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I have a droid maxx that I'm using for AT&T. For those of you who don't know, the droid maxx is supposed to be a verizon phone only. It is unlocked from the factory, but LTE does not work for AT&T or T-Mobile. Being that the maxx is essnetially just a moto x with a bigger battery, I was hoping someone could pull their radio from their phone and upload it so that I can flash it to see if it enables LTE.
There is much speculation that the maxx has the bands, but they are just diabled by verizon. I hope that flashing your guys' radio will unlock the bands. There was a similar method available to enable the Razr Maxx HD's to grab signal on AT&T. They use a motorola tool to flash the radio.
If anyone wants to help out a fellow motorola XDA member, let me know
For what it's worth, I have been told by someone I consider reliable at Moto that the AT&T version of the X does have the hardware to support the 1700/AWS band for T-Mobile, but that it isn't "software enabled" in the phone. So someone providing the radios for any of those carriers might be able to help a lot of us.
Rask40 said:
For what it's worth, I have been told by someone I consider reliable at Moto that the AT&T version of the X does have the hardware to support the 1700/AWS band for T-Mobile, but that it isn't "software enabled" in the phone. So someone providing the radios for any of those carriers might be able to help a lot of us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we'll also need a way to flash it, i.e. a custom recovery. I know Hashcode is working on SafeStrap, so hopefully that will be done soon and we can figure out if this works. I'm not sure if SS will allow access to the partition that holds the radio software, though. I strongly suspect it's just software blocked as well, so I think either flashing the radio or editing the NV values like they do for the last generation of DROIDs should open the AT&T models up to AWS. Or maybe I just really want that to be true.
Rask40 said:
For what it's worth, I have been told by someone I consider reliable at Moto that the AT&T version of the X does have the hardware to support the 1700/AWS band for T-Mobile, but that it isn't "software enabled" in the phone. So someone providing the radios for any of those carriers might be able to help a lot of us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it would, but what I'm looking for specifically is to enable the LTE bands for AT&T on the verizon devices.
freak4dell said:
I think we'll also need a way to flash it, i.e. a custom recovery. I know Hashcode is working on SafeStrap, so hopefully that will be done soon and we can figure out if this works. I'm not sure if SS will allow access to the partition that holds the radio software, though. I strongly suspect it's just software blocked as well, so I think either flashing the radio or editing the NV values like they do for the last generation of DROIDs should open the AT&T models up to AWS. Or maybe I just really want that to be true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wouldn't need to flash the radios through recovery. The radios can be changed with a motorola specific windows program called, CDMA WS 2.7. You boot the phone into BP Tools mode and then can modify the radio.
seh6183 said:
Yes it would, but what I'm looking for specifically is to enable the LTE bands for AT&T on the verizon devices.
You wouldn't need to flash the radios through recovery. The radios can be changed with a motorola specific windows program called, CDMA WS 2.7. You boot the phone into BP Tools mode and then can modify the radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...didn't know that. I've flashed through recovery on other phones, I believe. I've never had to flash a full radio on a Motorola phone, though. On the Droid Pro, it was a flashed file that unlocked it, but it wasn't actually a radio. On the M, it was done through RadioComm. Anyway, regardless of the method, I hope it's possible.
seh6183 said:
I have a droid maxx that I'm using for AT&T. For those of you who don't know, the droid maxx is supposed to be a verizon phone only. It is unlocked from the factory, but LTE does not work for AT&T or T-Mobile. Being that the maxx is essnetially just a moto x with a bigger battery, I was hoping someone could pull their radio from their phone and upload it so that I can flash it to see if it enables LTE.
There is much speculation that the maxx has the bands, but they are just diabled by verizon. I hope that flashing your guys' radio will unlock the bands. There was a similar method available to enable the Razr Maxx HD's to grab signal on AT&T. They use a motorola tool to flash the radio.
If anyone wants to help out a fellow motorola XDA member, let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't work. AT&T uses a different slice of the 700 band than Verizon as their primary LTE band. This means that they are using different radio hardware to pick up their LTE bands. They are incompatible.
AT&T also only uses AWS in a few sites here and there (not majorly rolled out in any capacity), so you're unlikely to get it with AWS as well in your city regardless. If you want LTE on AT&T, you need a Band 17 (soon to be Band 12 in the future) enabled phone. Band 13 may be 700 as well, but different slice, so incompatible. Flashing a T-Mobile radio might enable you to pick theirs up by unlocking the AWS LTE as Verizon has that disabled currently until they open up their AWS network using a software update.
Hope that clears things up and helps.
Yes I realize the networks are different, i don't doubt that. There is just speculation that the droid maxx is a world phone and has the bands there for almost everything but they are disabled. They do make a droid maxx Dev version so I can't see them making two different boards with different hardware for each.
seh6183 said:
Yes I realize the networks are different, i don't doubt that. There is just speculation that the droid maxx is a world phone and has the bands there for almost everything but they are disabled. They do make a droid maxx Dev version so I can't see them making two different boards with different hardware for each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't believe me, check the FCC filings. They use the same boards, but there's more to that in making LTE work on a phone. As we found out with the Nexus 4, it may have the same hardware as the LTE compatible LG Optimus G, but unfortunately was missing the LTE radio hardware components, filters, amplifiers, etc (see Anandtech article). Motorola released several versions of the Moto X with the same boards, but different LTE radios (hence why we have an XT1053, XT1060, XT1058, etc).
