[Q] Why does my bootloader say "AT&T" with no SIM? - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I bought an ATT frequency compatible NS (from negri) before it was available on ATT. Everything works as expected on ATT. However, the other day I removed my SIM, did a factory wipe, and then rebooted back into the bootloader and noticed that it reported "ATT" as my network even without the SIM installed. Does this mean my phone is somehow locked to ATT now? I don't care for my personal use but when I end up selling this thing later my expectation was that the next owner could use whichever frequency compatible carrier they choose. I don't have a way to test this with a different SIM. What's the deal here?

If you bought it from AT&T then it can only use AT&T's data networks. T-Mo and AT&T both use SIM so you can switch them out, but only shfor 2g/edge and voice.

That's just carrier info, if it wasn't a Google Nexus phone it would have influence on the phone. There's no downside of having a ATT in the bootloader carrier info.
Some ppl spread rumors that only "free", eg EUR (for Europe), phones get updates via Google, but it has yet to be proofed.

ellesshoo said:
I bought an ATT frequency compatible NS (from negri) before it was available on ATT. Everything works as expected on ATT. However, the other day I removed my SIM, did a factory wipe, and then rebooted back into the bootloader and noticed that it reported "ATT" as my network even without the SIM installed. Does this mean my phone is somehow locked to ATT now? I don't care for my personal use but when I end up selling this thing later my expectation was that the next owner could use whichever frequency compatible carrier they choose. I don't have a way to test this with a different SIM. What's the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No nexus phone is sold sim locked, even the carrier subsidized versions.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

andythefan said:
If you bought it from AT&T then it can only use AT&T's data networks. T-Mo and AT&T both use SIM so you can switch them out, but only shfor 2g/edge and voice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said where I bought it (negri electronics) before it was even available from ATT.
The 9020a is frequency compatible with ATT, Canadian carriers, some others elsewhere in the Americas, and will do 2G/gprs in nearly every region.
My question was about the phone reporting ATT as the carrier info in the bootloader w/out a sim. Phone has zero relation to att other than it happens to support UMTS on the same bands.

krohnjw said:
No nexus phone is sold sim locked, even the carrier subsidized versions.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize this from reading it everywhere. I just find it odd for att to show even with no SIM. Maybe it just reports whatever the last installed sim was?

ellesshoo said:
I realize this from reading it everywhere. I just find it odd for att to show even with no SIM. Maybe it just reports whatever the last installed sim was?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier info is independant from your last SIM card. Atm there's no hint to what the carrier info in bootloader is used for. For the European version (VDF, O2, EUR) you can change them around as you please via Odin w/o any effect on your phone.

krohnjw said:
No nexus phone is sold sim locked, even the carrier subsidized versions.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understand that correctly: Any Nexus S, in its AT&T version bought at any Best Buy store in the USA is 100% SIM unlocked, correct?
But, what about the Operating system itself, Android: Does a Nexus S AT&T version bought at a Best Buy store has the pristine original version of Android as Google intended, with all its features (and describes on www (dot) google (dot) com/nexus/#/tech-specs ) ?
I have read of cases that, for instance, Nexus S AT&T phones from Best Buy had its tethering feature disabled ? If so, is this a tinkering of the OS by the carrier or store no matter the SIM (i.e. if I put in a SIM from my country's carrier, it'd still have tethering blocked)? or this presumed "disablement" of tethering is SIM/carrier dependent (i.e., not an Android alteration per se)?
Any comments on this are well appreciated. I plan on buying soon a Nexus S on Best Buy during a next trip to the USA. The phone will be used in Mexico where my carrier uses the same frequencies as AT&T or 3g.
Thanks in advance.

