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if i buy a samsung galaxy s which is locked to sprint or tmobile, can i unlock it and use with at&t? can at&t network recognize it as a smart phone? because i'm currently using samsung focus. Once i plug at&t sim card into it. It was automatically detected from at&t system and it also automatically add the the data plan to my plan which is trouble for me. Because i don't wanna pay for the data plan which i don't use much. Any idea?
Yes you can unlock it and use it with AT&T if you buy T-Mobile's GS4G. I'm not sure if AT&T's network would automatically discover what phone you have. When I switched to my Treo 650 a long time ago AT&T had no idea I had a smartphone. After the Treo 650 I upgraded to the G1 and they still thought I was using my old non-smartphone.
I doubt their system could detect the type of phone you have.
Hello, if you searched you would have found the two threads below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980157
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1028588
please search and read before starting a new thread. Thanks
thanks but will it be detected by at&t system
xuanphucn said:
thanks but will it be detected by at&t system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spoke to my friend at T-mo, he said yes. is there a reason why you dont want to be detected? its not like AT&T will charge you more for using an unlocked phone. the only issue is network speeds.
xuanphucn said:
thanks but will it be detected by at&t system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked a SGS4G and a vibrant for some friends, they use them on AT&T. Yep I imagine they can see the phone, but like fknfocused said you're only going to pay the cost of a plan if you don't already have one.
If you're trying to avoid paying those costs, it's not really possible.
However, my friend with the vibrant didn't have a data plan or smartphone prior to using it on AT&T. It got 3G speeds, doesn't mean at some point they don't look at it and go "hey wait" you need a data plan. Just saying it worked.
xuanphucn said:
if i buy a samsung galaxy s which is locked to sprint or tmobile, can i unlock it and use with at&t? can at&t network recognize it as a smart phone? because i'm currently using samsung focus. Once i plug at&t sim card into it. It was automatically detected from at&t system and it also automatically add the the data plan to my plan which is trouble for me. Because i don't wanna pay for the data plan which i don't use much. Any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T won't automatically detect it. Tell AT&T Customer Support your old device information and chances are that you'll be good (no dataplan). I unlocked the Galaxy S 4G/added it to AT&T and I didn't have the device automatically added- I had to call so that they could set it up. They still had me down as an old Razr (the phone i was temporarily using).
i used to have a samsung focus. as soon as i insert the sim card to it. it will trigger adding a data plan to my account. I hate to pay for that because i don't use it much
Don't see a forum for Samsung s4 google edition so I am posting here.
Anyone else having an issue when trying to activate this phone on ATT? They act like they never heard of it, give all these lame "well we cannot gaurantee it will work since it's unlocked" and then telling me their system will not allow them to put a LTE plan on it..
wtf?
puma1 said:
Don't see a forum for Samsung s4 google edition so I am posting here.
Anyone else having an issue when trying to activate this phone on ATT? They act like they never heard of it, give all these lame "well we cannot gaurantee it will work since it's unlocked" and then telling me their system will not allow them to put a LTE plan on it..
wtf?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noticed a couple threads similar over the various s4 sections.
I'm in Canada but know that my device is not required by my provider it enable data. I change devices about every 8 months and can just swap out the SIM and I'm good to go.
If AT&T has issues with the Google edition s4 couldn't you just say that it's a normal s4 bought of eBay or Craig's list to have an lte data plan enabled?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium
mymusicathome said:
Noticed a couple threads similar over the various s4 sections.
I'm in Canada but know that my device is not required by my provider it enable data. I change devices about every 8 months and can just swap out the SIM and I'm good to go.
If AT&T has issues with the Google edition s4 couldn't you just say that it's a normal s4 bought of eBay or Craig's list to have an lte data plan enabled?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No because in the IMEI comes up as unlocked device in their system and they pretty much are trying to get you off the phone at that point. Tried 3 diffrent reps and asked to be connected to next tier tech support.
Another update.. I gave them an IMEI from a note 2 i have.. LTE plan went on fine.. but the phone doesn't get anything more than hspa+.. 4mb down. THis is BS.. if they cannot connect the phone or I have to jump through hoops like I had to with the NExus 4 (which i had to call in like every month to have something reset) I am going to just send it back Not worth the headache.
puma1 said:
No because in the IMEI comes up as unlocked device in their system and they pretty much are trying to get you off the phone at that point. Tried 3 diffrent reps and asked to be connected to next tier tech support.