Unfortunately, software cannot fix a missing hardware component. The Droid Maxx does not support Band 17 for AT&T, therefore, you are missing a hardware component and will not be able to get AT&T LTE regardless of how many radios you flash.
For further proof, look at the Razr HD forums. They only released one version (XT925) for internationally and we thought we could flash different radios to use abroad only to find out that different regions had different radio hardware (EVEN THOUGH they were all XT925 models). Motorola doesn't play when it comes to hardware.
UserDemos said:
If you don't believe me, check the FCC filings. They use the same boards, but there's more to that in making LTE work on a phone. As we found out with the Nexus 4, it may have the same hardware as the LTE compatible LG Optimus G, but unfortunately was missing the LTE radio hardware components, filters, amplifiers, etc (see Anandtech article). Motorola released several versions of the Moto X with the same boards, but different LTE radios (hence why we have an XT1053, XT1060, XT1058, etc).
Unfortunately, software cannot fix a missing hardware component. The Droid Maxx does not support Band 17 for AT&T, therefore, you are missing a hardware component and will not be able to get AT&T LTE regardless of how many radios you flash.
For further proof, look at the Razr HD forums. They only released one version (XT925) for internationally and we thought we could flash different radios to use abroad only to find out that different regions had different radio hardware (EVEN THOUGH they were all XT925 models). Motorola doesn't play when it comes to hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to say you're wrong, but the Nexus 4 worked on LTE with the proper radio mods. Not sure if the signal levels were different than a phone that was LTE-capable out of the box, though.
freak4dell said:
Not trying to say you're wrong, but the Nexus 4 worked on LTE with the proper radio mods. Not sure if the signal levels were different than a phone that was LTE-capable out of the box, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 4 only worked on Band 4 (AWS) LTE because it had the radio antenna, but none of the other parts (amplifier, filter, etc). The quality wasn't the same. Plus, people were using it on T-Mobile which has their entire LTE rollout on AWS.
For AT&T, per the original question, the Droid Maxx lacks the hardware for Band 17. For AWS, it is there and a radio mod could work, but you will only get it in like a handful of cities for AT&T as this is not their primary spectrum band.
UserDemos said:
The Nexus 4 only worked on Band 4 (AWS) LTE because it had the radio antenna, but none of the other parts (amplifier, filter, etc). The quality wasn't the same. Plus, people were using it on T-Mobile which has their entire LTE rollout on AWS.
For AT&T, per the original question, the Droid Maxx lacks the hardware for Band 17. For AWS, it is there and a radio mod could work, but you will only get it in like a handful of cities for AT&T as this is not their primary spectrum band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I know is that I have full blazing h+ right out of the box on at&t.
So who's going to try flashing TMo radio on the 1058?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4
seh6183 said:
All I know is that I have full blazing h+ right out of the box on at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course you would. Let's look at specifications (from the official site at http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all-mobile-phones/Droid-Maxx/m-droid-maxx.html):
WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100
CDMA 800/1900
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
LTE Band 04/13
First, as a stipulation of the 700 Block auction, all Verizon phones have to be SIM unlocked. Therefore, that's why you can use your AT&T sim and get AT&T HSPA+ out of the box. It clearly says HSPA+ is supported in the specs (WCMDA 850/900/1900/2100). Why? AT&T uses 850 and 1900 for their HSPA+.
But AT&T LTE? Nope. Why? AT&T LTE uses Band 17 mostly, with Bands 2, 4, and 5 to supplement. Let's look back at the specs (LTE Band 04/13). Ouch, that's only 1 of AT&T supplementary LTE bands. Therefore again, you WILL NOT receive AT&T LTE on your Verizon Maxx unless you are in a Band 4 market (which there are a few and they're mostly small cities).
Flashing a radio will not fix the hardware issue of the lack of Band 17 support. Don't believe me? Try it. I've already tried with another Motorola phone in the past to spend lots of wasted time trying to exactly what you're trying.
But is the hardware missing or is it just a matter of software? Xperia T is software, hoping Motor X is the same way.
I'm interested in activating AWS on one of the unlocked models floating around EBay... The Puerto Rican ones.
Sent from my LT30at using Tapatalk 4
UserDemos said:
Of course you would. Let's look at specifications (from the official site at http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all-mobile-phones/Droid-Maxx/m-droid-maxx.html):
WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100
CDMA 800/1900
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
LTE Band 04/13
First, as a stipulation of the 700 Block auction, all Verizon phones have to be SIM unlocked. Therefore, that's why you can use your AT&T sim and get AT&T HSPA+ out of the box. It clearly says HSPA+ is supported in the specs (WCMDA 850/900/1900/2100). Why? AT&T uses 850 and 1900 for their HSPA+.
