Many thanks to those here who are willing and able to help.
My sister was given a sm-g900v, which is currently on Verizon. She has an account with GCI and took the phone to the GCI store. At the store, they told her that the phone is unlocked, but needs to be flashed in order to work with GCI.
I have searched through this forum and cannot find any "GCI" specific rom. What do I need to flash her phone with to enable it to work on GCI?
I have flashed Motorola phones before, so I think that I could flash it, I just have never used an S5, nor have I used GCI.
Thanks in advance!
AlaskaLinuxUser said:
Many thanks to those here who are willing and able to help.
My sister was given a sm-g900v, which is currently on Verizon. She has an account with GCI and took the phone to the GCI store. At the store, they told her that the phone is unlocked, but needs to be flashed in order to work with GCI.
I have searched through this forum and cannot find any "GCI" specific rom. What do I need to flash her phone with to enable it to work on GCI?
I have flashed Motorola phones before, so I think that I could flash it, I just have never used an S5, nor have I used GCI.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think the best place to ask for firmware is GCI provider. Their network, they should know where and how to get the firmware!
buhohitr said:
I would think the best place to ask for firmware is GCI provider. Their network, they should know where and how to get the firmware!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but that is why I am here. They do not seem to have any information on that (e.g., they are not very helpful or not very bright). I've been down this road before with my (other) sister's last phone, an S4. GCI said that they don't flash phones. They sent us across the street to Verizon to have them flash it. Verizon said that the phone is unlocked and works for their network, and if we want to use a different network, it is the responsibility of the new network provider to flash the phone. In my S4 sister's case, we just bought her a different phone. I am trying to avoid that with this sister's S5. It is getting kind of expensive to keep buying new phones because of a stinky carrier.
As you can see, this presents a redundant hamster wheel affect.
Perhaps part of the problem is Alaska's GCI service.
AlaskaLinuxUser said:
Thanks, but that is why I am here. They do not seem to have any information on that (e.g., they are not very helpful or not very bright). I've been down this road before with my (other) sister's last phone, an S4. GCI said that they don't flash phones. They sent us across the street to Verizon to have them flash it. Verizon said that the phone is unlocked and works for their network, and if we want to use a different network, it is the responsibility of the new network provider to flash the phone. In my S4 sister's case, we just bought her a different phone. I am trying to avoid that with this sister's S5. It is getting kind of expensive to keep buying new phones because of a stinky carrier.
As you can see, this presents a redundant hamster wheel affect.
Perhaps part of the problem is Alaska's GCI service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my question would be, should I use GCI? how is the software will be upgrading going forward? I wouldn't mess around with provider that smart enough to support the device. You will have more headache going forward, just my thoughts.
buhohitr said:
So my question would be, should I use GCI? how is the software will be upgrading going forward? I wouldn't mess around with provider that smart enough to support the device. You will have more headache going forward, just my thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more! That's why I don't use GCI. However, in Alaska there are limited resources depending upon where you live. For the area they live in, GCI and Verizon are the networks with good signal. Thanks for your thoughts though!
Related
Hi,
I did an unlock for this phone that i found in these forums. I have a generic tmobile sim card and put that in after i got the unlock code. from there i typed in the info and tmobile showed up on the banner.
well, i took the phone to a guy to trade for another, and now he's telling me he isn't getting any data, just phone and texting. of course, he's telling me this long after we made the trade.
is there any reason he wouldn't be getting data? or does an unlocked lg g2 only get edge speeds or something?
any help would be great.
My first guess is that he doesn't have the correct APN settings put in for his carrier.
You should let everyone know if the device is a stock rom, or another rom. Since the stock AT&T rom should not have the APN settings for Tmobile, but something like CM's rom should.
Worst case he should just need to enter the APN settings by hand, which isn't too hard to do. Other then that he could be in an area where Tmobile uses different bands for data then the AT&T version supports... that part I don't know how much it effects the AT&T G2, but has effected older devices going between AT&T and Tmobile.