Another update.. I gave them an IMEI from a note 2 i have.. LTE plan went on fine.. but the phone doesn't get anything more than hspa+.. 4mb down. THis is BS.. if they cannot connect the phone or I have to jump through hoops like I had to with the NExus 4 (which i had to call in like every month to have something reset) I am going to just send it back Not worth the headache.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might want to give it a little bit. Or go for a walk/drive. Sometimes it can take time to lock on to the correct tower
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium
mymusicathome said:
Might want to give it a little bit. Or go for a walk/drive. Sometimes it can take time to lock on to the correct tower
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubt it.. got escalated up to manager,.. basically you will not get lte on these devices. Only on att branded phones. That is the message I am being told directly. This is total BS I f'n hate ATT. Whoever is buying this for ATT beware.. your going to have a bad time. I am sending this right back as it's just as crippled as the nexus 4 with this carrier.
I bought a I9505 and had same issue (no LTE).
I have 3 lines with AT&T and I could watch the AT&T website update as I used different SIMs in the I S4, the Vivid and a Nexus 7 (3G).
I was lucky that I bought the i S4 from Amazon so no problem with refund.
I suspect if you had a never used SIM and a S4 IMEI you could get LTE.
One line was ready for an upgrade.
I got the AT&T S4 and used an 'old' SIM and connected to LTE with no problem.
As soon as I bought the AT&T S4 an email was sent and it provided a process for on line registration of the S4.
I've never seen that before and didn't do it.
I got my GE on AT&T today. My notification bar says LTE. I ran some speed tests and got about 10 mbps down but I am at work in a poor reception area. When I get home I'll try it but I better get at least 40 mpbs down or this is being returned
sheriffa said:
I got my GE on AT&T today. My notification bar says LTE. I ran some speed tests and got about 10 mbps down but I am at work in a poor reception area. When I get home I'll try it but I better get at least 40 mpbs down or this is being returned
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sheriffa, how did you activate it when yuo got it?
I ended up giving them an imei from a note 2 and they said they were able to put an LTE plan on.. yet the signal bar shows H.
puma1 said:
Sheriffa, how did you activate it when yuo got it?
I ended up giving them an imei from a note 2 and they said they were able to put an LTE plan on.. yet the signal bar shows H.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have to activate it. I simply plugged in my sim card and it worked.
I am coming from an AT&T S3
sheriffa said:
I didn't have to activate it. I simply plugged in my sim card and it worked.
I am coming from an AT&T S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to just return this I think if I try elsewhere later and stil get slow speeds. Just was shocked multiple people saying they do not support it. I even contacted google and let them know. Doubt they care.
Just get a imei number from a att phone and give it to them, it'll work. I had to do this with my galaxy nexus to get full hspa+
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
What should we be getting for DL/UL speeds?
Why would you call to activate it? Just pop in your Sim card and your good to go. I never had an issue doing this and I get lots of different phones unlocked and from different countries some times.
But I agree why is there no forums for this phone? Does motochopper root method work on this phone and I assume we can use T-Mobile version recoveries and Roms fine on this phone? Does anybody know? Sorry to get off topic.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
If you already have a LTE SIM on ATT from another phone just pop it into the GE and it will work just fine. If you do not you will have to go through the process the OP is taking about as the IMEI is not loaded as a LTE device and they will need to put one in for you to activate the LTE.
Saves a lot of time and headaches to already have an LTE SIM for ATT.
planoman said:
If you already have a LTE SIM on ATT from another phone just pop it into the GE and it will work just fine. If you do not you will have to go through the process the OP is taking about as the IMEI is not loaded as a LTE device and they will need to put one in for you to activate the LTE.
Saves a lot of time and headaches to already have an LTE SIM for ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can someone tell if the have an lte sim?
planoman said:
If you already have a LTE SIM on ATT from another phone just pop it into the GE and it will work just fine. If you do not you will have to go through the process the OP is taking about as the IMEI is not loaded as a LTE device and they will need to put one in for you to activate the LTE.
Saves a lot of time and headaches to already have an LTE SIM for ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just FYI if you do this and have tethering/hotspot in your plan then you will need to call AT&T so they can add the new IMEI. THey will also delete the old one on file, so if you're into swapping SIMs (I like to go between the iPhone 5 and S4, although in the past few weeks it's been all S4), then you won't be able to turn on hotspot/tethering without arranging a workaround or calling AT&T every time.
puma1 said:
I am going to just return this I think if I try elsewhere later and stil get slow speeds. Just was shocked multiple people saying they do not support it. I even contacted google and let them know. Doubt they care.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check to see if you have the right APNs.