But AT&T LTE? Nope. Why? AT&T LTE uses Band 17 mostly, with Bands 2, 4, and 5 to supplement. Let's look back at the specs (LTE Band 04/13). Ouch, that's only 1 of AT&T supplementary LTE bands. Therefore again, you WILL NOT receive AT&T LTE on your Verizon Maxx unless you are in a Band 4 market (which there are a few and they're mostly small cities).
Flashing a radio will not fix the hardware issue of the lack of Band 17 support. Don't believe me? Try it. I've already tried with another Motorola phone in the past to spend lots of wasted time trying to exactly what you're trying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok but this does nothing to tell us about the actual board in the droid maxx. Of course they aren't going to list the bands that the phone isn't capable right out of the box. The nexus 4 was listed as not having LTE even though it actually did. All I'm saying is that the bands may be there even though its stated that they're not. They may just be software locked. The only way to know for sure is by trying different radios to see if they are unlocked.
seh6183 said:
Ok but this does nothing to tell us about the actual board in the droid maxx. Of course they aren't going to list the bands that the phone isn't capable right out of the box. The nexus 4 was listed as not having LTE even though it actually did. All I'm saying is that the bands may be there even though its stated that they're not. They may just be software locked. The only way to know for sure is by trying different radios to see if they are unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the Nexus 4, it was missing most of the LTE radio components. They just got lucky. Sloppy workmanship and design on LG's part. Motorola doesn't work like that. Check the FCC filings as they provide all the information about the device. The only thing disabled about the Droid Maxx is AWS LTE which is great for T-Mobile, not AT&T.
This'll be my last post on this one. Go ahead and try to flash radios. Repeat what many of us have tried before with other devices and find out the same thing. Motorola makes variants with custom hardware radios. This is why they get the best reception. They customize them to the carrier that wants it. So the hardware in variants is very specific and precise.
Good luck in your endeavor, but don't expect a miracle.
Any Updates?
I have a SIM unlocked AT&T Customized one, and when putting in my Truphone (TMo MVNO) sim, I am only getting EDGE. Now, Truphone does not use Tmo LTE yet - so I am only concerned with HSPA+...yet I am only getting EDGE. So, wondering if I am in a re-farmed area and would a modem re-flash support HSPA+....has anyone come across this?
yankeeboy73 said:
I have a SIM unlocked AT&T Customized one, and when putting in my Truphone (TMo MVNO) sim, I am only getting EDGE. Now, Truphone does not use Tmo LTE yet - so I am only concerned with HSPA+...yet I am only getting EDGE. So, wondering if I am in a re-farmed area and would a modem re-flash support HSPA+....has anyone come across this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are in a re-farmed area, you should get TMO HSPA+ out of the box, no radio flashing required. What is your area, if I may ask?
Flashing Moto X Radios to get LTE
UserDemos said:
If you are in a re-farmed area, you should get TMO HSPA+ out of the box, no radio flashing required. What is your area, if I may ask?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally someone who knows! So much misleading info on this issue. I bought the 1053 to avoid bloat, then the 1060 Dev Ed in hopes of somehow new rom or modem allowing LTE ( on basis radios were all firmware ). But _I believe you_ and will be returning the 1060 ( currently on ATT but would love maximum radios for traveling abroad ). But... would it perhaps be wiser to get the 1058, unlock the bootloader, flash a custom rom, and have clean-ish ATT + more world phone funness? I think I'm just going to stick w my 1053 but would prefer 2 more LTE bands for whatever may come up. Sense?
Axilarry said:
Finally someone who knows! So much misleading info on this issue. I bought the 1053 to avoid bloat, then the 1060 Dev Ed in hopes of somehow new rom or modem allowing LTE ( on basis radios were all firmware ). But _I believe you_ and will be returning the 1060 ( currently on ATT but would love maximum radios for traveling abroad ). But... would it perhaps be wiser to get the 1058, unlock the bootloader, flash a custom rom, and have clean-ish ATT + more world phone funness? I think I'm just going to stick w my 1053 but would prefer 2 more LTE bands for whatever may come up. Sense?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2502161
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Hey all,
I recently got my Note 4 through US Cellular SIM unlocked and when I insert another SIM from AT&T or Tmobile, the phone accepts the SIM but there isn't any setting to change the phone to global mode in the network settings area, nor is there a way to change APNs. I cannot place calls on either Tmobile or AT&T with it, which I find odd since the phone doesn't reject the SIM. Does this version not have support for GSM bands or is it something to do with US Cellular's software that prevents it from connecting to United States GSM carriers? Is there a hidden setting that I need to get into to enable GSM use? Thanks all!
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 (US Cellular) using XDA Free mobile app
Here's a screenshot of what I get when I try to change the network type to Global or GSM.
Sent from my US Cellular Note 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Old thread but bumpin, any news on this?
