Not having luck with Sprint customer service getting my old unlocked Verizon S7 onto the Sprint network.
Anyone had success or have any hints on how to make this work?
trippme said:
Not having luck with Sprint customer service getting my old unlocked Verizon S7 onto the Sprint network.
Anyone had success or have any hints on how to make this work?
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Click to collapse
Sprint probably can't unlock your VZW S7, you'd need to ask Verizon wireless to unlock it or use a third party service to unlock it.
trippme said:
Not having luck with Sprint customer service getting my old unlocked Verizon S7 onto the Sprint network.
Anyone had success or have any hints on how to make this work?
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Click to collapse
Flash the U firmware to it and take it into a store , as long as they dont look at the back of the phone they will be under the impression its a 935u and will push through a activation
Unfortunately, I have U firmware on there and they always look at the back. The problem is arising that the IMEI is not in their system and when they try to add it, it fails. Then they dig deeper and I get nothing but run around.
Finally got to someone who explained that they are not allowed to add a S7 (non-edge) to their network. Stupid.
Yeah, Sprint white lists all their devices by the ESN. The only S7s they will activate on their network are "P" variants sold by them or through their authorized channels or original "U" units (flashing to "U" doesn't count). Stupid? Yeah. But that's Sprint.
Related
I have aquired a Samsung Galaxy s7 edge from a friend for cash instead of having a equipment installment plan through t-mobile. Currently using a note 3. But wanted to upgrade.
Ok, so my biggest dilema, I have the s7 edge that had a sprint logo on the back, and when started, the sprint logo and theme comes on. I insert my sim and it is network locked. I did some research and found that I have to have a network unlock code. So I buy one from unlocked.com. The code they sent me didn't work. Then they sent me more codes to try. Needless to say, none of them have worked. I've been trying to unlock this phone for a week now. Is there a way to install a factory samsung rom that would boot the phone like a factory unlocked unit?
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you
I am pretty confident there is no workaround as the cell radio inside a Sprint Phone will not communicate on Tmobile towers. Tmobile and AT&T work together and depending on the phone Verizon phones will work once unlocked on AT&T and Tmobile.
colby1kenobi said:
I have aquired a Samsung Galaxy s7 edge from a friend for cash instead of having a equipment installment plan through t-mobile. Currently using a note 3. But wanted to upgrade.
Ok, so my biggest dilema, I have the s7 edge that had a sprint logo on the back, and when started, the sprint logo and theme comes on. I insert my sim and it is network locked. I did some research and found that I have to have a network unlock code. So I buy one from unlocked.com. The code they sent me didn't work. Then they sent me more codes to try. Needless to say, none of them have worked. I've been trying to unlock this phone for a week now. Is there a way to install a factory samsung rom that would boot the phone like a factory unlocked unit?
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you
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Click to collapse
Yea, just putting in a code won't work. You have to either get it unlocked by Sprint directly or through a third-party service that will remotely connect to your phone from online.
Sent from my SM-G925P using Tapatalk
optimummind said:
Yea, just putting in a code won't work. You have to either get it unlocked by Sprint directly or through a third-party service that will remotely connect to your phone from online.
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Click to collapse
I need to unlock a S7 also. I'm from a diffrent country, I believe the phone is from England, but don't know what cell provider the phone is from.
Can I still unlock it via a third-party service?
I am interested in trying Tmobile for service but have a phone issue. I currently have Verizon service with a S5. Tmobile has advised me that my S5 would not work great on their network. They suggested that I buy an S8 to give their network the proper test. But if I do not like the service coverage, I understand their S8 would not work properly on the Verizon network if I were to switch back. So, I would like to know if I purchased an S8 from Verizon would it work well on the Tmobile network. Also, if I purchased an unlocked S8 from Samsung would it work well on both Tmobile and Verizon.
Please give me your advise.
nkg said:
I am interested in trying Tmobile for service but have a phone issue. I currently have Verizon service with a S5. Tmobile has advised me that my S5 would not work great on their network. They suggested that I buy an S8 to give their network the proper test. But if I do not like the service coverage, I understand their S8 would not work properly on the Verizon network if I were to switch back. So, I would like to know if I purchased an S8 from Verizon would it work well on the Tmobile network. Also, if I purchased an unlocked S8 from Samsung would it work well on both Tmobile and Verizon.
Please give me your advise.