Niscandia said:
My first guess is that he doesn't have the correct APN settings put in for his carrier.
You should let everyone know if the device is a stock rom, or another rom. Since the stock AT&T rom should not have the APN settings for Tmobile, but something like CM's rom should.
Worst case he should just need to enter the APN settings by hand, which isn't too hard to do. Other then that he could be in an area where Tmobile uses different bands for data then the AT&T version supports... that part I don't know how much it effects the AT&T G2, but has effected older devices going between AT&T and Tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, and it is a stock rom, non-rooted. is that info available online? he says he went to the store and they tried to tell him it wasn't unlocked, or it's only half unlocked...people...especially people who sell phones.
dmoss74 said:
thanks, and it is a stock rom, non-rooted. is that info available online? he says he went to the store and they tried to tell him it wasn't unlocked, or it's only half unlocked...people...especially people who sell phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google would be your friend in this case, or his actually.
And can't blame them too much, they aren't given all the training that they should be given. They are just sales people, not tech trained most of the time. Every time I go into the AT&T store that I like, I end up talking unlocking & rooting for Android devices since they aren't told anything about that stuff. And I do let them know if they are truly interested to look here for more help.
So my question is quite simple, and before I get flamed, yes I have tried searching. I don't think I'm typing the correct sequence of words if there is already something on this. I never post obviously, I normally creep and derive my answers that way. Obvious again that I've been here since 2012
My question is if there is a way / guide to overwrite/reprogram the phone with the AT&T firmware and software and replace the Verizon that is currently on the device. I brought the phone over from Verizon to AT&T and there are just a couple complications that are just a bother and Just over it.
I would appreciate any guidance and information any of you could provide on the subject.
RonniEdwards said:
So my question is quite simple, and before I get flamed, yes I have tried searching. I don't think I'm typing the correct sequence of words if there is already something on this. I never post obviously, I normally creep and derive my answers that way. Obvious again that I've been here since 2012
My question is if there is a way / guide to overwrite/reprogram the phone with the AT&T firmware and software and replace the Verizon that is currently on the device. I brought the phone over from Verizon to AT&T and there are just a couple complications that are just a bother and Just over it.
I would appreciate any guidance and information any of you could provide on the subject.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if you can from a user stand point but when I was shopping around t-mobile store told me they would copy their firmware onto the phone so I could try their network. You may need to go to a store and talk to someone.
Since Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, I am not sure a simple firmware update is all that is needed to switch.
supersnackbar said:
Since Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, I am not sure a simple firmware update is all that is needed to switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought but they insisted they could do it. Maybe since there is a Sim slot it's easier on the the 3's.
Years ago you could almost swap sim cards and be good. Idk about it anymore. I think you would have to take all the system files/partitions and the radio and swap them for the carriers. Im sure someone else whos more, but i think it would be unreasonably hard to do.
Sent From My Galaxy Note 3
This thread is moving to T-Mobile, but the concept is the same for AT&T
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2582747
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk
i believe that some services would work as the phone has some radios in it for the att bands, but you would be better off trading for an att version. swappa has stuff like that all the time to straight trade
Getting service to work and getting 4Glte was no issue. That just required me to manually input APNs that were AT&T specific and presto I have service and all that jazz. My issue is a couple of other small things that really aren't big hut just thst, annoying. That's why I was seeing about the software and firmware being flashed into the device.
Hey everyone, I could really use some help. (Sorry if this is in the wrong place)
I'm in the USA, on Verizon. I got a note FE the other day (SM-N935L) and went to put in the sim card but it keeps telling me the mobile networks are currently blocked and to contact customer service but I can't do that because I can't currently make calls or have data. Any help would be appreciated. If you need more info to possibly help, just let me know.
Thank you
This device doesn't work for Verizon or sprint it's GSM only.
scrumptyous said:
This device doesn't work for Verizon or sprint it's GSM only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... darn it... Do any of the models? And why doesn't it work? (Just asking so I can learn)
Jedibkj said:
Well... darn it... Do any of the models? And why doesn't it work? (Just asking so I can learn)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not,AT&T & T-Mobile are your best bets for using international phones on their networks & associated MVNOs.
