[Q] Swapping SIMs from FreedomPop - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello all,
I have a Nexus 5 that I bought through FreedomPop. The phone comes unlocked, but FreedomPop says that I need to deactivate my phone and unassign it from the network by contacting them. However, I was under the impression that if you did a reboot you can swap SIMs at will. I'm going to Europe for a few weeks and I was planning on popping in a SIM from a local carrier, but I don't want to permanently cancel my service with FreedomPop. I've heard a lot on forums and stuff of people just swapping SIMs whenever. Is this thing by FreedomPop only meant for a permanent switch? Can I just pop out my SIM, use a European one for a couple weeks, and pop it back in when I come back to the US, and no one will be the wiser? Or did FreedomPop put some kind of restriction on it (even though the phone is supposedly unlocked)?

Powered_By_Linux said:
Hello all,
I have a Nexus 5 that I bought through FreedomPop. The phone comes unlocked, but FreedomPop says that I need to deactivate my phone and unassign it from the network by contacting them. However, I was under the impression that if you did a reboot you can swap SIMs at will. I'm going to Europe for a few weeks and I was planning on popping in a SIM from a local carrier, but I don't want to permanently cancel my service with FreedomPop. I've heard a lot on forums and stuff of people just swapping SIMs whenever. Is this thing by FreedomPop only meant for a permanent switch? Can I just pop out my SIM, use a European one for a couple weeks, and pop it back in when I come back to the US, and no one will be the wiser? Or did FreedomPop put some kind of restriction on it (even though the phone is supposedly unlocked)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GSM part should be OK to use with another sim card once you're in Europe. You just cannot re-activate on Sprint's 3G CDMA network without deactivating Freedompop account first though (just in case you want to use the Nexus 5 on Sprint's network with a different account)

I can't answer your question directly, but could you throw TWRP on, backup the ROM, then install the google ROM, swap SIMs, travel, and when back in the states restore the rom with TWRP?

onurd said:
The GSM part should be OK to use with another sim card once you're in Europe. You just cannot re-activate on Sprint's 3G CDMA network without deactivating Freedompop account first though (just in case you want to use the Nexus 5 on Sprint's network with a different account)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I won't need to reactivate my phone if I'm gonna use the same Freedompop account (and SIM) when I get back to the States? I'll only need to cancel if I'm gonna use a different number/carrier on Sprint? Thank you!

id09542 said:
I can't answer your question directly, but could you throw TWRP on, backup the ROM, then install the google ROM, swap SIMs, travel, and when back in the states restore the rom with TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might work, but I'd rather not void the warranty as the phone is still very new.

Related

Is it possible on Verizon to own 2 phones on one line?

