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Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
nthydro said:
Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
It is GSM/LTE unlocked (as are all Verizon LTE devices), but I'm pretty sure it doesn't have T-Mobile's LTE bands (or at the very least it doesn't have all of their bands).
From what I have been reading, on a Verizon phone, calls and data using GSM and WCDMA bands would work. But LTE bands are Verizon specific hence would not work.
Tl; Dr Voice /data using GSM/WCDMA. No LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 AM ----------
alex_tytn said:
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean, once unlocked, T-Mobile and AT&T versions would work on each other's networks including LTE?
I also noticed that with S5, there aren't GSM carrier specific versions. Meaning they are going IPhone route with making all GSM phones enabled that for that country's LTE bands. Is that right reading?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
it is unlocked
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
alex_tytn said:
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile isn't locked.
Sent from my SM-G900T
drworsley said:
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How? If you put a TMobile SIM in the phone, or any other foreign SIM, it boots but receives no service. This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US.
Pictures please. For the record, my S5 doesn't register on a network with a TMobile or Australian SIM. The Australian SIM in a Nexus 5 roams to TMobile.
-- Dan
Cpudan80 said:
How? If you put a TMobile SIM in the phone, or any other foreign SIM, it boots but receives no service. This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US.
Pictures please. For the record, my S5 doesn't register on a network with a TMobile or Australian SIM. The Australian SIM in a Nexus 5 roams to TMobile.
-- Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was probably true about a year ago but the recent releases from Verizon, e.g. iPhone 5/5s and galaxy s4 has been fully unlocked world phones. I'm sure there are a few other phones... I think lg g2? I'm not exactly sure. But I have personally stuck my sim(T-Mobile) into my friend's Verizon phones (s4 and iPhone 5s) and they work right away after a reboot. Only problem might be an edit in APN for data and mms. Just sharing my experience, you should check out your phones again.
Teo032 said:
This was probably true about a year ago but the recent releases from Verizon, e.g. iPhone 5/5s and galaxy s4 has been fully unlocked world phones. I'm sure there are a few other phones... I think lg g2? I'm not exactly sure. But I have personally stuck my sim(T-Mobile) into my friend's Verizon phones (s4 and iPhone 5s) and they work right away after a reboot. Only problem might be an edit in APN for data and mms. Just sharing my experience, you should check out your phones again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you tried this process in the actual phone in question, then you don't really know if it works. The phone DOES NOT just magically work on TMobile if you put a SIM in, you receive NO service. Now, I didn't go mess around with APNs -- typically those are only for MMS/Data. This is also true for several other phones:
Razr HD / Maxx HD
Galaxy S3
In the past, when the phones were SIM locked, a foreign SIM would prompt for an unlock code before the phone even booted into "normal" Android. That's not the case here -- because the phone is not SIM locked -- but I do believe it is network locked to VZW only when in the US.
For the record, I did try this in my S5. I will be going to Australia next week and will try a Telstra (or perhaps Optus) SIM over there to see what happens.
-- Dan
Cpudan80 said:
Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you tried this process in the actual phone in question, then you don't really know if it works. The phone DOES NOT just magically work on TMobile if you put a SIM in, you receive NO service. Now, I didn't go mess around with APNs -- typically those are only for MMS/Data. This is also true for several other phones:
Razr HD / Maxx HD
Galaxy S3
In the past, when the phones were SIM locked, a foreign SIM would prompt for an unlock code before the phone even booted into "normal" Android. That's not the case here -- because the phone is not SIM locked -- but I do believe it is network locked to VZW only when in the US.
For the record, I did try this in my S5. I will be going to Australia next week and will try a Telstra (or perhaps Optus) SIM over there to see what happens.
-- Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I haven't tried it on the s5, but I was pointing out fact that it does work on recent releases which someone confirmed worked on s5 by just plugging it in. I'm also correcting your statement " This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US." because Verizon apple does work in the US on T-Mobile and AT&T beginning from iPhone 5. I believe the 4s was still carrier locked.
I was a wireless agent not to long ago, so I know how these things work, not that it magically just works... I'm just sharing you how some recent releases from Verizon has been world unlocked and a few others have mentioned that they just plugged it in and it worked. So good luck and have fun in Australia.
