Whats up guys, I'm facing one hell of a dilemma. I purchased a Nexus 5 from craigslist. The person said it was bought from Google. None the less I did a IMEI check on Swappa when I bought it and it came out clean. The person was using it on T-Mobile pre-paid so I went with the hunch that it was not bought on the JUMP program. Unfortunately, at that time they didn't have their sim in the phone so I could see it working on T-Mobile.
Since, I'm on Verizon I couldn't test the phone out in person. The phone is for my mom who is on AT&T. When I popped her SIM in the phone was showing "No Service", despite having the correct AT&T APN. I googled and googled and noticed people were saying the battery cover could affect it. Well this phone has a loose battery on the right side (when looking at the phone with the screen up) so I pushed on the battery cover and still "No Service". Lastly, I flashed the factory images from Google. When the phone booted back up it was still saying "No Service" but then showed empty/gray bars and detected it was on AT&T. Every now and then I might get one blip of white inside the bars, but then it immediately goes back to empty gray bars or "no service". I can't make or receive calls from the phone. Let's not even talk about cellular data.
I called Google, low and behold the phone wasn't purchased from them. Then I called LG and LG said its a T-Mobile phone. By chance do you guys know if T-Mobile sim locks the Nexus 5 when you're making payments? I can't figure out if this phone has bad radios or it has some lock in place by T-Mobile. Is "No Service" or empty gray bars a symptom of carrier lock?
TL;DR: Does T-Mobile sim lock the Nexus 5 when you finance the device from them?
ashish8 said:
Whats up guys, I'm facing one hell of a dilemma. I purchased a Nexus 5 from craigslist. The person said it was bought from Google. None the less I did a IMEI check on Swappa when I bought it and it came out clean. The person was using it on T-Mobile pre-paid so I went with the hunch that it was not bought on the JUMP program. Unfortunately, at that time they didn't have their sim in the phone so I could see it working on T-Mobile.
Since, I'm on Verizon I couldn't test the phone out in person. The phone is for my mom who is on AT&T. When I popped her SIM in the phone was showing "No Service", despite having the correct AT&T APN. I googled and googled and noticed people were saying the battery cover could affect it. Well this phone has a loose battery on the right side (when looking at the phone with the screen up) so I pushed on the battery cover and still "No Service". Lastly, I flashed the factory images from Google. When the phone booted back up it was still saying "No Service" but then showed empty/gray bars and detected it was on AT&T. Every now and then I might get one blip of white inside the bars, but then it immediately goes back to empty gray bars or "no service". I can't make or receive calls from the phone. Let's not even talk about cellular data.
I called Google, low and behold the phone wasn't purchased from them. Then I called LG and LG said its a T-Mobile phone. By chance do you guys know if T-Mobile sim locks the Nexus 5 when you're making payments? I can't figure out if this phone has bad radios or it has some lock in place by T-Mobile. Is "No Service" or empty gray bars a symptom of carrier lock?
TL;DR: Does T-Mobile sim lock the Nexus 5 when you finance the device from them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first suggestion would be to check if the phone is blacklisted from this website http://checkesnfree.com/
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Wait the N5 doesn't have a removable battery, or a cover that comes off. How'd you push it in?
Anyways, I purchased my N5 from T-Mobile directly. After some issues with service in my area I went to an ATT store and asked if I could use it on their network. The rep at the store said yes, it would work, but since they don't actually carry the phone I could not insure it with them. She seemed very confident it wasn't carrier locked which is what I've heard all around. I can't confirm that though, I stayed with T-Mobile.
P.S. Questions belong in the Q+A section, not general.
I don't think Verizon have approved the n5 for their network. Try a SIM from another operator or call Verizon to confirm.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
the n5 from tmobile is not carrier locked. no nexus 5 are carrier locked. i have had an att sim in my tmobile bought n5, and phone/data signal worked fine.
mattyboyo said:
I don't think Verizon have approved the n5 for their network. Try a SIM from another operator or call Verizon to confirm.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you even read the thread? He said he couldn't test because he has Verizon. N5 doesn't operate on Verizon. He was asking about ATT... He tried an ATT SIM already and it didn't work.
