I have scoured the net but find conflicting answers. Is the Tmobile version of the Nexus 5 locked down to T Mobile? I know the Play Store version is unlocked (as with all Nexus devices obviously), but what about the carrier versions?
As far as I know they should be unlocked.
Rasumgal said:
I have scoured the net but find conflicting answers. Is the Tmobile version of the Nexus 5 locked down to T Mobile? I know the Play Store version is unlocked (as with all Nexus devices obviously), but what about the carrier versions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first of, questions go into the q&a section, not general http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2477886
2nd, you must not have searched too hard, lol.
3rd, its the exact same phone(16gb) that you buy at the play store or tmobile. all they do is sell it, they do not add any software or bloatware to it.
they are all carrier unlocked. you can buy it at tmobile and use it on att if you want.
The T-Mobile rep told me it's locked to T-Mobile I found out later it's not lol
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I bought mine from Sprint, and it is unlocked. Also, since the N5 is cool like that, it even works 100% with AT&T and T-mobile (which I use now, same phone)
nerv8765 said:
I bought mine from Sprint, and it is unlocked. Also, since the N5 is cool like that, it even works 100% with AT&T and T-mobile (which I use now, same phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
md1008 said:
The T-Mobile rep told me it's locked to T-Mobile I found out later it's not lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both. This is exactly what I was hoping. I was curious about the Sprint version as I currently have them, but don't want to be tied to them because they suck and plan on switching to Tmobile or AT&T but don't want to buy a phone if I don't have to.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
Rasumgal said:
I have scoured the net but find conflicting answers. Is the Tmobile version of the Nexus 5 locked down to T Mobile? I know the Play Store version is unlocked (as with all Nexus devices obviously), but what about the carrier versions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the Bell version is unlocked, but I'm not ware of the others. What carrier did you get the device from?
Rasumgal said:
Thank you both. This is exactly what I was hoping. I was curious about the Sprint version as I currently have them, but don't want to be tied to them because they suck and plan on switching to Tmobile or AT&T but don't want to buy a phone if I don't have to.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T man
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Related
I am switching from AT&T to Sprint and I just purchased the Unlocked Nexus 5 on Google Play. What exactly do I have to do in order to activate my phone on the Sprint Network? I am used to just popping my SIM card into the new phone and it works but I know Sprint is a CDMA network and does not use SIM cards.
1. How do I get the phone activated on Sprint
2. Will it run just as good on Sprint as it would on AT&T? It will still work with LTE right?
jedinegotiator said:
I am switching from AT&T to Sprint and I just purchased the Unlocked Nexus 5 on Google Play. What exactly do I have to do in order to activate my phone on the Sprint Network? I am used to just popping my SIM card into the new phone and it works but I know Sprint is a CDMA network and does not use SIM cards.
1. How do I get the phone activated on Sprint
2. Will it run just as good on Sprint as it would on AT&T? It will still work with LTE right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint does not have a byod line as far as I know unless you are going prepaid. Nobody knows yet if any of the mvnos will activate the nexus 5. You could always get an Iphone or something on your new line and sell it to cover your nexus cost and then some.
For a new line it would be much easier just to buy from sprint for $49.
Coverage/LTE will depend on your area but yes it will work.
lafester said:
Sprint does not have a byod line as far as I know unless you are going prepaid. Nobody knows yet if any of the mvnos will activate the nexus 5. You could always get an Iphone or something on your new line and sell it to cover your nexus cost and then some.
For a new line it would be much easier just to buy from sprint for $49.
Coverage/LTE will depend on your area but yes it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this page the Unlocked version will work on Sprint:
http://www.ibtimes.com/nexus-5-release-date-unlocked-model-will-run-sprint-network-1452872
I probably will get an iPhone or something just to sell it since I will be able to get a new phone on contract pricing but I still need to know how to actually activate my Nexus when I get it. I was thinking about getting the $50 Nexus through Sprint but I am afraid if I do that I it will not be the exact same model. I don't want any Sprint bloatware on my phone and I don't want to get updates later than the rest. I also want to make sure the phone I get is heavily supported by developers. There is just too many unknowns on the Sprint model that I am scared to get it.