With AT&T you can simply throw a sim card in and away you go with any phone you want. What do you do on AT&T namely if you have an iPhone and TBolt?
You wont be able to do it without going through Verizon to have your TB Sim card reset everytime you want to use your TB after using your iPhone.
Normally you just have to do a simple ESN swap (can do online). Unfortunately with the Thunderbolt and it's LTE SIM, things might be more complicated. I'd check with a Verizon rep to see what would be involved.
Sadly its a complete pain in the butt. One of the guys I work with had to deactivate it and reactivate it a couple of days later. The guy in the store couldn't figure out how to do it, and it took him about 3 hours on the phone with various techs to finally get it working. They ended up having to swap out the SIM card in the store.
Not sure if its the process that is tough, or if they just don't know what they are doing. Either way, I wouldn't recommend it if you can avoid it. If you really need to do it, it is possible, but its not as simple as just swapping out a SIM card like on AT&T.
Once there are more phones utilizing LTE wouldn't you just be able to swap out your sim card and put it in any LTE phone?
dirtyfingers said:
Once there are more phones utilizing LTE wouldn't you just be able to swap out your sim card and put it in any LTE phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is correct. I can go buy the Droid Charge, and put in the SIM from my Thunderbolt, and I'll be good to go.
Thats pretty sweet, I wish I had the cash to drop on some more LTE phones when they come out.
WilliamStern said:
Yes, this is correct. I can go buy the Droid Charge, and put in the SIM from my Thunderbolt, and I'll be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about that? I thought we were still using CDMA for calls and there is no voice over 4G/LTE on VZW just yet.
WilliamStern said:
Yes, this is correct. I can go buy the Droid Charge, and put in the SIM from my Thunderbolt, and I'll be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure this is wrong.
When setting up my phone the rep had to set up the sim card and phone separately.
Razorz is right, we still utilize cdma for voice, so it may be possible to get data on a new phone but no voice?
A rep told me you could, never tried I don't have another Verizon phone to swap it out with. Also ATT charges activation when you swap sims "if the sim is in a different phone for a lengthy time". Also ATT will add a data plan to your account if the phone you put it in requires one.
the id number for the sim card and the ESN for the phone both must be in the verizon system associated with your phone number or the device will not work.
stuckhere4ever said:
Sadly its a complete pain in the butt. One of the guys I work with had to deactivate it and reactivate it a couple of days later. The guy in the store couldn't figure out how to do it, and it took him about 3 hours on the phone with various techs to finally get it working. They ended up having to swap out the SIM card in the store.
Not sure if its the process that is tough, or if they just don't know what they are doing. Either way, I wouldn't recommend it if you can avoid it. If you really need to do it, it is possible, but its not as simple as just swapping out a SIM card like on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they didn't know what they were doing.
When I had data problems with my TB, I switched to my INC via the activate phone link on the "my account" web page. An hour later when I tried to return to the TB, I got a prompt for the phone's IMEI, then prompted for the SIM card's number.. It error-ed. After calling CS, the rep couldn't help, got TS on the line, they manually entered the SIM number to make it work...
So it appears switching away from the TB deactivated the SIM, to switch back, VZW's TS had to re-add or re-activate the SIM.
And as thetwiztidfreak said, they did need BOTH the IMEI and SIM numbers to re-activate the TB.
thetwiztidfreak said:
the id number for the sim card and the ESN for the phone both must be in the verizon system associated with your phone number or the device will not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct but when you put the registered SIM in another LTE device it registers that handsets IMEI with your account. You can infact do a SIM swap with LTE, since your phone number is tied to the SIM putting the sim in another device effectively activates the phone on your account.
I should know, it's my job ;-)
It works the same way as GSM, but going from an LTE phone to a CDMA phone is a bit different, the SIM gets decactivated and becomes useless and if you want to switch back you need to go the a Verizon store for them to sell you out a new SIM for $0(some times old SIMs can be reactivated however there may b e issues with this). It's a PITA so I don't reccomend switching back and forth between CDMA and LTE devices unless you absolutely HAVE to.
chaoscentral said:
Correct but when you put the registered SIM in another LTE device it registers that handsets IMEI with your account. You can infact do a SIM swap with LTE, since your phone number is tied to the SIM putting the sim in another device effectively activates the phone on your account.
I should know, it's my job ;-)
It works the same way as GSM, but going from an LTE phone to a CDMA phone is a bit different, the SIM gets decactivated and becomes useless and if you want to switch back you need to go the a Verizon store for them to sell you out a new SIM for $0(some times old SIMs can be reactivated however there may b e issues with this). It's a PITA so I don't reccomend switching back and forth between CDMA and LTE devices unless you absolutely HAVE to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that it is a royal pain in the ass to go to the vzw store to get a new sim...
I just got a replacement for my tbolt. I had 5 days to return the "defective" one. I bounced the SIM card back and forth between the two phones a dozen times trying to see which one got better 3G/4G reception. The rep told me to decide which one works better and send the other phone back. It didn't matter.

