Related
I'm about to buy a Nexus S i9020A (AT&T) on eBay, but I need to know if there's an application here to simunlock it or a good site to buy a code (if you have a website, please tell me price). I've been reading and in one thread someone replied saying It's already unlocked and that Nexus device sold has always been sim unlocked (even those sold subsidized by the carriers)... so I don't know what to think about it. In another thread the user said he bought on in Craigslist and he said it was unlocked and rooted... which got my attention the "unlocked" part... so, there's a way to simunlocked or not?
Please help me.
I'm waiting for your response to buy it.
Best regards.
It will probably be unlocked but if it isn't, the Nexus is is one of the easiest phones to unlock. Look up a tutorial somewhere here on xda, or wait for a more senior member to give you his advice here.
Good luck
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
FirePoncho86 said:
It will probably be unlocked but if it isn't, the Nexus is is one of the easiest phones to unlock. Look up a tutorial somewhere here on xda, or wait for a more senior member to give you his advice here.
Good luck
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Unlocked" wrt/Nexus S refers to bootloader unlocking. IIRC the Nexus S cannot be SIM-locked at all - the baseband doesn't support it.
It doesn't need to be Sim unlocked. They are all unlocked by default.
albundy2010 said:
It doesn't need to be Sim unlocked. They are all unlocked by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See? That's what worries me. Are you sure about that dude? The thing is in this thread the author said the i9020A doesn't work with a T-Mobile SIM card... so?
alainalemany said:
See? That's what worries me. Are you sure about that dude? The thing is in this thread the author said the i9020A doesn't work with a T-Mobile SIM card... so?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's obvious it doesn't work with a T-Mobile SIM card.
The Nexus S GSM has 2 versions:
i9020A, working on HSDPA 850/1900/2100
i9020T, working on HSDPA 900/1700/2100
Both are GSM, but different bands. They're not "software locked" but simply unable to connect because it's a modem issue.
So if you have a T-Mobile SIM, you need a Nexus S whose model number is I9020T
FirePoncho86 said:
So if you have a T-Mobile SIM, you need a Nexus S whose model number is I9020T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exact.
Not exact. T mobile will work just fine. T mobile 3g data service will not
All gsm networks will work on any 9020/9023. 3g not so much
albundy2010 said:
Not exact. T mobile will work just fine. T mobile 3g data service will not
All gsm networks will work on any 9020/9023. 3g not so much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong again, in parts. Since we're not talking about the US only.
Not all operators around the world actually serve their users with 2G. Just up north, in the beautiful country called Canada, many operators only offer 3G, including mine. Thus, in the end, you end up with no service if 3G isn't supported.
polobunny said:
Wrong again, in parts. Since we're not talking about the US only.
Not all operators around the world actually serve their users with 2G. Just up north, in the beautiful country called Canada, many operators only offer 3G, including mine. Thus, in the end, you end up with no service if 3G isn't supported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see we have the same location Is Bell 3G only? I'm on Rogers and I use 2G unless im out of my wifi range.
*To be safe* if you have a T-Mobile SIM, you need a Nexus S whose model number is I9020T, and it will work without a doubt
I'm using a i9020a on tmo
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
messed nexus
Hey, I have a similar problem, I bought a nexus S i9020a second-hand and flashed it to JB using Nexus Root Toolkit...I am getting no service. Something must have gone wrong, the sim works in my other phone and I have tried calling my wireless provider rogers to repush the sim card anyways. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
S&H_prometheus said:
Hey, I have a similar problem, I bought a nexus S i9020a second-hand and flashed it to JB using Nexus Root Toolkit...I am getting no service. Something must have gone wrong, the sim works in my other phone and I have tried calling my wireless provider rogers to repush the sim card anyways. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need a i9020a for Rogers, so that's good. Check for broken pins in the SIM slot. Happens too often with the Nexus S.
polobunny said:
You need a i9020a for Rogers, so that's good. Check for broken pins in the SIM slot. Happens too often with the Nexus S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change radios
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
sdhanjal15 said:
Change radios
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any compatible radio would work however. Only if he flashed one that isn't compatible.
EDIT: No feasible solution found, so I had the device sold. Question closed.
UPDATE ON THE ISSUE: It seems that it would not recognize WCDMA networks (GSM works properly), hence no signal on my WCDMA-only SIM card. Any ideas?
Hello all, new joining the Relay 4G forums
Long story short, so I got my Relay 4G today, but it just wouldn't fully recognize my China Unicom SIM card. Symptoms and information:
1) No signal
2) Correctly displays my carrier's name, but says "emergency calls only"
3) Can search for available carrier networks, including China Unicom, but fails to register on the network - it says "unable to connect, try later"
4) The device has a correct IMEI instead of a generic one
5) Doesn't prompt me to enter SIM UNLOCK CODE when I first plugged in the SIM card
6) SIM unlocking procedures posted in the forum doesn't help - the phone should be unlocked when I bought it
7) It recognizes another SIM card from China Mobile (WTF!!) and works properly
8 ) China Unicom uses the 2100MHz band, which is supported by Relay 4G
So now I'm out of ideas... Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
See this thread for sim unlock. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40835465
croogrog said:
See this thread for sim unlock. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40835465
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...So this phenomenon means this really is SIM-locked? Good, I'll revert to ICS and try unlocking with that method...
One question: why doesn't it prompt me to enter unlock code when I inserted the SIM?
@croogrog It didn't turn out to be that simple... SIM unlock procedures didn't work at all even though I got all the timings right. I think the problem isn't caused by SIM lock... But what can it be?
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Nexus @ CM11
Bump
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
More strange symptom: another SIM from China Unicom got recognized quickly after I inserted it. I don't understand this...
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
If other SIMs are working and you are able to call someone your phone was unlocked when you got it.
If your SIM isn't working it could be that you need a new one from your provider.
I had that problem years ago. My phone was too new ...or my card too old.
SGH-T699 (Relay 4G) Talk with a little Tapa
C3POID said:
If your SIM isn't working it could be that you need a new one from your provider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, my not-working SIM is bought just days ago... I'll go to my carrier's deck and see if they could swap me a new card.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
AndyYan said:
I'll go to my carrier's deck and see if they could swap me a new card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck.
AndyYan said:
Hmm, my not-working SIM is bought just days ago... I'll go to my carrier's deck and see if they could swap me a new card.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you buy the phone from?
gtmaster303 said:
Where did you buy the phone from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a local importer at TaoBao (China's equivalent of eBay).
UPDATE ON THE ISSUE: I changed my SIM card for a new one at my carrier's but still won't recognize. Adding in the symptom that it can recognize another China Unicom SIM, I guess I can conclude that the problem lies within this particular SIM.
Sent from Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G @ CM11
AndyYan said:
From a local importer at TaoBao (China's equivalent of eBay).
UPDATE ON THE ISSUE: I changed my SIM card for a new one at my carrier's but still won't recognize. Adding in the symptom that it can recognize another China Unicom SIM, I guess I can conclude that the problem lies within this particular SIM.
Sent from Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G @ CM11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best test would be to try another carrier sim all together. Not china unicom. See if the phone takes it. That way you will know for sure that it's unlocked and works. Unfortunately, there's no way to check if it's unlocked, other than to test sim cards
My next suggestion would be to consult samsung for a warranty repair, because your phone might be faulty. Or consider asking the seller that you got it from to send you another one. Let us know if you still need help
Sent from my Galaxy S Relay
gtmaster303 said:
Best test would be to try another carrier sim all together. Not china unicom. See if the phone takes it. That way you will know for sure that it's unlocked and works. Unfortunately, there's no way to check if it's unlocked, other than to test sim cards
My next suggestion would be to consult samsung for a warranty repair, because your phone might be faulty. Or consider asking the seller that you got it from to send you another one. Let us know if you still need help
Sent from my Galaxy S Relay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I checked with a China Mobile SIM and it works. Also, as said before, another China Unicom SIM also works. Only this specific SIM doesn't. It IS unlocked when I purchased it.
2. No way for a warranty - I'm in China and this is a T-Mobile USA device that many local "smartphone gurus" haven't even heard of, let alone "repairing" it.
3. The importer only has one such device in perfect condition (others have plenty of worn and torn), so exchanging is not possible...
I'm thinking of setting up an alternative solution for now...
More update on the issue: even on the China Unicom SIM that got recognized, it wouldn't connect to WCDMA/HSPA+ networks. Did an experiment: I used *#*#4636#*#* to adjust network modes, and when the device is on GSM only / GSM/WCDMA auto / WCDMA preferred, it would receive signal like normal; however, choosing WCDMA only, no signal is received. It seems like the real issue lies within the device after all...