Not trying to sound like a jerk,but,Google is your friend on the subject.
Here's a fairly recent write up giving a Readers Digest summary:
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhon...y-verizon-sprint-phone-on-a-different-network
Also,try these sites for specific device compatibility:
https://www.frequencycheck.com/
https://willmyphonework.net/
@Jedibkj :
Here's another older article attempting to clear the air on the subject of Verizon & phones from elsewhere/not branded/specific to their network:
https://www.cnet.com/news/bringing-your-own-smartphone-to-verizon-what-do-i-need-to-worry-about/
Also,here's Verizon's BYOD Compatibility page:
https://www.verizonwireless.com/bring-your-own-device/
Jedibkj said:
Well... darn it... Do any of the models? And why doesn't it work? (Just asking so I can learn)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah as stated above google helps you out tons when you are in the market for a new device. I never looked for international devices or non-carrier branded phones while I was with Verizon and Sprint they are CDMA and most unlocked devices are GSM. For me I just knew for most functions to work on my phone they had to have the sprint or verizon logo on them some where.
I have not looked back since I left both of the above companies because I feel I have so many more options now. There are others who have made the same mistake and I have seen their listings on ebay. There are lots of people looking for this device so at least you can get your money back by selling it if you need to. (swappa is a good option for selling as well)
Thank you for all the info! I thought it was CDMA compatible but I guess I was wrong.. :/ I need to check more before buying! Live and learn I guess... I'll probably end up reselling it.
Thank you for all the help!
My K model gets full LTE signal and bars on Cricket. I'm in Phoenix.
Ok I have been reading about this from multiple resources and haven't seen a direct answer to my issue so I wanted to ask the community here. I want to thank everyone In advanced for taking time to read this and help me out.
I purchased a US Sprint S8 from a friend. He's called them and they unlocked the phone for us. I am attempting to add it to my Verizon plan. They are giving me the run around stating the IMEI isn't compatible. I am not seeing how this is possible as the S8 is showing it's both CDMA & GSM compatible. One rep in their tech support stated they could add the IMEI into their database and that will help resolve this, which was two days ago when they submitted that request (48 hour turnaround). I follow up with them and they are telling me it's not CDMA compatible blah blah blah. Now, the other thing worth mentioning is that when I take my Verizon SIM and insert into the sprint S8, it states that it's not a valid SIM.
Anyone recommend what's the best course of action here? I'm not the most savvy person when it comes to dealing with Odin and rooting the phone. Worse case scenario I am going to drop this thing on ebay and try to recover my expense.
Have a great day!
Holleman67 said:
Ok I have been reading about this from multiple resources and haven't seen a direct answer to my issue so I wanted to ask the community here. I want to thank everyone In advanced for taking time to read this and help me out.
I purchased a US Sprint S8 from a friend. He's called them and they unlocked the phone for us. I am attempting to add it to my Verizon plan. They are giving me the run around stating the IMEI isn't compatible. I am not seeing how this is possible as the S8 is showing it's both CDMA & GSM compatible. One rep in their tech support stated they could add the IMEI into their database and that will help resolve this, which was two days ago when they submitted that request (48 hour turnaround). I follow up with them and they are telling me it's not CDMA compatible blah blah blah. Now, the other thing worth mentioning is that when I take my Verizon SIM and insert into the sprint S8, it states that it's not a valid SIM.
Anyone recommend what's the best course of action here? I'm not the most savvy person when it comes to dealing with Odin and rooting the phone. Worse case scenario I am going to drop this thing on ebay and try to recover my expense.
Have a great day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The it's not CDMA is bull, Sprint is a CDMA carrier. The Sprint S8 also Supports Band 13.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
what model do you have?
My understanding is only 1 model is sold in the US, the SM-G950U. Has CDMA and all the LTE bands used in the US. Carriers just add their own bloatware.