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Click to collapse
Some "unlocked " phones are gsm only and Verizon is cdma(I think the s8 and plus have all bands though not 100%sure). Make sure it's compatible 1st. I setup Verizon s5s and s6s for people on T-Mobile before besides the sim card isn't from Verizon message when you 1st boot up they worked fine for them. Make sure apns are correct and don't use Verizon message app you'll be ok to try network.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
If you truly want the S8 no matter which service you end up with, get the unlocked us version (like at Best buy) it should be both GSM and CDMA.
nkg said:
I am interested in trying Tmobile for service but have a phone issue. I currently have Verizon service with a S5. Tmobile has advised me that my S5 would not work great on their network. They suggested that I buy an S8 to give their network the proper test. But if I do not like the service coverage, I understand their S8 would not work properly on the Verizon network if I were to switch back. So, I would like to know if I purchased an S8 from Verizon would it work well on the Tmobile network. Also, if I purchased an unlocked S8 from Samsung would it work well on both Tmobile and Verizon.
Please give me your advise.
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Click to collapse
An unlocked version from Samsung.com should serve you better on both of your carriers. I have an unlocked S8, purchased from Samsung and I use it with T-Mobile.
Read the first portion and then scroll to the bottom for fine print and you will find your answer.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/unlocked-by-samsung/
Charkatak said:
An unlocked version from Samsung.com should serve you better on both of your carriers. I have an unlocked S8, purchased from Samsung and I use it with T-Mobile.
Read the first portion and then scroll to the bottom for fine print and you will find your answer.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/unlocked-by-samsung/
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the response
On my unlocked S8+ (955FD) which I'm using on AT&T's network, I've noticed when I search for networks manually, the only one I'm allowed to connect to is AT&T RMZ. If I try to connect to any "regular" AT&T networks, a message comes up saying, "your SIM doesn't allow a connection to this network."
I've also not been able to run any USSD codes successfully, but instead getting a message about a connection or MMI error.
I've spoken with at least 4 or 5 different AT&T reps who told me to replace the phone (I just bought it in June!) because the IMEI I provide doesn't exist in their system.
Could this be the reason why I can't connect to any network beside AT&T RMZ?
Well i doubt 4 or 5 customer service reps are going to give you bad advice.
Try flashing the att or unlocked fw on it and see what it does.
joe3681 said:
Well i doubt 4 or 5 customer service reps are going to give you bad advice.
Try flashing the att or unlocked fw on it and see what it does.
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Click to collapse
I'll try that suggestion, thanks.
Just because an IMEI doesn't show up in their system, doesn't mean there's an issue with the phone as pointed out in other threads. If those 4 or 5 reps were knowledgeable they would know that an international phone's IMEI may not show up.
I don't think they should plant doubt about my purchase simply because it's not an AT&T phone.
joe3681 said:
Well i doubt 4 or 5 customer service reps are going to give you bad advice.
Try flashing the att or unlocked fw on it and see what it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the unlocked one is what I'm using and I've flashed the AT&T firmware before with no change. I'll chalk it up to it being dual sim and international.
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.
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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!
tried to run the imei number on the sprint and verizon site, says cannot be activated. Went to sprint and called verizon, says att branded phone cannot be activated. This is unlocked, works on tmo. tried searching for a solution in the forum but no dice.
nerd2k said:
tried to run the imei number on the sprint and verizon site, says cannot be activated. Went to sprint and called verizon, says att branded phone cannot be activated. This is unlocked, works on tmo. tried searching for a solution in the forum but no dice.
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Click to collapse
Doesn't matter if it's "unlocked", other carriers have their rules for what they allow on their networks. Most AT&T phones don't have CDMA, and Sprint, Verizon (for now) still uses CDMA.
On non-branded phones you won't get VoLTE from most carriers (T-Mobile is the exception) and without VoLTE you would need to temporarily drop down to CDMA for voice calls on Sprint and Verizon.
