA carrier. You can't buy a GSM phone and use it on a CDMA carrier. The only time one would need a SIM card slot is if you're using it on Sprint or Verizon's LTE network and since this phone doesn't have LTE....
Thanks for the responses guys! I'll try the unlock method later tonight when I have the phone in hand again (girlfriend still has it at the moment).
As for the return policy, I agree with y'all. I probably should be able to take it back, but the lady at the counter seemed like she might have been new or something. I actually tried to take it back about 4 hours later, so way within the 14 day window mentioned earlier.
On a side note, I won't be using the phone either way as I just went ahead and bought a like-new GS3 from a friend that she is going to use (wish I would have known he was selling it PRIOR to all this). If I can use it as a tablet, I'll just let her kid have it, but if not, I'll try and take it back again.
Will keep everyone posted!
keep us posted guy, I might take you up on that offer.
Good luck.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
sicembaylor said:
Cool story, brah. Nonetheless, I guess you missed the fact that he bought this for his girlfriend who is under contract with Verizon which is a CDMA carrier. You can't buy a GSM phone and use it on a CDMA carrier. The only time one would need a SIM card slot is if you're using it on Sprint or Verizon's LTE network and since this phone doesn't have LTE....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use this phone with other CDMA carrier?
So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G
Lay295 said:
You can bypass the activation easily, simply hit next 1 time, pull down the notification center, click on the multitasking button and swipe away the activation screen quickly, and boom! You have a $100 iPod touch alternative (which is why I bought it) I recorded a short video to show you, wiped it real quick because I just got it yesterday anyways
Code:
youtu.be/qhphsyRFEy4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alejandrissimo said:
So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read post above. I my self haven't bought one yet. buy looks like we can
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Alejandrissimo said:
So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. After being told they didn't have any at my local store I was happy to inform them that they had 8 of them in stock which was very easy to find out online, and a little arguing about whether or not they could sell it yet, as well as a call to their Verizon rep, I finally was able to procure a Moto G without activating it. Hoping to find out this will work immediately with PagePlus.
Good news everyone, I was able to bypass the activation screen and unlock the phone for "tablet" use (using the methods mentioned in this thread). After playing with the phone for a little while, I gotta say, I actually like the thing! While we won't be using this as a phone, I will probably keep it to use as a MP3 player for the house.
I played around with the features a little and the only real disappointment that I saw was the camera. Maybe I'm use to the 13MP on the GS4, but the picture quality just didn't seem very good. Better than my girlfriend's old iPhone 4, but lacking nonetheless.
Willieumm said:
Correct. After being told they didn't have any at my local store I was happy to inform them that they had 8 of them in stock which was very easy to find out online, and a little arguing about whether or not they could sell it yet, as well as a call to their Verizon rep, I finally was able to procure a Moto G without activating it. Hoping to find out this will work immediately with PagePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know how that works out. I tried and the pageplus rep said that the phone was unable to work, and it needed to be 'unlocked.' I wonder if I just got someone who didn't know what to do.
I returned my Verizon prepaid moto g today to BB. I did not have any issues. They did check to see if it had been activated. They turned the phone on and seeing the activate wizard appear turned it off. They only thing I didn't get back was the $0.70 for a 911 fee.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Related
Is she trying to sell me something or is it true?
No need for data plan. Not required unless your getting it for 599
So wifi will work? No need to connect to Verizon network or something first to activate it?
edit: I know the question sounds silly, but I don't want to book a flight back to the US to enable Wifi
I was in a similar situation concerning flight back, but there is no need in it.
No data plan required, Wi-Fi works just fine
Best Buy Sucks
Dont buy anything from BestBuy. They employ mostly idiots that dont have a friggin clue. I mostly have to go in there in a pinch for a cable and end up teaching them a thing or two about their own products.
magicdroid said:
So wifi will work? No need to connect to Verizon network or something first to activate it?
edit: I know the question sounds silly, but I don't want to book a flight back to the US to enable Wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works just fine without activation.
Ok don't take this for %100 fact, but here is my two cents. If the Xoom is anything like the Galaxy Tab for Verizon this should be pretty accurate. I just sold my Galaxy Tab last night to a friend, I did a hard reset to get all my stuff off the device prior to giving it to him and when it booted back up I had to "activate" the device before I could use it again. In other words, you select a language and from there it takes you to a screen to activate the Tab, and unless you can connect to Verizons network (aka: pay them for a data subscription) you cannot activate the device or progress past this screen to actually use the tab. It is essentially a worthless device until this is complete. I had to call Verizon and have them hook the service back up to the device for literally less than 1 minute so I could activate it and then have them turn it back off right away. They will charge you for a full day of service of course, $1.16 to be exact. I made them credit it back to my acct however. No way I am paying a dollar something for 30 seconds of service just so I can sell it. I had read a statement from Verizon that they won't make you pay any charges if you purchase a Xoom there without getting a plan with it, but Best Buy may still be doing it. Sorry for the long post, hope it helped.