I also have bought a US Cellular Note Edge (not arrived yet) to use it in European GSM Networks. Phone was really cheap, so i thought i'll give it a try. Anyone have news on how to unlock GSM capabilities on this ? Maybe with a Rom from a GSM Edge ?
sportsinger75 said:
Hey all,
I recently got my Note 4 through US Cellular SIM unlocked and when I insert another SIM from AT&T or Tmobile, the phone accepts the SIM but there isn't any setting to change the phone to global mode in the network settings area, nor is there a way to change APNs. I cannot place calls on either Tmobile or AT&T with it, which I find odd since the phone doesn't reject the SIM. Does this version not have support for GSM bands or is it something to do with US Cellular's software that prevents it from connecting to United States GSM carriers? Is there a hidden setting that I need to get into to enable GSM use? Thanks all!
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 (US Cellular) using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get your note 4 unlocked?
Thanks,
Shaun
mv-testarossa said:
I also have bought a US Cellular Note Edge (not arrived yet) to use it in European GSM Networks. Phone was really cheap, so i thought i'll give it a try. Anyone have news on how to unlock GSM capabilities on this ? Maybe with a Rom from a GSM Edge ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you let us know what your experience with the US Cellular Note Edge?
I am having the same problem
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kv
I recently spent some time on the phone with the executive assistant to the president uscellular and well I had no success in getting my phone unlocked if I understand correctly the phone is cable of gsm also. If anyone would like I can give you the number 4 this lady name Karen and you can bring her directly. I also spoke with several members of the presidents executive Support technical service and they all indicated that the machine would have to be taking it into the store to be unlocked. the weird thing was that the machine is not blacklisted, stolen nor gained in any ill gotten way but yet all with one accord further said that it would be refuse for unlocking without giving any good reason. I understand the company was sued in court and lost the battle to not unlock their phones and this seems to not affect them only one to one basis. I will find a solution to this and I will share it. I would be grateful for any help in doing meanwhile.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Hey, everybody. I hope I'm able to help... and in turn, I hope someone is able to help me.
Supposedly... newer Qualcomm-powered Android phones are inherently capable of connecting to any CDMA or GSM network. However, the different bands are enabled/disabled per the carrier's specifications. For instance, I'm a Verizon customer, and I connect to bands 4 and 13 for LTE service. However, US Cellular devices do not have band 13 enabled by default.
All hope is not yet lost, though. There is a thread (which has since been closed due to trolling/bickering) that details a method to flash the Qualcomm chip to enable/disable bands as needed. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059 According to the information there... it seems that I'd be able to flash the CPU chip to enable band 13, and then I'd have support for all 1x / 2G / 3G / LTE bands that I'd need for Verizon. Likewise for T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, etc.
Now for my problem...
I have recently purchased a USC Note 4 (N910R4) from Amazon, though it was listed as a N910F, International Edition. It was listed as having been unlocked for use on any CDMA network. Unfortunately, the phone does not recognize my Verizon SIM, Verizon couldn't give me any information about the device, and a US Cellular support chat representative said I'd have to visit a store to check if the phone is actually unlocked. The closes USC store is several hours away in another state. The phone came with a USC SIM still in it... and it recognizes that SIM without a problem. I can't make phone calls, though... and no mobile data, either.
I had intended to use the International Version (N910F) and enable the correct bands per the thread above... and then activate the phone on my Verizon account... but the USC version should be close enough in band support that I'd be able to at least activate the phone. The USC phone supports band 4 LTE, and I get band 4 service where I'm sitting right now. If not that, the 2G and 3G band support are identical, I believe. So, I'm just doubtful that I'll be able to activate the phone just yet.
Can anyone shed light on how to verify that my new phone is actually carrier/SIM unlocked? I was hoping I'd be able to get someone to query a database of unlocked MEIDs, but for some reason, I am supposed to go to a store. I can't even call.
Any help is appreciated.
DrPhant0m said:
Hey, everybody. I hope I'm able to help... and in turn, I hope someone is able to help me.
Supposedly... newer Qualcomm-powered Android phones are inherently capable of connecting to any CDMA or GSM network. However, the different bands are enabled/disabled per the carrier's specifications. For instance, I'm a Verizon customer, and I connect to bands 4 and 13 for LTE service. However, US Cellular devices do not have band 13 enabled by default.
All hope is not yet lost, though. There is a thread (which has since been closed due to trolling/bickering) that details a method to flash the Qualcomm chip to enable/disable bands as needed. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059 According to the information there... it seems that I'd be able to flash the CPU chip to enable band 13, and then I'd have support for all 1x / 2G / 3G / LTE bands that I'd need for Verizon. Likewise for T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, etc.
Now for my problem...
I have recently purchased a USC Note 4 (N910R4) from Amazon, though it was listed as a N910F, International Edition. It was listed as having been unlocked for use on any CDMA network. Unfortunately, the phone does not recognize my Verizon SIM, Verizon couldn't give me any information about the device, and a US Cellular support chat representative said I'd have to visit a store to check if the phone is actually unlocked. The closes USC store is several hours away in another state. The phone came with a USC SIM still in it... and it recognizes that SIM without a problem. I can't make phone calls, though... and no mobile data, either.