Sent from Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G @ CM11
...The Relay isn't a WCDMA device.
Even though the relay is a US tmobile device i would still try to contact samsung. They may be able to help you and it can't hurt. This is certainly not the first Relay to leave the US and incur problems...
Sent from my Galaxy S Relay
Jax184 said:
...The Relay isn't a WCDMA device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? I mean, my carrier has the HSPA+ 21Mbps/42Mbps it supports... What do you mean by it not supporting WCDMA?
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Nexus @ CM11
AndyYan said:
What? I mean, my carrier has the HSPA+ 21Mbps/42Mbps it supports... What do you mean by it not supporting WCDMA?
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Nexus @ CM11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understand correctly, the network mode menu option for WCDMA in the CM10 ROM is left over from the D2, which is a phone of similar spec which our developers based our ROM on. It doesn't do anything on the Relay.
Jax184 said:
If I understand correctly, the network mode menu option for WCDMA in the CM10 ROM is left over from the D2, which is a phone of similar spec which our developers based our ROM on. It doesn't do anything on the Relay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it DOES switch network modes... Or so I think, judging from the symptoms.
The first SIM only supports WCDMA(HSPA+), and when inserted, it can find my carrier's network but can't connect. On the second SIM which is compatible with both GSM/WCDMA, I lose signal only when "WCDMA only" is chosen, and under this situation the symptom is same as above. I assume that it can find my carrier's GSM network but not the WCDMA one.
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Nexus @ CM11
Bump in vain. I guess I'll be selling this phone if the issue is really within the phone itself...
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Nexus @ CM11
Hi, I'm looking for a new phone, and the Nexus 5 is the top of my list. I currently need a sim card slot, since Immix is my provider. Does the Sprint Nexus 5 have a SIM card slot? I've tried googling, but my results varied a lot.
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
123386761 said:
Hi, I'm looking for a new phone, and the Nexus 5 is the top of my list. I currently need a sim card slot, since Immix is my provider. Does the Sprint Nexus 5 have a SIM card slot? I've tried googling, but my results varied a lot.
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "sprint" nexus 5. There are only 2 Nexus 5 models. D820 (North America) amd D821 (rest of the world) and they both have sim card slots. Sprint simply sell the D820.
Oh okay, that makes sense then. So there's no sim lock? Like you can use any carrier? If so, sweet!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
123386761 said:
Oh okay, that makes sense then. So there's no sim lock? Like you can use any carrier? If so, sweet!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, can use on any US carrier but Verizon. can use it on atr then pop in a tmo or sprint Sim and use it there. there's no such thing as a sim lock for a nexus.
simms22 said:
yes, can use on any US carrier but Verizon. can use it on atr then pop in a tmo or sprint Sim and use it there. there's no such thing as a sim lock for a nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, thank you very much! I've only ever really worked with the Galaxy series and iPhones, so android I'm fine with, it's just specific devices I have a little trouble.
Just wondering does anyone think/know if the nexus 5 will be able to utilize Verizon network since they will be offering the nexus 6 and the nexus 5 is compatible with their network?
It sure would be nice to have my nexus 5 moved to Verizon. And this is not an actual question just thinking out loud rather. In any case if this needs to be moved then by all means mod please move it.
Also Verizon now has the bring your own device program as long as its compatible with their network.
No, no it wont
A new phone comes out that works on said network. This obviously means the old phone that doesn't will suddenly work too right? Use your brain.
Not to be a downer but this has been asked multiple upon multiple times on the Nexus 5 forum, a simple google search would have given you the answer you needed.
Technically it is compatible since it works on Sprint and someone stuck a Verizon SIM in and got LTE. You probably could do Page Plus or similar since they can add ESNs.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
MrObvious said:
Technically it is compatible since it works on Sprint and someone stuck a Verizon SIM in and got LTE. You probably could do Page Plus or similar since they can add ESNs.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no no no no. Its compatible with 1 freq band and from what ive read its only LTE and VOlte that works, which means 99% of the places you go it wont work
There is only data. No voice.
