Database Users

Bought a Verizon PrePaid Moto G Today...

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
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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?
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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.
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It doesn't make sense to buy device without SIM slot...

szymgio said:
It doesn't make sense to buy device without SIM slot...
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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
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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!
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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.
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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
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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
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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

For those wondering if the N6 will work on Verizon....

I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!

J.Guido85 said:
I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im one of the many americans who live nearly paycheck to paycheck and cant afford to pay 649 for a phone off contract, sure id love to just not feasible in my current situation. 199 on contract is perfect for me because i can sell my galaxy s4 for around that and not have to pay any "out of pocket" i know in the end im paying more but this is just easier for me, than dropping 649 all at once. With that being said im gonna start saving for it and if verzion decides to delay that long i will purchase from google.

seems like tmobile is the only carrier i can see offering this on the home screen of their site.

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/10/31/nexus-6-working-on-verizon-out-of-the-box/
or there is this...

This does not answer the question that MOST people need answered....... We don't care if the play store version will work on Verizon......most people aren't buying the play store version outright.... We need to know if the Verizon version will be locked down..... Just because it's the same hardware doesn't mean that Verizon doesn't get Motorola to flash their own version of firmware that locks out the ability to unlock the bootloader!

anthonyg45157 said:
Im one of the many americans who live nearly paycheck to paycheck and cant afford to pay 649 for a phone off contract, sure id love to just not feasible in my current situation. 199 on contract is perfect for me because i can sell my galaxy s4 for around that and not have to pay any "out of pocket" i know in the end im paying more but this is just easier for me, than dropping 649 all at once. With that being said im gonna start saving for it and if verzion decides to delay that long i will purchase from google.
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Click to collapse
You're actually saving money by buying a phone on contract if you are going to use it on Verizon. The only way you save money is paying full retail and then going with a cheaper pre-paid carrier.

Ive pestered verizon online and over the phone and can't get a straight answer if they will ever carry it. Im hoping we hear something offical. From a business standpoint I can see why they would delay it. But thats TERRIBLE for customers but verizon always gets the last word as seen in all previous situations. Im fine to wait until end of Novemeber but any longer I may switch carriers. Might even be some black Friday deals

I think the nexus 6 sold by verizon most likely is a locked phone, which is why verizon store is selling the phone later than other carrier for they need to patched the phone.

polke45 said:
I think the nexus 6 sold by verizon most likely is a locked phone, which is why verizon store is selling the phone later than other carrier for they need to patched the phone.
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Click to collapse
I doubt it. Verizon's other high end phones have been GSM unlocked for the most part.

Verizon actually would take the least issue with selling a GSM unlocked device.
All of their LTE devices are sold GSM unlocked.
Because of the compatibility, this appears to be the first device they'll ever truly allow in a "bring your own device" fashion without pre-approving the IMEI in their database. It's good to see, and it makes sense with the push to sign customers up on Edge and the lack of contracts now.

Take it for what it's worth and with a hefty dose of salt, but someone claims to have spoken with their friend who's a network engineer and it sounds dodgy:
http://www.reddit.com/r/nexus6/comments/2lhrm2/detailed_information_on_status_of_the_nexus_6_and/
Sounds like while it may work right out of the box with an existing nano sim, you may be screwed without an existing activated nano sim. Furthermore, it sounds like the delayed release on Verizon (check out the individual page now which only mentions T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular) may be because Verizon is trying to change the terms of the agreement and try to get software specific to them and they may pull a Nexus One and drop it entirely.
I'm a bit concerned that even if I can get it to work from the day my GPS version arrives, they can at any time decide to block it and I'll have a phone I can't use on Verizon. If they pull that ****, I'll probably just leave for AT&T anyway, but the risk is still there.
Until Verizon officially announces something or is selling the device, those of us with a play store or motorola.com phone we've purchased are taking a risk it may not work or may work for a while and then stop working. And if Verizon decides not to "play ball" then what happens with radio updates? If there are radio bugs, we're screwed because they'd have to go through Verizon for that wouldn't they?

It would make sense if they didn't allow any unlockable bootloader phone on their network. But they are allowing Samsung to sell a dev edition Note 4.

Mayze23 said:
It would make sense if they didn't allow any unlockable bootloader phone on their network. But they are allowing Samsung to sell a dev edition Note 4.
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Click to collapse
Like anything Verizon does makes logical sense?

J.Guido85 said:
I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just spoke with a Moto Rep and he assured me I'll have no problem activating on VZW. Seems like good news... now... white or blue.