Maybe you need a specific verizon sim. I know sprint needs specific sims for certain phones.
cpuspeed said:
what model do you have?
My understanding is only 1 model is sold in the US, the SM-G950U. Has CDMA and all the LTE bands used in the US. Carriers just add their own bloatware.
Maybe you need a specific verizon sim. I know sprint needs specific sims for certain phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The model in the US is SM-G950U on all carriers.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Holleman67 said:
Ok I have been reading about this from multiple resources and haven't seen a direct answer to my issue so I wanted to ask the community here. I want to thank everyone In advanced for taking time to read this and help me out.
I purchased a US Sprint S8 from a friend. He's called them and they unlocked the phone for us. I am attempting to add it to my Verizon plan. They are giving me the run around stating the IMEI isn't compatible. I am not seeing how this is possible as the S8 is showing it's both CDMA & GSM compatible. One rep in their tech support stated they could add the IMEI into their database and that will help resolve this, which was two days ago when they submitted that request (48 hour turnaround). I follow up with them and they are telling me it's not CDMA compatible blah blah blah. Now, the other thing worth mentioning is that when I take my Verizon SIM and insert into the sprint S8, it states that it's not a valid SIM.
Anyone recommend what's the best course of action here? I'm not the most savvy person when it comes to dealing with Odin and rooting the phone. Worse case scenario I am going to drop this thing on ebay and try to recover my expense.
Have a great day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am thinking that you may need to flash the unlocked firmware(G950U1) to your phone, which is XAA. Unlocked firmware includes many US CSC codes that should be compatible with most US carriers. Your Sprint phone may only have its own CSC which could be SPR, but Verizon's CSC is VZW.
Check out this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3625817 Ask your question on that thread as well.
Charkatak said:
I am thinking that you may need to flash the unlocked firmware(G950U1) to your phone, which is XAA. Unlocked firmware includes many US CSC codes that should be compatible with most US carriers. Your Sprint phone may only have its own CSC which could be SPR, but Verizon's CSC is VZW.
Check out this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3625817 Ask your question on that thread as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based off reading that thread you mentioned that would make sense hypothetically. Would you or anyone be aware if I flash this and it still doesn't work, can I flash back to sprint and sell it as a standard sprint phone? Don't want it bricked or be out the $$ by my half ass attempt of acting like I know what I'm doing.
Holleman67 said:
Based off reading that thread you mentioned that would make sense hypothetically. Would you or anyone be aware if I flash this and it still doesn't work, can I flash back to sprint and sell it as a standard sprint phone? Don't want it bricked or be out the $$ by my half ass attempt of acting like I know what I'm doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is always a risk, but first I flashed my unlocked model to T-Mobile firmware(using regular Odin app), used it for 2 months and recently flashed back(using custom Odin app) to unlocked firmware before putting my phone for sale of eBay. I personally take the risk especially if it doesn't work for you with Verizon and don't see a reason why you wouldn't be able to flash back in case you need it. In other words if you phone enters download mode, then it should be able to flash.
Charkatak said:
It is always a risk, but first I flashed my unlocked model to T-Mobile firmware(using regular Odin app), used it for 2 months and recently flashed back(using custom Odin app) to unlocked firmware before putting my phone for sale of eBay. I personally take the risk especially if it doesn't work for you with Verizon and don't see a reason why you wouldn't be able to flash back in case you need it. In other words if you phone enters download mode, then it should be able to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried to flash to g950u1 tonight and it didn't help the SIM issue. Going to try the Verizon version and also as the store to give me a new SIM card. Hoping this works out soon
Appreciate the advice!
Hello all,
Like many others, I unknowingly bought a blacklisted phone on eBay. It's a Samsung S7 with T-Mobile from the US. I live in Costa Rica, and I'm trying to use a SIM from a local service provider. Sending the phone back for an uninteresting list of various reasons is impossible at this point. So, I am attempting to unlock it.