I saw over in the HTC ONE forum that the GE came with a weird APN.
PTA or ATT PHONE
Take it to ATT store. They are pretty good compared to technical support over the phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
sheriffa said:
How can someone tell if the have an lte sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess is more accurate to say was previously on ATT LTE with a phone. Every should know if they have been on ATT LTE already. If not you have to spend some time on the phone with ATT.
just do it and swap the sim card in. i have never had a problem with service or data when getting a new device and putting the AT&T sim in it. went from S3 to S4 that way, also S3 to Sony Xperia Z, Xperia Z to S4, S4 to S3, etc.
Im just curious if it has the same MMS and tethering issues the lumia 920 did with telus/koodo
I have one but don't use Telus...use Bell
shollywood said:
I have one but don't use Telus...use Bell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and the data works?
ABSOLUTELY!! You have to manually add the APN but get LTE on phone no problem.
QUOTE=slight22;44417125]and the data works?[/QUOTE]
Access Point?
shollywood said:
ABSOLUTELY!! You have to manually add the APN but get LTE on phone no problem.
QUOTE=slight22;44417125]and the data works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[/QUOTE]
Did you need to use Access Point to get tethering working?
Also, where did you get the phone?
Did you need to use Access Point to get tethering working?
Also, where did you get the phone?[/QUOTE]
You just turn on internet sharing to tether. Got phone at Microsoft Store (kiosk).
shollywood said:
Did you need to use Access Point to get tethering working?
Also, where did you get the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just turn on internet sharing to tether. Got phone at Microsoft Store (kiosk).[/QUOTE]
Incredible! What did it take to get it unlocked as a Canadian?
tomcahill said:
You just turn on internet sharing to tether. Got phone at Microsoft Store (kiosk).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incredible! What did it take to get it unlocked as a Canadian?[/QUOTE]
a phone call to AT&T and about 6 minutes of my time.
shollywood said:
Incredible! What did it take to get it unlocked as a Canadian?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a phone call to AT&T and about 6 minutes of my time.[/QUOTE]
Do/did you have an AT&T account already? I'm going to be in the US next week and I would like to buy one from a MS store, call AT&T and get it unlocked, but I have heard you need to be an existing AT&T customer and I am not.
tomcahill said:
a phone call to AT&T and about 6 minutes of my time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do/did you have an AT&T account already? I'm going to be in the US next week and I would like to buy one from a MS store, call AT&T and get it unlocked, but I have heard you need to be an existing AT&T customer and I am not.[/QUOTE]
no never had AT&T account. Don't believe what you've heard.
iadlhh tically
shollywood said:
Do/did you have an AT&T account already? I'm going to be in the US next week and I would like to buy one from a MS store, call AT&T and get it unlocked, but I have heard you need to be an existing AT&T customer and I am not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no never had AT&T account. Don't believe what you've heard.[/QUOTE]
Thanks--do you think tethering would work on a rogers account with this phone? I am currently in the US ( ) but coming back to Canada next year and should still be using the phone if i buy it...just want to make sure that the phone will work 100% up there and that ATT didn't block some real features. Also travelling to UK next month and was going to buy version there, but super expensive. Thanks!
So easy!!
whatup12 said:
no never had AT&T account. Don't believe what you've heard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks--do you think tethering would work on a rogers account with this phone? I am currently in the US ( ) but coming back to Canada next year and should still be using the phone if i buy it...just want to make sure that the phone will work 100% up there and that ATT didn't block some real features. Also travelling to UK next month and was going to buy version there, but super expensive. Thanks![/QUOTE]
I bought mine last week at a Microsoft store. Called AT&T and just as previously reported, got it unlocked with no issues. They took about 5 minutes to verify it wasn't stolen and then provided me with the code.
Now I am back in Canada, running on the Bell network, the phone works 100%. MMS, Internet Sharing, Data, etc.... It automatically selected Bell in access point when I put my Bell sim card in. (I use straight talk when in the US).