[Q] Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3-SCH-I535-Unlocking

I am by far no where near the caliber of technology that lie within this web site, however, I am simply trying to get some direction regarding my S3.
I purchased it from Verizon-2 yrs ago, contract expired 7/8/13; did not renew. I went with Consumer Cellular (more fitting for the older generation) but my S3 WON'T WORK ON THEIR NETWORK!
I have spent the last 3 weeks doing research on this phone to see if it can be 'unlocked' to work with a another carrier. The phone is like brand new and I don't want to get rid of it, I'd prefer to use it with the new carrier.
Is there anyone who can give me some direction to this issue? Can the phone infact be "unlocked' to work with Consumer, it has the Verizon SIM card in it, I was able to root it, successfully, now if I can just get it unlocked. Had to purchase another phone so that I would not be without phone service while I work on trying to get this one unlocked.
I've been told it can't because Verizon is a CDMA carrier and Consumer is a GSM..if this in fact true than I've no options but to sell the phone.
I do have "Preferred Network Mode' and it gives me the following options, Global, LTE/CDMA & GSM/UMTS.
Any help, directions or information would be greatly appreciated. With my thanks to all those who have taken the time to read this post.
Southern66 said:
I am by far no where near the caliber of technology that lie within this web site, however, I am simply trying to get some direction regarding my S3.
I purchased it from Verizon-2 yrs ago, contract expired 7/8/13; did not renew. I went with Consumer Cellular (more fitting for the older generation) but my S3 WON'T WORK ON THEIR NETWORK!
I have spent the last 3 weeks doing research on this phone to see if it can be 'unlocked' to work with a another carrier. The phone is like brand new and I don't want to get rid of it, I'd prefer to use it with the new carrier.
Is there anyone who can give me some direction to this issue? Can the phone infact be "unlocked' to work with Consumer, it has the Verizon SIM card in it, I was able to root it, successfully, now if I can just get it unlocked. Had to purchase another phone so that I would not be without phone service while I work on trying to get this one unlocked.
I've been told it can't because Verizon is a CDMA carrier and Consumer is a GSM..if this in fact true than I've no options but to sell the phone.
I do have "Preferred Network Mode' and it gives me the following options, Global, LTE/CDMA & GSM/UMTS.
Any help, directions or information would be greatly appreciated. With my thanks to all those who have taken the time to read this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get this phone 2 years ago? It barely came out a little more than a year ago.
Next, you can unlock it, but only if you pay for the full retail for the phone and then contact Verizon about what you want to do and then get an unlock code. After that, you're going to need a SIM card from Consumer Cellular.
There shouldn't be a problem with radio frequencies since the Verizon GS3 is a global phone. So the SIM card should work after you get it set up.
If I'm wrong in some aspect, someone feel free to correct me.
sent from my Infected Bonestock GS3
david_hume said:
How did you get this phone 2 years ago? It barely came out a little more than a year ago.
Next, you can unlock it, but only if you pay for the full retail for the phone and then contact Verizon about what you want to do and then get an unlock code. After that, you're going to need a SIM card from Consumer Cellular.
There shouldn't be a problem with radio frequencies since the Verizon GS3 is a global phone. So the SIM card should work after you get it set up.
If I'm wrong in some aspect, someone feel free to correct me.
sent from my Infected Bonestock GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In regards to Unlocking the phone, the phone is unlocked out of the box, you just pop in your sim and select GSM mode! you have to set the APN for DATA yourself tho!
Galaxy s3 sCH-I535
david_hume said:
How did you get this phone 2 years ago? It barely came out a little more than a year ago.
Next, you can unlock it, but only if you pay for the full retail for the phone and then contact Verizon about what you want to do and then get an unlock code. After that, you're going to need a SIM card from Consumer Cellular.
There shouldn't be a problem with radio frequencies since the Verizon GS3 is a global phone. So the SIM card should work after you get it set up.
If I'm wrong in some aspect, someone feel free to correct me.
sent from my Infected Bonestock GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi:
I do not recall the date of purchase but know that when I purchased it I had to sign for a 2 yr contract with Verizon..that contract was up July 8,2013.
That is not important, what is important is to find out if in fact the phone can be unlocked, VERIZON swears it is unlocked so they are not going to be of any use to me to get their help. It is up to me to find someone who can unlock this phone via a cable. The code places I have contacted can't come up with a code, they have instructed me that it needs to be done with a cable.