Teo032 said:
Yes, I haven't tried it on the s5, but I was pointing out fact that it does work on recent releases which someone confirmed worked on s5 by just plugging it in. I'm also correcting your statement " This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US." because Verizon apple does work in the US on T-Mobile and AT&T beginning from iPhone 5. I believe the 4s was still carrier locked.
I was a wireless agent not to long ago, so I know how these things work, not that it magically just works... I'm just sharing you how some recent releases from Verizon has been world unlocked and a few others have mentioned that they just plugged it in and it worked. So good luck and have fun in Australia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK Thanks.
It is odd that the apple phones -- and some of the Android phones -- are totally unlocked so that you can use them on ATT/TMobile in the US -- but some (like the S5, apparently) are not. I still am interested to know how some of the other users in this thread got their S5s working on TMobile...
Why would anyone want to buy a Verizon GS5 and use it on T-Mobile? The bootloader is locked and there is currently no unlock method available.
Would you like to exchange?
Would you like to exchange your verizon s5 with my tmobile s5?
i wanted to use it for verizon but the phone is locked to tmobile and at&t.
It would be ideol if i can find someone to exchange it with someone who has a verizon s5 and is looking for tmobile or at&t s5.
thanks,
sy3dal29 said:
Would you like to exchange your verizon s5 with my tmobile s5?
i wanted to use it for verizon but the phone is locked to tmobile and at&t.
It would be ideol if i can find someone to exchange it with someone who has a verizon s5 and is looking for tmobile or at&t s5.
thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could check out Swappa. There may be some people that are interested.
nthydro said:
Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm the Verizon GS5 is compatible with T-Mobiles LTE network I'm using one now with LTE all you have to do is go to settings mobile network and switch to Global mode some times you'll have to toggle LTE then back to global to get LTE to kick in.
I am able to successfully use my VZ Galaxy Note 3 and my wife uses her VZ Galaxy S5, both devices on T-mobile Edge, HSPA, HSPA+ (21mbps), and LTE (band 4) frequencies. These devices unfortunately will not do DC-HSPA+ (42mbps), but that's not a big deal for us because LTE coverage is good where we live. We have no issues with making voice calls, or sending SMS/MMS, and don't have to switch APN's or toggle between Global Mode or GSM/UMTS mode. We leave them on Global Mode with the correct APN settings.
Here's the guide I followed for both (with correct APN settings screenshots to accommodate for MMS on page 4 or 5 i believe):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2582747
..
How
drworsley said:
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the Verizon S5? BTW theres a bounty on doing so.
..
This is all new info to me. I have an AT&T galaxy S5 that I want to use on Verizon. Is it possible or do I need to trade for a Verizon-specific model?
Has the LG V20 US996 received any official OS-security updates, what about carrier models?
Can or can not Wi-Fi calling be enabled on the unlocked LG V20 US996 while the T-Mobile variant H918 Wi-Fi calling would be there by default & could be unlocked for use on other carriers?
Both http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US996-Unlocked-v20-titan & http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-H918-Titan-v20 list Wi-Fi calling with uncertain fine print..
" Wi-Fi Calling** Use Wi-Fi to improve voice and data coverage
** Wireless service required. Product features subject to change. Features based on carrier program availability. Additional charges may apply. "
- Thanks for clarifying this with some real life experience
Bump, I would like to know about the Wifi calling as well.
I have yet to get it working on my unlocked H910 (T Mobile carrier).
Wifi calling and VoLTE features are controlled by the carrier and they will not enable these features on non-carrier devices. I'm assuming it's done this way to encourage people to buy their carrier locked versions.
McNutnut said:
Wifi calling and VoLTE features are controlled by the carrier and they will not enable these features on non-carrier devices. I'm assuming it's done this way to encourage people to buy their carrier locked versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works great on my unlocked Nexus 6P with a prepaid T-Mobile SIM (e.g. including on Airplane mode with only Wi-Fi enabled )..:good:
BTW, :laugh: name McNutnut
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Works great on my unlocked Nexus 6P with a prepaid T-Mobile SIM (e.g. including on Airplane mode with only Wi-Fi enabled )..:good:
BTW, :laugh: name McNutnut
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did T-mobile sell a T-mobile branded 6P? I imagine they'd only disallow these features if they had a carrier locked version to sell of their own.