Very happy with the phone!
tomcahill said:
Thanks--do you think tethering would work on a rogers account with this phone? I am currently in the US ( ) but coming back to Canada next year and should still be using the phone if i buy it...just want to make sure that the phone will work 100% up there and that ATT didn't block some real features. Also travelling to UK next month and was going to buy version there, but super expensive. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine last week at a Microsoft store. Called AT&T and just as previously reported, got it unlocked with no issues. They took about 5 minutes to verify it wasn't stolen and then provided me with the code.
Now I am back in Canada, running on the Bell network, the phone works 100%. MMS, Internet Sharing, Data, etc.... It automatically selected Bell in access point when I put my Bell sim card in. (I use straight talk when in the US).
Very happy with the phone![/QUOTE]
Good to hear it all went well. One piece of advice, be very careful when swapping SIM cards. Mine is in for repairs already as the SIM slot seems a little flimsy and it stopped reading ANY SIM card altogether!
shollywood said:
I bought mine last week at a Microsoft store. Called AT&T and just as previously reported, got it unlocked with no issues. They took about 5 minutes to verify it wasn't stolen and then provided me with the code.
Now I am back in Canada, running on the Bell network, the phone works 100%. MMS, Internet Sharing, Data, etc.... It automatically selected Bell in access point when I put my Bell sim card in. (I use straight talk when in the US).
Very happy with the phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear it all went well. One piece of advice, be very careful when swapping SIM cards. Mine is in for repairs already as the SIM slot seems a little flimsy and it stopped reading ANY SIM card altogether![/QUOTE]
Do you guys know anything about using this device with Fido?
IF YOU HAVE ACCESS TO LTE ON AN AT&T PHONE, YOU DONT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING!!!!!!!!
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A SIM CARD THAT WILL FIT IN THE N5, YOUR SIM IS LTE CAPABLE AND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GET THE RIGHT DATA PROVISION. YOU DO NOT NEED TO GET A NEW SIM!!!!!!!
This happened when the N4 came out and I came to the rescue far too many times to count...and I've already started to read threads about it so here we go!
You just bought an N5 and are either worried about getting LTE or can't get LTE connectivity on your N5. It's a really big issue with a really simple solution. You need to make sure of a few things.
1. You have a SIM that can receive LTE frequency
2. Your data plan is a LTE provisioned plan
3. Your APNs include an LTE ANP
1 & 2 can be solved at the same time and 3 should solve itself in most cases.
Here's the big issue: AT&T doesn't have a data provision for the N5 (or the N4). Your customer service rep will take the IMEI number from your phone when you ask for a new SIM and it will come back with their basic GSM plan by default. This caused awful data speeds on the N4 and will disallow LTE on the N5 so you need to inform them that this will happen before they go through the process. A nice rep will understand. An unknowledgeable rep will claim there is nothing they can do. Ask to speak to the manager. If none of them can help, take your new LTE capable SIM and walk away.
Now after you leave the store call up customer service and tell them you just got a new *insert LTE capable AT&T device here* and you can't find the IMEI number. Tell them you tried to go into the store and they were unhelpful so you're calling. The person will immediately become helpful and generate an IMEI number. They will provision your data using said serial number and you'll be good to go.
BEFORE inserting your SIM, start up your N5. Go through the setup process that you have to go through and then turn it back off. Plug in your SIM and reboot.
Go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > more > Mobile Networks > Access point Names. In there you should see an AT&T LTE APN and it should be already selected. If not, select it. This should be all you need to do. It really is that simple.
NOTES:
- All SIMs that fit in the N4 and N5 are LTE capable
- Here is what your AT&T APN should look like
- If you have any issues, post and I'll do my best to help
As always, Thanks are appreciated.
So even if the rep in store "can't help" I'll still walk out with the SIM card I need? Also, If I don't have my N5/IMEI in hand when I go in can I still setup a plan and get a SIM card? Thanks for the post!
EDIT: Going in with no phone I don't know rather to tell them I have a N5 coming or try to find a friends that will give me their IMEI that I can give them...
You'll get a SIM card no matter what because those are free...it just won't be provisioned properly unless you get a knowledgeable rep.
Having an IMEI in hand makes life easier; having your N5 will make it way easier. The SIM needs to be activated in the store and they will need an IMEI to activate. Just wait till you get your N5 to go through all this. It won't do anything to help you until you get it.
The IMEI will be on the SIM tray!
spitefulcheerio said:
You'll get a SIM card no matter what because those are free...it just won't be provisioned properly unless you get a knowledgeable rep.