Coop9 said:
Just spoke with a Moto Rep and he assured me I'll have no problem activating on VZW. Seems like good news... now... white or blue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the earlier point about whether Verizon will even carry the Nexus 6, I spent some time today at a local Verizon store looking at what my choices might be (like the Droid Turbo) if the Nexus 6 doesn't appear and asked specifically to the availability/timing of the Nexus 6 at Verizon. The manager wasn't aware of any date but did indicate they might not even carry it if the phone couldn't pass the Verizon testing and approval process. Not a answer that gives a great deal of hope but at least I didn't get the entire denial of any knowledge of status.
Sent from my Surface Pro 3 using Tapatalk

If vzw pulls a nexus one to htc incredible or black list imes why don't people organize and protest the fcc. Vzw is a carrier. We should have any device on their network as long as it's not harmful and they must prove harm case by case.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

You would think someone would be in some deep **** if a bunch of us buy it for Verizon and then can't use it, especially when it says Verizon right on the Google play page and numerous of Google and Motorola employees confirming it works. I know were all tense about this but I really believe were all worrying to much. I know Verizons history as much as anyone so can't blame u but I say were gonna be alright.

INCREMENTAL said:
You would think someone would be in some deep **** if a bunch of us buy it for Verizon and then can't use it, especially when it says Verizon right on the Google play page and numerous of Google and Motorola employees confirming it works. I know were all tense about this but I really believe were all worrying to much. I know Verizons history as much as anyone so can't blame u but I say were gonna be alright.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's nothing on Google Play store saying it works on Verizon BTW... Not sure where you saw that... Unfortunately VZW can carry or not carry any phone they want.

bossei said:
There's nothing on Google Play store saying it works on Verizon BTW... Not sure where you saw that... Unfortunately VZW can carry or not carry any phone they want.
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Click to collapse
It is on the specs page as well as the device page (their logo) and was also mentioned on their blog or whatever. If it's all just to say it's /could/ work, then Google should honor returns well past the 14-day period because it sure as hell is misleading as hell.

jkc120 said:
It is on the specs page as well as the device page (their logo) and was also mentioned on their blog or whatever. If it's all just to say it's /could/ work, then Google should honor returns well past the 14-day period because it sure as hell is misleading as hell.
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Click to collapse
Interesting; I don't see any of that here.

Unable to Activate Motorola Purchased Device on Sprint

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.
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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.

They started blocking imei samsung or sprint.

i just check my imei and its showing blacklisted thats after i gave samsung my imei for the return and waiting on shipping box. as of Tuesday. be careful guys think sprint or Samsung are blocking imei now

Mine isnt blacklisted on sprint
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers mobile app

cisco150 said:
i just check my imei and its showing blacklisted thats after i gave samsung my imei for the return and waiting on shipping box. as of Tuesday. be careful guys think sprint or Samsung are blocking imei now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said before, they will be black listed eventually. It's easy for them to start black listing them as they get them back. They are not going to want to accidentally have them activated again.
I don't think we have to worry for now, but at some point I would bet money there if a forced blacklist of all Note 7s if you kept it or not. I don't think they can make you return it, but they can keep you from using it on their network.

nosympathy said:
I said before, they will be black listed eventually. It's easy for them to start black listing them as they get them back. They are not going to want to accidentally have them activated again.
I don't think we have to worry for now, but at some point I would bet money there if a forced blacklist of all Note 7s if you kept it or not. I don't think they can make you return it, but they can keep you from using it on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using the sprint version unlocked on att as of now till i get the return box its show up on sprint as imei blacklist but still running on att

Damn.

cisco150 said:
Im using the sprint version unlocked on att as of now till i get the return box its show up on sprint as imei blacklist but still running on att
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock your Sprint Note 7 for use with AT&T?

I talked to a connection I have at Sprint (high up), they will not be blocking Note 7s unless you swap them out to Samsung, then they go dead as if lost. If you choose to keep it, they are not cutting you off or forcing you turn them over, it's only recommended. In fact less than half of the Note 7 user have return them and are still active as of today.

Hmmm.... Has anyone heard of anymore Notes going up in smoke? Last I heard 97 had went up in flames here in the United States. I haven't heard of any new cases since before the recall got expanded.

GadgetMonger said:
Hmmm.... Has anyone heard of anymore Notes going up in smoke? Last I heard 97 had went up in flames here in the United States. I haven't heard of any new cases since before the recall got expanded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you probably won't. Mission has been accomplished.
Sent from my SM-N930P using Tapatalk

kstephens98 said:
And you probably won't. Mission has been accomplished.
Sent from my SM-N930P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surprisingly easy to believe. Pretty sad. I'm just trying to decide how long to keep my device though. Updates. Support. Even insurance. It's all a question now. Until the next big thing at least

Sure they are blocking phones turned in with the recall but NOT phones that are still active.

Mine is fine as well!! Note 7 is not going to leave my hands, unless of course after all this time it decides to explode, but i'm not counting on it.:good:

Invalid sim scam?

I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?

LOVE ME PLEASE said:
I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same thing happened to me until i updated the software. worked fine after that.