I had intended to use the International Version (N910F) and enable the correct bands per the thread above... and then activate the phone on my Verizon account... but the USC version should be close enough in band support that I'd be able to at least activate the phone. The USC phone supports band 4 LTE, and I get band 4 service where I'm sitting right now. If not that, the 2G and 3G band support are identical, I believe. So, I'm just doubtful that I'll be able to activate the phone just yet.
Can anyone shed light on how to verify that my new phone is actually carrier/SIM unlocked? I was hoping I'd be able to get someone to query a database of unlocked MEIDs, but for some reason, I am supposed to go to a store. I can't even call.
Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I share all your concerns sir. I too have not learned yet how to determine if USC nope for exactly carrier locked or no but I am of the firmest belief based on what I've learned from USC at various levels up to the Presidents executive team that it is indeed carrier locked. I cannot answer for yours then I believe that all under phones come in one of the two varieties and I am convinced even after the court ruling against them that they I have no intent to unlock a phone by less than forcesure. Furthermore I have no confidence that the store they may send you to has any unlocking abilities. According to the executive team that does this work in reality you must in the machine into them and prove its worthwhile to be unlocked. In my case well they cannot prove there is any malfeasance, they still choose to err on the side of caution and refuse to accept any proof then I have of the machine purchased new complete and clean but from a second party. They furthermore refuse to contact the locals that originally sold the phone and truthfully are the first corporation that ever more me so thin that I chose to unlock the bang bang myself. I remain as giddy as a schoolboy hoping to hear more good news from this post. I'm confident then I currently have the knowledge to fix the phone but do not currently have the time. I will happily update I'll with my success be crying the Blues at my failure soon.
GH
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Any updates, guys? Did flashing the ROM to allow access to additional channels work for anyone? Thinking of buying a USC Note 4 and then trying to unlock it for GSM usage.
Any news on unlocking or using on GSM networks? thx
kardeşim ne yaptın telefonu açabildin mi ?
aynı sorun bendede var
Has anyone got any further with this? I've just bought a US cellular note 4 and my APN settings are greyed out. I'm assuming that US cellular will be difficult to deal with to get the phone unlocked especially if it has been bought from a third party. Has anyone had any luck with getting there's unlocked?
Hi!i set my Note Edge to say on Network mode:GSM/WCDMA/LTE but i can't place calls etc...has anyone an idea to make it work?
use z3x box to unlock it
To whom might be concern;
Make things short, NO, you cant use USC Note 4 on any US carrier if u look at the spec. The phone support only some GSM850 and FDD LTE band 5 (850mzh). And att/tmobile 2g voice is on gsm1700/2100 and LTE band is not match....... So that being said you are buying note 4 as Samsung Player and only good with USC and somewhat Verizon(need to hack for it to work, and stillike not all feature will work). Hope answer most you guy question
Phone is cdma unlocked automatically on 6.0.1 roms
---------- Post added at 05:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:45 PM ----------
DrPhant0m said:
Hey, everybody. I hope I'm able to help... and in turn, I hope someone is able to help me.
Supposedly... newer Qualcomm-powered Android phones are inherently capable of connecting to any CDMA or GSM network. However, the different bands are enabled/disabled per the carrier's specifications. For instance, I'm a Verizon customer, and I connect to bands 4 and 13 for LTE service. However, US Cellular devices do not have band 13 enabled by default.
All hope is not yet lost, though. There is a thread (which has since been closed due to trolling/bickering) that details a method to flash the Qualcomm chip to enable/disable bands as needed. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059 According to the information there... it seems that I'd be able to flash the CPU chip to enable band 13, and then I'd have support for all 1x / 2G / 3G / LTE bands that I'd need for Verizon. Likewise for T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, etc.
Now for my problem...
I have recently purchased a USC Note 4 (N910R4) from Amazon, though it was listed as a N910F, International Edition. It was listed as having been unlocked for use on any CDMA network. Unfortunately, the phone does not recognize my Verizon SIM, Verizon couldn't give me any information about the device, and a US Cellular support chat representative said I'd have to visit a store to check if the phone is actually unlocked. The closes USC store is several hours away in another state. The phone came with a USC SIM still in it... and it recognizes that SIM without a problem. I can't make phone calls, though... and no mobile data, either.
I had intended to use the International Version (N910F) and enable the correct bands per the thread above... and then activate the phone on my Verizon account... but the USC version should be close enough in band support that I'd be able to at least activate the phone. The USC phone supports band 4 LTE, and I get band 4 service where I'm sitting right now. If not that, the 2G and 3G band support are identical, I believe. So, I'm just doubtful that I'll be able to activate the phone just yet.
Can anyone shed light on how to verify that my new phone is actually carrier/SIM unlocked? I was hoping I'd be able to get someone to query a database of unlocked MEIDs, but for some reason, I am supposed to go to a store. I can't even call.
Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though the phone is automatically cdma unlocked on android 6.0.1 roms, the bands are still disabled. I suggest following DrPhant0m's advice and look into the posted link above.