Related

does the device is sim free?

does the nexus s in best buy is sim free or not ?
plz
i am talking about the 529$ deal
and if not is there any way to unlock it ?
sry for my english
The phone is unlocked no matter what version you buy. Best Buy worded their FAQ wrong at the beginning but I believe it's fixed now.
You can put an SIM in this device and have it work. Though if you are in the US, only T-mobile's 3g will work.
All Nexus S units are unlocked and will work with any GSM SIM. Best Buy was mistaken in claiming that some units are locked.
Is this still valid for the AT&T version of Nexus S sold on Best Buy Stores?
I am looking to buy the AT&T version of Nexus S on a next trip to the US in mid August 2011.
I will use the phone in Mexico, (my cell operator uses the same 3G frequencies as AT&T, now I got an AT&T Nexus One which works ok here.)
I am expecting to get, for $529.00+ USD, a SIM Unlocked Nexus One phone, that meaning: that I can put it any SIM from any other company (that uses the same AT&T frequencies, of course) and the phone should work fine.
ALSO, I am expecting a full "Google Experience" Android, loaded on the phone. That meaning, among other things, that for instance: HotSpot tethering should work as stated on the Google's Nexus S page. I do not want to buy a phone that a carrier has tinkered with its native Android features.
Your comments and advice on this are well appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
As far as similar free yes the nexus line comes unlocked except for nexus s 4g.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App

I'm on AT&T go phone, can I purchase the one x full retail witouth problems?