I got mine from Best Buy last Friday (had some gift cards to use up)...no Verizon activation...the tablet and wifi works just fine.
The girl you spoke with had no idea what she was talking about.
Activation is not required on a full-price Xoom, even at VZW. When the activation screen pops up on the first boot, there is a button to skip it, and WiFi will work with no problem.
fauxreal said:
I did a hard reset
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also had to reset it while unlocking bootloader. Could not remember if there was an activation prompt, but in case it was there, it was successfully skipped and WiFi still works
dwboston said:
Activation is not required on a full-price Xoom, even at VZW. When the activation screen pops up on the first boot, there is a button to skip it, and WiFi will work with no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm not mistaking, it was there so I skipped it
No Activation required. Verizon even announced it the evening before launch that they were no longer requiring it (assuming you buy at full price of course). This affects all retail locations, Best Buy, Costco, VZW stores, etc...The Best Buy girl is ill-informed. Skip the activation screen upon start up and the Xoom boots normally with full wifi functionality.
magicdroid said:
Is she trying to sell me something or is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 things stand out here:
1. best buy employee - if they really knew what they were talking about, they would have better jobs
2. it's a girl - is an explanation really necessary?
badandyg said:
Dont buy anything from BestBuy. They employ mostly idiots that dont have a friggin clue. I mostly have to go in there in a pinch for a cable and end up teaching them a thing or two about their own products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, that's what I do about 90% of the time when in BB. But when I got my Xoom, the lady at the mobile section was actually knowledgeable about Xoom.
magicdroid said:
Is she trying to sell me something or is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lie. I mean, she might not be able to sell you one without a data plan cause of store policy but there's no technical reason. Initial startup has a wifi option. Also, both Verizon and Motorola have officially stated you do not need to sign up.
Another reason is that they most likely get a commission when they sell you a contract so of course they are trying to push it.
magicdroid said:
Is she trying to sell me something or is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before the Xoom launch, it had been required, but a few days before the official launch a memo was circulated that that requirement had been done away with. Maybe she didn't get the company-wide memo or read it.
Also, BestBuy is only selling it for $799 outright. They will not be doing the $599 with data plan deal like the Verizon stores are doing. Off contract pricing only.
funnycreature said:
Another reason is that they most likely get a commission when they sell you a contract so of course they are trying to push it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they don't get commissions. BBY does not pay commissions. Also products like tablets have been moved from the Mobile dept to the Computer dept, and the compter salespeople definitely are not paid commission, only hourly.
Someone was just not informed or didn't know their job properly or read up on the Xoom playbook launch memo. It happens.
fauxreal said:
Ok don't take this for %100 fact, but here is my two cents. If the Xoom is anything like the Galaxy Tab for Verizon this should be pretty accurate. I just sold my Galaxy Tab last night to a friend, I did a hard reset to get all my stuff off the device prior to giving it to him and when it booted back up I had to "activate" the device before I could use it again. In other words, you select a language and from there it takes you to a screen to activate the Tab, and unless you can connect to Verizons network (aka: pay them for a data subscription) you cannot activate the device or progress past this screen to actually use the tab. It is essentially a worthless device until this is complete. I had to call Verizon and have them hook the service back up to the device for literally less than 1 minute so I could activate it and then have them turn it back off right away. They will charge you for a full day of service of course, $1.16 to be exact. I made them credit it back to my acct however. No way I am paying a dollar something for 30 seconds of service just so I can sell it. I had read a statement from Verizon that they won't make you pay any charges if you purchase a Xoom there without getting a plan with it, but Best Buy may still be doing it. Sorry for the long post, hope it helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a bypass for the samsung also, but on the xoom you just select activate on wifi. No need for service.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
LordLugard said:
Before the Xoom launch, it had been required, but a few days before the official launch a memo was circulated that that requirement had been done away with. Maybe she didn't get the company-wide memo or read it.
Also, BestBuy is only selling it for $799 outright. They will not be doing the $599 with data plan deal like the Verizon stores are doing. Off contract pricing only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not entirely true. I was able to get my xoom for $599 with a contract from best buy. They just had to price match it.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
I'd like to get the s4 from a best buy location this week but I've got a few questions.