So anyway, do I just call Sprint to activate my device?
jedinegotiator said:
According to this page the Unlocked version will work on Sprint:
http://www.ibtimes.com/nexus-5-release-date-unlocked-model-will-run-sprint-network-1452872
I probably will get an iPhone or something just to sell it since I will be able to get a new phone on contract pricing but I still need to know how to actually activate my Nexus when I get it. I was thinking about getting the $50 Nexus through Sprint but I am afraid if I do that I it will not be the exact same model. I don't want any Sprint bloatware on my phone and I don't want to get updates later than the rest. I also want to make sure the phone I get is heavily supported by developers. There is just too many unknowns on the Sprint model that I am scared to get it.
So anyway, do I just call Sprint to activate my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no 'sprint' model they are the same device. So to activate you will need to get a sim card from sprint and then you can either chat, call, use the online activation or go to the store to get set up.
lafester said:
There is no 'sprint' model they are the same device. So to activate you will need to get a sim card from sprint and then you can either chat, call, use the online activation or go to the store to get set up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get a sim without going to a store? I see no where online to order one.
jedinegotiator said:
According to this page the Unlocked version will work on Sprint:
http://www.ibtimes.com/nexus-5-release-date-unlocked-model-will-run-sprint-network-1452872
I probably will get an iPhone or something just to sell it since I will be able to get a new phone on contract pricing but I still need to know how to actually activate my Nexus when I get it. I was thinking about getting the $50 Nexus through Sprint but I am afraid if I do that I it will not be the exact same model. I don't want any Sprint bloatware on my phone and I don't want to get updates later than the rest. I also want to make sure the phone I get is heavily supported by developers. There is just too many unknowns on the Sprint model that I am scared to get it.
So anyway, do I just call Sprint to activate my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solutions Etcetera said:
How do you get a sim without going to a store? I see no where online to order one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get a SIM, either go into the Sprint store. Or go online to the chat (you'll need an existing Sprint acct for this).
To activate, just call the big S and give them the info that they ask for
There's a thread going about this already that has some good info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507893
Sent from my Evo LTE
lafester said:
There is no 'sprint' model they are the same device. So to activate you will need to get a sim card from sprint and then you can either chat, call, use the online activation or go to the store to get set up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is nothing different? No sprint bloatware? And is it unlocked?
jedinegotiator said:
So there is nothing different? No sprint bloatware? And is it unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. There's one APK that all of the phones have though. Sprint Hidden Menu. I wouldn't consider it bloatware though.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Cheater912 said:
Correct. There's one APK that all of the phones have though. Sprint Hidden Menu. I wouldn't consider it bloatware though.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but just to be clear, Sprint will sell an unlocked phone? Has that ever been done before? Do you have a source? Not to discredit you but it seems that I should just buy it from Sprint instead of Google Play if there is no real differences. I just want to be sure.
jedinegotiator said:
Sorry but just to be clear, Sprint will sell an unlocked phone? Has that ever been done before? Do you have a source? Not to discredit you but it seems that I should just buy it from Sprint instead of Google Play if there is no real differences. I just want to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a source atm, but that's all I've heard around the forums. You need to start a 2 year contract to get the phone at their low price though ($50 I think?). They're selling an off-contract one for $400 too. Same device all around.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Cheater912 said:
Correct. There's one APK that all of the phones have though. Sprint Hidden Menu. I wouldn't consider it bloatware though.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is it the sim card that creatures this apk? Because if you order it from the play store it obviously will not come with that apk.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
mjs2011 said:
So is it the sim card that creatures this apk? Because if you order it from the play store it obviously will not come with that apk.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty certain it does come with it.
Sent from my Nexus 7
jedinegotiator said:
Sorry but just to be clear, Sprint will sell an unlocked phone? Has that ever been done before? Do you have a source? Not to discredit you but it seems that I should just buy it from Sprint instead of Google Play if there is no real differences. I just want to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the first time they have ever done it. This also means that the phone will be updated directly by google, with no carrier approvals/delays- which is also unprecedented for CDMA.
I myself am very surprised more people are not talking about this.