As I stated, I am simply trying to get the phone unlocked to use on Consumer Celluar, of which I am already a memeber and have the SIM card activated on another SAMSUNG phone of which I had to buy.
I do not have to buy the phone outright, as the phone is paid for, thus the 2 yr contract. the phone is mine, but as long as it is in the state it is now, I can only use it on VERIZON.
The I535 has a sim card in it from Verizon, when I take out the Verizon SIM card and put in the Consumer SIM card I get the message, "this is a non verizon SIM card.
I am researching this everyday to find out if IT CAN BE UNLOCKED, AND #2 WHO CAN I GET TO UNLOCK IT? Verizon went so far as to tell me that all the person needs is a USB cable and PC...how true this is, I don't know.
Thank You
Southern66 said:
Hi:
I do not recall the date of purchase but know that when I purchased it I had to sign for a 2 yr contract with Verizon..that contract was up July 8,2013.
That is not important, what is important is to find out if in fact the phone can be unlocked, VERIZON swears it is unlocked so they are not going to be of any use to me to get their help. It is up to me to find someone who can unlock this phone via a cable. The code places I have contacted can't come up with a code, they have instructed me that it needs to be done with a cable.
As I stated, I am simply trying to get the phone unlocked to use on Consumer Celluar, of which I am already a memeber and have the SIM card activated on another SAMSUNG phone of which I had to buy.
I do not have to buy the phone outright, as the phone is paid for, thus the 2 yr contract. the phone is mine, but as long as it is in the state it is now, I can only use it on VERIZON.
The I535 has a sim card in it from Verizon, when I take out the Verizon SIM card and put in the Consumer SIM card I get the message, "this is a non verizon SIM card.
I am researching this everyday to find out if IT CAN BE UNLOCKED, AND #2 WHO CAN I GET TO UNLOCK IT? Verizon went so far as to tell me that all the person needs is a USB cable and PC...how true this is, I don't know.
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is right by saying its unlocked, and thats the most anyone can help you, if you are going to try unlocking the phone by cable, you might as well throw money down the drain! and 2 you need to update to the MF1 software! as MB1 and MD3 would tell you its non verizon sim card, but even on that update if you put the phone in GSM mode in Network settings the phone should work fine for calling and texting!
having the same issue, if you find out anything will you please let me know how to do this too. i would greatly appriciate it
SIM
Did you get the free Consumer Cellular SIM yet? Your post said you have rooted and have the Verizon SIM, and you can't get on CC network without their SIM card.
The phone is already "unlocked" for global/GSM use with the JB update, so you should be able to just pop in a SIM card from CC and change settings (they should provide you with this info).
A lot of ppl are saying the Verizon GS3 is already unlocked, but when i pop in my metro pcs sim card and switch network to cdma, nothing happens. What would I have to do to make it work with this metro carrier?
No Data, No Voice, No SMS
Hi. Im also having the same issue. I have a Verizon GS3 that was originally running 4.0.4, VRALHE. I rooted, updated the baseband to MF1, and installed RLS16 of Hyperdrive, so I now am on 4.1.2. I have the option to go GSM or Global, but when I put in my MetroPCS sim, I get nothing. It prompts me for Global, but I cant make calls or send sms. I also put in the APN and no data as well. Anyone know whatbI should do next? I have an IMEI, it doesnt appear to be lost, and I have tried the phone info app, as well as trying to go through the secret menu, the network lock menu is blank.
Hey, I got the same problem, and considering how it's been a while since the last post I wonder if there is any new news on this front. Thanx!
P.s: It came preinstalled with 4.3 stock, not rooted yet. I have the option to instal 4.4.2 via Kies {PDA:NE1 / PHONE:NE1 / CSC:NE1 (VZW)}.
Update here:
I digged into some settings and found that switching it into either Global or GSM seems to make the phone capable of voice calls.
Idk about 3G, I did manually type in the APN settings, but I never use anything other than wifi because internet here is expensive unless you go with one of their plans.
So if you haven't tried it, on 4.3 go to settings, under wireless and networks select 'More Settings', Mobile Networks, Network Mode.
Worked for me, although I still get "Non-Verizon SIM" in the notifications bar and it looks like my signal is a bit weaker than before. But still works.
guys you are wrong
guys there is no way metropcs, Boost mobile or sprint networks Work cause these are CDMA carriers and verizon and the other CDMA Carriers has a different activation way on Verizon smartphones the GSM module(gsm networks as well) come unlocked for foreigner carriers even the GSM US carriers(AT&T or TMOBILE) sometimes doesnt work hope that info help