I know what you think, go phone sucks, not enough data blah blah blah. But AT&T recently upgraded their gophone data plan to 1GB from 500 mb. Honestly 1GB for me is more than enough cause I use wifi at home, wifi at work, I live in the Washington dc area and there's wifi everywhere so I barely even use my data. Do you think I'll be able to buy the one XL ( off contract of course) or will AT&T give me a hard time cause I'm a gophone customer? I'm just worry about the fact that it's LTE.
You might get some pushback from the rep or manager, but there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to get it. You will just have to change your APN, as the only one that works with prepaid is "wap.cingular"
Sent from my Lumia 900 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
mosesman86 said:
You might get some pushback from the rep or manager, but there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to get it. You will just have to change your APN, as the only one that works with prepaid is "wap.cingular"
Sent from my Lumia 900 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, I guess I'll buy it from amazon mobile that way I won't have to deal with the store reps and managers.
I don't know.... they might auto switch you. I would try to ask customer service
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
barondebxl said:
Thanks for the reply, I guess I'll buy it from amazon mobile that way I won't have to deal with the store reps and managers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Typically, Amazon mobile or other 3rd party retailers, will charge more for non-contract phone than AT&T because they can't get any payback from AT&T.
Your biggest problem will be microSIM activation. You may have to buy a microSIM cutter to trim your current go phone SIM yourself. AT&T won't be thrilled to activate One X for a Go phone plan.
There is also a chance that AT&T will stop your data service once it detects that you are using a 4G smartphone (it has the IMEI number on database) on a Go Phone plan. Yes, it happened to others before.
foxbat121 said:
Typically, Amazon mobile or other 3rd party retailers, will charge more for non-contract phone than AT&T because they can't get any payback from AT&T.
Your biggest problem will be microSIM activation. You may have to buy a microSIM cutter to trim your current go phone SIM yourself. AT&T won't be thrilled to activate One X for a Go phone plan.
There is also a chance that AT&T will stop your data service once it detects that you are using a 4G smartphone (it has the IMEI number on database) on a Go Phone plan. Yes, it happened to others before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. I already have a micro sim cutter so I'm good on that end. I'm using a galaxy nexus on my go phone for about 3 weeks and no problem at all. It isn't 4G though so I don't know.
barondebxl said:
Thanks for the advice. I already have a micro sim cutter so I'm good on that end. I'm using a galaxy nexus on my go phone for about 3 weeks and no problem at all. It isn't 4G though so I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference here is that AT&T has no idea what Galaxy Nexus is because it doesn't have the IMEI number on file because it is not an AT&T branded phone. It does have all IMEI# of AT&T branded phones on file.
foxbat121 said:
The difference here is that AT&T has no idea what Galaxy Nexus is because it doesn't have the IMEI number on file because it is not an AT&T branded phone. It does have all IMEI# of AT&T branded phones on file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. I'll call an AT&T store and ask them just to make sure.
It's a lot easier to do something like that with T-mobile's monthly 4g pre-paid plans. All you need to do is order a sim online from them. They don't care what you use with their plan.
If I recall correctly u need a special lte sim to use lte.
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
I don't really need lte, if I pop up my sum can I use hspa+?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Your phone won't get hspa+ or lte on prepaid service. In fact, you won't get any data until you change your apn to wap.cingular, which is a 3G apn. If you need a microsim, just go to the at&t store and tell them you don't have your phone but you want to activate a prepaid plan. Be sure to specify that you need a microsim and they will just put a dummy IMEI consisting of all 1111111.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
mosesman86 said:
Your phone won't get hspa+ or lte on prepaid service. In fact, you won't get any data until you change your apn to wap.cingular, which is a 3G apn. If you need a microsim, just go to the at&t store and tell them you don't have your phone but you want to activate a prepaid plan. Be sure to specify that you need a microsim and they will just put a dummy IMEI consisting of all 1111111.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have hspa+ speeds on my nexus with my go phone plan.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
barondebxl said:
I have hspa+ speeds on my nexus with my go phone plan.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Despite the US Carrier's "4G" (fauxG) marketing blitz, HSPA is actually 3G. The LTE build out is a proper 4th generation network.
If you do not care about LTE why not import an international version and not have to worry? Also you might be able to buy one from Rogers in Canada it is the same device but AT&T shouldn't have the IMEI number
Dark lord me said:
If you do not care about LTE why not import an international version and not have to worry? Also you might be able to buy one from Rogers in Canada it is the same device but AT&T shouldn't have the IMEI number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've actually thought about buying one from rogers. Like the fact it doesn't have a
carrier logo, but I don't know of any shops that sells them to ship in the states.
Dark lord me said:
If you do not care about LTE why not import an international version and not have to worry?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T version has 1-year warranty while imported version likely has zero warranty. If you bricked your phone one way or another, a warranty is probably quite important to most of us.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but unlocking bootloader on newer HTC phones is done via HTC Dev, and that voids your warranty automatically ( as in they have your IMEI and know you rooted with them)?
If so, then don't worry about having warranty for bricking the device, you lost it when bootlader was unlocked.
david_ag said:
If so, then don't worry about having warranty for bricking the device, you lost it when bootlader was unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When your phone is bricked, e.g. can't boot up, there is no way AT&T can tell which version or unlocked boot loader you are using. At least not for the clerks at warranty center. If your bootloader is still functioning. Chances are you can still manage to load another ROM on to it.
Besides, there could be other hardware defacts that you may need to exchange. A warranty is always welcome.
Dark lord me said:
If you do not care about LTE why not import an international version and not have to worry? Also you might be able to buy one from Rogers in Canada it is the same device but AT&T shouldn't have the IMEI number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I rather have the snapdragon S4 processor than the tegra 3. Also the international versions as a crapload of issues right now.

Att one x over seas?