I stopped at a Sprint store today and asked about activating a phone bought from Google directly and they said it couldn't be done? Is that the case? I have about 5 months remaining on my contract with Sprint before I go on to another carrier.
mumbles202 said:
I stopped at a Sprint store today and asked about activating a phone bought from Google directly and they said it couldn't be done? Is that the case? I have about 5 months remaining on my contract with Sprint before I go on to another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been confirmed that you can activate this phone on Sprint. The guys at the store didn't know what they were talking about.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
robber said:
This is the first time they have ever done it. This also means that the phone will be updated directly by google, with no carrier approvals/delays- which is also unprecedented for CDMA.
I myself am very surprised more people are not talking about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it seems like this would be big news. Its also the first sprint tri band phone to be released unless you count the few sprint g2s out in the wild.
mumbles202 said:
I stopped at a Sprint store today and asked about activating a phone bought from Google directly and they said it couldn't be done? Is that the case? I have about 5 months remaining on my contract with Sprint before I go on to another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good deal. Will order a SIM tomorrow. So 1 device, all 3 carriers? Perfect.
Tried chat last night, and then calling in today but getting the run around. Was told I had to go corporate repair store; called store and was told that they don't normally stock SIM cards and that they won't have a N5 compatible one for a while until there shipment of phones comes in. I have sero account but this is the first time it has been an issue getting service.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
My assumption, based on history, is that the Nexus 5 sold by Sprint is SIM locked. Has anyone confirmed this?
ronwi2 said:
My assumption, based on history, is that the Nexus 5 sold by Sprint is SIM locked. Has anyone confirmed this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2534382
alistairs1 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2534382
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look at the thread you referred to, no one actually says that they got the phone and it was unlocked. Two people say it is unlocked, but don't state how they know.
Also, I asked about Sprint, that thread is Best Buy.
It comes unlocked. I popped a T-Mobile SIM in and was good to go
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
As have I. I started a thread before my Nexus from sprint was delivered. Then after I got it I tried a att straight talk sim and it worked without issue
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Amazing, that is a first!
Hi i'm travelling to the US next month and i want to buy a nexus 5. as i need to use it with my country carrier i need it unlocked.
now as far as i understand, i can't buy it from the play store as i dont have an US credit card (correct me if i'm wrong)
both the t-mobile and best buy support told me that their version of the nexus 5 ($450) are not really unlocked, but i've read a lot that in fact you can use that phones with whatever carrier you want. is that true? has anyone bought the t-mobile / bestbuy(sprint) versions and tried using another carrier SIM?
Thanks guys
serianox said:
Hi i'm travelling to the US next month and i want to buy a nexus 5. as i need to use it with my country carrier i need it unlocked.
now as far as i understand, i can't buy it from the play store as i dont have an US credit card (correct me if i'm wrong)
both the t-mobile and best buy support told me that their version of the nexus 5 ($450) are not really unlocked, but i've read a lot that in fact you can use that phones with whatever carrier you want. is that true? has anyone bought the t-mobile / bestbuy(sprint) versions and tried using another carrier SIM?
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe there are any carrier-locked N5s being sold in the US. You've checked that the US version of the phone supports the bands that are used in your country? BB will charge $100 more for the phone and likely try to sell you service, but you should be able to get it.
STi_Fanatic said:
I don't believe there are any carrier-locked N5s being sold in the US. You've checked that the US version of the phone supports the bands that are used in your country? BB will charge $100 more for the phone and likely try to sell you service, but you should be able to get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i checked and the 850/1900 bands are supported. both bestbuy and tmobile support told me that the phone is sold locked to the respective carriers, but i've read that that's actually not true and you can just swap with whatever SIM you have. Also i hope they dont try to force me to sign some plans if i buy the device
I am interested in this info also. I have a Nexus 5 showing up from Sprint and wondering if it will work with my T-Mobile SIM later if I decide to use it.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
No Nexus 5 devices are sold locked. They are all unlocked and if anything you can test it right there in the store/parking lot to be sure.
The only problem however is LTE if you'll ever need that.
shotta35 said:
No Nexus 5 devices are sold locked. They are all unlocked and if anything you can test it right there in the store/parking lot to be sure.