Having an IMEI in hand makes life easier; having your N5 will make it way easier. The SIM needs to be activated in the store and they will need an IMEI to activate. Just wait till you get your N5 to go through all this. It won't do anything to help you until you get it.
The IMEI will be on the SIM tray!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I will wait until Wednesday to go in then...one last thing, if it gets to the point I have to call ATT, when I say I can't find the IMEI won't they just tell me to flip the phone over or look in the settings, etc.. instead of generating one?
No.
They will ask you if there is a barcode / serial thing on the back of your device. You say no. Boom, done.
edit: don't forget to hit the thanks button!
So just going in and asking to exchange your sim for a micro sim isn't enough?
I have a note 3 right now with 4g. I was going to use the same Sim card in the note and put in the N5. Should it work out of the box or do I still have to take it in the store? How will I know that I have a an imei card?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
GldRush98 said:
So just going in and asking to exchange your sim for a micro sim isn't enough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. The SIM must be activated and an IMEI is required to activate.
marcusva79 said:
I have a note 3 right now with 4g. I was going to use the same Sim card in the note and put in the N5. Should it work out of the box or do I still have to take it in the store? How will I know that I have a an imei card?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll make this even easier!
Do you have a SIM that will fit in the N5? If not, follow my steps. If so, skip ahead to calling AT&T customer support because ALL MICRO SIMS ARE LTE CAPABLE.
What do you mean by an IMEI card? All phones come with an IMEI.
great. AT&T why are you so terrible.
Im sim is in the note 3 rught now. Sending it back to att. Getting the n5 tomorrow. New to the Sim card thing. Coming from sprint. Just had to ask.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Hey guys I'm going to switching to straight talk att am I ordered the lte micro sim from them and plan to activate tomorrow should I expect to jump through hoops to get lte or expect the same issues as att users...not sure this is my first try at prepaid
same things will happen. You'll need to get an LTE data provision but will be unable to using your N5 IMEI
marcusva79 said:
I have a note 3 right now with 4g. I was going to use the same Sim card in the note and put in the N5. Should it work out of the box or do I still have to take it in the store? How will I know that I have a an imei card?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have 4g on your note 3 it means you already have a LTE data plan. All you need to do is take the sim out of your note 3 and pop it into your n5, no need to call anyone or make an unnecessary trip to the store.
4g =/= LTE in AT&Ts case. 4g can mean HSPA+ 4g!
If you have access to LTE currently YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING.
spitefulcheerio said:
Now after you leave the store call up customer service and tell them you just got a new *insert LTE capable AT&T device here* and you can't find the IMEI number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a device and you can't find the IMEI, just go to the settings and about device to view it.. Wouldn't they ask you to do that?
Look, I know you want to dumb down stuff and give advise but some of it is just incorrect, not dumbed down.
Dial *#06# on any Android smartphone and it'll display the IMEI.
spitefulcheerio said:
Here's the big issue: AT&T doesn't have a data provision for the N5 (or the N4). Your customer service rep will take the IMEI number from your phone when you ask for a new SIM and it will come back with their basic GSM plan by default. This caused awful data speeds on the N4 and will disallow LTE on the N5 so you need to inform them that this will happen before they go through the process. A nice rep will understand. An unknowledgeable rep will claim there is nothing they can do. Ask to speak to the manager. If none of them can help, take your new LTE capable SIM and walk away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible that the reps @ the AT&T Stores in different areas aren't properly keying the IMEI in properly. If at all possible have them SCAN the IMEI barcode on the back of the phone.
I went down to the AT&T store here locally (Bay Area, CA) and the only problem I had in the process was a 30 minute wait to see one of the reps.
I was previously on an unlimited data plan that I've had setup since I got my original iPhone 3G - 5 years ago. NOT an LTE plan by any stretch.
He went in the back and grabbed the sim and started the process of adding it to the account.
He scanned the sim and then scanned my phone -- It CORRECTLY recognized the device as a D820 **AND** automatically updated my data plan to the LTE Unlimited.
The only thing the rep had to do was press confirm a number of times. Not once did he have to manually adjust anything.
We waited about 5 minutes for the sim to activate, slipped it into my N5 and powered it up - Instant LTE service.
So AT&T *does* have the IMEI Registered for the N5 with a corresponding LTE Plan. If someone is trying to key it in and getting an error.. they're likely not typing something correctly.