TheAtheistOtaku said:
no no no no. Its compatible with 1 freq band and from what ive read its only LTE and VOlte that works, which means 99% of the places you go it wont work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the phone is compatible based off the bands the radio utilizes. My question is since Verizon is opening up to what phones can be used on their network is there anyone who works for Verizon know of they have plans of allowing the nexus 5.
Their prepaid Boyd allows you to bring a Verizon branded phone and or compatible phone, not sure about the last part because the wording is confusing.
Also Verizon allowing the nexus 6 to work on their network could be a stepping stone as they have the same bands. Google has said they will not be discontinuing the nexus 5 which makes the phone still relevant.
Again I am just seeking anyone with knowledge as to if Verizon with the changes they have been making will allow the ESN to be added to their data base and the phone used on their network.
Right now it won't work. What they do in the future, only Verizon can answer. ?
OK so I stand corrected about the LTE bands. But if you can get the ESN added or use a prepaid or MVNO you should be golden. There is a thread on flashing CDMA. But my point is it isn't 100% negatively impossible.
If you have decent AT&T coverage and don't want to pay for it though, Cricket is a good option as well.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
MrObvious said:
OK so I stand corrected about the LTE bands. But if you can get the ESN added or use a prepaid or MVNO you should be golden. There is a thread on flashing CDMA. But my point is it isn't 100% negatively impossible.
If you have decent AT&T coverage and don't want to pay for it though, Cricket is a good option as well.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is currently at this time, 100% impossible to get a nexus 5 useable on Verizon.
I guess people don't read the older Verizon and the n5 threads, and/or they just don't believe them, and do everything all over again(like its a new idea). then they realize the truth later on. anyways, you can use your n5 data only on Verizon, and use the hangouts dialer with your google number to make calls over data. but that's it.
simms22 said:
I guess people don't read the older Verizon and the n5 threads, and/or they just don't believe them, and do everything all over again(like its a new idea). then they realize the truth later on. anyways, you can use your n5 data only on Verizon, and use the hangouts dialer with your google number to make calls over data. but that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they don't.
Here is one such thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2505847
simms22 said:
I guess people don't read the older Verizon and the n5 threads, and/or they just don't believe them, and do everything all over again(like its a new idea). then they realize the truth later on. anyways, you can use your n5 data only on Verizon, and use the hangouts dialer with your google number to make calls over data. but that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and its only if you have a LTE connection. once you leave LTE area, you get nothing.
Zepius said:
and its only if you have a LTE connection. once you leave LTE area, you get nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right
I'm honestly surprised these threads don't get locked since there's so many of them. One of the others should be pinned so that people can stop asking this.
UPDATE: Droid Life confirms unlocked Pixel works on Verizon. :good:
I just wanted some clarification on this.
I've been getting some conflicting information around this question, so I wanted to post it here in case anyone knows.
Can the unlocked Pixel purchased from the Google Store be used on Verizon?
I bought the 5X and 6P unlocked from the Google Store and have used them both on Project Fi and Verizon. I just wanted to know if I could do the same with the Pixel.
Thanks and sorry if this has been explained clearly elsewhere.
sethwalters said:
I just wanted some clarification on this.
I've been getting some conflicting information around this question, so I wanted to post it here in case anyone knows.
Can the unlocked Pixel purchased from the Google Store be used on Verizon?
I bought the 5X and 6P unlocked from the Google Store and have used them both on Project Fi and Verizon. I just wanted to know if I could do the same with the Pixel.
Thanks and sorry if this has been explained clearly elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It is compatible with CDMA and all of Verizon's LTE bands, and the description in the Google store says it's compatible with all major US carriers. However, you won't be able to use features that require Verizon software like wifi calling and VoLTE. Personally, I don't care about those things. I'm on Verizon and I'm seriously considering buying from the Google store.
You'll need an activated Verizon nano SIM card though.
TheSt33v said:
However, you won't be able to use features that require Verizon software like wifi calling and VoLTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure that's true. For example, my unlocked Nexus 6 purchased from Motorola is able to use VoLTE. I don't have wifi calling, but I don't think Nexus 6 has wifi calling at all for Verizon, as it doesn't show up as a supported device: https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/wificalling/
stevexyz0 said:
I'm not sure that's true. For example, my unlocked Nexus 6 purchased from Motorola is able to use VoLTE. I don't have wifi calling, but I don't think Nexus 6 has wifi calling at all for Verizon, as it doesn't show up as a supported device: https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/wificalling/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be right about that. We won't know until someone tries it.
sethwalters said:
I just wanted some clarification on this.
