I have done some searching bad have no found what I am looking for. This could very well be because I suck at thinking up good search terms.
Anyways, I am something of a smartphone noob. I have a TMobile vibant, which is my first smartphone. My child loves playing with various apps and games I have downloaded for her.
I had the idea of buying one of the very cheap, poor condition, phones off ebay so I can have my phone back.
My plan would be to never activate it on any cell network. I would connect via my home wifi, download some apps, then put it in airplane mode and let her have fun.
Questions:
1. Most of the cheap-o phones are cdma, which I have no experience with. If I never activate it on a network, am I likely to have any problems? I know that with my phone, if I pull the sim, I can still used it as a pda, but is that true of all phones?\, or do some require some sort of network login first?
2. Is there are way to disable a phone from making emergency calls? I don't want her accidentally doing that.
3. Other than the ethical questions of a "bad esn" phone, would one cause me any problems for this uses?
4. Are there are pitfalls to my idea that I should consider?
i have been using an old phone of my sons that way. its an old samsung moment (sprint) i down load new apps / games and try them out before i put them on my good phone
1. Though there may be some inconveniences with not being connected to a phone network (it will keep telling you to activate or put in your sim card) you will have basically the same ability as if you were connected besides making calls.
2. As far as I know, if the phone is not connected to a network, there is no possibilty of making a call. Some newer phones might be able to call over wifi but probably not.
3. Don't qoute me on it, but esn numbers are used only for cdma (no sim card) phones to connect to the network and for the network to identify what phone it is. When it has a bad esn, it is because it wont connect or activate to the network. You should have no problem.
4. This is something many people do. Its just like having an android iPod touch.
Hit thanks if I helped
Sent from my HD2
so i got the SGS3, and I'm on Metro PCS, so I'm not about to switch carriers just to activate this phone, can anyone help or point me in the right direction to get this phone working without a SIM card?
without the sim card, it will only be a wifi phone.
it is like saying," i have this car without a motor, how can i drive it work."
archangeles said:
so i got the SGS3, and I'm on Metro PCS, so I'm not about to switch carriers just to activate this phone, can anyone help or point me in the right direction to get this phone working without a SIM card?
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You mean metro pcs does not offer the gs3 but you have one and want to use it on their network?
Where did you get it? Is it the GSM model or Verizon/sprint model.
Metro PCS works on a CDMA network (just like verizon and print) and cdma networks usually do not require a sim card but they can't use a gsm phone either. Verizon's LTE has a sim card that can be accessed (sprint's is hidden) and, according to a thread here, be unlocked to be used with GSM networks.
The easiest way imho is to sell the phone as long as it is not a lost or stolen one. Too difficult to get it to work with the carrier it wasn't made for.
loveubuntu said:
You mean metro pcs does not offer the gs3 but you have one and want to use it on their network?
Where did you get it? Is it the GSM model or Verizon/sprint model.
Metro PCS works on a CDMA network (just like verizon and print) and cdma networks usually do not require a sim card but they can't use a gsm phone either. Verizon's LTE has a sim card that can be accessed (sprint's is hidden) and, according to a thread here, be unlocked to be used with GSM networks.
The easiest way imho is to sell the phone as long as it is not a lost or stolen one. Too difficult to get it to work with the carrier it wasn't made for.
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it's from Verizon, i got it new from a guy on Craigslist, i usually use my LG esteem and it uses a SIM card and is on metro PCS, so i assumed with unlocking, i could simply put the SIM in the GS3 and have it working too, but in the mean time i would like to play with it as a WiFi only phone and see what i can do with it.
scarrmrcc said:
without the sim card, it will only be a wifi phone.
it is like saying," i have this car without a motor, how can i drive it work."
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Click to collapse
androids are way more than just phones, i believe your analogy is more like the processor is the the phone as the motor is to a car, the ability to make phone calls is just one of the functions, its more like a car that short-circuits while your driving, the engine wont turn off because its mechanical but you don't have the use of anything electrical , unless you use jumper cables which is what i do by activating the WiFi on my LG to use on my GS3.
archangeles said:
androids are way more than just phones, i believe your analogy is more like the processor is the the phone as the motor is to a car, the ability to make phone calls is just one of the functions, its more like a car that short-circuits while your driving, the engine wont turn off because its mechanical but you don't have the use of anything electrical , unless you use jumper cables which is what i do by activating the WiFi on my LG to use on my GS3.
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The word you're looking for is......anyways.......
Wifi only, that's it. No calls.
I think what many are wondering (after your last post) is why you would buy a VZW phone with absolutely no intention of having it activated or switching carriers just for use on wifi. You thought that "unlocked" meant you could use it on any network?
TechSavvy2 said:
The word you're looking for is......anyways.......
Wifi only, that's it. No calls.
