I'm sorry for possibly reposting such a question but I couldn't find the answer. Can a US based, Verizon S3 be unlocked to another carrier like T-Mobile? Thanks in advance.
I would like to know also there was 1 thread on this but it was closed.
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I believe so since there is a spot for a sim card. Verizon typically uses this spot for the LTE card, but I've heard that can be used as a SIM for other carriers. I'd wait for somebody to confirm what I've said before you consider it fact though.
Yes. You need to be rooted and do a few other things, but you can use it on both AT&T and T-Mobile with a bit of tinkering.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30364615&postcount=60
However, ther question is still up in the air as to whether the phone has hardware for WCDMA on a band other than 2100mHz. Only time will tell for that one.
Related
I realise it's a bit of a noob question but I do a fair amount of travelling and would look at getting a Skyrocket if I can unlock it and use different SIMS depending on which country I'm in at the time, I know from previous experience that some of the North American providers 'hard' lock their phones to only their networks.
I currently am carrying a i9100 SGS2 which I'm pretty happy with however I'm also looking at the GNote and perhaps any other Samsung phones that support 4G(LTE) and will let me swap SIMS.....all suggestions and comments welcome.
Yes it has a sim card slot
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I believe all GSM cell phones have SIM card slot(s). I am thinking to get the AT&T Samsung Skyrocket phone. But I am wondering about your statement/question ("if I can unlock it..." to use other carriers' (local) SIM cards while on travel outside AT&T service areas.
Has anybody succeeded to unclock it? And how?
jcc266 said:
I believe all GSM cell phones have SIM card slot(s). I am thinking to get the AT&T Samsung Skyrocket phone. But I am wondering about your statement/question ("if I can unlock it..." to use other carriers' (local) SIM cards while on travel outside AT&T service areas.
Has anybody succeeded to unclock it? And how?
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If you have been a customer with AT&T for some time they will give you an unlock code if requested.
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Global Swag said:
If you have been a customer with AT&T for some time they will give you an unlock code if requested.
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It depends on the device. If the device is new to AT&T they might not release the SIM unlock code. I have been with AT&T since they took over from L.A. Cellular and AT&T would not give me a SIM unlock code for my Infuse a month or so ago. The Customer Rep gave some BS excuses. Luckily Rooting and unlocking the SIM could be done without AT&T.
The Skyrocket is a different story, I am also interested but could not confirm that it could be SIM unlocked.
Some folks reporting some paying service could do it and some said they do not work.
I apologize ahead of time if this question is being asked in the wrong section. If so, please redirect me.
I mistakenly bought S3 L710 for Sprint even though I am currently under Verizon 2 year plan. The price on ebay was cheaper for the sprint version and I jumped on it without double checking. I have read online that the hardware is (essentially) the same and they both have 4G LTE technology. My question is whether it's possible to activate this phone on Verizon and then flash the Verizon's software.
PS: I have been reading this forum for a bit and it appears that some other people are trying to cheat with ESN/IMEI manipulation. I am not trying to do anything of the sort, all I am trying to do is activate a Sprint version phone of S3, that I paid full price for on ebay, on Verizon network.
Thanks in advance.
David
I want to know that too.I have sprint gs3 but i dont want sprint and waiting to flash it to Virgin Mobile but might flash to Verizon if i can use their 4g.
seeing as how the Sprint version does not have a SIM card slot (it's embedded), and all verizon LTE phones require an LTE SIM card, then no, you can't.
dLo GSR said:
seeing as how the Sprint version does not have a SIM card slot (it's embedded), and all verizon LTE phones require an LTE SIM card, then no, you can't.
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Oh so ever since Verizon got LTE now they got sims?So sprint is the only one that has cdma?
No, pure and simple.
If you use nefarious methods and spoof your ESN, you could get it to connect to VZW's network, but you would only have CDMA, since the LTE radios on Sprint and Verizon use completely different frequencies, and they can't be told to listen elsewhere.
Turn it back around on eBay and get (most) of your money back and put that toward the Verizon one. It's the only way it will work.