I have an att one x and I'm headed to Europe. Is it possible at all to get my phone to work there, or would I have to have the international version?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Roaming on AT&T or using a local carrier SIM (such as a prepaid)?
If using a local SIM, you will need to SIM unlock the phone. Folks on here have had success with a couple online paid SIM unlock services for about $11. I don't think all the services have the ability to unlock our particular phone, only a certain services could do it when it was being discussed a month or so ago. Just browse or search for the thread discussing SIM unlock or using the phone on T-Mobile, and you will find the particular unlock service/websites that work.
Roaming on AT&T is really pricey, but I do it when travelling on business, as I just charge it to my work. If you intend to do this, you need to call AT&T customer service (611 on your phone) before you go and setup international roaming. Its not activated by default, and you have to do it by phone (can't do it online).
Either way, the phone will work just fine in Europe, both voice/EDGE and 3G. Most places in Europe use GSM 900 and 1800 MHz for voice and EDGE, and HSPA/UMTS 2100 MHz for 3G. All of which are fully compatible with the AT&T One X. I was just in Germany, and both voice and 3G data were working fine on this phone.
If you want to verify the bands used in the particular country (or countries) you are travelling to, you can look here:
http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html
Thanks for the response. I tried to call att and they said the phone was not able to be unlocked. I ended up buying an unlock code on eBay, for anyone else who is interested. It was only 5 dollars and now I am able to run a sim from any network. Thanks again for the info!
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
jermzz said:
Thanks for the response. I tried to call att and they said the phone was not able to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T will not provide the SIM unlock code until 10 months after a phone's release. You also have to be a postpaid account holder in good standing for at least 90 days.
Also be aware that whatever local carrier you intend to use, will have to be one that has micro-SIMs available (or you can cut them using tools or guides available online, if you care to try it). Micro-SIMs are getting more common, as more new devices have them. But wouldn't hurt to do a bit of checking before your trip.

Tmobile nexus 5

Are the sprint, tmobile nexus 5 locked to the networks or are they like the google play store versions
unlocked for any carrier?
Can I take my sprint nexus 5 and put in a ATT sim card?
same goes for the tmobile version.
As below
FrankJL_ said:
Are the sprint, tmobile nexus 5 locked to the networks or are they like the google play store versions
unlocked for any carrier?
Can I take my sprint nexus 5 and put in a ATT sim card?
same goes for the tmobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The box for the one sold through Sprint says it has a sim software lock and can be used on the Sprint network only (I forget exact wording) but there have been plenty of reports of people swapping sims and it working just fine.
I believe that TMOs policy is that any phone it sells is unlocked. The exception is that if you finance the phone through them, it will be locked until the phone is paid off.
tmobiles nexus 5 is completely unlocked, whether you pay in full or payments. same with the nexus 4. at any moment you can insert a sim from another provider and itll work.
FrankJL_ said:
Are the sprint, tmobile nexus 5 locked to the networks or are they like the google play store versions
unlocked for any carrier?
Can I take my sprint nexus 5 and put in a ATT sim card?
same goes for the tmobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jasonamd said:
The box for the one sold through Sprint says it has a sim software lock and can be used on the Sprint network only (I forget exact wording) but there have been plenty of reports of people swapping sims and it working just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG/Google sells the Nexus 5 as a factory device - regardless of branding, the device is unlocked and available to use. There isn't yet any kind of blocking or locking of the device in this nature.
FourPointedFreak said:
LG/Google sells the Nexus 5 as a factory device - regardless of branding, the device is unlocked and available to use. There isn't yet any kind of blocking or locking of the device in this nature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you be sure about this? While it may be true in North America, it may not be true in other parts of the world. People have said the same thing about every Nexus phone since the Nexus One, but evidence has shown that there has been locked versions of every Nexus phone prior to the N5.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2
efrant said:
How can you be sure about this? While it may be true in North America, it may not be true in other parts of the world. People have said the same thing about every Nexus phone since the Nexus One, but evidence has shown that there has been locked versions of every Nexus phone prior to the N5.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well all above carriers had been north american based carriers, that's what I was referring to. Clearly I can't be sure for every model of the device outside of the U.S.

Was the article that the S7 will lock to the first Sim inserted true?