Sorry I'll assume the op hasn't been scammed.
Does the phone display an imei and baseband in the about phone section of settings?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Guys, I understand it's a unlocked phone. I just want to know if T-Mobile puts a lock on the phone when you finance from them.
Yes, the imei is in the settings and yes its clean.
Not a smart move, buying a phone from somebody on craigslist without checking to see if it works. No receipt, didn't check to see if it was blacklisted, and it has a loose back cover...Could have faulty hardware, might have water damage, might be blacklisted...lesson learned. Good luck.
ashish8 said:
Guys, I understand it's a unlocked phone. I just want to know if T-Mobile puts a lock on the phone when you finance from them.
Yes, the imei is in the settings and yes its clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they don't. They can blacklist the imei by which you won't be able to use a T-mobile sim. But they can't carrier lock the device.
vin4yak said:
No, they don't. They can blacklist the imei by which you won't be able to use a T-mobile sim. But they can't carrier lock the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Vin, then I assume it's a hardware issue. If anyone wants to buy this N5 PM me I just want to cut my losses.
If I am not wrong, nexus 5 bought from us tmob cant be used on att because att dont have the IMEI number of the tmob nexus 5s in their database which required to be able to connect att network
Tapatalk-kal küldve az én Nexus 5-el
Lokke9191 said:
Not a smart move, buying a phone from somebody on craigslist without checking to see if it works. No receipt, didn't check to see if it was blacklisted, and it has a loose back cover...Could have faulty hardware, might have water damage, might be blacklisted...lesson learned. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No doubt about that, but I have bought numerous phones from Craigslist, Always for Verizon though. This was my first venture into the GSM realm.
Already checked the moisture sensor in the sim tray and it's white. Like I said earlier I checked the imei at the time of purchase and that was clean as well. My mistake was not having a GSM sim and thus not testing the device
bitdomo said:
If I am not wrong, nexus 5 bought from us tmob cant be used on att because att dont have the IMEI number of the tmob nexus 5s in their database which required to be able to connect att network
Tapatalk-kal küldve az én Nexus 5-el
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His issue is something like this. http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...-t-mobile-phones-and-you-probably-should-too/
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
bitdomo said:
If I am not wrong, nexus 5 bought from us tmob cant be used on att because att dont have the IMEI number of the tmob nexus 5s in their database which required to be able to connect att network
Tapatalk-kal küldve az én Nexus 5-el
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure this only applies to sprint
david279 said:
His issue is something like this. http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...-t-mobile-phones-and-you-probably-should-too/
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite. Both swappa and checkesnfree report the imei as clean.
ashish8 said:
I'm pretty sure this only applies to sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh my bad. Yes it was indeed sprint. I remember now
Tapatalk-kal küldve az én Nexus 5-el
Just a thought but it's best you take it out of the equation first.. Have you checked in settings-about and see whether the IMEI is showing up?
Have you tried flashing the different radios and see whether it helps??
vin4yak said:
Just a thought but it's best you take it out of the equation first.. Have you checked in settings-about and see whether the IMEI is showing up?
Have you tried flashing the different radios and see whether it helps??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed the factory image. Guess I'll try the radios.
ashish8 said:
I flashed the factory image. Guess I'll try the radios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, may be it'll work for you. What about the IMEI showing up in Settings-About? Checked it??
Related
For some reason I can't get any service with AT&T but it picks up service with T-Mobile.
I have it rooted, unlocked with the Ace Hack Kit and running ICS AOSP.
Any ideas?
Edit: I've tried flashing different radios still no luck.
Are you using an ATT SIM? Can you get ATT in your area with a different phone?
I tried three different ATT sim cards and yes there is ATT service in my area.
Your APN settings are probably wrong. Give this thread a look:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1042553&highlight=apn+settings
pazzo02 said:
Your APN settings are probably wrong. Give this thread a look:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1042553&highlight=apn+settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but it didn't work.