Ok so here it is in a nutshell. I spend half of the year in New Zealand and Half in the US, in new Zealand I am on a GSM network and have had good success unlocking IOS devices (AT&T) and buying a prepaid SIM card and using them there. I want to pick up a Samsung either a S2 or S3 and use it over there as I am just sooooooooo sick of IOS. with all of that being said. I have a few questions and I did a bit of looking but not sure.
I have a HTC Thunderbolt for Verizon (yes I realize it CDMA and wont work on GSM) and have rooted it and flashed a custom ROM on it so I am not unfamilliar with the process.
so first question
1. Do you have to Carrier Unlock Android OS phones like you do IOS devices Or do you just root and flash a new ROM to it?
2. Do all of the US based GSM carriers have SIM card slots? (I know the IOS devices on AT&T did.
3. If AT&T phones work over there will sprint and singular will work as well?
4. Since I will not be using 4G over there am I better off with the Galaxy S2, I was also looking at the Nexus as well any thoughts?
Guys I realize that there are probable 20 threads with the same questions or a variation and I have done some looking but with everything happening in my life at the moment I don't have a lot of time to make decisions about phones.
thanks.
I'm going to answer this as best as I can. A CDMA phone overseas isn't usually a hot idea. A gem phone will typically have a sim card in fact I haven't seen one that didn't... and still fell into the gsm umbrella. Get an unlocked device as the only way a CDMA phone overseas will benefit you is if you find a CDMA phone company in aus and flash it. But again gsm will be the easiest way to go. Its a T-Mobile phone call and say you want a sim subsidy unlock (current active and not past due tmobile customers only) can take up to 14 days for the code.all the phones you will get in USA will need a carrier unlock unless a software one is available. And I'd go with the galaxy s2 just because it has some beastly ROMs and great longevity
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jaidlion said:
I'm going to answer this as best as I can. A CDMA phone overseas isn't usually a hot idea. A gem phone will typically have a sim card in fact I haven't seen one that didn't... and still fell into the gsm umbrella. Get an unlocked device as the only way a CDMA phone overseas will benefit you is if you find a CDMA phone company in aus and flash it. But again gsm will be the easiest way to go. Its a T-Mobile phone call and say you want a sim subsidy unlock (current active and not past due tmobile customers only) can take up to 14 days for the code.all the phones you will get in USA will need a carrier unlock unless a software one is available. And I'd go with the galaxy s2 just because it has some beastly ROMs and great longevity
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ok just to be clear I won't be using CDMA overseas jsut GSM. does the Galaxy S2 have software unlocks?
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/sgs-2-sim-unlock-code-finder-frees-your-sgs-2/
Also most CDMA phones don't also come with a simcard slot. Gsm is your best bet so get your galaxy s2 with T-Mobile or att
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I have spent a few hours researching this issue and I am not sure it will work out, hoping I can get some guidance from someone more educated on the subject.
I currently travel back and forth between Kuwait and the United States on a regular basis. I really like the Samsung Galaxy SIII, so I am considering buying one at full price from Verizon. I have been using Verizon's service since 2009 and have never been late on a bill or anything. I would like to be able to buy a Samsung Galaxy SIII and unlock the SIM for use in Kuwait on a local carrier like Wataniya, Zane, Viva or any other local carrier in Kuwait as long as the phone will work. Of course 4G would be nice, but I can live without it if I am stuck using 3G while out of the states. I would prefer not to pay for a separate phone for both locations, as I do not want to use some crappy flip phone while I'm in Kuwait, but I do not want to pay for two expensive smart phones either.
The representative at the Verizon store told me I would have to go with an iPhone, but I do not like to give companies like Apple money and I certainly prefer Android over iOS.
Any help / guidance would be greatly appreciated.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
This may help you out.
Also the RAZR and RAZR maxx just became global ready with Verizon also.
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voodoomanx said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
This may help you out.
Also the RAZR and RAZR maxx just became global ready with Verizon also.