I'm already using a note 3 on at&t with LTE already enabled on my plan. Also,my note 3 already uses a micro-SIM. I should be good to just swap my SIM into the n5 right? I have written down the default AT&T APN just in case it gets list on the n5.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
misfit0r said:
It's possible that the reps @ the AT&T Stores in different areas aren't properly keying the IMEI in properly. If at all possible have them SCAN the IMEI barcode on the back of the phone.
I went down to the AT&T store here locally (Bay Area, CA) and the only problem I had in the process was a 30 minute wait to see one of the reps.
I was previously on an unlimited data plan that I've had setup since I got my original iPhone 3G - 5 years ago. NOT an LTE plan by any stretch.
He went in the back and grabbed the sim and started the process of adding it to the account.
He scanned the sim and then scanned my phone -- It CORRECTLY recognized the device as a D820 **AND** automatically updated my data plan to the LTE Unlimited.
The only thing the rep had to do was press confirm a number of times. Not once did he have to manually adjust anything.
We waited about 5 minutes for the sim to activate, slipped it into my N5 and powered it up - Instant LTE service.
So AT&T *does* have the IMEI Registered for the N5 with a corresponding LTE Plan. If someone is trying to key it in and getting an error.. they're likely not typing something correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is good to know, I am going to do this today as my nexus 5 should be arriving sometime today. So have the rep scan and should be good to go, at least I have a game plan if I run into some problems.
Thanks
Great thread. Could you please take a look at my issue with LTE being slower than 3G here? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513844
I've tried adding a new APN but the phone keeps deleting it!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
This tutorial is for you who bought a carrier S8(+) and is using a SIM from another carrier and, because of that, not being able to update your system through your phones.
Error: "Service Unavailable: Sorry, we are having trouble authenticating your device. Try again later"
So, that's actually pretty easy to do, but a PC (or Mac) will be necessary.
The only thing you have to do is to download Smart Switch from Samsung on your PC and sync it with your device.
After you've done that, Smart Switch is gonna show the option to update your system.
PS: Beware it takes a while to download the update, at least if your S8(+) is from VZW.
Download links (Samsung.com):
PC: Click here
Mac: Click here
Hope I could help those who were having this problem!
I am using vzw GS8 on att and I get OTA just fine. I don't understand why this is a concern
Whanksta said:
I am using vzw GS8 on att and I get OTA just fine. I don't understand why this is a concern
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many people are getting this error.
Alvincp said:
Many people are getting this error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, same error I was getting. Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for the post, I was having the same issue. I wonder though, if it's possible to configure an S8 to get OTA updates despite this issue. This is probably a question for Verizon support, huh?
Thanks for the post, I was having the same issue. I wonder though, if it's possible to configure an S8 to get OTA updates despite this issue. This is probably a question for Verizon support, huh?
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I'm guessing you have to flash the firmware to a different carrier however according to the other thread it's not possible yet: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72031437&postcount=75
I brought Verizon version on Ebay but I'm using it on Cricket network. I get the OTA error and I'm currently trying to update via Smart Switch.
Whanksta said:
I am using vzw GS8 on att and I get OTA just fine. I don't understand why this is a concern
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You're using a vzw version on att? Any idea if that would work the other way around? Like a gsm version on cdma?
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
steven1193 said:
You're using a vzw version on att? Any idea if that would work the other way around? Like a gsm version on cdma?
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No, Verizon phones are carrier unlocked out of the box.
Whanksta said:
No, Verizon phones are carrier unlocked out of the box.
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Even if its unlocked? I'm trying to use an tmobile one on verizon. Sorry if the answer is still the same and I'm wasting your time.
Benzillah said:
Thanks for the post, I was having the same issue. I wonder though, if it's possible to configure an S8 to get OTA updates despite this issue. This is probably a question for Verizon support, huh?
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The reason people are seeing the error is because the phone is not activated through Verizon , so it is not in their server if you call it. another easy way to get OTA updates is to borrow a verizon sim from a friend, or even start a simple cheapest prepay plan. activate the phone with the sim, then everything will be ok, unless you wipe the phone. Friend of mine ,and myself tried on both his s8 and my s8+ , no problem at all.
we both are on ATT.
Alvincp said:
This tutorial is for you who bought a carrier S8(+) and is using a SIM from another carrier and, because of that, not being able to update your system through your phones.