Do they do cross upgrades WITHOUT effecting the other line's sim/phone? I want to use my wife's upgrade but she'll be out of town so we can't have her sim/phone go off?
(I'm asking cuz in the past I had that happen)
If the upgrade date is 5/8,can I do it with best buy on may 1rst like I can at att?
Thanks to any best buy employees or otherwise experts who can help....
artofdesign said:
I'd like to get the s4 from a best buy location this week but I've got a few questions.
Do they do cross upgrades WITHOUT effecting the other line's sim/phone? I want to use my wife's upgrade but she'll be out of town so we can't have her sim/phone go off?
(I'm asking cuz in the past I had that happen)
If the upgrade date is 5/8,can I do it with best buy on may 1rst like I can at att?
Thanks to any best buy employees or otherwise experts who can help....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer the first question but not the second, I don't have a clue about upgrade dates and such....
I used an upgrade from another account I manage yesterday and they told me that worst case scenario, the other phone will be deactivated for a second or two while they process the phone onto the account and then off of it, restoring the IMEI that was originally used.... if she has an LTE phone already, it will make the process a whole lot easier since they don't have to add an LTE provision and then remove it
That being said, I thought it was kind of wild they had to do any of that in the first place when I thought they could just process the upgrade as an in-store deal since it wasn't going on that account - they didn't pull out the phone and do a test call on it, so why would they have to activate it in the system for the other number and then remove it? At one time, the guy processing it who I thought I had confidence he knew what was going on turned to me and said "do you by any chance have that other phone available so I can get the IMEI off of it?" Well no, of course I don't, I told you that! You had it in the system before you deactivated it, put it back! haha, oh BBY.....
same here what happened yesterday, im goin to use my dad's
upgrade, since his phone is the galaxy s1, it turns out they deactivated his number(old sim) and they gave me the lte enabled sim, since i told them that i am the one gonna use both the s4 and s3 not my dad, they provided me a regular sim again for my dad but just to call 611 att customer service to transfer again the lte enbled sim to the regular one, such a hassel though, if only i have a simcard adapter that time.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Ok so she has an iPhone 5(lte right?) on that line now(the line I will use the upgrade date from.)
So it will go off for a moment and back on? For sure? She'll be so far from a att store that any problems would be a HUGE issue for us.
Please let me know. Thanks for help guys.
From my experience regarding dates, yes. As long as its the first of the eligible month. This was 2 years back when i got the s2 so not exactly sure if policy changed but i doubt it. Radio shack did the same thing.
artofdesign said:
Ok so she has an iPhone 5(lte right?) on that line now(the line I will use the upgrade date from.)
So it will go off for a moment and back on? For sure? She'll be so far from a att store that any problems would be a HUGE issue for us.
Please let me know. Thanks for help guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPhone 5 is an LTE device, you should be good on that end
I sent a text to the number I was upgrading before to warn the person they may be without service momentarily, and then called on my way out of the store, they did not notice any interruption in service, so yes, it's for sure
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thanks
FNM
KryptosXLayer2 said:
The iPhone 5 is an LTE device, you should be good on that end
I sent a text to the number I was upgrading before to warn the person they may be without service momentarily, and then called on my way out of the store, they did not notice any interruption in service, so yes, it's for sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing the details of your experience!!! Good to hear.
kennyglass123 said:
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thanks
FNM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, thanks.
...
j510 said:
From my experience regarding dates, yes. As long as its the first of the eligible month. This was 2 years back when i got the s2 so not exactly sure if policy changed but i doubt it. Radio shack did the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true of outside vendors like BB still? I know Att could do it but not sure about non att stores.
Best buy mobile employee here. Typically if you are cross upgrading it isn't an issue unless it's an iPhone 5 or an old phone that uses a standard sim card. If they call customer service they can typically make it work without deactivating the old phone, otherwise you would need to get a new sim for the other phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Apoyyo said:
Best buy mobile employee here. Typically if you are cross upgrading it isn't an issue unless it's an iPhone 5 or an old phone that uses a standard sim card. If they call customer service they can typically make it work without deactivating the old phone, otherwise you would need to get a new sim for the other phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for chiming in!
But wait, iPhone 5s do cause the trouble I need to avoid? Even with the lte sim in it already?
And what about dates, can you do a 5/8 upgrade on 5/1?
Thanks.
artofdesign said:
Thanks for chiming in!
But wait, iPhone 5s do cause the trouble I need to avoid? Even with the lte sim in it already?