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The RAZR Maxx is the other phone I have been considering. Are you saying that I can do what I need to do with the RAZR Maxx without all the trouble this thread implies I am going to have to go through to get it working with the Samsung Galaxy SIII?
I don't suppose there is any chance that anyone on these forums has actually used a Verizon Android phone in Kuwait on a Kuwait provider before?
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
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voodoomanx said:
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
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Do you know if there are any Verizon Android phones I could just say pay cellunlocker to unlock and go?
So I did a little research on the providers available within Kuwait and this is what it looks like is available.
Wataniya
GSM: 900 and 1800 MHz
EDGE, GPRS and MMS
3G 1900/2100
Viva
We offer Dual Band radio frequencies on GSM 900/1800 MHz, and WCDMA 2100.
We also have broadband data services (HSDPA, EDGE, GPRS and MMS) service so you will be able to check emails, read news, watch content, send and receive MMS and more while you're on the move.
Zane
Dual band GSM 900/1800 handsets, but Tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 preferred
Is it likely the Samsung Galaxy SIII or RAZR Maxx will work on any of these networks? Any chance of 4G or 3G?
Again I appreciate all the responses.
Any ideas? I would like to make sure if I pay full price for a Verizon Android phone and go through the trouble to unlock it that it will definitely work.
There is a dual sim adapter and app that you can use on the s3, if you search xda you will see what im talking about. I suggest that you post in that topic and see if there is any better info.
Good luck it looks like the s3 will work but i would get as much info as possible. And the dev edition might be an option. I don't know the price difference between it and Verizon version. But it might be worth seeing if one has different specs for the area you want to use it in. Good luck
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I don't mind having to switch the SIMs out as long as the phone will work on both Verizon and one of the carriers in Kuwait.
Caldaga said:
I don't mind having to switch the SIMs out as long as the phone will work on both Verizon and one of the carriers in Kuwait.
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No need to consider the Developer version now with the bootloader unlocked. (e.g. there isn't going to be anything the developer edition allows you to do that the regular retail version will not). With regard to which bands the Verizon S3 supports, in theory the MSM8960 chipset (Snapdragon S4) supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 850/1700/1900/2199, CDMA 800/850/1900, and LTE 700/750/1700/1900. The thread linked earlier seems to offer some hope of getting it working, but such things are always going to be a little complicated.
thanx for the info guys
verizon global svc
Couple questions.
I travel overseas extensively. Mainly HK/China and EU countries.
I want to use my phone and it would be nice to not have to swap Sims as I then have to update my contact information to customers etc.
I have the unlimited plan and paid full retail for my phone.
I have rooted my phone and am running the stock debloated ROM.
Can Verizon support a modification to the phone that would allow usage on GSM networks?
Alternatively is there some sort of service available that will forward calls from my VZW phone number to a PPsim card?
Additionally, it unclear to me with these unlock processes, do I have to modify my phone upon return to the states and use of my native Sim card should I choose one of these options.
Makes no sense to me why Verizon would want to inhibit this feature on this phone. They could charge me exorbitant rates and get away with it just for the convienence of not having to screw with apn's swap Sims etc.
Thanks for the help
voodoomanx said:
Yes. The razr maxx is global ready, however you still would have to hack it to make it accept a international sim card.
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I have a Droid 2 Global (which I bought outright) and wanted to use it in Europe (instead of carrying a separate unlocked Cricket GSM phone). I called up VZN, asked them about it and they said "we see you have met your contract obligation and have not had any phones unlocked in 14 months -- here is the code and here is what you do with it".
I did what they said and have been able to pop in multiple foreign SIM cards with no problem (I did have to switch off VZN however so I did not connect to their partners).
So, my question is - are the guts in the VZN S3 such that all one needs to do is call them up and ask for the unlock code (assuming you have not done this in past 14 months)? Or is the guts of the S3 not really 'global' and hence the need to root, unlock and load new ROMs to use them abroad?