I've been getting some conflicting information around this question, so I wanted to post it here in case anyone knows.
Can the unlocked Pixel purchased from the Google Store be used on Verizon?
I bought the 5X and 6P unlocked from the Google Store and have used them both on Project Fi and Verizon. I just wanted to know if I could do the same with the Pixel.
Thanks and sorry if this has been explained clearly elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. I suspect the answer is you'll be able to use it, the question is just how degraded the experience will be. When the Nexus 6 launched there were several problems with using the unlocked version:
The bring-your-own-device discount did not show up for unlocked Nexus 6, only Verizon-purchased Nexus 6
It was extremely difficult to activate a new SIM on the phone
They did eventually reinstate the discount after many people filed complaints with the FCC.
I didn't follow the 6P/5X launch very closely... how did those work on Verizon? That might give a better clue than the Nexus 6 launch since it's more recent.
stevexyz0 said:
Good question. I suspect the answer is you'll be able to use it, the question is just how degraded the experience will be. When the Nexus 6 launched there were several problems with using the unlocked version:
The bring-your-own-device discount did not show up for unlocked Nexus 6, only Verizon-purchased Nexus 6
It was extremely difficult to activate a new SIM on the phone
They did eventually reinstate the discount after many people filed complaints with the FCC.
I didn't follow the 6P/5X launch very closely... how did those work on Verizon? That might give a better clue than the Nexus 6 launch since it's more recent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's like it was on my 6p, then plug in your nano sim and go! I've had zero issues with Big Red over the last year, and Volte is working fine and dandy [emoji106]
Badger50 said:
If it's like it was on my 6p, then plug in your nano sim and go! I've had zero issues with Big Red over the last year, and Volte is working fine and dandy [emoji106]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify, you got your 6P unlocked from Google/whoever, not Verizon? And Verizon is giving you the $25/month discount (assuming you are not under contract)?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
stevexyz0 said:
To clarify, you got your 6P unlocked from Google/whoever, not Verizon? And Verizon is giving you the $25/month discount (assuming you are not under contract)?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. Got the phone from Google, plugged in my Verizon sim and it's still working fine. I'm not under contract, I never am, however, not seeing any $25 discount from Big Red. Guess they keep that for themselves [emoji16]
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Pardon me, I'm from Canada where we haven't had any CDMA for years. Aren't Sprint and Verizon CDMA whole at&t and T-Mobile are GSM? How would one phone work across all the networks? And, at least last time we had CDMA up here, you didn't use a SIM card with it. Has that changed? Just curious, it doesn't affect me at all.
Badger50 said:
You are correct. Got the phone from Google, plugged in my Verizon sim and it's still working fine. I'm not under contract, I never am, however, not seeing any $25 discount from Big Red. Guess they keep that for themselves [emoji16]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't call paying $300/year extra "fine". You might want to look into it, I believe you have to request the discount. It's been a while since I dealt with this though.
stevexyz0 said:
I wouldn't call paying $300/year extra "fine". You might want to look into it, I believe you have to request the discount. It's been a while since I dealt with this though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good info my friend. Thanks for the tip [emoji106]
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Badger50 said:
If it's like it was on my 6p, then plug in your nano sim and go! I've had zero issues with Big Red over the last year, and Volte is working fine and dandy [emoji106]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey dude... I recently switched over to Verizon, and have had a 6P since launch last year. Was wondering, what exactly is voLTE, is there something special that has to be done to make it work, and do you know IF there is any way to get wifi calling to work? I do tend to need it since at times I don't get good reception...
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
voLTE is just voice over LTE which you already have which basically means voice and data simultaneously. And no WiFi calling calling available on Verizon. At least not to my knowledge anyway [emoji106]
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Just to add...
My son's 6p works great on Verizon. He has VoLTE and get's the non contract discount. Never had a problem with it. I had the original Google Play store Nexus 6 and ran into problems initially. But like someone else stated, everything is fine now. I even bought an unlocked one not too long ago and had no issues with it. I don't think we will have any problems with the Pixels.
Droid Life confirms unlocked Pixel works on Verizon. :good:
stevexyz0 said:
To clarify, you got your 6P unlocked from Google/whoever, not Verizon? And Verizon is giving you the $25/month discount (assuming you are not under contract)?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also want to confirm that with the Nexus 5X from Google (rooted and custom ROM) works flawlessly on Verizon and I get the $25/mo access discount on the line. VoLTE works great. I just select the Enhanced 4G LTE Mode under Cellular networks menu on the settings.
DrunkFuX666 said:
Hey dude... I recently switched over to Verizon, and have had a 6P since launch last year. Was wondering, what exactly is voLTE, is there something special that has to be done to make it work, and do you know IF there is any way to get wifi calling to work? I do tend to need it since at times I don't get good reception...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE is Voice over LTE. It means voice calls are transmitted over the new LTE network instead of the legacy CDMA network (or GSM in the case of carriers besides Verizon/Sprint).
It's important because if your phone has only a half-duplex modem, as most recent CDMA phones starting around the time of Droid Turbo and Nexus 6 do, you can't conduct a voice call (circuit switched) and have an LTE data connection (packet switched) at the same time. (Interestingly GSM carriers can do a GSM voice stream and LTE data stream at the same time with a half-duplex modem since there's a standard for doing that, but it's not possible with CDMA and LTE without a more expensive full-duplex modem.)
How can you tell if VoLTE is working for you? Turn off wifi for the purpose of the test, if you're connected to a wifi network (you're testing whether you can do data over the cell network, not wifi, while a call is ongoing). Verify the "LTE" logo shows up next to the cell signal strength indicator. Place a voice call. If the "LTE" logo disappears while the voice call is ongoing, you don't have VoLTE. If it remains, you're good. Most importantly, try using data e.g. web browser over cellular data while on a voice call.
What if the VoLTE test doesn't work? On your My Verizon account, go to My Plan & Services -> Manage Products & Apps , and make sure "HD Voice" (they used to call it Advanced Calling) is enabled. On your Nexus Settings, go to Wireless & Networks -> More -> Cellular Networks, and turn on "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode" if it isn't already. Note that turning on HD Voice on your Verizon account requires you to switch to either Basic or Premium Visual Voicemail -- the old fashioned voice mail doesn't work with it.
What's the difference between VoLTE and HD Voice? VoLTE is about the connection from your phone to the Verizon tower, and it applies no matter whom you are calling; it enables simultaneous voice and data. HD Voice is a high-bandwidth codec for much better sounding voice calls, but the other end has to support it too, so it only works if you have VoLTE (HD Voice over non-LTE is theoretically possible but Verizon doesn't support it) AND if the person you are calling supports HD Voice too (e.g. another recent Nexus or iPhone that's correctly configured). You can tell if HD Voice is working because the "HD" icon will appear in the dialer AFTER THE OTHER PERSON PICKS UP THE CALL, but you won't even need to look for the icon because the call will sound so vastly better that it will be obvious.
What about Wifi calling on Verizon? They actually DO support it, but not on Nexus devices. Here is their FAQ and list of supported devices, which does not include Nexus 6/6P. I have personally seen it working on a Verizon iPhone so I know they have it. And, according to this, the Pixel will support wifi calling on Verizon!
craig0r said:
Pardon me, I'm from Canada where we haven't had any CDMA for years. Aren't Sprint and Verizon CDMA whole at&t and T-Mobile are GSM? How would one phone work across all the networks? And, at least last time we had CDMA up here, you didn't use a SIM card with it. Has that changed? Just curious, it doesn't affect me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel, along with many "international" phones, supports both CDMA and GSM networks. And yes, CDMA carriers like Verizon started using SIM cards several years ago. I think it's necessary in order to offer LTE compatibility, but I don't know the details.
TheSt33v said:
The Pixel, along with many "international" phones, supports both CDMA and GSM networks. And yes, CDMA carriers like Verizon started using SIM cards several years ago. I think it's necessary in order to offer LTE compatibility, but I don't know the details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE is GSM based at it's core, so basically yes LTE is the reason for CDMA carriers adding sim cards.
CDMA will eventually disappear completely as VOLTE replaces 2g and 3g for both voice and data transmission.
Wi-Fi calling is the only question, but even if it requires some proprietary VZW bull, an unlocked bootloader should let us flash their image if it ended up being necessary, but that's a last resort I don't expect to face...