And what about dates, can you do a 5/8 upgrade on 5/1?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is only a problem because they use a nano sim which is only compatible with an iPhone 5. As far as the upgrade date goes, Generally it's not an issue, we just might have to process it over the phone
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Apoyyo said:
It is only a problem because they use a nano sim which is only compatible with an iPhone 5. As far as the upgrade date goes, Generally it's not an issue, we just might have to process it over the phone
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your help.
My issue is my wife with the iPhone 5 will be a a very important trip where she needs the iPhone to work.
So I and she won't have access to the sim to change it out or anything.
Is what I want to do not going to work then?
artofdesign said:
I appreciate your help.
My issue is my wife with the iPhone 5 will be a a very important trip where she needs the iPhone to work.
So I and she won't have access to the sim to change it out or anything.
Is what I want to do not going to work then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a good chance that it will work, but there is also the possibility that it doesn't. If we call AT&T to activate over the phone sometimes they are able to move the SIM without having to deactivate it. It will most likely not be an issue, but there is always a slight chance that it would be cut off. When you go to the store make sure you stress that her phone cannot be shut off and ask them if there is any way to do it so that doesn't happen.
Follow up :
I went to a BB mobile store on 5/1.
My *639# said 5/8 for upgrade but she said she could do it no call to Att needed. So she did. All went well. Wife's lte iP5 didn't even turn off(that we noticed).
So cross upgrade went well. Stoked!
Thanks all for help.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Hey guys, i've got a problem and I need some advice/options.
Long story short, as some of you may know, I bought my T-Mobile branded Note 3 on Swappa in November. Of course, Swappa says that they check IMEIs and the seller assured me that the phone was fully paid for, but a few days ago my Note 3 was blocked/blacklisted (whatever you call it) by T-Mobile for non-payment of EIP.
I have tried to resolve the issue through communicating with the seller and Swappa, but there's really nothing to be done. The seller won't refund my money, Swappa is powerless, and Paypal says the transaction is past their 45 day dispute period. The phone isn't even unlocked, so I can't even try and use it on another carrier right now.
So at this point i'm trying to minimize my losses. I am open to any suggestions as to how I can either:
1. find a way to get the phone unlocked and use it on another carrier (I know that when a T-Mobile phone is blocked or blacklisted, they share that info now with AT&T, but i'm hoping I can use it on Simple Mobile or Straight Talk or Walmart's service)
or
2. sell the phone internationally (with full disclosure of the fact that the phone is blocked on T-Mobile/AT&T of course, but it shouldn't matter if someone wants to use it outside of the US, right?)
or
3. sell the phone as a 'dev' device (at a substantial loss i'm sure), but I have no idea how to do this or even whether a dev would want a phone that is blocked (don't they need to test network stuff?).
I'm trying to find a way to make the best of a bad situation. Any one who reads this post and wants to give me some decent advice is welcome. But if you just want to start trolling PLEASE JUST GO AWAY. I have enough problems as it is right now.
In any case, i've learned my lesson. No more Craigslist, no more Negri, no more Swappa. I'm just gonna pony up the money and get my phones directly from T-Mobile. The money I thought I was saving doesn't look like such a deal anymore.
Ah damn, yeah seems a lot of people have fallen into the same trap you have unfortunately.
Well you could try another network. . However the chances are high that it'll be blocked all over the US. - yes you could sell it internationally and disclose the issue but the frequency has a different range(?) - this would probably be your best option.
If not then you'd just have to take the hit on it, toss it away or use as a media device. And put it down to a very bad lesson learnt the hard way :-/
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
radicalisto said:
Ah damn, yeah seems a lot of people have fallen into the same trap you have unfortunately.
Well you could try another network. . However the chances are high that it'll be blocked all over the US. - yes you could sell it internationally and disclose the issue but the frequency has a different range(?) - this would probably be your best option.
If not then you'd just have to take the hit on it, toss it away or use as a media device. And put it down to a very bad lesson learnt the hard way :-/
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the response, but now way I could toss $650 away. It took me a few months to save that up. That's why i'm trying to salvage whatever I can of this situation.
Perhaps there's a Canadian carrier uses the same frequencies as T-Mobile? Anyone know a site that would help me compare GSM bands/frequencies to see which countries would be the best option for reselling?
You could have a scan on gsmarena they detail frequencies on the different models.
Yeah it's definitely an expensive error for sure, assume T - Mobile aren't too keen to help at all then?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
radicalisto said:
You could have a scan on gsmarena they detail frequencies on the different models.