I'm going to cover the obvious. Your putting the sim cover back on right? Its needed for the antenna
marsdta said:
I'm going to cover the obvious. Your putting the sim cover back on right? Its needed for the antenna
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I do and a reboot. No luck but T-Mobile for some reason works fine.
I also get an error when searching for networks in the settings.
"error while searching for networks"
This is so confusing.
You don't need a correct APN for phone signal. So that shouldn't matter. Could this phone be possibly stolen or involved in an ATT account that was terminated early? Maybe ATT has it blocked from the network?
Agoattamer said:
You don't need a correct APN for phone signal. So that shouldn't matter. Could this phone be possibly stolen or involved in an ATT account that was terminated early? Maybe ATT has it blocked from the network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was gonna say this, my friend picked up a rooted phone a month ago. Had the same issue as the OP so we called AT&T and sure enough the IMEI # or something like that was reported stolen and had service terminated. They went on to tell him he's S.O.L.
MMM-BACONSTRIPS said:
I was gonna say this, my friend picked up a rooted phone a month ago. Had the same issue as the OP so we called AT&T and sure enough the IMEI # or something like that was reported stolen and had service terminated. They went on to tell him he's S.O.L.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a really interesting post. This is the first case I ever heard of where AT&T blacklisted a stolen device. I hope it is true. Typically, they just terminate service by deactivating the sim card and don't worry about the device.
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using Tapatalk
Agoattamer said:
You don't need a correct APN for phone signal. So that shouldn't matter. Could this phone be possibly stolen or involved in an ATT account that was terminated early? Maybe ATT has it blocked from the network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did buy this off of a stranger. I have never heard of ATT doing this though.
I found one thread on the net from a nexus owner and he said it was a mobo issue.
sh4rex said:
I found one thread on the net from a nexus owner and he said it was a mobo issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats like using google to diagnose your car. apples and oranges. your next step should be to contact ATT and find out if that imei number is listed as blocked from the network before taking wild stabs in the dark from reading forums about phones different than yours.
not to knock you for searching though, it is appreciated
Did a little searching and it seems ATT does not blacklist IMEI codes. Just sim cards. Go figure.
I find it difficult to believe it is a motherboard issue. If it picks up a T-mobile phone signal there is no reason why it should not pick up an ATT phone signal if the sim card is good and there is service in the area.
I gave up and sold it to someone using tmobile
since it was rooted, ATT is still able to block the cellphone? I thought they might lose the connection with this device... Sounds interesting
fernandezhjr said:
This is a really interesting post. This is the first case I ever heard of where AT&T blacklisted a stolen device. I hope it is true. Typically, they just terminate service by deactivating the sim card and don't worry about the device.
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since fernandezhjr the police of interesting posts wanted to poke some holes in my story...I asked said friend for a little more detail, turns out the phone in question was sold with the simcard in which she tried to use. Shady seller I guess sold the phone and cancelled the simcard on the phone, not sure if the phone was stolen or was actually the sellers phone but regardless that's neither here nor there. Once removing the simcard she was able to use the phone with her simcard.
edit: phone was never rooted. not sure if that matters to anyone.
MMM-BACONSTRIPS said:
Since fernandezhjr the police of interesting posts wanted to poke some holes in my story...I asked said friend for a little more detail, turns out the phone in question was sold with the simcard in which she tried to use. Shady seller I guess sold the phone and cancelled the simcard on the phone, not sure if the phone was stolen or was actually the sellers phone but regardless that's neither here nor there. Once removing the simcard she was able to use the phone with her simcard.
edit: phone was never rooted. not sure if that matters to anyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh heh. Like I said before, no poking, just spotting. I don't think anyone would like misinformation being posted, even if it isn't intentional. And when it comes from a more informed member like yourself that likes to be helpful to others, it is more likely to be accepted and/or acted upon. I also only question you when I've had conflicting experiences or seen reliable sources that conflict. The non blacklisting of devices is one that has been discussed here before and typically pops up in many other forums.