Thanks BTW
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Has the LG V20 US996 received any official OS-security updates, what about carrier models?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about Wifi calling, but here is the latest from LG as of yesterday,
-----------------------
This is a staff of LG Product Security Response Team(LG PSRT)
As you know, the latest patch was released at the last December.
Unfortunately, there is no further schedule for V20 (US996), but our dedicated team is still discussing about next patch schedule.
-----------------------
LG's support for this phone has been horrible, Google's monthly security updates totally ignored.
I am shopping now for another brand that will update unlocked phones.
I like the features of the V20, but I am done waiting for LG to support it.
I'm running version 10h of the OS on my US996 which is on the April 1st Android security patch. I'm not sure if this update, or the previous ones, were offered via OTA. The images just kinda seem to pop up occasionally. See https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-us996-firmwares/ for the list. They seem to be making some updates, I'm just not sure where they're formally releasing them...
McNutnut said:
Did T-mobile sell a T-mobile branded 6P? I imagine they'd only disallow these features if they had a carrier locked version to sell of their own.
Thanks BTW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember checking out the original Nexus 6 in a T-Mobile Store but it lost out when I compared it to the Samsung Note 4 which I bought instead. I think Google sold the Nexus 6P unlocked online only rather than at T-Mobile but Wi-Fi calling is supposed to be built into Android so perhaps when inserting a T-Mobile SIM it should become available when enabled in settings?
I also have an unlocked Moto X Pure that I could test but there were some issues with a prior update that I avoided installing but perhaps that's been worked out now that it should have Android 7. I'll look into that but anyone here has the LG V20 US996 or the T-Mobile variant H918 with Wi-Fi calling working?
McNutnut said:
I'm running version 10h of the OS on my US996 which is on the April 1st Android security patch. I'm not sure if this update, or the previous ones, were offered via OTA. The images just kinda seem to pop up occasionally. See https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-us996-firmwares/ for the list. They seem to be making some updates, I'm just not sure where they're formally releasing them...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you install your update/s from that link because the download count is somewhat uninspiring..?
daverup said:
I don't know about Wifi calling, but here is the latest from LG as of yesterday,
-----------------------
This is a staff of LG Product Security Response Team(LG PSRT)
As you know, the latest patch was released at the last December.
Unfortunately, there is no further schedule for V20 (US996), but our dedicated team is still discussing about next patch schedule.
-----------------------
LG's support for this phone has been horrible, Google's monthly security updates totally ignored.
I am shopping now for another brand that will update unlocked phones.
I like the features of the V20, but I am done waiting for LG to support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked phones which get updated best would be Nexus'-Pixels, my Nexus 6P always gets the latest possible updates.. currently latest stable Build number N2G48B on 7.1.2 security patch level July 5, 2017 with the option for the Android 8 O Beta program.
December Why are some people reporting updates in 2017? How worried are people about older Android security patch levels or are they mainly annoyed about not getting the latest Android builds?
SMARTPHONEPC said:
I remember checking out the original Nexus 6 in a T-Mobile Store but it lost out when I compared it to the Samsung Note 4 which I bought instead. I think Google sold the Nexus 6P unlocked online only rather than at T-Mobile but Wi-Fi calling is supposed to be built into Android so perhaps when inserting a T-Mobile SIM it should become available when enabled in settings?
I also have an unlocked Moto X Pure that I could test but there were some issues with a prior update that I avoided installing but perhaps that's been worked out now that it should have Android 7. I'll look into that but anyone here has the LG V20 US996 or the T-Mobile variant H918 with Wi-Fi calling working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T refused to enable Wi-Fi calling for me because the device isn't "certified". I'm pretty sure the phone is perfectly capable of supporting Wi-Fi calling, the carrier just refuses to enable it. Unfortunate :/
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Did you install your update/s from that link because the download count is somewhat uninspiring..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I extract the updated partitions from those update files and flash them via TWRP. You could of course use LG UP (I think) to flash the KDZ, which is a the method used to recover a bricked device, but takes it factory resets. I've run 10f and 10h from that site with no issues on AT&T.
McNutnut said:
AT&T refused to enable Wi-Fi calling for me because the device isn't "certified". I'm pretty sure the phone is perfectly capable of supporting Wi-Fi calling, the carrier just refuses to enable it. Unfortunate :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T store is where I went to check out their carrier model of the LG V20 because they are closest. T-Mobile network is actually best of all where I'm most often so I use their SIM. T-Mobile I've heard tends to be more relaxed than AT&T about enabling Wi-Fi calling in general but can anyone confirm this &/or anyone with the T-Mobile or AT&T carrier model or US996 confirm Wi-Fi calling ?
McNutnut said:
I extract the updated partitions from those update files and flash them via TWRP. You could of course use LG UP (I think) to flash the KDZ, which is a the method used to recover a bricked device, but takes it factory resets. I've run 10f and 10h from that site with no issues on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good job but how long does all that take? Android really is so fragmented..are OTA updates really that difficult to push out like my Nexus 6P gets..why doesn't Google better address all the fragmentation-mess out there?
SMARTPHONEPC said:
Unlocked phones which get updated best would be Nexus'-Pixels, my Nexus 6P always gets the latest possible updates.. currently latest stable Build number N2G48B on 7.1.2 security patch level July 5, 2017 with the option for the Android 8 O Beta program.
December Why are some people reporting updates in 2017? How worried are people about older Android security patch levels or are they mainly annoyed about not getting the latest Android builds?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can do without the latest Android version, but I do want Android monthly security updates.
I've had Nexus phones in the past and will look at the Pixels, or maybe wait for the new Pixel XL.
The Moto Z unlocked has gotten routine security updates, so I'm also looking at one of those or the newer Z2.
Headlines this morning about LG leaking a V30, just make me sad. A nice shiney new LG that will never get a security update.
McNutnut said:
AT&T refused to enable Wi-Fi calling for me because the device isn't "certified". I'm pretty sure the phone is perfectly capable of supporting Wi-Fi calling, the carrier just refuses to enable it. Unfortunate :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you could always use the poor man's wifi calling - Telegram - it works great and you can call anyone in the world for free! (as long as they also have Telegram installed)
The calls are really clear, just like a regular mobile call, and did I mention this is FREE
McNutnut said:
AT&T refused to enable Wi-Fi calling for me because the device isn't "certified". I'm pretty sure the phone is perfectly capable of supporting Wi-Fi calling, the carrier just refuses to enable it. Unfortunate :/
I extract the updated partitions from those update files and flash them via TWRP. You could of course use LG UP (I think) to flash the KDZ, which is a the method used to recover a bricked device, but takes it factory resets. I've run 10f and 10h from that site with no issues on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you used the US Cellular Rom. Did it have any bloat? Did you get FM radio?
so i'm assuming my VS995 (verizon) variant phone won't be able to use WIFI calling since i'm currently on a T-Mobile plan ?
guapinoy said:
So you used the US Cellular Rom. Did it have any bloat? Did you get FM radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far I haven't seen the kdz files on lg-firmwares website contain anything US Cellular specific, even though some of them appear to be indicated for the US Cellular model. There's no carrier bloat (minus LG's) but the FM radio is still not available.
Wow, I'm really embarrassed for LG! One would assume they would update the Unlocked version of the V20 MORE ..because they don't have carriers which have to approve the update. This is Pathetic!!!!
warwagon19792 said:
Wow, I'm really embarrassed for LG! One would assume they would update the Unlocked version of the V20 MORE ..because they don't have carriers which have to approve the update. This is Pathetic!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's LG's excuse? Will the US996 or any V20 ever officially get Android 8/O?
I notice in my new US996 a 637.05 MB update Version US99610f mentioned at https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70431731&postcount=2 , any reason not to update it?
Regarding this thread's subject: I did notice my T-mobile Wi-Fi calling was enabled in QuickShortcutMaker but when I turn on Airplane mode then only Wi-Fi I can't receive calls but if I turn off Airplane mode then only Wi-Fi on (i.e. Mobile data is off in Networks) calls go through so I'll have to test over Wi-Fi where I get no T-Mobile signal but my Nexus 6P does get calls over Wi-Fi in airplane mode with only Wi-Fi enabled..
Also the V20's Wi-Fi hotspot works on my Windows 10 PC only with WPA PSK security but when I try WPA2 PSK my PC says the PIN is wrong while another Android phone can connect with WPA2 without issues (Nexus 6P Wi-Fi hotspot with WPA2 security worked with the same PC)..