Frank
Michigan
FMinMI said:
I have a Droid 2 Global (which I bought outright) and wanted to use it in Europe (instead of carrying a separate unlocked Cricket GSM phone). I called up VZN, asked them about it and they said "we see you have met your contract obligation and have not had any phones unlocked in 14 months -- here is the code and here is what you do with it".
I did what they said and have been able to pop in multiple foreign SIM cards with no problem (I did have to switch off VZN however so I did not connect to their partners).
So, my question is - are the guts in the VZN S3 such that all one needs to do is call them up and ask for the unlock code (assuming you have not done this in past 14 months)? Or is the guts of the S3 not really 'global' and hence the need to root, unlock and load new ROMs to use them abroad?
Frank
Michigan
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The S3 has the hardware for international roaming. As I understand, Verizon announced that it will have a software update to make it work as an international phone (together with the rezound). Knowing Verizon's history on timelines, I wouldn't hold my breath.
tsachi said:
The S3 has the hardware for international roaming. As I understand, Verizon announced that it will have a software update to make it work as an international phone (together with the rezound). Knowing Verizon's history on timelines, I wouldn't hold my breath.
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Ha ha. Good point!
try this may be help u:laugh:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2231544
Previously on the S4 I came to the conclusion I could use the international variant of it on Verizon as it had the proper CDMA bands for the job, is this the same case with the S6? Could I buy the international one that is unlocked and use it on VZW network without problems and if I have them what would they be? Going to do my own homework of course but I always want XDA's opinion on things like this.
S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
Previously on the S4 I came to the conclusion I could use the international variant of it on Verizon as it had the proper CDMA bands for the job, is this the same case with the S6? Could I buy the international one that is unlocked and use it on VZW network without problems and if I have them what would they be? Going to do my own homework of course but I always want XDA's opinion on things like this.
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I was actually in the process of typing up this thread myself! I am also interested in the answer to this one. And can the international version be rooted? I need me some Greenify!
Edit: After speaking to a Verizon rep online, I was told "In theory, it should work; but we cannot guarantee device usability and stability from non-verizon devices".
Any other XDA thoughts?
Basketballhero75 said:
I was actually in the process of typing up this thread myself! I am also interested in the answer to this one. And can the international version be rooted? I need me some Greenify!
Edit: After speaking to a Verizon rep online, I was told "In theory, it should work; but we cannot guarantee device usability and stability from non-verizon devices".
Any other XDA thoughts?
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The International one is fully bootloader unlockable and rootable from the start, hence why I want it over this locked down one. Though someone suggested to me in a PM to post this in the international forum so I will try that and update here with whatever results I get.
S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
The International one is fully bootloader unlockable and rootable from the start, hence why I want it over this locked down one. Though someone suggested to me in a PM to post this in the international forum so I will try that and update here with whatever results I get.
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From what I could find it won't work because it's GSM and won't work with CDMA carriers. Here is a link to the info I found.
I remember reading that the Verizon and Sprint variants have a separate Qualcom modem in them to connect to their CDMA and LTE bands.
I have the US Verizon Galaxy S6 as well as my wife now. Currently in Cancun using a popped in TelCel SIM card seeing crazy 4G speeds on the hotel strip area.
So yea. The S6 from Verizon is killer with foreign SIMs.
Lil
lilsalmon said:
I have the US Verizon Galaxy S6 as well as my wife now. Currently in Cancun using a popped in TelCel SIM card seeing crazy 4G speeds on the hotel strip area.
So yea. The S6 from Verizon is killer with foreign SIMs.
Lil
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Can i ask what this has to do with OPs question?
Sorry I just reread the post and thought it was referencing using the vzw version abroad.
You can delete my post if it offends you that much. Was just trying to help because I just went through the process of using it in Mexico for the first time.
It's not that big of a deal, I just thought I was missing something
No worries here ...
Any answers yet? Thanks.
Just want to let you all know the international version will not work on Verizon.
I have one was going to sell on craigslist and we met at verizon and it will not recognize the mobile network.
Im still trying to sale this thing lol