I think what many are wondering (after your last post) is why you would buy a VZW phone with absolutely no intention of having it activated or switching carriers just for use on wifi. You thought that "unlocked" meant you could use it on any network?
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i have full intentions of using this phone on Metro service, is that so hard to grasp?
You could set up Google Voice and use it as a wifi-only phone...
archangeles said:
i have full intentions of using this phone on Metro service, is that so hard to grasp?
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Hard to grasp because you aren't very clear.
SiXandSeven8ths said:
Hard to grasp because you aren't very clear.
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sorry, just tell me what you need to know, i will not hesitate to answer.
Does anyone who has this phone, use it on AT&T?
If so, does the VoLTE work? Meaning, when you make a call, does it do HD Calling? When on the call, does your cellular drop from LTE to HSPA?
I had to return my OP5T because it didn't support VoLTE, HD Calling, Wifi Calling, etc... Tried different SIM cards and IEMI's and nothing worked.
I mean, the phone worked, I could make calls and stuff, but it was like stepping back to 2012 where you couldn't do Voice and Data at the same time. The call quality was standard instead of high quality, and you couldn't keep your LTE signal while on a call, so if you were tethering at the time, it was like being on dial up.
Has this been addressed with the OP6, or is this still a limitation?
I have an Essential that I did not purchase through ATT, got it from Amazon Prime on sale for $399, and it supports VoLTE and HD Calling perfectly.
SquireSCA said:
Does anyone who has this phone, use it on AT&T?
If so, does the VoLTE work? Meaning, when you make a call, does it do HD Calling? When on the call, does your cellular drop from LTE to HSPA?
I had to return my OP5T because it didn't support VoLTE, HD Calling, Wifi Calling, etc... Tried different SIM cards and IEMI's and nothing worked.
I mean, the phone worked, I could make calls and stuff, but it was like stepping back to 2012 where you couldn't do Voice and Data at the same time. The call quality was standard instead of high quality, and you couldn't keep your LTE signal while on a call, so if you were tethering at the time, it was like being on dial up.
Has this been addressed with the OP6, or is this still a limitation?
I have an Essential that I did not purchase through ATT, got it from Amazon Prime on sale for $399, and it supports VoLTE and HD Calling perfectly.
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I'm on AT&T and I'm getting my phone tomorrow, I will let you know.
ccic2491 said:
I'm on AT&T and I'm getting my phone tomorrow, I will let you know.
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That would be awesome. With the 5T, I assumed that because the SIM card came right out of a phone that was provisioned for those things that it would just work, but it didn't. I tried calling customer service and had them try an IMEI from another phone that I owned, my backup phone that I know those services worked with, and it was no good.
Really hoping that the OP6 works with AT&T. Those two missing features are kinda important. If I can't tether my laptop from time to time and use it for work while on the phone... I can just do one or the other... be on the phone, or tether. then its a deal killer for me, which sucks because the OP phones really are amazing...
Oh well, maybe there is a PH-2 soon and that will give me some of the new specs and tech and still do all the things it needs to..
Def keep me posted. If the OP6 works for you I am ordering one the second I get confirmation. haha
SquireSCA said:
That would be awesome. With the 5T, I assumed that because the SIM card came right out of a phone that was provisioned for those things that it would just work, but it didn't. I tried calling customer service and had them try an IMEI from another phone that I owned, my backup phone that I know those services worked with, and it was no good.
Really hoping that the OP6 works with AT&T. Those two missing features are kinda important. If I can't tether my laptop from time to time and use it for work while on the phone... I can just do one or the other... be on the phone, or tether. then its a deal killer for me, which sucks because the OP phones really are amazing...
Oh well, maybe there is a PH-2 soon and that will give me some of the new specs and tech and still do all the things it needs to..
Def keep me posted. If the OP6 works for you I am ordering one the second I get confirmation. haha
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I'll be honest with you, I'm not very optimistic. I have an unlocked S8 currently and I can't get VoLTE or HD calling. I also have an unlocked Moto X Pure and that has the same problem. I think it's AT&T that requires you have one of their phones to get those services. I'm hoping I'm wrong but my phone is due in tomorrow, I'll let you know.
To use VOLTE with ATT you normally have to be on their rom as VOLTE.
To experience HD Voice, both calling parties must:
Be within an AT&T HD Voice coverage area.
Both caller and receiver need to use an AT&T HD Voice-capable smartphone.
Have AT&T wireless service provisioned for AT&T HD Voice.
Insert the AT&T HD Voice SIM card that came with your device.
https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1046244
ccic2491 said:
I'll be honest with you, I'm not very optimistic. I have an unlocked S8 currently and I can't get VoLTE or HD calling. I also have an unlocked Moto X Pure and that has the same problem. I think it's AT&T that requires you have one of their phones to get those services. I'm hoping I'm wrong but my phone is due in tomorrow, I'll let you know.