Even on phones that have CDMA, like the LG V30 US998, Verizon still wants you to buy their branded phones -- because end of this year when CDMA goes away, those phone still won't have VoLTE. So in a few months those phones won't be able to make phone calls. I have two relatives with LG V30/V30+ US998 on Verizon. Don't ask how, there are ways. But even of 2020 they will need new phones when Verizon kills CDMA and they can't get VoLTE on non-Verizon phones.
nerd2k said:
tried to run the imei number on the sprint and verizon site, says cannot be activated. Went to sprint and called verizon, says att branded phone cannot be activated. This is unlocked, works on tmo. tried searching for a solution in the forum but no dice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an owner of an AT&T v35 I can tell you it will work nicely on the Verizon network including VoLTE and VoWIFI. You do have to jump through a few hurdles. You will need a SIM activated on the Verizon network. That may mean buying a new phone from Verizon. You also need to SIM unlock the v35 by buying a code from a site like codes2unlock.com. You may also need to cross flash to the NA rom. These things should be done in that order, and there is no going back to an AT&T rom afterwards.
ChazzMatt said:
Even on phones that have CDMA, like the LG V30 US998, Verizon still wants you to buy their branded phones -- because end of this year when CDMA goes away, those phone still won't have VoLTE. So in a few months those phones won't be able to make phone calls. I have two relatives with LG V30/V30+ US998 on Verizon. Don't ask how, there are ways. But even of 2020 they will need new phones when Verizon kills CDMA and they can't get VoLTE on non-Verizon phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chazz, can you clarify this? I have a US998 v30s running on Verizon with VoLTE. It was my understanding that it will not be affected by shutdown of cdma by Verizon. I like the phone and want to continue using it.
cmrntnnr said:
As an owner of an AT&T v35 I can tell you it will work nicely on the Verizon network including VoLTE and VoWIFI. You do have to jump through a few hurdles. You will need a SIM activated on the Verizon network. That may mean buying a new phone from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My brother-in-law found Verizon store rep willing to break the rules for he and my sister's USS98 V30+ (converted from Sprint LS998). They switched from AT&T to Verizon.
This guy said "Verizon wants you to buy their phones, of course. They'll tell you this phone (US998) won't work, but it will." He activated two SIM cards and put them in their US998.
He said "If you have any issues, ONLY see me here at this store. Don't talk to any other reps about this." Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. (Monty Python reference.)
My brother-in-law and sister don't have V35 on Verizon, but you probably have VoLTE because you enabled VoLTE on another phone (Droid Turbo)? I don't know if they have Verizon VoLTE on US998 V30+, but I assumed they didn't...
cmrntnnr said:
Chazz, can you clarify this? I have a US998 v30s running on Verizon with VoLTE. It was my understanding that it will not be affected by shutdown of cdma by Verizon. I like the phone and want to continue using it.
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Click to collapse
If you have Verizon VoLTE now, then nothing will change.
I assumed my brother-in-law and sister don't have VoLTE and are temporarily dropping to CDMA for phone calls. But I have no way of easily checking. Neither would know what "VoLTE" is nor "CDMA".
I merely told them their US998 phones were carrier unlocked and would work on Verizon -- if they got already-activated SIM cards. My brother-in-law used his considerable sales skills and found a helpful rep.
thanks a ton @chazz for the clarification. i have already move to AMZ 9.0 which looked to be pure android. was not able to get NAO due to error(sha256 auth error). AMZ was the only one that worked from multiple different firmwares(lgfirmware /sammobile) from us region and it works awesome.
For the verizon sim card, can i buy flip phone or a throw away verizon smart phone with the activated sim card and use it with the v35. similarly can you use the approach for sprint?
Again your response is much appreciated.
You should consider features you want to have on your account when buying the phone from Verizon. Some can be toggled through the the settings menu on the v35 like Advanced Calling for VoLTE, but others can't like visual voice mail. Ask to have them activated when you buy the phone. Keep that Verizon phone, you may have to get help in the future from Verizon and it will come in handy! They won't be impressed with the v35.
I don't have proof of it and am not in a position to test, but I suspect you cannot activate a Sprint sim on a Sprint phone and then move to the v35. My understanding from reading about the open market ULM and AT&T branded v35 is that Sprint maintains an IMEI whitelist. Sprint only allows Sprint branded phones on their network. This is why the ULM model is preferred for Google FI.
Please post what you learn so others can benefit.
nerd2k said:
thanks a ton @chazz for the clarification. i have already move to AMZ 9.0 which looked to be pure android. was not able to get NAO due to error(sha256 auth error). AMZ was the only one that worked from multiple different firmwares(lgfirmware /sammobile) from us region and it works awesome.
For the verizon sim card, can i buy flip phone or a throw away verizon smart phone with the activated sim card and use it with the v35. similarly can you use the approach for sprint?
Again your response is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse