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[Discontinued] Unlock VZW GSIII for use on other networks (No data on GSM currently)

Edit: sorry all, I have discontinued my efforts due to no time. I apologize, hopefully there is someone who can figure this out and implement an easy fix.
Ok, so I have been slacking on actually getting this in the pipeline, but I did
unlock my Verizon GSIII day 1 with the generic code from the pre-order agreement. Per the pics that will follow my post, you will see that I do not have the SIM popup bugging me, and in fact am running the Verizon GSIII on AT&T EDGE:2 & GPRS. I am currently unable to pull APN's from AT&T, and do not currently have data. Voice works flawlessly, however.
For those who DIDN'T read, and signed their name on the dotted line because they want to be left in the dark to their own problems, here are the 2 generic unlock codes:
123456
or
000000
This should be entered in the popup you will receive from using an invalid SIM.
More to come.
Here are instructions for flashing to another CDMA network, credit MikeyCriggz.
MikeyCriggz said:
Please Note:
You must be on an AOSP ROM in order for this to work. If you're not on one and would like to keep the stock ROM, make a NANDROID backup and flash one (CM10, AOKP, etc.). I take no credit for this, I am only providing the information (all credits go to adam3rd for his post in the Motorola Bionic forums)
Before Starting:
Make sure your SIM card is NOT in your phone
Activate phone through Page Plus using the first 15 digits of the IMEI (drop the very last digit)
Download this Page Plus PRL file: http://www.4shared.com/file/qryS5x4T/51720_EVDO.html
Download CDMA Workshop 3.8 Demo: www.cdma-ware.com
I used CDMA Workshop 3.8 demo version to do this and can verify it works.
Let's Do This:
1) Put phone in diagnostic mode (here's how: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtcEop4Dhdk)
2) Download and install all necessary drivers here: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/SCH-I535MBBVZW
3) Connect phone to computer via USB
4) Open CDMA Workshop & click on the "Ports" drop down menu. Select the one that says "diag", it should be at the bottom. If not, then open Windows Device Manager and find your device. Note what COM port it's connected to and select that in CMDA Workshop (for example: COM12).
5) Click "Connect" to connect phone
6) In the main tab, click "SPC" send "000000" to unlock your phone.
7) Go to the PRL tab to load the Page Plus PRL to your phone. Select "Write" and find the PRL you downloaded earlier. It should now write to your device.
8) Turn off phone and pull the battery.
9) Insert your SIM card and replace the battery. Power up and after boot your phone should go into OTA Programming (if not, then dial *22890)
10) Open the dialer and dial *#*#4636*#*# (it will prompt you for a passcode, type "000000"). Go to "Phone Information" and find the drop down menu that says "CDMA Auto PRL" and change it to "CDMA Only"
11) Back out of this and go back into the dialer. Dial ##program and go to "Test Mode". Press next until you see a screen that says something like "EVRC HDR Hybrid Mode". Change the Network Type to CDMA and back out to the main screen. Your phone will now restart.
12) Check Settings>Phone>Status and make sure the Mobile Network Type says CDMA 1XTT. You should now have 1X data, voice, and text.
13) Dial *#*#4636*#*# again (entering in the "000000" passcode when prompted) and go back to "Phone Information". Change the "CDMA Only" back to "CDMA Auto PRL". Back out until you are at the home screen
14) Power down, remove battery and SIM card, replace battery and power back up.
15) Dial ##program again and go back into "Test Mode". Hit "Next" until you're back at the screen that says "EVRC HDR Hybrid Mode" again. Change Network Type to EVDO and press back until your phone restarts.
16) Check Settings/Phone/Status and make sure the Mobile Network Type says "CDMA EvDo rev A". If it says eHRPD, then you need to redo steps 10 through 15 again.
17) Dial *#*#4636#*#* go and go back to "Phone Information". Change "CDMA Auto PRL" to "Unknown" and back out.
18) Check Settings/Phone/Status and make sure the Mobile Network Type says "CDMA EvDo rev A". If it says eHRPD, then you need to redo steps 10 through 15 again.
14) Power down your phone, replace the SIM card and power back up. You should now have 3G data, talk, and text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

This would be nice to have. I usually travel outside the country once a year, so knowing my phone is unlocked would be great.
Sent from sexy a** Galaxy S III

Well, as of now voice works.

AtLemacks said:
but I did unlock my Verizon GSIII day 1 with the generic code from the pre-order agreement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait a second, what code is this? And where am I supposed to find it?

Yea someone else posted in another forum that he requested a code from verizon and everyone was saying what code how where what? The guy replied 'i guess im the only one who read the preorder agreement'
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

I am watching this thread, for sure!
Yes, I also would like to find this agreement as well (I got my GS3 thorough a 3rd party reseller). I am on T Mobile BTW and Im 110% aware of the pitfalls regarding data any faster then Edge, believe me Ive been there before.
Im willing to be the Guinea pig here, what do we need to do?

AtLemacks said:
Ok, so I have been slacking on actually getting this in the pipeline, but I did unlock my Verizon GSIII day 1 with the generic code from the pre-order agreement. Per the pics that will follow my post, you will see that I do not have the SIM popup bugging me, and in fact am running the Verizon GSIII on AT&T EDGE:2 & GPRS. I am currently unable to pull APN's from AT&T, and do not currently have data. Voice works flawlessly, however.
More to come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be good to have a global SIII.
About APNs,I do not know anything so forgive my ignorance.... but on another phone I used a battery saving app whuch screwed up my data, and I finally got my data back by using Anycut, APN, then restore default APNs.. then rebooted and my data was restored.
Sent from my Samsung SIII Galaxy via Tapatalk

AtLemacks said:
Well, as of now voice works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you please post the text of the pre-order agreement you are talking about?

DROID3R said:
Yea someone else posted in another forum that he requested a code from verizon and everyone was saying what code how where what? The guy replied 'i guess im the only one who read the preorder agreement'
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be me.
kola1228 said:
Lol i guess he's the only one. Where do you even find this pre-order agreement??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the agreement you "signed" if you pre-ordered online.
JDMpire said:
I am watching this thread, for sure!
Yes, I also would like to find this agreement as well (I got my GS3 thorough a 3rd party reseller). I am on T Mobile BTW and Im 110% aware of the pitfalls regarding data any faster then Edge, believe me Ive been there before.
Im willing to be the Guinea pig here, what do we need to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using the T-Mobile version you aren't of any help to me right now. I am working on getting only the Verizon version working.
griffis said:
It would be good to have a global SIII.
About APNs,I do not know anything so forgive my ignorance.... but on another phone I used a battery saving app whuch screwed up my data, and I finally got my data back by using Anycut, APN, then restore default APNs.. then rebooted and my data was restored.
Sent from my Samsung SIII Galaxy via Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have already tried all of the common routes. The settings menu crashes/force closes anytime I try to restore defaults or anything like that. The *#*#4636#*#* menu is the only one that I can actually make changes in that stick. Anything in the network settings crashes.
satadru said:
Would you please post the text of the pre-order agreement you are talking about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you pre-order online? If so, should have read it, if not, that's why you don't have one!

See the codes in the OP.
Thanks

AtLemacks said:
Ok, so I have been slacking on actually getting this in the pipeline, but I did unlock my Verizon GSIII day 1 with the generic code from the pre-order agreement. Per the pics that will follow my post, you will see that I do not have the SIM popup bugging me, and in fact am running the Verizon GSIII on AT&T EDGE:2 & GPRS. I am currently unable to pull APN's from AT&T, and do not currently have data. Voice works flawlessly, however.
For those who DIDN'T read, and signed their name on the dotted line because they with to be left in the dark to their own problems, here are the 2 generic unlock codes:
123456
or
000000
This should be entered in the popup you will receive from using an invalid SIM.
More to come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard somewhere that now you will not be able to switch back to CDMA

Dumb question but are you using an active AT&T sim card in your verizon g3? Or what sim card do you have in the phone?