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using Tapatalk
Hey guys wondering if someone else is in the Pacific Northwest area that is on Simple Mobile with the Inspire. What I would like to know is there any better radios for the inspire that youve noticed any change in signal reception or anything than the stock radio.
Army_Spec_Ops said:
Hey guys wondering if someone else is in the Pacific Northwest area that is on Simple Mobile with the Inspire. What I would like to know is there any better radios for the inspire that youve noticed any change in signal reception or anything than the stock radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
search around a bit. radio is subjective, two people with the same phone and same service in the same room will get different results with radios. best thing is try a few out and see if any are better for you.
Simple mobile uses tmobile bands therefore you only will get edge speeds, try the Att go phone sim from Walmart you'll get great speeds and maybe straight talk
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda premium
The one issue with GoPhone is that if the SIM has been activated in a different phone, and less than 6 months have passed since it was activated, you will likely get an IMEI locked message. This doesn't mean there is any issue with the Inspire, simply that the GoPhone SIM is locked to the IMEI of the phone it was activated in.
I use red pocket mobile. In northern cali. Runs on ATT hspa plus. Not bad no issues. T mobile doesn't offer a 3g plan. Red pocket is 50-60. Might want to look into it.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA
vwood2121 said:
Simple mobile uses tmobile bands therefore you only will get edge speeds, try the Att go phone sim from Walmart you'll get great speeds and maybe straight talk
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've heard straight talk is 45 a month and it unlimited
Sent from my Desire HD using xda app-developers app
bhigham said:
The one issue with GoPhone is that if the SIM has been activated in a different phone, and less than 6 months have passed since it was activated, you will likely get an IMEI locked message. This doesn't mean there is any issue with the Inspire, simply that the GoPhone SIM is locked to the IMEI of the phone it was activated in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The six month policy is for unlocking the phone to other carriers. you have it backwards, my friend. If you call them and tell them that you are changing phones because the one it was activated on was damaged or non functional anymore, they will send a code to the phone to unlock the SIM. I think they can only do that for a SIM that is locked to an Android. If it was activated on a non-smart phone, you can go to any AT&T store and tell them you want to change phones and they will do it.
graydiggy said:
The six month policy is for unlocking the phone to other carriers. you have it backwards, my friend. If you call them and tell them that you are changing phones because the one it was activated on was damaged or non functional anymore, they will send a code to the phone to unlock the SIM. I think they can only do that for a SIM that is locked to an Android. If it was activated on a non-smart phone, you can go to any AT&T store and tell them you want to change phones and they will do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you found to be incorrect in my statement. I never claimed the gophone sim couldn't be unlocked to be used in the inspire, just that it is locked by default to the phone that it is activated in. Also, though what you say is true about being able to get it changed, by default AT&T personnel don't seem to be able to diagnose the problem, when you give them the error message. A friend of mine had this issue when he tried to use a gophone sim in a nokia smartphone, and after going to the AT&T store, calling them up, etc, he asked me and I told him his SIM was probably locked to the phone it was activated in. Once he knew this, he called, and they unlocked it. However, neither the store nor customer service was able to help him, until he told them what the problem was. I also picked up the inspire I am using now for cheap, because the seller tried putting a gophone sim in it, and it came up with an "IMEI Locked" message. He assumed there was a problem with the phone, and AT&T customer service was unable to help him. Knowing the issue with GoPhone sims, I bought the phone, and have had no issues with it. So, though what you say is true, you have to know about the gophone simlock issue, in order to get it resolved.
Please post all questions in the Q & A section. Thanks! Thread moved.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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.
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
Hello,
I've just bought an used Nexus 5 off eBay (UK). Seller mentioned it was network locked to BT mobile.
When I insert my giffgaff SIM card I get Emergency calls only and no signal. I was about to buy an unlock code but I can't seem to find a way to display the prompt to enter the unlock code.
I've tried the methods described here: http://m.sim-unlock.net/simlock/LG/Nexus_5/ but I simply don't get any prompt.
What can I do to network unlock my Nexus 5?
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA-Developers mobile app
rent0n said:
Hello,
I've just bought an used Nexus 5 off eBay (UK). Seller mentioned it was network locked to BT mobile.
When I insert my giffgaff SIM card I get Emergency calls only and no signal. I was about to buy an unlock code but I can't seem to find a way to display the prompt to enter the unlock code.
I've tried the methods described here: http://m.sim-unlock.net/simlock/LG/Nexus_5/ but I simply don't get any prompt.
What can I do to network unlock my Nexus 5?
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly man, I've never seen a "network locked" nexus, root it and flash a custom rom, if u still get no signal, then u got beat and most likely the device is blacklisted, meaning someone reported it stolen, lost, etc. in which case u got beat for whatever u laid for the device. I've never heard of a network locked nexus, even the US carriers that had it on network u could plop any Sim in it and use it fine. I think u got played and it's a stilen/lost phone that has been blacklisted, hears what u can do, call your service provider and have them run the imei number and see if it's compatible, if it is blacklisted, they will tell you, but hurry up bcuz ebay only gives u a certain exchange/buyers insurance time, and after that 14 days or whatever ur hit
Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk
Th nexus phones are all factory unlocked and have never been locked to a carrier, otherwise, the phone can't carry the nexus branding.
Is the phone a d820 or d821?
soupysoup said:
Honestly man, I've never seen a "network locked" nexus, root it and flash a custom rom, if u still get no signal, then u got beat and most likely the device is blacklisted, meaning someone reported it stolen, lost, etc. in which case u got beat for whatever u laid for the device. I've never heard of a network locked nexus, even the US carriers that had it on network u could plop any Sim in it and use it fine. I think u got played and it's a stilen/lost phone that has been blacklisted, hears what u can do, call your service provider and have them run the imei number and see if it's compatible, if it is blacklisted, they will tell you, but hurry up bcuz ebay only gives u a certain exchange/buyers insurance time, and after that 14 days or whatever ur hit
Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've checked the IMEI and is not blacklisted.
If it's truly unlocked and it just gives me Emergency calls only maybe it's faulty then?
Do you think flashing a stick ROM solve the issue?
Cheers,
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA-Developers mobile app
audit13 said:
Th nexus phones are all factory unlocked and have never been locked to a carrier, otherwise, the phone can't carry the nexus branding.
Is the phone a d820 or d821?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a D821. If it's truly unlocked then it's faulty because I can't get any signal, right?
Anything I should try before returning the phone?
Cheers,
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA-Developers mobile app
rent0n said:
It's a D821. If it's truly unlocked then it's faulty because I can't get any signal, right?
Anything I should try before returning the phone?
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So many places, don't know where to answer. Try another sim card or it's hardware issue. In that case, return the phone while you can
Sent from my hammerhead using XDA Labs
Call your carrier and ask them if they need to validate the IMEI on their system? If there is no need for imei validation, I'd return it.
Try this: if it's a D821 dial 2945#*821# and go to "Network Lock"; if it's a D820 dial 2945#*820# and go to "Network Lock";
Now your phone should prompt for the unlock code. If it works, you cand get an unlock code for LG Nexus 5 from here: https://www.unlockradar.com/unlock-lg/nexus-5
Can a nexus b locked??
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
No, nexus 5 phones are never carrier locked..
audit13 said:
Th nexus phones are all factory unlocked and have never been locked to a carrier, otherwise, the phone can't carry the nexus branding.
Is the phone a d820 or d821?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't use Nexus 5s bought from T-Mobile on Sprint's network.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
You should be able to use the T-Mobile nexus 5 if you call sprint and have them authorize the imei, no? Isn't sprint cdma? Doesn't sprint and Verizon use the sim slot for LTE only? Also, not being able to use a T-Mobile nexus 5 on sprint should not automatically mean the phone is locked to T-Mobile or any carrier.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/sprint-nexus-5-activated-how-t2514065