I rooted the phone with SuperSu thinking that would work, now I know better. After hours and hours of research, I found a xda dev that can remove the lock, but with my slow internet speed, he says it's impossible.
I was suggested to use one of the paid services, but I'm concerned that if my slow connection will not work for the xda dev, why would it work for a paid unlock service? My connection is 5/1. Anyone have any luck buying the expensive @$$ service and successfully receiving the code with a slow connection?
Is there really no way around the T-Mobile Unlock App?
Is there truly no DIY process or program that I can do, being that the paid unlock services may not to work?
I really need this phone to work. I just moved to Costa Rica, and I use my phone to work. So, I am pretty damn stuck between a rock and a hard place with spikes. I'm pretty desperate, almost willingly to pay my last money to a dumb unlock service.
But some of the services say that it will not work if the phone is blacklisted.
I just don't know what my options are at this point.
Blacklisted phone
victoriaa22 said:
Hello all,
Like many others, I unknowingly bought a blacklisted phone on eBay. It's a Samsung S7 with T-Mobile from the US. I live in Costa Rica, and I'm trying to use a SIM from a local service provider. Sending the phone back for an uninteresting list of various reasons is impossible at this point. So, I am attempting to unlock it.
I rooted the phone with SuperSu thinking that would work, now I know better. After hours and hours of research, I found a xda dev that can remove the lock, but with my slow internet speed, he says it's impossible.
I was suggested to use one of the paid services, but I'm concerned that if my slow connection will not work for the xda dev, why would it work for a paid unlock service? My connection is 5/1. Anyone have any luck buying the expensive @$$ service and successfully receiving the code with a slow connection?
Is there really no way around the T-Mobile Unlock App?
Is there truly no DIY process or program that I can do, being that the paid unlock services may not to work?
I really need this phone to work. I just moved to Costa Rica, and I use my phone to work. So, I am pretty damn stuck between a rock and a hard place with spikes. I'm pretty desperate, almost willingly to pay my last money to a dumb unlock service.
But some of the services say that it will not work if the phone is blacklisted.
I just don't know what my options are at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be able to resell the phone with a *disclaimer* that it is blacklisted, I would recommend Swappa over Ebay though, (I got a really decent chunk of change for my Galaxy S Blaze that I sold on there), and then use the proceeds from that to acquire a phone that isn't stolen.
I got mine unlocked in a repair shop at gaffar market,delhi,india for rs 3200 inr and it was blacklisted on tmobile's website, when bought it was unlocked but after few days it automatically got locked to tmobile.
I mean to say if i can get it done in india you guys can also get it done in your countries.
You would have to do a firmware swap - which you could do yourself - you just won't be able to use it on that particular carrier, even via an MVNO on that carrier. My own S7 is ex-VZW (network locked); but I could take it to T-Mobile (and did) via firmware swap. My carrier (Tracfone) uses both VZW and T-Mobile towers ; while VZW was out, T-Mobile, however, works fine. If you sell the phone post-swap, include documentation that a firmware swap was done, so the buyer does not try to take it to T-M by mistake - some folks insist on following the labelling unless expressly told not to. (My S7 still has VZW labelling.)
PGHammer said:
You would have to do a firmware swap - which you could do yourself - you just won't be able to use it on that particular carrier, even via an MVNO on that carrier. My own S7 is ex-VZW (network locked); but I could take it to T-Mobile (and did) via firmware swap. My carrier (Tracfone) uses both VZW and T-Mobile towers ; while VZW was out, T-Mobile, however, works fine. If you sell the phone post-swap, include documentation that a firmware swap was done, so the buyer does not try to take it to T-M by mistake - some folks insist on following the labelling unless expressly told not to. (My S7 still has VZW labelling.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware swap? So you're saying you can take a Note 4 on T-Mobile that is blacklisted and you can fix the problem just by flashing a new firmware from AT&T? Am I understanding that correctly or no? Because I have a Note 4 that is on T-Mobile that someone left at my GF's work and never came back for, so they wanted to throw it away, so I took it, I rooted it, deleted all the bloatware and have it working great as a small tablet, but I can't use it as a phone because it is blacklisted. Been trying to find a way to use it for years now with no luck, I will not dish out any money to one of those sites, I don't trust them. If there is a way I can do it myself I would surely try it.
Indeed You Can
Anthonyx82x said:
Firmware swap? So you're saying you can take a Note 4 on T-Mobile that is blacklisted and you can fix the problem just by flashing a new firmware from AT&T? Am I understanding that correctly or no? Because I have a Note 4 that is on T-Mobile that someone left at my GF's work and never came back for, so they wanted to throw it away, so I took it, I rooted it, deleted all the bloatware and have it working great as a small tablet, but I can't use it as a phone because it is blacklisted. Been trying to find a way to use it for years now with no luck, I will not dish out any money to one of those sites, I don't trust them. If there is a way I can do it myself I would surely try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A blacklisted IMEI only affects the blacklisted carrier in question - it does not affect ALL carriers. (I cannot take my Snapdragon S7 to Verizon or that side of Tracfone due the IMEI being Verizon-blacklisted; however, it does not affect T-Mobile or the T-Mobile side of Tracfone - which is a separate network/carrier - which is why I was able to take the phone there.
. In your case, your Note 4 has a T-Mobile blacklisted IMEI; therefore, you can take it to AT&T Mobility, Verizon, the Verizon half of Tracfone, or Sprint - you simply need the apropos firmware and SIM. If the phone itself has T-Mobile labeling/branding, and you are trying to sell it, you should include documentation indicating what was done, and why (honesty). The biggest issue is sellers that DON'T do that (document what was done) or worse - don't do a firmware/ROM change for a phone with a blacklisted IMEI. So you can actually use it as a phone - you just can't take it to the original carrier.
victoriaa22 said:
Hello all,
Like many others, I unknowingly bought a blacklisted phone on eBay. It's a Samsung S7 with T-Mobile from the US. I live in Costa Rica, and I'm trying to use a SIM from a local service provider. Sending the phone back for an uninteresting list of various reasons is impossible at this point. So, I am attempting to unlock it.
I rooted the phone with SuperSu thinking that would work, now I know better. After hours and hours of research, I found a xda dev that can remove the lock, but with my slow internet speed, he says it's impossible.
I was suggested to use one of the paid services, but I'm concerned that if my slow connection will not work for the xda dev, why would it work for a paid unlock service? My connection is 5/1. Anyone have any luck buying the expensive @$$ service and successfully receiving the code with a slow connection?
Is there really no way around the T-Mobile Unlock App?
Is there truly no DIY process or program that I can do, being that the paid unlock services may not to work?
I really need this phone to work. I just moved to Costa Rica, and I use my phone to work. So, I am pretty damn stuck between a rock and a hard place with spikes. I'm pretty desperate, almost willingly to pay my last money to a dumb unlock service.
But some of the services say that it will not work if the phone is blacklisted.
I just don't know what my options are at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try https://www.gsmzambia.com/.
You need a Windows PC with Teamviewer.
Anthonyx82x said:
Firmware swap? So you're saying you can take a Note 4 on T-Mobile that is blacklisted and you can fix the problem just by flashing a new firmware from AT&T? Am I understanding that correctly or no? Because I have a Note 4 that is on T-Mobile that someone left at my GF's work and never came back for, so they wanted to throw it away, so I took it, I rooted it, deleted all the bloatware and have it working great as a small tablet, but I can't use it as a phone because it is blacklisted. Been trying to find a way to use it for years now with no luck, I will not dish out any money to one of those sites, I don't trust them. If there is a way I can do it myself I would surely try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I am saying - that and a SIM from a carrier other than the one that blacklisted the IMEI - I took my own phone from VZW to T-Mobile (Tracfone supports both carrier networks). Because it was an internal swap (same MVNO), it cost me nothing.