OP, have you switched back to Verizon's network? Did everything work?

dincodee said:
I heard somewhere that now you will not be able to switch back to CDMA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's false as I'm replying to you right now over cdma 3g.
mb27 said:
Dumb question but are you using an active AT&T sim card in your verizon g3? Or what sim card do you have in the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Active, I have a line on AT&T that I'm using my Rezound on.
NOsquid said:
OP, have you switched back to Verizon's network? Did everything work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and Yes.
kola1228 said:
Could you please spare us the lecture and provide the text?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last time I checked I don't work for you.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

I just had an epiphany. I realized I had both phones on AT&T SIM card at the same time. Will turn off Rezound when I get home and try again.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

For those concerned about going back to cdma/lte. And before speculation occurs, I don't have a gsm s3. I have 2 phones right now and that's the Rezound and s3.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

AtLemacks said:
If you are using the T-Mobile version you aren't of any help to me right now. I am working on getting only the Verizon version working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who said anything about having the T Mobile version. I said I was trying to get it working on T Mobiles network, not that I had the GSM version of the S3.
If I need to put it in writing so you can see, I HAVE THE VERIZON S3.

JDMpire said:
Who said anything about having the T Mobile version. I said I was trying to get it working on T Mobiles network, not that I had the GSM version of the S3.
If I need to put it in writing so you can see, I HAVE THE VERIZON S3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is all you said:
Yes, I also would like to find this agreement as well (I got my GS3 thorough a 3rd party reseller). I am on T Mobile BTW and Im 110% aware of the pitfalls regarding data any faster then Edge, believe me Ive been there before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being that this is a melting pot of US GS3 and we have other users from other providers posting, just stating you are on TMo only tells me that you are on TMo, not that you have the d2vzw device.
You may have not read above, but getting pissy with me isn't going to convince me to help you. I am doing this on MY free time for free for everyone's benefit. I could just as easily move this to my own website and charge for it, but it isn't even worth it. So until people stop acting like they are owed something or getting an attitude with me, I will continue to take my sweet time. :good:

Let keep the childish trolling to a non existence. I do not wish to close this thread or have to issue out any infraction but I can be easily persuaded

AtLemacks said:
I just had an epiphany. I realized I had both phones on AT&T SIM card at the same time. Will turn off Rezound when I get home and try again.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anything come of this?

GSM/CDMA - Global Roaming

I searched the Verizon Galaxy S3 forums and could find no discussion about the global capabilities of this phone. I had understood at purchase (pre-ordered) that an OTA update would be coming soon to turn on global capabilities. I have seen nothing yet. I have called Verizon, gone to local store (useless), contacted Samsung tech support both online and via telephone. Everyone just says they have no idea.
So, if I have rooted my phone and unlocked the bootloader, is there a way to turn on global capabilities? Or even easier, can I just buy a SIM card from a European provider and insert and it will work?
I appreciate any input on this. I am new to using a smartphone in Europe but I can't give it up now for even two weeks.

Just wait for the ota. Im due for a dominican republuc trip in 50 days. If i dont get the unlocking OTA before my trip im raising hell.
VZW GALAXY S 3 4G LTE

I want to know what people who live on/near a border do? If you live in US very near the Canada border, how do you stop your phone from roaming back & forth and bending you over on "international" charges, even though you technically are in the US.

Here is the thread you were looking for..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
Sent from my (not really) SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Thanks Beemer533.
Beemer533 said:
Here is the thread you were looking for..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
Sent from my (not really) SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for responding. I did find this thread a bit after I posted. Working through the steps.

Just a quick question on this topic. I've received the 4.1 OTA update from Verizon for the Galaxy S3. This update was supposed to bring global roaming capabilities. My question is, what does this mean? I know the thread linked above allows a Galaxy S3 to use other 3G networks but that involves rooting and complicated setups with APN (which, while I can certainly do, I'd rather not).
So, what does the default 4.1 configuration on Verizon get me? Can I go to, say, Japan and pop in a 3G SIM? Or is "roaming" simply roaming on any CDMA network? Is Verizon going to charge roaming fees?

apostrophi said:
Just a quick question on this topic. I've received the 4.1 OTA update from Verizon for the Galaxy S3. This update was supposed to bring global roaming capabilities. My question is, what does this mean? I know the thread linked above allows a Galaxy S3 to use other 3G networks but that involves rooting and complicated setups with APN (which, while I can certainly do, I'd rather not).
So, what does the default 4.1 configuration on Verizon get me? Can I go to, say, Japan and pop in a 3G SIM? Or is "roaming" simply roaming on any CDMA network? Is Verizon going to charge roaming fees?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar question and called Verizon. They confirmed that the 4.1 update unlocks the sim so that you can use any carrier overseas. However, if you need to modify APN's, good luck. There is no easy way to do that I've found without rooting. I'd rather not root my phone. I'm going to PAris and Rome in April and was hoping to use a sim card from iphonetrips. They have the best deals for unlimited data depending...

[Q] How do I add APNs on Verizon Galaxy S3 running 4.1.1?

I have a Verizon Galaxy S3 (SCH-I535) running Android 4.1.1. I was told by Verizon prior to moving to England that, with this version of Android which unlocked the "world phone" capabilities (GSM), that I would be able to use my phone abroad with a new sim on a local network.
Fast forward a few weeks, and I am in England with an Orange sim in my phone. I have no problems with voice, but I cannot access any data services (I have no trouble receiving texts, but cannot send them - I think this is a problem with the sim though). After searching around the internet for a while, it seems that the solution to my problem would be to add the Orange APN settings to my phone.
HOWEVER, Verizon's version of 4.1.1 does not allow you to edit APN settings! When you go to the APN menu, there is nothing displayed and the only settings option is to Reset to Default.
The closest thing I've found to a solution is here, but it's a bit out of date as the method isn't for 4.1.1. I'm a bit wary of rooting my phone and installing a rom, as I've never done anything like that before.
Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing that might be able to offer a solution? I would be willing to root my phone if necessary, but I'd need to be directed to a pretty explicit noob guide for doing that :silly:
Thanks!

Getting root is easy with the toolkit linked. Should you have any questions you can read the thread or search galaxy s3 toolkit on YouTube. Just keep in mind some videos are outdated and that you have a Verizon cdma galaxy S3 running 4.1.1.
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2092244
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Search this same thread and the APN fixes are here. There is also an APN fix in Note 2 forum that should work. Once you change APN should be good to go with Orange. Say hi to my Uncle in Birmingham. He on Orange also. Cheers. :laugh:

What ended up being your solution?
I'm going to Italy tomorrow with a Verizon S3 and APN settings are locked. The phone is rooted and I would love to be able to use a local SIM on data!
Thanks in advance.

sundayradio said:
What ended up being your solution?
I'm going to Italy tomorrow with a Verizon S3 and APN settings are locked. The phone is rooted and I would love to be able to use a local SIM on data!
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No solution yet. I'm going to look at the link above when I can get some time to sit down and focus on it. Hopefully it fixes it.
BTW, although it's billed as a CDMA phone, it is able to operate on GSM as well. That's the whole "world phone" thing that Verizon has been talking about.

expatabroad said:
BTW, although it's billed as a CDMA phone, it is able to operate on GSM as well. That's the whole "world phone" thing that Verizon has been talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand it's a world phone, but I wanted to drop that in because I wasn't sure if the Toolkit states "CDMA" under the device selection screen. I know the Galaxy Nexus or Razr Toolkit specifically stated CDMA. I just didn't want you to accidentally pick the wrong one. After looking at screen shots of the Toolkit you shouldn't have a problem it doesn't mention CDMA only Verizon is stated.

Unable to add APN.
prdog1 said:
Search this same thread and the APN fixes are here. There is also an APN fix in Note 2 forum that should work. Once you change APN should be good to go with Orange. Say hi to my Uncle in Birmingham. He on Orange also. Cheers. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there,
Sorry for going there, but I have not been able to find a fix for adding in the APN on a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III. I have it on Cincinnati Bell at the moment, and have it rooted. I have voice and text, but not data. I have used the APN Manager Pro to see the APN that I need to use, but for some reason it will not use it or be able to edit it? Any thoughts?

deca2499 said:
Hey there,
Sorry for going there, but I have not been able to find a fix for adding in the APN on a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III. I have it on Cincinnati Bell at the moment, and have it rooted. I have voice and text, but not data. I have used the APN Manager Pro to see the APN that I need to use, but for some reason it will not use it or be able to edit it? Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Get titanium backup pro and make apn mgr pro a system app.
You should be good after that.
This is confirmed working on Vodafone Italy and ill post results from China and hk in about a month

And please spread the word on this.
Spiting Verizon is my new favorite hobby.

I have a very similar problem. I have a Samsung S3, not rooted, but unlocked from Verizon. I have been in Kandahar for a month or so. My SGS3 with a local provider will make and receive calls great when coverage is there. My problem is, I can only seem to text local here not back to the US, or get email and no Google Talk. I went to the shop where I got my card here, they told me that Verizon needed to unlock my phone. I know it is unlocked but I made the call home, Verizon told me what I already knew. I went back into the store, once again, next they said Verizon needed to unlock my APN? I called again, finally I got a response from Verizon saying that Samsung needs to release the patch so Verizon can unlock it. If anyone knows of such a APN patch I would greatly appreciate it. My lap top screen got cracked during a patrol so doing all of this and email is quite the B!tch! I have always had success with this forum and hope it will continue. Once I send my lap top back home to be warrantied, I will not have any way of getting the usual business done for at least a month. I'm trying to hold off on the lap top until I can get my phone fully functional. I do not have internet connection on my phone, just my computer, I guess that is the APN, that is still locked. I could do all of this if I had WiFi, but it is not allowed here by the company that provides internet. They do have WiFi in some areas, but it is always bogged down with everyone else trying to use it. Also, I am not too sure if I want to attempt to do a root, the internet service here is very slow. Thanks for your help. Please remember, I am atleast 8 1/2 hours ahead of you, so response time will be delayed.
A very helpful member of GalaxyS3forums sent me here.

SCH-R530 from US Cellular - why no worky?

Hey ladies and gets,
I am new here and I do not have much experience. I have been on an android binge for a week now and I have read a lot of threads, and flashed my phone so many times already.
Here is the info:
Samsung Galaxy SIII (LTE I guess)
SCH-R530, and in some places it shows SCH-R530U
Currently running on the latest nightly cyo..10.2
IMEI starts with 99000... and I have checked its not stolen or anything - there is also a sticker behind the bat that confirms it.
Originally a US Cellular Phone, I want to get it working with T-Mobile.
Things I have tried:
-I got the Samsung Tool Kit (donated), received all the updates - and the phone still does not unlock the network operators.
-Used a method from youtube - CDMA Workshop - connect to the serial port - security - samsung defaults - screen on pc says unlocked but phone is not although it is answering to the program.
- No option for the network lock as known in the 530
-Used three different online services - but they said no can do.
- Called tmobile - and placed a request and they said - that IME does not correspond to the model of the phone(???)
I am a student, I can't afford to get anything else - so please help or point me in the right direction. Thank you

I don't think you can do it.

I don't believe it will work because Us cellular is cdma and T-Mobile is gsm.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

GottaProblemBro said:
I don't believe it will work because Us cellular is cdma and T-Mobile is gsm.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There seem to be different opinions on the net. Phone like mine have the added abillity to receive CDMA radios i guess, but they do not lack any of the hardware for gsm.
I am not sure about any of this however, thats why I came here.

Bsqueeze44 said:
There seem to be different opinions on the net. Phone like mine have the added abillity to receive CDMA radios i guess, but they do not lack any of the hardware for gsm.
I am not sure about any of this however, thats why I came here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my experience with all the cdma gs3 varian, only the verizon one that have gsm capability.

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

Just a little update:
I have not been able to make any progress at all.
I have updated my 4.3 on the regular basis - however when I did the nightly 6, and 7 both locked up on the boot menu.
Anyways, today i reinserted my tmobile sim card and when I try to make a call - I get Verizon Wireless automated services that say that i can be transferred to complete the call with a credit card and stuff.
Why verizon? this is a us cellular phone?
Also when i switch to gsm mode - it still does not locate any tmobile operators?
US Cell phone is a dead end. This thread might as well be deleted.

Bsqueeze44 said:
Just a little update:
I have not been able to make any progress at all.
I have updated my 4.3 on the regular basis - however when I did the nightly 6, and 7 both locked up on the boot menu.
Anyways, today i reinserted my tmobile sim card and when I try to make a call - I get Verizon Wireless automated services that say that i can be transferred to complete the call with a credit card and stuff.
Why verizon? this is a us cellular phone?
Also when i switch to gsm mode - it still does not locate any tmobile operators?
US Cell phone is a dead end. This thread might as well be deleted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vzw bought out USC... in some areas I believe? Any how now no the USC will not work on T-Mobile. At least not stock....yet. It may be possible to get voice working but that would be about it. If you could vet data the most it would possibly be is edge as far as I know.... If you want to try something I would try flashing a sch-i535 ROM of 4.0.x-4.1.1 Odin would be best but do not flash the radio/modem. I am not Of 100% on this but Odin might skip over the modem if flashing i535 ROM to the r530. If not mobile Odin is able to only flash selected partitions of choice. Make sure you use a pre rooted ROM. After that and it is successful you may be able to follow the guide posted some where in here on how to use the i535 globally. It will require APN pro I believe. And another app to be able to select gsm global (don't recall for sure) if you find the guide it will tell you. . good luck and let me know if that helps.

Bonkurei said:
in my experience with all the cdma gs3 varian, only the verizon one that have gsm capability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with
that verizon is (gsm+cdma)
Sent using Tapatalk

SCH-968C, ST sim on ST network, no apn settings

(ST sim, stock 4.1.2 rom, 968c variant)
a family member bought a used SCH-968c that was originally on Verizon without a sim card (i think, not sure about the sim but it was definitely originally on Verizon network). family member put their Straight Talk sim into the phone and everything works, 3G mobile data, SMS, and calling, but MMS will not work at all.
i know how to fix this issue because it is simple apn setting, i build roms for all my devices, and actively help root obscure ST devices, i'm not a noob by any means... but, there is no apn settings to be found in the settings app. as a matter of fact all that can be changed under mobile networks is turning mobile data on or off, there are no other settings at all available. 4.1.2 stock rom.
I want to fix this for my family member but I'm at a loss. I have read that I should root with Cydia Impactor and add two lines to the build.prop--but everyone who has said this has been using the other S3 that is not 968c. I've also seen that I should root and then download an apn manager and make it a system app and then it will work.
Someone give me clear, succinct instructions to how I can enable the apn settings dialog in settings without installing another rom because that will not work for this person. Also, I need links for whatever i need to download to get this done.
Thanks in advance. And please don't waste my time and burn this thread up like i'm a noob, I just don't like or use Samsung devices and there are too many devices that are alike but not exactly the same and all the info here is not very clear for this particular variant and i've read over 100 pages worth of posts here on the boards already to no avail

stayboogy said:
(ST sim, stock 4.1.2 rom, 968c variant)
a family member bought a used SCH-968c that was originally on Verizon without a sim card (i think, not sure about the sim but it was definitely originally on Verizon network). family member put their Straight Talk sim into the phone and everything works, 3G mobile data, SMS, and calling, but MMS will not work at all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar issue with Net10 (a Sister Company of Straight Talk under TracFone) and i was going nuts!
What i had figured out was not to call them but, start a chat session on my PC with the support team.
For some reason, the support team in the chat session always knew what to do and the phone support individuals never really knew what to do and took forever with an array of crap that never worked.
In the chat session, i had told them the issue (be sure to always be polite as they will go the extra mile) and asked if they can do a Network Refresh or something to get it going. The chat support places me on a brief hold and usually asks me to restart the device. I do and WHAM! it's taken care of and all is well with a Thank you to them and done.
A network refresh is something that they perform (using your devices IMEI and SIM number) via some type of submission to the carriers system and towers that seems to resolve the issue.
I can't state that this is a guaranteed fix but, this is what I found to work for me.
I wish you the best of luck!
"Live Long and Prosper..."
~Ambassador S'chn T'gai Spock
Sent via Communicator [D2VZW] from the Bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise

stayboogy said:
(ST sim, stock 4.1.2 rom, 968c variant)
a family member bought a used SCH-968c that was originally on Verizon without a sim card (i think, not sure about the sim but it was definitely originally on Verizon network). family member put their Straight Talk sim into the phone and everything works, 3G mobile data, SMS, and calling, but MMS will not work at all.
i know how to fix this issue because it is simple apn setting, i build roms for all my devices, and actively help root obscure ST devices, i'm not a noob by any means... but, there is no apn settings to be found in the settings app. as a matter of fact all that can be changed under mobile networks is turning mobile data on or off, there are no other settings at all available. 4.1.2 stock rom.
I want to fix this for my family member but I'm at a loss. I have read that I should root with Cydia Impactor and add two lines to the build.prop--but everyone who has said this has been using the other S3 that is not 968c. I've also seen that I should root and then download an apn manager and make it a system app and then it will work.
Someone give me clear, succinct instructions to how I can enable the apn settings dialog in settings without installing another rom because that will not work for this person. Also, I need links for whatever i need to download to get this done.
Thanks in advance. And please don't waste my time and burn this thread up like i'm a noob, I just don't like or use Samsung devices and there are too many devices that are alike but not exactly the same and all the info here is not very clear for this particular variant and i've read over 100 pages worth of posts here on the boards already to no avail
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I can help you get this straight I believe. I'm one of the guys that figured out the whole SIM/APN mess when it comes to this device a while back.
First, I need to know which baseband you have, it should end in H1 or H2.
There are no APN settings in stock on S968C.
What network are you trying to use it on? If you're using it on Straight Talk then you shouldn't need a SIM at all unless you use a custom ROM.
I think the issue is from the device being put on Verizon and then coming back to Straight Talk. It's a Straight Talk device, it "should" work on Straight Talk with no modification needed.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk

Droidriven said:
I can help you get this straight I believe. I'm one of the guys that figured out the whole SIM/APN mess when it comes to this device a while back.
First, I need to know which baseband you have, it should end in H1 or H2.
There are no APN settings in stock on S968C.
What network are you trying to use it on? If you're using it on Straight Talk then you shouldn't need a SIM at all unless you use a custom ROM.
I think the issue is from the device being put on Verizon and then coming back to Straight Talk. It's a Straight Talk device, it "should" work on Straight Talk with no modification needed.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
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I have the device rooted and have custom recovery installed. I've already tried the adding two lines to build.prop like for the galaxy note and it causes bootloop. reverted that and then tried APN manager and it allowed me to input APN settings but they don't actually work and APN manager crashes as soon as a picture message is attempted.
it is baseband h1, 4.1.2 android.
i have since found out that it was originally purchased from straight talk for use on Verizon network through ST. My family member bought it used from a friend who said it was Verizon, when in fact it is ST phone without a sim. family member put her sim in the phone and now it has her number and everything works except MMS. MMS will not send but all other data connections and calls and SMS work.
removing the sim there's no data connection but calls can be made only.

stayboogy said:
I have the device rooted and have custom recovery installed. I've already tried the adding two lines to build.prop like for the galaxy note and it causes bootloop. reverted that and then tried APN manager and it allowed me to input APN settings but they don't actually work and APN manager crashes as soon as a picture message is attempted.
it is baseband h1, 4.1.2 android.
i have since found out that it was originally purchased from straight talk for use on Verizon network through ST. My family member bought it used from a friend who said it was Verizon, when in fact it is ST phone without a sim. family member put her sim in the phone and now it has her number and everything works except MMS. MMS will not send but all other data connections and calls and SMS work.
removing the sim there's no data connection but calls can be made only.
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I don't know where you're getting this stuff about the build.prop or note 2 from, I've been all over everything about this device for 3 years and never saw anything about that. I think you're confusing information about the Verizon S3 SCH-I535 (which the S968C actually is but "isnt").
Did she try activating it normally without the SIM? All she has to do is go to the Straight Talk website or call support to activate it on Straight Talk normally, they should do everything from their end and should only need her account information, the number she wants to keep and her MEID/IMEI number.
I'm not exactly understanding why you're using a SIM in the first place. It isn't needed and isn't how the S968C is activated on the Straight Talk network. It's a 3G device, the only devices that would require a SIM on the Straight Talk network are it's own 4G/LTE devices and devices from other networks using the BYOP CDMA or GSM kit.
But regardless, she can flash any of the d2vzw custom ROMs and use my guide linked below for getting it setup so that mobile data and MMS work correctly.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...de-to-flashsetup-sim-apn-cm-cm-based-t3351290
That thread has everything that should you need to know about this model and flashing it.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk

number one it's not my phone,
and number two I use straight talk exclusively and out of like 10 devices in the last 7 years none have been on Verizon networks so I have no idea how to advise my family member
and three I have no control what they do with their device before they asked me for help

stayboogy said:
number one it's not my phone,
and number two I use straight talk exclusively and out of like 10 devices in the last 7 years none have been on Verizon networks so I have no idea how to advise my family member
and three I have no control what they do with their device before they asked me for help
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I'm trying to help, I'm just saying that somewhere somebody went the wrong way. My guide I linked above should get her straight if she use a d2vzw custom ROM, if there are any APNs stored on her SIM she'll be able to access them.
My suggestion is call Straight Talk and have them activate like it's supposed be done instead of using the SIM, it's a stock 3g device, it wasn't designed to need a SIM for the Straight Talk network. She should be able to get them to straighten it out in 15 minutes or so.
All of my Straight Talk devices for the last 5 years have used Verizon towers.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk

i realize you are trying to help but i've explained everything three times now and you have yet to offer a solution, only "it should've been done this way" when that is no longer relevant because it has been done the way it has by someone who isn't me and wasn't me to begin with.
can you offer a solution instead of "someone messed up somewhere" because that has been firmly established at this point...

stayboogy said:
i realize you are trying to help but i've explained everything three times now and you have yet to offer a solution, only "it should've been done this way" when that is no longer relevant because it has been done the way it has by someone who isn't me and wasn't me to begin with.
can you offer a solution instead of "someone messed up somewhere" because that has been firmly established at this point...
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I've told you twice, call Straight Talk and they will do it from their end like it was supposed to be done in the first place. All of my posts so far have been to tell you that you're going about it all wrong.
And I DID provide a solution, it was to flash a custom d2vzw ROM, any one of them you want, then use the SIM and the guide I created for this model to get the SIM and APNs set up correctly, it's all in the guide. You're so focused on getting it right the way you've been doing it that you aren't paying attention to anything that doesn't get you further in that direction. I'm sorry but I won't do that when I know it's the wrong direction. I gave you the right direction, it's your choice whether you take it or not.
One of you thinks they know something and doesn't want to listen to someone that actually does know this device practically inside and out, if you search, you'll see a plethora of information all over Google that I've provided about this specific device and how to do everything from rooting to flashing custom recovery and ROMs to unbricking and restoring to stock.
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never mind I got it. I had remove sim car and do a factory reset. now it's good. glad to know it was that easy. apparently my family member putting their sim card in the phone messed up the activation process

stayboogy said:
never mind I got it. I had remove sim car and do a factory reset. now it's good. glad to know it was that easy. apparently my family member putting their sim card in the phone messed up the activation process
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So it's activated with SIM? Or without? I'm curious if it works that way or not, kind of a backwards way doing it with a SIM on this device instead of normal activation.
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Droidriven said:
I can help you get this straight I believe. I'm one of the guys that figured out the whole SIM/APN mess when it comes to this device a while back.
First, I need to know which baseband you have, it should end in H1 or H2.
There are no APN settings in stock on S968C.
What network are you trying to use it on? If you're using it on Straight Talk then you shouldn't need a SIM at all unless you use a custom ROM.
I think the issue is from the device being put on Verizon and then coming back to Straight Talk. It's a Straight Talk device, it "should" work on Straight Talk with no modification needed.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Droidriven said:
So it's activated with SIM? Or without? I'm curious if it works that way or not, kind of a backwards way doing it with a SIM on this device instead of normal activation.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
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no. I removed sim card. then I did a factory reset. now it works like it's supposed to without sim card on Verizon towers.
my family member originally put her sim in the device not knowing the difference between a GSM and CDMA device, and then she activated the phone like byop on ST website. that was the problem. ST should have informed my family member when she entered imei of the device in the online activation process that a sim was unneccesary and all this could've been avoided.

stayboogy said:
no. I removed sim card. then I did a factory reset. now it works like it's supposed to without sim card on Verizon towers.
my family member originally put her sim in the device not knowing the difference between a GSM and CDMA device, and then she activated the phone like byop on ST website. that was the problem. ST should have informed my family member when she entered imei of the device in the online activation process that a sim was unneccesary and all this could've been avoided.
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I thought so, just making sure. Glad you got it straight.
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