Yeah it's definitely an expensive error for sure, assume T - Mobile aren't too keen to help at all then?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, T-Mobile won't give me any info because i'm not the original account holder for the phone. T-Mobile will probably go after that person, but it's probably just a tax write off for them.
Try RegionLock away on Play store or buy an unlock code then try with a pre-paid service. GL
RMXO said:
Try RegionLock away on Play store or buy an unlock code then try with a pre-paid service. GL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't help.... Phone has been blacklisted...
Unless you can get the carrier to take it off the blacklist it won't be allowed to connect to any network in that country (theoretically)...
Just a thought though - if the phone hasn't been paid for to the carrier, it's on the blacklist and you are caught trying to use it, you may find yourself charged with possession of stolen goods... Unless you have a receipt that states it was sold to you. Either way though you will loose the phone...
Techngro said:
Hey guys, i've got a problem and I need some advice/options.
Long story short, as some of you may know, I bought my T-Mobile branded Note 3 on Swappa in November. Of course, Swappa says that they check IMEIs and the seller assured me that the phone was fully paid for, but a few days ago my Note 3 was blocked/blacklisted (whatever you call it) by T-Mobile for non-payment of EIP.
I have tried to resolve the issue through communicating with the seller and Swappa, but there's really nothing to be done. The seller won't refund my money, Swappa is powerless, and Paypal says the transaction is past their 45 day dispute period. The phone isn't even unlocked, so I can't even try and use it on another carrier right now.
So at this point i'm trying to minimize my losses. I am open to any suggestions as to how I can either:
1. find a way to get the phone unlocked and use it on another carrier (I know that when a T-Mobile phone is blocked or blacklisted, they share that info now with AT&T, but i'm hoping I can use it on Simple Mobile or Straight Talk or Walmart's service)
or
2. sell the phone internationally (with full disclosure of the fact that the phone is blocked on T-Mobile/AT&T of course, but it shouldn't matter if someone wants to use it outside of the US, right?)
or
3. sell the phone as a 'dev' device (at a substantial loss i'm sure), but I have no idea how to do this or even whether a dev would want a phone that is blocked (don't they need to test network stuff?).
I'm trying to find a way to make the best of a bad situation. Any one who reads this post and wants to give me some decent advice is welcome. But if you just want to start trolling PLEASE JUST GO AWAY. I have enough problems as it is right now.
In any case, i've learned my lesson. No more Craigslist, no more Negri, no more Swappa. I'm just gonna pony up the money and get my phones directly from T-Mobile. The money I thought I was saving doesn't look like such a deal anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bad luck for you.
But i can tell you a thing or 2 about selling phone internationally.
your t-mobile fone can be used here in SEA region and for the N3 its probably multi band.so selling it internationally shouldn't be an issue for you.but you'll probably want to sell it at a huge discount.
from past experience,t-mobile's GSM frequency is the same as those in my country and i have no issues using T-mo fone here.my signature should tell you what t-mo fones i had.but i cannot say if the 4g band is the same though.so dun worry about the GSM band being compatible or not,that's the buyer's responsibility.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_bands)
i am not sure if there is a way to sim unlock your fone without having to buy a unlock code(i noe the sensation 4g had a way to remove sim lock altogether),if you do find a way,there is no harm testing to see if you can still use the fone on other networks.
take it as a hard lesson learned bro but dun give up trying other ways to use your fone,i am pretty sure the journey is educational.like how i tried to make t-mo fones work in my country.
I might be wrong but its only blacklisted IMEI NUMBER? in UK its illegal to change it. But I think you end up selling it OK on ebay
with NO RETURNS OR REFUND!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
ultramag69 said:
Won't help.... Phone has been blacklisted...
Unless you can get the carrier to take it off the blacklist it won't be allowed to connect to any network in that country (theoretically)...
Just a thought though - if the phone hasn't been paid for to the carrier, it's on the blacklist and you are caught trying to use it, you may find yourself charged with possession of stolen goods... Unless you have a receipt that states it was sold to you. Either way though you will loose the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do have a receipt from both Paypal and Swappa. But I think would only work if it has been reported lost or stolen by the original owner. I don't think that's the case. T-Mobile said it was blocked for non-payment of EIP. Guess the guy just flipped the phone as soon as he signed the contract. People suck.
frostmore said:
bad luck for you.
But i can tell you a thing or 2 about selling phone internationally.
your t-mobile fone can be used here in SEA region and for the N3 its probably multi band.so selling it internationally shouldn't be an issue for you.but you'll probably want to sell it at a huge discount.
from past experience,t-mobile's GSM frequency is the same as those in my country and i have no issues using T-mo fone here.my signature should tell you what t-mo fones i had.but i cannot say if the 4g band is the same though.so dun worry about the GSM band being compatible or not,that's the buyer's responsibility.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_bands)
i am not sure if there is a way to sim unlock your fone without having to buy a unlock code(i noe the sensation 4g had a way to remove sim lock altogether),if you do find a way,there is no harm testing to see if you can still use the fone on other networks.
take it as a hard lesson learned bro but dun give up trying other ways to use your fone,i am pretty sure the journey is educational.like how i tried to make t-mo fones work in my country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, very educational. I used to buy my phone on Craigslist. I never once got scammed. But then Craigslist turned into Scam Central Station. So I went to Swappa because they use Paypal and I thought that would give me some protection. Turns out, the only way to ensure that you won't get a phone that will be blocked or blacklisted later is to get it directly from the source. It's turning out to be an expensive lesson. :crying:
How much of a discount do you normally get when you purchase a T-Mobile phone? I don't want to lose $200. It would make more sense to just get a cheap 4G phone and tether it to my Note 3 and use it as a little tablet.
jowett69 said:
I might be wrong but its only blacklisted IMEI NUMBER? in UK its illegal to change it. But I think you end up selling it OK on ebay
with NO RETURNS OR REFUND!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I would have to do it that way, but i'm worried now about losing too much money trying to sell it. If I sell it internationally, I don't see why I should lose that much, since the T-Mobile block only applies to the US.
Another option?
I really don't want to lose my $30 5GB plan. I've been looking on Amazon and saw that they have some cheap T-Mobile 4G phones like this Nokia Lumia 521: http://goo.gl/KgvOgR
My thought is, I can purchase that, tether my Note 3 to it and keep using it. 90% of what I do on my Note 3 is data/browsing, gaming, etc. So if I can tether to the Lumia, I guess it would work.
Any thoughts?
Was the Paypal transaction a credit card one? If so, I would contact them directly (you may have recourse for up to 3 months?). I use Paypal but always use my credit card to pay for items and never my bank account because Paypal will not stand behind the purchase if they have a way out.
FedUpx2 said:
Was the Paypal transaction a credit card one? If so, I would contact them directly (you may have recourse for up to 3 months?). I use Paypal but always use my credit card to pay for items and never my bank account because Paypal will not stand behind the purchase if they have a way out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unfortunately, it was a bank account. Sigh...
UPDATE
So here's an update on my situation.
After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.
Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.
So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.
Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.
That's awesome and glad you are able to use the phone normally.
Techngro said:
So here's an update on my situation.
After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.
Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.
So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.
Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear about your problems. Even though a couple people had the same issue with phones from Negri Electronics, mine purchased from Negri still says that the IMEI is not recognized when checked and it works fine on T-Mobile or AT&T (tested with sister's T-Mobile SIM and daily use with AT&T grandfathered Unlimited) with LTE. I am very happy. T-Mobile was going to make me spend $791 + at least 45 days of unwanted service before I could even request an unlock and they have 7 days to respond (52 days of unwanted service?). That's not a deal.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
CZroe said:
Sorry to hear about your problems. Even though a couple people had the same issue with phones from Negri Electronics, mine purchased from Negri still says that the IMEI is not recognized when checked and it works fine on T-Mobile or AT&T (tested with sister's T-Mobile SIM and daily use with AT&T grandfathered Unlimited) with LTE. I am very happy. T-Mobile was going to make me spend $791 + at least 45 days of unwanted service before I could even request an unlock and they have 7 days to respond (52 days of unwanted service?). That's not a deal.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i'm glad that Negri made someone happy. There were plenty of people on this forum who felt they were getting scammed by them and had to cancel preorders after waiting 3 weeks for a shipment that never happened.
You might feel you're getting a deal, and maybe you are, and i'm glad for you. But for me, as I said, I learned a very expensive lesson from my experiences with both Negri and Swappa. It's only a deal when it works out the way you want it to. When you get screwed like I did, it stops being a deal. Not only did my phone get blocked, I now pay more money for less service. The extra $100 in savings isn't worth the risk for me anymore.
Hey,
I think we all knew this was possible, but I am confirming that my Nexus 6 that was purchased directly from Motorola is not white listed for activation on Sprint.
I am trying to work with Sprint for a solution, and I will update if I find anything new.
FYI, the device is a Cloud White 32gb.
decke003 said:
Hey,
I think we all knew this was possible, but I am confirming that my Nexus 6 that was purchased directly from Motorola is not white listed for activation on Sprint.