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/02/25...-will-carrier-lock-to-the-first-inserted-sim/
I know some t-mobile customers already have devices in hand (or will be getting it within a few days). Has anyone checked if the above article is true? Would be awesome to know for all US who aren't on T-mo or any major carrier (I'm on Cricket, No preorders, and no edge listed so far.)
Would be awesome to preorder the ATT version from a place like target, get those preorder bonuses (target has $100 GC + standard 5% off for target card members, so its probably the cheapest place to get it), and then use it on Cricket.
Note: This is primarily meant for US carriers and devices. not other countries, which has different laws and networks.
Yes I'm also wondering how this will work. When I spoke to sales team at CPW they said it would be completely unlocked but knew nothing about the so called locking feature which may happen to us. Uk
Good question, I'm surprised no one has posted the answer yet considering how many people are getting them.
I'm on cricket as well, and planning to get the tmobile s7 due to the unlocked bootloader (at&t is bootloader locked)... It would be nice not to have to pay some company to remotely Sim unlock it
I would like to know too. Thank you!
I'd also like to know whether the phone will download carrier software specific everytime a different SIM is inserted
Im buying mine from samsung direct so id be annoyed if they have the sim region lock in place. im sure they are selling it unlocked and this sim lock is carrier requested.
sonhy said:
Im buying mine from samsung direct so id be annoyed if they have the sim region lock in place. im sure they are selling it unlocked and this sim lock is carrier requested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you in canada? If so there is a sim lock when you put in your sim, but you're given an unlock code with the phone if you get it from a samsung store.
no not canada, well thats good to hear about unlock code, as said im pretty sure the sim lock is only for carrier bought gs7 phones.
Work for a carrier: it will lock upon first sim. If you put in a sim after initial Set up it wipes and reboots. Unlock codes are available like any other phone
CPW never lock their android phones. This feature is for carriers to lock if they want and helps Sammy to sell phones to multiple suppliers using the same SKU code rather than different variants. Anyone buying sim free won't have to worry about this and I'm 99℅ sure shops like cpw won't use this. Buying from an operator however is a different story
Sent from my XT1580 using Tapatalk
Seems like this SIM lock applies to carrier phones only and not Global/International aka Unlocked.
My guess is they do this so Samsung can provide everyone with the same standard S7 model to save hassle on carrier specific phones that are locked from the factory so the carrier can pick up any S7 and provide the sim that then locks to that network.
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
bradbutter said:
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for reporting.
bradbutter said:
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont understand what you are saying...if you stuck a tmobile sim from your iphone and stuck it in your tmobile s7, its still possibly carrier locked to tmobile.
we want to know if you stick a cricket or at&t in your tmobile s7 first, will it lock to those carriers even though your on tmobile or will it require a remote unlock
I'd be curious to know that if id DOES lock, would a ODIN/reflash of stock reset it?
I would love it buying a AT&T version would work on Verizon or T-Mobile.
All this of course with the phone having access to all bands set on initial carrier SIM card boot up.
Is it possible to just flash a different version's os? Example, could i just flash the t-mo fw onto an att phone?
el7145 said:
I dont understand what you are saying...if you stuck a tmobile sim from your iphone and stuck it in your tmobile s7, its still possibly carrier locked to tmobile.
we want to know if you stick a cricket or at&t in your tmobile s7 first, will it lock to those carriers even though your on tmobile or will it require a remote unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well yeah in that case I'm not sure because I know my phone should be locked to T-Mobile from the start unless I pay it off in full. I highly doubt if I would have put a non T-Mobile Sim in it first that it would of even got service. You would have to ask someone with an unlocked device if another sim works because most devices from carriers are locked from the start.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
bradbutter said:
Oh well yeah in that case I'm not sure because I know my phone should be locked to T-Mobile from the start unless I pay it off in full. I highly doubt if I would have put a non T-Mobile Sim in it first that it would of even got service. You would have to ask someone with an unlocked device if another sim works because most devices from carriers are locked from the start.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best answer here. I'm not sure what the confusion is here. A phone from T Mobile IS locked to T Mobile unless one removes the carrier lock. Its always been this way (sans int. phones). The carrier unlock app is in the S7 as well and by law all US carriers must provide the unlock if requested by a customer.
So if the OP buys an S7 outright then they can request and will receive the unlock for the phone. Otherwise its business as usual.

Categories

Resources