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Makes sense but I have hd calling and VoLTE with my Essential which is not an att phone.
I'm gonna say it won't work on ATT, the only bring your own device that works with it on ATT is iPhones, but VoLTE and VoWiFi work on T-Mobile with the OP6
Chris123NT said:
I'm gonna say it won't work on ATT, the only bring your own device that works with it on ATT is iPhones, but VoLTE and VoWiFi work on T-Mobile with the OP6
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With Android 8.1, the Pixel 2 joined a short list of non-ATT-branded phones that work with ATT's VoLTE. I caved and bought the Note 8 in November coming from the Nexus 6P. Only for this to happen. I've been trying to see if the VoLTE is a software improvement in 8.1 or if this is strictly limited to the Pixel. I've not seen anything definitive yet.
https://www.androidcentral.com/pixel-2s-used-att-gain-hd-voice-oreo-81-update
SquireSCA said:
Makes sense but I have hd calling and VoLTE with my Essential which is not an att phone.
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Well, I had my Moto X Pure on Verizon and it had VoLTE but when I switched to AT&T that option disappeared. I called them and asked them why that was and after 7 different people from 7 different countries, I was finally told it has to be AT&T phone. I'm sure there is some work around somewhere but we'll have to figure that out. I kind of remember something in the MXP forums about a work around, I'll see if I can find it this weekend.
I got my OP6. Out of the box Volte does not work. I rooted with Magisk and with a Volte enabler module I have HD voice/Volte working.
The module also adds settings for wifi calling, but that needs more than build prop edits to work.
apascual89 said:
I got my OP6. Out of the box Volte does not work. I rooted with Magisk and with a Volte enabler I have HD voice/Volte working.
The module also adds settings for wifi calling, but that needs more than build prop edits to work.
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Click to collapse
So a couple questions...
1) It says HD Calling, but more importantly, when you make a call, your cellular service stays on LTE, and doesn't drop to 3G or HSPA+?
2) How hard was it to root? Have not rooted in years, haven't felt the need, but maybe now that will change.
3) If you root, does that impact your ability to take OTA's and other OnePlus updates? I assume you rooted the stock ROM?
SquireSCA said:
So a couple questions...
1) It says HD Calling, but more importantly, when you make a call, your cellular service stays on LTE, and doesn't drop to 3G or HSPA+?
2) How hard was it to root? Have not rooted in years, haven't felt the need, but maybe now that will change.
3) If you root, does that impact your ability to take OTA's and other OnePlus updates? I assume you rooted the stock ROM?
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1.It stays on LTE while on calls
2. I followed the steps listed in this thread and all good. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-magisk-root-oos-5-1-5-t3794440
3. If you're rooted it will detect it and automatically download althea full update instead of an incremental update. Oneplus is very root friendly
apascual89 said:
1.It stays on LTE while on calls
2. I followed the steps listed in this thread and all good. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-magisk-root-oos-5-1-5-t3794440
3. If you're rooted it will detect it and automatically download althea full update instead of an incremental update. Oneplus is very root friendly
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Click to collapse
Ah, so you just have to re-root each time? And you need root to enable VoLTE? It can't be done without root, at the diagnostic level, where you type in the code to the dialer to get into the hidden settings like some other phones do?
SquireSCA said:
Ah, so you just have to re-root each time? And you need root to enable VoLTE? It can't be done without root, at the diagnostic level, where you type in the code to the dialer to get into the hidden settings like some other phones do?
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I tried the Dialer codes, but it wouldn't stick. There might be a way without root, I really didn't spend too much time trying it.
apascual89 said:
I tried the Dialer codes, but it wouldn't stick. There might be a way without root, I really didn't spend too much time trying it.
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But easy to root, and root is required to run the VoLTE app? And that app is pretty simple?
Haven't done this stuff in a couple years, I am rusty. haha
SquireSCA said:
But easy to root, and root is required to run the VoLTE app? And that app is pretty simple?
Haven't done this stuff in a couple years, I am rusty. haha
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Yeah easy. The thread I linked has the steps. Basically need an unlocked bootloader and working Fastboot setup. I would recommend reading that thread, or you can wait until twrp is released and that would be a little more straightforward process. Plus you would be able to make a backup in case anything goes wrong.
Either way feel free to reach out if you have issues
Sorry but if volte works with a people module why wouldn't it work straight out of the box?
Its like enabling something the phone is capable of?
The module is just a build.prop tweak...
apascual89 said:
I tried the Dialer codes, but it wouldn't stick. There might be a way without root, I really didn't spend too much time trying it.
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Which dial codes have you tried?
Were you able to enabled it temporarily with those codes (say until the phone reboots)?
apascual89 said:
I got my OP6. Out of the box Volte does not work. I rooted with Magisk and with a Volte enabler module I have HD voice/Volte working.