The only problem however is LTE if you'll ever need that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope this is true!
they just answered me this:
Hi , If you purchase the device from T-Mobile, it is locked and will only work with a T-Mobile SIM card. Once you've met the requirements, we can help you unlock the device. If you need one unlocked already, we recommend purchasing directly through Google. - Jess
The Sprint and T-Mobile Nexus 5's are unlocked. I have a Sprint one that I purchased at Best Buy and it works just fine with my T-Mobile sim card....2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE...
lowandbehold said:
The Sprint and T-Mobile Nexus 5's are unlocked. I have a Sprint one that I purchased at Best Buy and it works just fine with my T-Mobile sim card....2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply! i'm really glad this is true. can i ask you if they forced to buy some plan or sim, or you just paid the $450?
Thanks again
serianox said:
Thanks for your reply! i'm really glad this is true. can i ask you if they forced to buy some plan or sim, or you just paid the $450?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got them to price match Google the day it came out, so I got it for $350. They may have smartened up to that by now though. The SIM came in the phone. I did not have to pay for the SIM or an activation fee. I didn't let them open the box at all.
lowandbehold said:
I got them to price match Google the day it came out, so I got it for $350. They may have smartened up to that by now though. The SIM came in the phone. I did not have to pay for the SIM or an activation fee. I didn't let them open the box at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm wondering if i can do this. it says in the BB website:
"If you find a lower price on a qualifying product at a local retail competitor's store or shipped from and sold by a designated major online retailer, we will match the price. At the time of purchase, we will match the current pre-tax price for new, identical, immediately available products from a local retail competitor's store or shipped from and sold by a designated major online retailers: Amazon.com, Apple.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, Frys.com, hhgregg.com, HP.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, Newegg.com, OfficeDepot.com, OfficeMax.com, Rakuten.com Shopping, Sears.com, Staples.com, Target.com, TigerDirect.com and Walmart.com."
it doesn't list google play as an allowed website.
i hope i get a cool seller lol
Thanks again!
Nexus 5's are not locked to any specific carrier. You just need to make sure that the bands are compatible with your carriers' frequency.
I bought my N5 off contract from BestBuy. It is unlocked. I am running mine on Simple Mobile. I only had to put my SIM in and program the APN for data access.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
asiandrg0n said:
I bought my N5 off contract from BestBuy. It is unlocked. I am running mine on Simple Mobile. I only had to put my SIM in and program the APN for data access.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies, i'm sure this will help a lot of people.
i'm trying to see if i can get Best buy to match the play store price
are they the same phone same bands? im planning to buy the tmobile version and unlock it to use it with att? would i still get lte with att?
HRodMusic said:
are they the same phone same bands? im planning to buy the tmobile version and unlock it to use it with att? would i still get lte with att?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its the same device, exactly. only at the play store you can by the 32gb version as well. yea, you can get tmo, sprint, and att lte on it.
simms22 said:
its the same device, exactly. only at the play store you can by the 32gb version as well. yea, you can get tmo, sprint, and att lte on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats fantastic, is it possible to unlock? or does it come unlocked already?
I bought mine from T-Mobile it is only 16gb but I'm getting a meenovo SD card reader I would just get one from the play store in the end you are paying less
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
spinninbsod said:
I bought mine from T-Mobile it is only 16gb but I'm getting a meenovo SD card reader I would just get one from the play store in the end you are paying less
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would get it from the playstore but im getting an exceptional deal on this tmobile version.
just gotta make sure all nexus 5 are factory unlocked.
HRodMusic said:
thats fantastic, is it possible to unlock? or does it come unlocked already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all nexus devices are always unlocked. and the bootloader is very easy to unlock as well, since google made it as easy as a 3 word code to do(fastboot oem unlock).
simms22 said:
all nexus devices are always unlocked. and the bootloader is very easy to unlock as well, since google made it as easy as a 3 word code to do(fastboot oem unlock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perfect! ive played around with a nexus 5 before great phone! just wanted to make sure it was unlocked before i pulled the trigger on it!
I bought the playstore version and am using it with Tmobile. I have issues with connecting to tmobiles LTE. It takes 5-10 minutes to connect and is always switching from lte to h+ to 3g. Tmobile told me it is because it is the playstore version. They also told me Samsung does a better job than LG with their WiFi modem.