Deadbit said:
Phone is cdma unlocked automatically on 6.0.1 roms
---------- Post added at 05:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:45 PM ----------
Though the phone is automatically cdma unlocked on android 6.0.1 roms, the bands are still disabled. I suggest following DrPhant0m's advice and look into the posted link above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've still got the USC Note 4. My son uses it on wifi and to watch videos that we load to local storage. In other words... no sim card installed.
If I manually update the phone to 6.0.1... what will I gain being that I'm a Verizon customer? Is the only difference that 1 band of LTE will be inaccessible? Would it actually start working for calls and some data with a verizon sim?
The whole "reprogram other-carrier Qualcomm phones to work on Verizon's bands" is frequently debunked as chasing a unicorn in the verizon forums.
Further... is the same applicable to newer phones? Could I get a newer (note 5/7) USC phone with android 6.x+ to work with verizon? (Unlocked bootloader would be my only reason to try)
Thanks!
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I can't find any definitive answers on this. All I know is the minimum is 25, 26 and 41 but it'd be nice to know the full list. I travel internationally and without other LTE bands like band 7, it makes it tough to use it anywhere outside the US.
EDIT: Someone answered this question in another thread but it would be good to get screenshots to verify this.
m03sizlak said:
LTE Bands: 2 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 12 / 13 / 25 / 26 / 41
I've heard that the FCC filings show that the Sprint variant is not capable (tested or approved) for GSM or WCDMA, which is kind of disappointing since I travel a lot in Canada. Any confirmation on this?
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This list of bands is a little better than both the Sprint variants of the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7. If this phone can be unlocked, you at least have a way to go abroad and use LTE connections in much of Europe and elsewhere. Band 7 is the most common band in the world from what I understand.
I'm curious about this comment about GSM and WCDMA. Hopefully someone can verify this one way or another.
asuh said:
I'm curious about this comment about GSM and WCDMA. Hopefully someone can verify this one way or another.
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Did you ever get an answer on this? I have a Sprint variant of the 10 and am trying to unlock it as I will be travel for the next 2 years. I've done everything I can think of but cannot get the phone's radio to work with any unlocked ROM. I could use some help here. Any advice or information you can provide?
vijn said:
Did you ever get an answer on this? I have a Sprint variant of the 10 and am trying to unlock it as I will be travel for the next 2 years. I've done everything I can think of but cannot get the phone's radio to work with any unlocked ROM. I could use some help here. Any advice or information you can provide?
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If you plan to travel outside the US during most of this time, your best options are to sell your HTC 10 and get one of the few unlocked flagship phones on Sprint's networks, assuming you want to stay with Sprint.
Here are your options:
Google Pixel
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-930U
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-935U
Nexus 6P or 5X
Motorola X Pure Edition
Apple iPhone
Here's a full list as of February 2017 of radio unlocked phones compatible with Sprint.
There are other unlocked phones that are not compatible with Sprint because CDMA and LTE bands are crippled or missing.
asuh said:
If you plan to travel outside the US during most of this time, your best options are to sell your HTC 10 and get one of the few unlocked flagship phones on Sprint's networks, assuming you want to stay with Sprint.
Here are your options:
Google Pixel
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-930U
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-935U
Nexus 6P or 5X
Motorola X Pure Edition
Apple iPhone
Here's a full list as of February 2017 of radio unlocked phones compatible with Sprint.
There are other unlocked phones that are not compatible with Sprint because CDMA and LTE bands are crippled or missing.
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Thanks for the response. The thing is I'm not on Sprint and have no desire to be. I won't be in the states long. I bought the phone thinking that like most, it could be unlocked and used as needed wherever I travel to. I knew it wasn't unlocked but figured I could do it myself. Well, I've tried a number of times, and keep having an issue with the radio. Can you explain what you mean by bands being crippled? What I'm trying to find out now is whether it's possible for me to get this HTC10 completely unlocked. I think I've done everything right but maybe not. I'm kinda desperate at this point. I love this phone. And if I have to I'll return it and grab another that can be unlocked but I just have a hard time believing that the phone can't be unlocked. It's a strange concept for me. Any help or info would be appreciated.
vijn said:
Thanks for the response. The thing is I'm not on Sprint and have no desire to be. I won't be in the states long. I bought the phone thinking that like most, it could be unlocked and used as needed wherever I travel to. I knew it wasn't unlocked but figured I could do it myself. Well, I've tried a number of times, and keep having an issue with the radio. Can you explain what you mean by bands being crippled? What I'm trying to find out now is whether it's possible for me to get this HTC10 completely unlocked. I think I've done everything right but maybe not. I'm kinda desperate at this point. I love this phone. And if I have to I'll return it and grab another that can be unlocked but I just have a hard time believing that the phone can't be unlocked. It's a strange concept for me. Any help or info would be appreciated.
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First, go go Google and look up what LTE bands are.