The module also adds settings for wifi calling, but that needs more than build prop edits to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which module did you use?
I am so torn... OP6with 6gb and 128gb will set me back almost $600... for $719 I can get a Galaxy s9 and Best Buy is throwing in a 128gb microsd card and Samsung wireless charger. Plus it will support VoLTE Out of the box and has a much better camera...
So having recently upgraded from an unlocked T-Mobile device running on ATT, I was expecting that I would have better connectivity since the T-Mobile device I had didn't have support for a lot of bands. However I haven't had data work at all since setting up this phone.
Full disclosure, I'm on blackwireless. But it's an ATT mvno so I should still get their network.
But I'm getting zilch.
Talk and text are just fine, just no data.
I'm also not fully used to the interface on this phone cause my old one had actual "bars" in the icon and would also say LTE or 4g. Maybe both, is it sad that I've already forgotten just three days into owning a op7?
Firstly, anyone else an blackwireless, or ATT having issues with data?
Haven't yet called blackwireless because their support is 100% outsourced.
Had same with T-Mobile, it wanted me to sign in...and that page said this plan has no internet. So I called support, they ran a diagnosis but before it could finish ! Near the lte disappeared and it worked
RobbieRobski said:
So having recently upgraded from an unlocked T-Mobile device running on ATT, I was expecting that I would have better connectivity since the T-Mobile device I had didn't have support for a lot of bands. However I haven't had data work at all since setting up this phone.
Full disclosure, I'm on blackwireless. But it's an ATT mvno so I should still get their network.
But I'm getting zilch.
Talk and text are just fine, just no data.
I'm also not fully used to the interface on this phone cause my old one had actual "bars" in the icon and would also say LTE or 4g. Maybe both, is it sad that I've already forgotten just three days into owning a op7?
Firstly, anyone else an blackwireless, or ATT having issues with data?
Haven't yet called blackwireless because their support is 100% outsourced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you looked at your APN settings?
Sometimes it just doesn't select anything or it's empty!
You're right. That was the exact problem. I ended up calling the support line and it was a much better experience than I remember. And there were several apn to choose from. I just had to choose a different one according to their documentation.
Global version works just great with AT&T, no need to get tmo phone that just makes it more of a pain int the ass to go through the unlock process
Bradl79 said:
Global version works just great with AT&T, no need to get tmo phone that just makes it more of a pain int the ass to go through the unlock process
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I know. What I meant was my old phone was T-Mobile. My op7 I bought direct from OnePlus.com
So this past summer I purchased a 4G version of the A52 from Amazon, my main reason being it was cheaper than the 5G. Now I'm finding that this choice may be affecting my carrier situation. I am in the United States, and had Cricket Wireless at the time of purchasing the phone. It worked for about 4 hours, then the service quit on me. Apparently Cricket claimed that my phone did not have the proper technology, blah blah blah, something to do with the discontinuation of 3G and or VOLTE. This obviously does not make sense, since this phone is from 2021 and would not be made with old tech. Anyway, I got them to turn my sevice back on, after it being in a "suspended" state. It was still working for a while, and then some time in september I think Cricket sent a text to me (and my fiance as well, also has a phone cricket doesn't like) saying that they would start redirecting our calls to customer service to get us to "upgrade" since the phones would supposedly stop working completely in February or whenever 3G is supposed to go kaput. So, we switched to Mint, who claimed that our phones would both work on their network, and they did, except that the service sucks, even while being in a modest sized city. It also has little to no service at my work, and I'm convinced that T-mobile's service, at least through Mint, absolutely sucks.
So, my question is, what do you all suggest? Does anyone have this model, and what carrier are you with? What kind of luck (or lack thereof) has anyone been having?
Sorry if this has no place here, just doing all I can to get some answers
Well, I don't think I have a clear answer to your question, this is something that I found very very weird. I handed over a Galaxy S9+ to my fiancee who's carrier name I forget, I think it also got acquired by T-Mobile, but I'm not 100% certain. However, the phone didn't work properly. I can't remember what problems exactly it had but they were network related. Turns out that if you're going to change phones you need to go to a store for them to configure it and change it in their system. Otherwise it will either not work or not work properly.
And this was also the case with her sister who bought an unlocked, Mexican phone and she also had to take it to the store for them to configure it. It would have these problems unless she took it to them.
You would assume that all you need is to insert the SIM and it would work out the box but I don't know why this carrier had this method which just makes everything so annoying and complicated when it doesn't need to be. Oh and this isn't a one time thing, every time they changed phones they would need to do this! So you should probably look at going this route, it's my best guess.
EDIT: Oh and also before we knew this, we had also purchased a Galaxy Note 3 (which yeah it's old, but had 4G when I used it with my carrier and all of a sudden it turned to 3G when used on her carrier) so we ended up giving it away. So it was definitely a carrier problem. It was so annoying.