HRodMusic said:
are they the same phone same bands? im planning to buy the tmobile version and unlock it to use it with att? would i still get lte with att?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All phones are the same unless you are outside USA
jgarozzo said:
I bought the playstore version and am using it with Tmobile. I have issues with connecting to tmobiles LTE. It takes 5-10 minutes to connect and is always switching from lte to h+ to 3g. Tmobile told me it is because it is the playstore version. They also told me Samsung does a better job than LG with their WiFi modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your LTE issue might be a defective, settings or regional issue. I have been a electronics seller and I left the job because I hate telling lies to customers. Whenever I hear of a representative misleading a customer, it reminds me that freasking job
There's a huge chance also that the Representative doesn't know anything about what he is selling/supporting or the tech involved with it. Even on google customer service...
There are only 2 different N5 (D820/ D821) US models are D820. A hardware difference implies a variation on the model # and yours is D820.
i bought the phone and LTE is working like a charm! success!
There is like 15 threads about this. This community has search. Next time use it
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Tmo LTE has been flawless on my 32gig
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
My brother recently got a tmobile nexus 5 on craigslist, and it turns out it can't be activated on tmobile. My question is could he use the nexus 5 on sprint or does he have to get it carrier unlocked. I've read around and some say that the phone is carrier locked and some say it isn't. Just wanted to get an answer from the reliable xda community.
jcruz767 said:
My brother recently got a tmobile nexus 5 on craigslist, and it turns out it can't be activated on tmobile. My question is could he use the nexus 5 on sprint or does he have to get it carrier unlocked. I've read around and some say that the phone is carrier locked and some say it isn't. Just wanted to get an answer from the reliable xda community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not carrier locked, but you might have to get level 2 support for them to add the IMEI to their system.
he cant activate it on tmobile then it must be blacklisted. if its blacklisted, it goes on a national registry. i know att and vetizon are part of the registry, if sprints on it as well then you wont be able to use it on sprint.
simms22 said:
he cant activate it on tmobile then it must be blacklisted. if its blacklisted, it goes on a national registry. i know att and vetizon are part of the registry, if sprints on it as well then you wont be able to use it on sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Not to mention the fact that there is no such thing as a carrier locked Nexus 5. If you want to take a Nexus from one carrier to another, you simply add the IMEI to their system when you activate the new service. If you can't activate it, then the phone must be blacklisted which makes you SOL. All the more reason not to buy a phone off of Craigslist.
you can check if its been blacklisted, for free, here http://swappa.com/esn
Almost positive that the tmobile nexus 5 doesn't have CDMA in the phone. Try an att Sim in the phone. If att and t mobile don't work in there, then nothing will.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
iLikeTurtuls said:
Almost positive that the tmobile nexus 5 doesn't have CDMA in the phone. Try an att Sim in the phone. If att and t mobile don't work in there, then nothing will.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uh, it does have a CDMA radio. its the same hardware as the play store version which has a CDMA radio.
Zepius said:
uh, it does have a CDMA radio. its the same hardware as the play store version which has a CDMA radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have fun with that.
Sent from my Nexus 5
there is only 1 version of the nexus 5 and it does have both GSM and CDMA radios.. i did a quick search and it looks like sprint MAY activate your phone if you give them the imei minus the last digit (MEID).
https://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/150262?start=0&tstart=0
iLikeTurtuls said:
Have fun with that.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
<----- This guy. T-mobile Nexus 5 w/ Sprint SIM.
Proof - tell me what you want to see because the 'About Phone' screen shows model Nexus 5 w/ Android Version L. Also, during the update to L previe, Google only proviedes one firmware update for Nexus 5 hammerhead on their preview dl page.
drwx said:
there is only 1 version of the nexus 5 and it does have both GSM and CDMA radios.. i did a quick search and it looks like sprint MAY activate your phone if you give them the imei minus the last digit (MEID).
https://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/150262?start=0&tstart=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it can be done but there is a different situation here whereby the phone cannot be activated on tmob, presumably because it's blacklisted.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
rootSU said:
Yes it can be done but there is a different situation here whereby the phone cannot be activated on tmob, presumably because it's blacklisted.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True... In that case he's screwed.
--
Stephen