Crippled LTE bands = the hardware inside the phone will not allow certain LTE bands to work unless physically altered. It doesn't matter which ROM you install, you will not unlock all the LTE bands without physical alteration. https://www.quora.com/Does-installing-different-rom-change-LTE-band-frequency
So no, HTC 10 will never be completely unlocked. Look at the list above and buy one of those phones if you want a completely unlocked phone.
asuh said:
First, go go Google and look up what LTE bands are.
Crippled LTE bands = the hardware inside the phone will not allow certain LTE bands to work unless physically altered. It doesn't matter which ROM you install, you will not unlock all the LTE bands without physical alteration. https://www.quora.com/Does-installing-different-rom-change-LTE-band-frequency
So no, HTC 10 will never be completely unlocked. Look at the list above and buy one of those phones if you want a completely unlocked phone.
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I'm not sure I fully understand. Yes, I know that different chips have different bands that they work with. So, what you're saying is the Sprint HTC10 variant uses either a different chip or has some sort of other hardware configuration that is incompatible with GSM and the wider LTE bands and that no matter what I do with this phone I'll never have a truly unlocked phone? That's what I have understood, so my best option is to send it back. Ok, I get that. But I have read across tons of forums and threads of people who unlocked their Sprint 10s and are able to use them on other non-cdma carriers. So, how does that work? Are all the Sprint 10s the same or are some more limited than others? Are you essentially saying that i would have to get an unlocked/dev edition of the htc10 to be able to use GSM in other countries?
Sorry if i'm asking stupid questions here, I'm just trying to fully understand this. Thanks again for helping me out on this.
If anyone reading this knows better, please feel free to correct me.
This is my understanding of LTE bands and CDMA/GSM radios.
Phones like HTC 10, which are locked, include hardware that are built for specific usages. Prior to HTC 10, HTC phones built for Sprint's CDMA radio were specifically built to lock out GSM radio signals and most other LTE bands using the hardware. This means you'd have to open the physical device and modify the wiring inside the phone in order to allow other signals to work.
As of HTC 10, the locks are supposedly now just software based but I haven't seen proof of that. What this essentially means is that you should be able to unlock the bootloader and flash new Roms that could allow the GSM radio to work universally. However, lots of people are having issues with it. Here's one story of someone who was mostly successful but still had issues:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68960210&postcount=47
Read through the thread above and you'll see a lot of people having issues trying to fully unlock the radios and LTE bands for this phone.
If you ultimately don't want to be on Sprint anyway, I think you really should consider getting something already unlocked that can universally work anywhere. And lots of interesting non-Sprint compatible phones like OnePlus 3t (among the others on the lists I provided) are already unlocked and have a lot of good capabilities and would work great anywhere. The Pixel is one of the best devices out there and the camera is amazing from what most people say.
So I think your options are limited and I'd highly suggest you consider getting a Pixel or something else already unlocked.
asuh said:
If anyone reading this knows better, please feel free to correct me.
This is my understanding of LTE bands and CDMA/GSM radios.
Phones like HTC 10, which are locked, include hardware that are built for specific usages. Prior to HTC 10, HTC phones built for Sprint's CDMA radio were specifically built to lock out GSM radio signals and most other LTE bands using the hardware. This means you'd have to open the physical device and modify the wiring inside the phone in order to allow other signals to work.
As of HTC 10, the locks are supposedly now just software based but I haven't seen proof of that. What this essentially means is that you should be able to unlock the bootloader and flash new Roms that could allow the GSM radio to work universally. However, lots of people are having issues with it. Here's one story of someone who was mostly successful but still had issues:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68960210&postcount=47
Read through the thread above and you'll see a lot of people having issues trying to fully unlock the radios and LTE bands for this phone.
If you ultimately don't want to be on Sprint anyway, I think you really should consider getting something already unlocked that can universally work anywhere. And lots of interesting non-Sprint compatible phones like OnePlus 3t (among the others on the lists I provided) are already unlocked and have a lot of good capabilities and would work great anywhere. The Pixel is one of the best devices out there and the camera is amazing from what most people say.
So I think your options are limited and I'd highly suggest you consider getting a Pixel or something else already unlocked.
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They are software based. I have unlocked AT&T bands on my Sprint variant, 2 actually , and they worked perfectly fine. I would show you proof but I am back on T-Mobile which the Sprint HTC 10 already has LTE support for by default.
unlock
jblparisi said:
They are software based. I have unlocked AT&T bands on my Sprint variant, 2 actually , and they worked perfectly fine. I would show you proof but I am back on T-Mobile which the Sprint HTC 10 already has LTE support for by default.
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how did you unlock it manualy? can you show me some instruction?
jacobtvaliashvili said:
how did you unlock it manualy? can you show me some instruction?
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See my other reply.
Hi, I have the xt1687 us model, and I was curious if there was anyway to add band 20 for use in the uk. Thank you.
Edit: forgot add its the unlocked version bought from motorola direct.
Aye aye
Fit like, will try find out 4 u bro
Vwgti83 said:
Hi, I have the xt1687 us model, and I was curious if there was anyway to add band 20 for use in the uk. Thank you.