Security updates are needed like a fire hose is needed and not providing them puts LG at risk of Class Action Lawsuits if "something" happens IMO based on personal experience working with an expert witness over the years. Not having the updates known creates a target to go after.
So I got burned on ebay on two separate US996 phones. The sellers never stated a provider and just said factory unlocked (some on ebay actually say US Cellular) so I naively assumed they were the same as the unlocked version B&H photo has been selling.
However after buying them I found a thread on how to tell the difference and the factory unlocked should say USA under the battery. However, the phone I got says UCL (which I think is US cellular) and my wife's phone says BPL (no idea what provider that is).
So, I am wondering if I should just keep these at this point. I paid $268 for my wife's phone about a month or two back and $250 for mine a week ago, so not a terrible deal, but I could have gotten an AT&T unlocked version for not much more new.
So anyway, these phones don't come with any carrier bloatware which is nice and why I'm considering just keeping them. I don't really care about rooting, however I am concerned about 2 things: future updates and cellular bands.
Does anyone know what the differences are hardware wise between these 3 variants or is the only thing that's different the software?
If it's just software shouldn't there be a way to flash these with the real factory unlocked firmware?
Here's a page with the latest ROMs for each variant of the US996:
https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-us996-firmwares/
The BPT one is the BrightPoint version.
The odd thing is that the US Cellular version of the US996 has a much newer version of firmware than the USA Factory Unlocked US996.
Interesting. It looks like the US Cellular firmware works on the unlocked version so I guess there is no difference. I wonder if that means I can flash my wife's phone with the US cellular firmware as well. Never heard of brightpoint.
shawnmos said:
Interesting. It looks like the US Cellular firmware works on the unlocked version so I guess there is no difference. I wonder if that means I can flash my wife's phone with the US cellular firmware as well. Never heard of brightpoint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure how true it is, but if you flash the US Cellular firmware on the unlocked version and try to unlock through LG then it would no longer be recognized as the unlocked version. that said you can unlock first and then flash... which is what I did so I can't confirm the former to be true
Idk if any other variants have same issue, but I am at an end of searching so here I am.
I have an ls997 (Sprint/T-Mobile) and had volte on 7.0. But after arb was implemented and cant go back (on 8.0) I noticed volte was gone and so was option to turn on in settings/network/call. Like it was removed for some reason. I checked even all hidden settings with shortcut maker app. Volte is provisioned also. Ims oddly shows not registered. Customer service even said it was removed. WHY!? I asked and they didn't know and told me to contact LG and blah blah.
All and all this is bs that a feature is removed again.
I have ran into circles trying to find a solution as I am not the only one. I am here asking if anyone has found a fix? Or are we just screwed when it comes to to upcoming volte requirement for Service with tmobile/sprint or anywhere else? Google voice might be an option, but its still bs none the less.
I've never had VoLTE on my LS997 on 7.0 on a Sprint MVNO (status bar icon changes to 3G during a call), though that may be different on Sprint post-paid. Anyway, I think even if VoLTE currently works on Sprint's network, I'm not sure if it will work on T-Mobile's side later, even if the hardware is capable. The whole upcoming VoLTE requirement for all U.S. carriers in 2021–2022 is a huge mess as no one is quite sure which phones will have VoLTE working or not. The only V20 model guaranteed to have it on T-Mobile is the H918.
Sadly, the LS997 will no longer be usable in the U.S. after T-Mobile completely takes down the Sprint network a year from now.
C D said:
I've never had VoLTE on my LS997 on 7.0 on a Sprint MVNO (status bar icon changes to 3G during a call), though that may be different on Sprint post-paid. Anyway, I think even if VoLTE currently works on Sprint's network, I'm not sure if it will work on T-Mobile's side later, even if the hardware is capable. The whole upcoming VoLTE requirement for all U.S. carriers in 2021–2022 is a huge mess as no one is quite sure which phones will have VoLTE working or not. The only V20 model guaranteed to have it on T-Mobile is the H918.
Sadly, the LS997 will no longer be usable in the U.S. after T-Mobile completely takes down the Sprint network a year from now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, its dumb. Just a game of forcing us to have to buy a new cell if we want one. The whole take over sucks. Idk even if a h918 would work with our sprint plans. Carrier Unlocked or not I am not sure even if it would matter.