I am trying to work with Sprint for a solution, and I will update if I find anything new.
FYI, the device is a Cloud White 32gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, we already know that sprint white listed the phones and only activates one from GPS and their, but seeing that motorola its a manufacturer and not a carrier they should let you activate it. Keep us informed, hopefully they let you.
I received my 64GB blue version this morning from Moto. Ran into the same thing, even took it to a Sprint Corporate store. They told me I have to call motorola, I'm on the phone with Moto now.
Wow, how awful!
According to my dealing with customer service, Google Play devices and those purchased directly through Sprint are the only ones that will be eligible for activation.
I really try to stick up for Sprint most of the time.... but this is just brain dead stupid.
are you guys serious?? wow that means Verizon is going to give hell to activate these nexus 6. im on verizon.. still trying to order a 64gb from Moto.
Ok, so I have someone at Moto that is going to be reaching out to Sprint, he'll call me when he gets any updates.
seezar said:
Ok, so I have someone at Moto that is going to be reaching out to Sprint, he'll call me when he gets any updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap. This BS needs to stop. I'm wondering how on Earth it can even be legal.
I remember last year it took a while for sprint to add the GPS 32gb nexus 5 IMEIs to their system. This might be a similar issue
Skripka said:
Crap. This BS needs to stop. I'm wondering how on Earth it can even be legal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because corporations run our country.
Luxferro said:
Because corporations run our country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Motorola doesn't get Sprint to about face on this fast, I'm demanding that they cancel my order whether they claim to be able to or not.
Claiming their phone can be purchased through them and activated anywhere only for it not to be is false advertising.
Yeah it is very frustrating. But I did finally speak to someone at Moto that understood so I'm hopeful it'll get straightened out. Though it sucks that it really in Sprint's hands to get resolved and I hope they don't take very long.
edd247 said:
I remember last year it took a while for sprint to add the GPS 32gb nexus 5 IMEIs to their system. This might be a similar issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. This is hopefully the same issue. If this was a big restriction then I'm not sure why they were willing to send all of us SIM cards for the device.
decke003 said:
Hey,
I think we all knew this was possible, but I am confirming that my Nexus 6 that was purchased directly from Motorola is not white listed for activation on Sprint.
I am trying to work with Sprint for a solution, and I will update if I find anything new.
FYI, the device is a Cloud White 32gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you trying to activate the phone with new service on Sprint or are you just not getting your current SIM to work?
With the Nexus 7 LTE, this happened last year at Verizon if you tried to add a new line. They didn't have the IMEIs in their system. But if you just slapped in a Verizon SIM, it worked just fine.
decke003 said:
According to my dealing with customer service, Google Play devices and those purchased directly through Sprint are the only ones that will be eligible for activation.
I really try to stick up for Sprint most of the time.... but this is just brain dead stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried contacting moto?
kellex said:
Are you trying to activate the phone with new service on Sprint or are you just not getting your current SIM to work?
With the Nexus 7 LTE, this happened last year at Verizon if you tried to add a new line. They didn't have the IMEIs in their system. But if you just slapped in a Verizon SIM, it worked just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is an existing line, but a new SIM (Old phone took a Micro SIM). It is my understanding that Sprint's system does not work that way, but I could be wrong.
seezar said:
Have you tried contacting moto?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not, though I will do so shortly.
So it sounds like the same problem we saw last year at Verizon. Sprint doesn't have the IMEIs yet. I bet if you chopped down your micro to a nano SIM size, stuck it in, it would work.
there is a VZW customer that recieved his order from Moto today and it worked... so VZW customers are okay it seems.
Skripka said:
If Motorola doesn't get Sprint to about face on this fast, I'm demanding that they cancel my order whether they claim to be able to or not.
Claiming their phone can be purchased through them and activated anywhere only for it not to be is false advertising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
um, what? this is a crappy carrier issue, not a manufacturer issue. it's not false advertising, it's Sprint being a sh*tty company. if anything, you should look at cancelling your sprint service.
decke003 said:
It is an existing line, but a new SIM (Old phone took a Micro SIM). It is my understanding that Sprint's system does not work that way, but I could be wrong.
I have not, though I will do so shortly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it sounds like the same problem we saw last year at Verizon. Sprint doesn't have the IMEIs yet so they can't activate the phone with a new SIM. I bet if you chopped down your micro to a nano SIM size, stuck it in, it would work. Might be worth a try since you are going to lose that SIM anyway.
Sent off a complaint to the FCC in regard to non-vzw nexus 6 on the vzw network. Basically, I said that the CFR states that they cant prevent us from using services the way there were intended to be just becaue we are using a non-vzw device. I spoke with someone at the FCC and they said I should file the complaint becuase not allowing customers to change their account details violates the C-block CFR.
Lets see where this goes.....
It is seeming more and more that Verizon doesn't want customers. I am about to leave them but I have unlimited grandfather data so I can't.
nmil1484 said:
It is seeming more and more that Verizon doesn't want customers. I am about to leave them but I have unlimited grandfather data so I can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same boat. I am certainly no fan of their nonsense. I swear they do stuff just because they can or to see if they can get away with it. Too bad they are the only 4G signal around. Damn them and their awesome network.
Sent from my Google N6 on VZ
So what happened for you to want to send them a letter?
AFAIK there isn't anyone that has had issues using the n6 on big reds network has there?
I bought mine from Motorola, and have had no issues.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
I left verizon actually on monday. Customer service there sucks, and now i am on att and happy with them.
rpxz said:
So what happened for you to want to send them a letter?
AFAIK there isn't anyone that has had issues using the n6 on big reds network has there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are unable to change your plan or receive recurring discounts you would normally be eligible for if you have a "non-Verizone device" on your line.
LunaticSerenade said:
I bought mine from Motorola, and have had no issues.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried changing anything on your account? Go online and try to change your data plan
rpxz said:
So what happened for you to want to send them a letter?
AFAIK there isn't anyone that has had issues using the n6 on big reds network has there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had three different reps tell me that they would return my call about changing stuff on my plan....never got call back and the executive office pretty much told me to go pound sand. Guess they forgot about the block-c rules they signed when gaining those bands.
the_rooter said:
I left verizon actually on monday. Customer service there sucks, and now i am on att and happy with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would, but dont want to pay ETFs
ssgtob1 said:
I would, but dont want to pay ETFs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me an ETF is nothing when u get rid of verizon. And if u go to certain providers they will pay the etfs for you
the_rooter said:
To me an ETF is nothing when u get rid of verizon. And if u go to certain providers they will pay the etfs for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who did you choose? Also I upgraded phone through Best Buy on my wifes line, wont they charge me too?
ssgtob1 said:
Who did you choose? Also I upgraded phone through Best Buy on my wifes line, wont they charge me too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if the phone is through verizon doesnt matter where u buy the device from. Best buy doesnt charge the etf verizon does, but i went to att, but i believe tmobile, and maybe sprint does the buy out
the_rooter said:
if the phone is through verizon doesnt matter where u buy the device from. Best buy doesnt charge the etf verizon does, but i went to att, but i believe tmobile, and maybe sprint does the buy out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wonder if I could do it without having to give them my phone....would want a Nexus 6 anyway.
ssgtob1 said:
Wonder if I could do it without having to give them my phone....would want a Nexus 6 anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Idk wouldnt hurt to call and ask.
the_rooter said:
Idk wouldnt hurt to call and ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking into it all now, sad day when they will let a customer who has been a customer since the bell atlantic days just walk because they cant get their heads out of their butts.
ssgtob1 said:
Looking into it all now, sad day when they will let a customer who has been a customer since the bell atlantic days just walk because they cant get their heads out of their butts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I left them as of monday and i was with them for 13 years. Same phone number and all. I am happy with att because now i can get any phone and they will allow it.
Google and Motorola Should Be Held Accountable
Read the following article for background:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...te-one-that-wasnt-purchased-from-the-carrier/
Google and Motorola should team up and take Verizon to court over this issue. Probably won't happen, they all share the same bed.
Google and Motorola should at the very least post a warning for Nexus 6 buyers about the problems with Verizon service and non-branded Verizon devices.
My feeling is that the financial folks at Verizon are making these type of poor decisions. Verizon is just too big to be held accountable for their behavior.
Rant off ....
What's the issue? Motorola phones work on and off Vzw network, and plan changes have nothing to do with your phone. Been with VZW for 10 yrs and never had issues. I have a Mot bought Nexus 6 and works beautifully. What issues are people seeing?
wrecklesswun said:
What's the issue? Motorola phones work on and off Vzw network, and plan changes have nothing to do with your phone. Been with VZW for 10 yrs and never had issues. I have a Mot bought Nexus 6 and works beautifully. What issues are people seeing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not true.
If your devices is basically "unknown" they freeze the settings. For example my play store GPS they would not add volte to my account. Had to put my sim in a verizon nexus 6 for 5 minutes for them to make the change.