Edit: forgot add its the unlocked version bought from motorola direct.
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I wouldn't recommend it - though there appears to be a way (here for the Moto G5, but the process might be similar https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5/how-to/recovering-2g-3g-set-radio-band-to-usa-t3668767 ) you run the risk of setting the incorrect band and require a firmware flash to repair.
Easiest way to look for 4G access is to go to https://willmyphonework.net/ and enter in your device and the destination for using your device. For US devices, it suggests that EE, O2, 3 UK, Vodafone and Virgin Mobile are some of the providers that can provide 4G LTE on alternative bands over here. Please verify this info before considering purchasing a UK SIM for that carrier, if your device is carrier unlocked, or accessing that network if your carrier has a roaming agreement with them.
EDIT - further investigation for O2, at least, suggests that Band 3 support may only be present in London and large cities, and the main O2 signal is 800 MHz (Band 20), so if you're travelling around the UK, might be worth noting. However, O2 and Vodafone appear to be sharing towers, so you may get 4G/LTE signal regardless if you get switched to Vodafone's network. EE seems to have good coverage and uses the other LTE bands supported by the US devices.
echo92 said:
I wouldn't recommend it - though there appears to be a way (here for the Moto G5, but the process might be similar https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5/how-to/recovering-2g-3g-set-radio-band-to-usa-t3668767 ) you run the risk of setting the incorrect band and require a firmware flash to repair.
Easiest way to look for 4G access is to go to https://willmyphonework.net/ and enter in your device and the destination for using your device. For US devices, it suggests that EE, O2, 3 UK, Vodafone and Virgin Mobile are some of the providers that can provide 4G LTE on alternative bands over here. Please verify this info before considering purchasing a UK SIM for that carrier, if your device is carrier unlocked, or accessing that network if your carrier has a roaming agreement with them.
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Thank you very much for the response, some food for thought, cheers mate!
Yeah, I wouldn't recommend trying this will any newer Moto device... since like 2015. These bands are locked DEEP within the device, and messing with it is potentially hazardous to your device, meaning if you mess up it is possible that you will get no reception on any band or frequency. I don't think I have seen this successfully done since early Moto G LTE & G2 models, and even then there was a lot of bricked devices.
This is not just a firmware, radio software, or tweak that can be done, it involves going deep into the device with Qualcomm provisioning software (which isn't available through any normal channel) and hunt and peck at various undocumented hexadecimal registry options, which often results in no reception or even a bricked device in some cases. This isn't a Nexus 4 that literally had LTE disabled in a simple radio firmware change.
BTW, ignore all those sites that say they can unlock all LTE bands in any Qualcomm device, it will brick your Moto.
Sorry, but your best bet is just get a new device locally. A simple burner phone if your just there on vacation or for a short stay, or invest in a decent device if you plan on being there for any length of time. There are many options for devices in the EU that we don't have in the US and a relatively cheap one could be sufficient for your needs and use your Moto in WiFi mode for other stuff.
So I have a VS995 that I have been using on TotalWireless (Verizon MVNO). I took it apart to attempt to replace the battery and ever since I did I constantly loose connection to the network. I've basically given up on this phone and went back to using my M8.
I still think I want another V20 as I can't find anything else with the same value proposition and features I want...that is as long as I can find a mint one at around the $150-200 mark.
According to this site which lists all the bands the models support, the VS995 supports the following bands:
LTE Cat12 700/800/850/1700/1800/1900/2600 (Bands 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 20)
Only other model that supports all the same bands is the US996
My questions are as follows:
1) When you see someone saying they are selling "GSM unlocked" that works on all carriers, does that mean the actual bands have been unlocked? I'm unsure whether the supported bands are a limitation of hardware in a model or an actual "lock" that can be removed. If you can actually unlock all bands then you technically can buy any model ??
2) If I plan to use a custom ROM, can I pretty much get any version of the phone? I assume I can't load the Verizon firmware on an H918 (T-Mobile) or vice-versa, but if I'm going to run Lineage say, does it matter?
Ideally I want the US996 unlocked, as it seems everyone does because I can't really find any used in good condition.
I suppose I could go back to the VS995 again but I'm unsure of the actual benefits (going to post another question about this one).
In short, I'm looking to find out which phones I can get that will work 100% on the Verizon/MVNO networks. I'm not necessarily tied to stock roms, but need root and would like it on a relatively up-to-date firmware.
GSM unlocked means the phone will accept a sim card from any GSM carrier. Getting a signal is another story, the bands stay the same regardless of it being sim (GSM) locked or not
( there is a possibility of crossflashing parts of other v20 model firmware (except the Tmobile and Sprint models shouldn't use or be used by any other model at risk of bricking) to unlock some bands however, check this thread)
Things like VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling often need carrier specific firmware as well.
You'll be able to root the verizon variant just fine, basically it involves rolling back to the December 2016 security patch and doing an exploit that puts an engineering bootloader on it that doesn't care if the bootloader is locked or not. Verizon root Thread with links and videos.