The H918 won't be able to use the Sprint SIM card, so you'd have to switch over to the T-Mobile side with their SIM card. A carrier-locked H918 (still lacks LTE band 71 which came on phones a year later) should work on any carrier that uses T-Mobile's network. Since I actually own an H918, I might do this switch when the time comes, but I'll probably wait as long as network coverage in my area allows before going there.
I'm currently using a US996 (the "real" factory unlocked version, not the US cellular one), and was hoping to do so for as long as possible. Unfortunately, my current carrier is AT&T and it seems that they will be dropping support for 3g calling early next year- which I am told will render my model unable to place or receive phone calls.
Anyways, I have *heard* that my device will be supported if I switch to T-mobile, but this comes from some googling a year or so ago and probably some less-than-reliable sources.
I was hoping to get a run-down on what my options are if I want to retain both my current device and ability to make phone calls come 2022. I currently have an unlocked bootloader + LineageOS installed on my phone as well, and would prefer to maintain that rather than having to use a locked-down carrier ROM
I have seen mixed reports from users who got VoLTE working on T-Mobile for their US996 while others did not (I'm still on a Sprint MVNO, so I won't be able to test this myself until T-Mobile completely takes over the network). But what's certain is that only the H910 can get VoLTE on AT&T (they keep a whitelist that determines which phones can get it), and LineageOS on pretty much any LG phone will likely never have it working.
So, at a minimum, you'll have to at least go back to a stock-based ROM if you plan on using a V20 next year on any carrier in the U.S.
I am not XDA savvy so forgive me if this is not what you are asking.
I have US996 factory unlocked ,I am on stock 8.0 and use Net10 which is ATT and do calling with LTE. which I assume is 4G.
mghia said:
I am not XDA savvy so forgive me if this is not what you are asking.
I have US996 factory unlocked ,I am on stock 8.0 and use Net10 which is ATT and do calling with LTE. which I assume is 4G.
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What OP is saying is that the calls on AT&T and its MVNOs for a US996 are actually done through 3G/HSPA and not LTE, unlike cellular data. AT&T's own H910 is the only V20 model that can make calls through LTE (VoLTE) on their network. Once AT&T turns off the 3G networks early next year, calls will no longer work on the US996 and any phone that's not on AT&T's whitelist.
You should be able to see this on your phone: When making a call, the LTE icon will not stay up, indicating that VoLTE is not working.
Oh nifty this phone becomes more and more an issue. So now I ahve to add this to my plate. Seems like it will still be a year. OK but the US996 has LTE so why is this still a problem? Why wont it just use the LTE band?
Please be kind I do not know all the acronyms or how any of this all works.
Cant the US996 also run on Verizon?
mghia said:
Oh nifty this phone becomes more and more an issue. So now I ahve to add this to my plate. Seems like it will still be a year. OK but the US996 has LTE so why is this still a problem? Why wont it just use the LTE band?
Please be kind I do not know all the acronyms or how any of this all works.
Cant the US996 also run on Verizon?
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Because of its whitelist I linked in the second post, AT&T actively blocks any phone not on the list from using LTE for calls (VoLTE = voice over LTE).
As for Verizon, they blocked direct activation of the US996 starting in 2018. You will see that entering your phone's IMEI number on Verizon's website will give you a message saying it's not compatible with their network even though it is perfectly capable. It may still work if you insert an already-active Verizon SIM card in there, but I don't use Verizon, so I can't say for sure if that still works.
Wow, talk about a way to force new contracts and phone sales. I never had a phone not be useable for PHONE CALLS. I guess I am grateful for the heads up as I was not aware and Net10 did not inform me of such things. I bought this phone because of specs and it was a removeable battery . But it seems this phone just was a pain from the start, with the screen issues, and the company claiming they would upgrade to Pie and never did.
T-mobile did not have useable coverage in my area when I tired it several years ago. So I really do not know what is going on since they now have Sprint.
Not sure if you're still looking at this thread but i have a v20 us996 factory unlocked and a G6 us997 factory unlocked and they BOTH get VoLTE on Red Pocket Mobile AT&T mvno. Calls DO NOT fall back to 3g or 2g and data stays active while in calls.