Error: "Service Unavailable: Sorry, we are having trouble authenticating your device. Try again later"
So, that's actually pretty easy to do, but a PC (or Mac) will be necessary.
The only thing you have to do is to download Smart Switch from Samsung on your PC and sync it with your device.
After you've done that, Smart Switch is gonna show the option to update your system.
PS: Beware it takes a while to download the update, at least if your S8(+) is from VZW.
Download links (Samsung.com):
PC: Click here
Mac: Click here
Hope I could help those who were having this problem!
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Will this change the model number so I can download different ROMs, after I get it unlocked? For example if I want a ROM that's popular for the verizon model, but I'm using the Tmo model? I think Tmo makes you wait a month after activating a device on their network before you're allowed to unlock it.
babyzone2 said:
The reason people are seeing the error is because the phone is not activated through Verizon , so it is not in their server if you call it. another easy way to get OTA updates is to borrow a verizon sim from a friend, or even start a simple cheapest prepay plan. activate the phone with the sim, then everything will be ok, unless you wipe the phone. Friend of mine ,and myself tried on both his s8 and my s8+ , no problem at all.
we both are on ATT.
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Just to make sure I get this straight once the phone is activated with a Verizon SIM card you can take the Verizon SIM card out, put back ATT sim card, and the phone will still get OTA updates even with the ATT SIM card inside?
hoxbox said:
Just to make sure I get this straight once the phone is activated with a Verizon SIM card you can take the Verizon SIM card out, put back ATT sim card, and the phone will still get OTA updates even with the ATT SIM card inside?
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Yes, that's it. In fact I tried with the Verizon Sim, no Sim, att Sim. All work fine. I have a friend also has a galaxy s8, borrowed a Verizon Sim, activated , removed Sim, att Sim work like a charm with OTA. There are two draw back for using the Verizon phone with Sim from other carriers. No OTA updates unless phone is activated through Verizon, especially for those use the phone over sea. 2nd, no full LTE performance due to lack of band used by your own carrier. For example, band 17 from AT&T, the Verizon phone doesn't have that . Your LTE works, but you likely have lower performance on LTE depends on your location. Verizon phone are unlocked and compatible with other GSM carriers , but not fully optimized.
info
steven1193 said:
Even if its unlocked? I'm trying to use an tmobile one on verizon. Sorry if the answer is still the same and I'm wasting your time.
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If your tmobile version is unlocked it will work on Verizon
babyzone2 said:
Yes, that's it. In fact I tried with the Verizon Sim, no Sim, att Sim. All work fine. I have a friend also has a galaxy s8, borrowed a Verizon Sim, activated , removed Sim, att Sim work like a charm with OTA. There are two draw back for using the Verizon phone with Sim from other carriers. No OTA updates unless phone is activated through Verizon, especially for those use the phone over sea. 2nd, no full LTE performance due to lack of band used by your own carrier. For example, band 17 from AT&T, the Verizon phone doesn't have that . Your LTE works, but you likely have lower performance on LTE depends on your location. Verizon phone are unlocked and compatible with other GSM carriers , but not fully optimized.
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Thanks for the info. This should work even with prepaid. I'm thinking about getting: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Verizon-BYOD-4FF-SIM-Card-Kit/40716598 and then activate it. I just hope Verizon doesn't deactivate your phone once the prepaid time is up lol.
hoxbox said:
Thanks for the info. This should work even with prepaid. I'm thinking about getting: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Verizon-BYOD-4FF-SIM-Card-Kit/40716598 and then activate it. I just hope Verizon doesn't deactivate your phone once the prepaid time is up lol.
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I think you should just borrow a sim from a friend or family , no need to spend the money and there is no impact what so ever to their service.
I was able to update an S8 by simply removing the SIM and running it with no SIM. Not sure if that'll work for other people, I had to tap 'check for updates' a few times before it went through.
A_Car said:
I was able to update an S8 by simply removing the SIM and running it with no SIM. Not sure if that'll work for other people, I had to tap 'check for updates' a few times before it went through.
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I just did this on my Galaxy S7, and it fixed the issue, and was able to download the latest system update for Android. I was using an AT&T SIM card.
I did have to restart my phone after I removed the AT&T SIM card though, just telling what I did.
Thanks for posting this man!
you all could just go here http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model?q=sm-g950t&exact=1&r=TMB&v=&rpp=100 download which firmware you want. flash in odin and enjoy new update. this will work every time without problems and it does not care who your provider is at all.