Did you get the latest update today? Because that's the build that I I'm having invalid sim on.
ceelos218 said:
same thing happened to me until i updated the software. worked fine after that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Did you get the latest update today? Because that's the build that I I'm having invalid sim on.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ohh ok i see what your saying... when i first got my phone i was on Nougat and my sim wasnt recognized so i updated it to the Aug build and then i was able to use my Verizon sim again. right now i just updated to the Sep build and i cant use it any longer. im also wondering if theres a fix.

ceelos218 said:
ohh ok i see what your saying... when i first got my phone i was on Nougat and my sim wasnt recognized so i updated it to the Aug build and then i was able to use my Verizon sim again. right now i just updated to the Sep build and i cant use it any longer. im also wondering if theres a fix.
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Wow! So, it's not just me? Sad to here that my friend. I contacted Essential Phone via Twitter hours ago. Still no word.

LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Wow! So, it's not just me? Sad to here that my friend. I contacted Essential Phone via Twitter hours ago. Still no word.
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Yeah and I don't have time to mess around with it. Now I'm stuck without data

ceelos218 said:
Yeah and I don't have time to mess around with it. Now I'm stuck without data
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Same here! Are you able to make calls?

LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Same here! Are you able to make calls?
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I just tried it with a Sprint SIM card and it works perfectly fine.

Good to know. I just checked Twitter and now there are many of people complaining about this very issue.
ceelos218 said:
I just tried it with a Sprint SIM card and it works perfectly fine.
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Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

LOVE ME PLEASE said:
I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?
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I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
https://forum.xda-developers.com/es...print-version-unlocked-t-mobile-wifi-t3830989

mexicandroid said:
I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
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Thank you for your testimony. Wow! This is madness for an unlocked device. It almost seems as though Sprint is in on the scam themselves??? But thank you so much for your help friend. I'll check back in to let you guys know what happens??? I'm contacting Essential as we speak via support email... we'll see?

mexicandroid said:
I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
https://forum.xda-developers.com/es...print-version-unlocked-t-mobile-wifi-t3830989
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Was the sim he gave you to insert into your Essential, activated?

I have the same problem but im not in America, I'm in Australia and have no contact to a Sprint SIM Card....I've tried fastboot and flashing but still nothing. Any help would be great right now

LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Was the sim he gave you to insert into your Essential, activated?
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It had his old number programmed into it but it didn't hey any service. Sprint's setup is different than T-Mobile because of the CDMA technology they use. It's not like T-Mobile that you just pop the Sim into another phone.
I honestly don't know if you can use any Sprint SIM card but you will definitely need one from my experience. The good news for you seems to be that it is most likely paid off if Sprint says it's unlocked.
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rainer217 said:
I have the same problem but im not in America, I'm in Australia and have no contact to a Sprint SIM Card....I've tried fastboot and flashing but still nothing. Any help would be great right now
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After the first time it Sim locked the phone I was able to unlock it ONCE by fishing different builds but I was trying to get TMobile WiFi calling working so I kept flashing thinking it was going to stay unlocked after but sure enough it locked again and I after that I could not get it unlocked. I tried flashing so many firmwares and then updates through OTA download through the app and side loading. See if maybe you can order one online from Sprint or maybe on eBay.

mexicandroid said:
See if maybe you can order one online from Sprint or maybe on eBay.
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I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.

rainer217 said:
I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.
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From my experience the issue is with Sprint, Essential can't really do anything about it because of the Variant

mexicandroid said:
From my experience the issue is with Sprint, Essential can't really do anything about it because of the Variant
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Great point. But I was thinking more along the side of Essential Phone, contacting Sprint, letting them know that it's a wide spread issue.

LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Great point. But I was thinking more along the side of Essential Phone, contacting Sprint, letting them know that it's a wide spread issue.
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Sprint knows by know, if you read around the web it's been going on for months. Seems the just expect you to have a Sprint Sim laying around to unlock it lol. After my unmoving experience I don't think I would ever get Sprint service lol

rainer217 said:
I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.
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Gotcha!
Do you have a feeling that Sprint will fix this issue since it's widespread? I'm starting to think that Sprint was in on it. Or am I just an upset customer??? It's not happening to Sprint customers on there network, just people who are not on their network but have a Sprint variant. I have a strong feeling that Sprint locked us out of a unlocked phone intentionally. You?

mexicandroid said:
Sprint knows by know, if you read around the web it's been going on for months. Seems the just expect you to have a Sprint Sim laying around to unlock it lol. After my unmoving experience I don't think I would ever get Sprint service lol
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I agree. This is crazy, months??? Still no software fix??? I'm starting to believe it's a network fix only. They need to officially make an open statement regarding the situation, on how to resolve the matter. I think it's time to beat down Sprints Twitter page for a resolution.