THE AT&T DATA THREAD: The Answer to getting LTE working on your N5

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

[Q] Multiple Networks at Once

Hey all! Long time lurker, first time poster. Is anyone working on running the Nexus 5 on multiple networks? Specifically, Sprint and Tmobile?
I don't see why this wouldn't work right off the bat. In my head, the radios are present and sprint uses the imei number instead of a Sim card. So shouldn't it work similar to a dual Sim phone?
My hope is to keep my $30 T-Mobile plan and add FreedomPop as my source for free minutes when in a sprint area.
I'd love to hear from everyone, my searching couldn't find anything but if your googlefu is better than mine please help!
Thanks,
Matt
TerkyTime said:
Hey all! Long time lurker, first time poster. Is anyone working on running the Nexus 5 on multiple networks? Specifically, Sprint and Tmobile?
I don't see why this wouldn't work right off the bat. In my head, the radios are present and sprint uses the imei number instead of a Sim card. So shouldn't it work similar to a dual Sim phone?
My hope is to keep my $30 T-Mobile plan and add FreedomPop as my source for free minutes when in a sprint area.
I'd love to hear from everyone, my searching couldn't find anything but if your googlefu is better than mine please help!
Thanks,
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never thought about this before but now that you mention it, it could be pretty cool to have access to two LTE networks if one of them is being slow. Sprint want a ICC security SIM card in the phone though, not sure if you could bypass this or use the phone without it anyway.
You need a sim card for spring LTE and voice/data on T-Mobile, and there is only one sim slot.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the quick replies guys! I'm still very interested in it, perhaps you are right that the security Sim could be bypassed. I'd love this to gain some traction, this would be an incredibly unique feature to boast!
The phone doesn't have dual radios to even accommodate this anyway. So even if you were somehow able to activate it with a TMO SIM and on Sprint (which alone would take a ton of ROM hacking), you still physically couldn't talk to both networks. The radio would need to pick one or the other. It can't just flip flop at will, it has to set up the connection with the tower and maintain it.
I disagree. If you were to activate it on sprint, you could use it without the sprint Sim... You just would not get LTE. So technically you could activate it on Sprint (as you don't activate the phone on T-Mobile just the sim).
It would be cool if we could bypass the sprint Sim necessity.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
This won't work because when connected to LTE on Sprint it uses eCSFB to fall back to 1x to accept the call. This happens over the LTE connection. If you're connected to tmobile LTE, there's no way for it to tell you you have a call incoming from Sprint's network.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
afazel said:
This won't work because when connected to LTE on Sprint it uses eCSFB to fall back to 1x to accept the call. This happens over the LTE connection. If you're connected to tmobile LTE, there's no way for it to tell you you have a call incoming from Sprint's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do you think it could feasibly work as a simple menu option choice, or a widget to switch networks? I personally use Google Voice so receiving calls would happen in whichever network happens to be connected
TerkyTime said:
So do you think it could feasibly work as a simple menu option choice, or a widget to switch networks? I personally use Google Voice so receiving calls would happen in whichever network happens to be connected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you actually have to switch the SIM. Once it's registered to Sprint with a SIM, then swapping that SIM for another carrier's SIM completely switches it over. Then, when you want to use Sprint again, you put your Sprint SIM back.
afazel said:
No, you actually have to switch the SIM. Once it's registered to Sprint with a SIM, then swapping that SIM for another carrier's SIM completely switches it over. Then, when you want to use Sprint again, you put your Sprint SIM back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TerkyTime said:
So do you think it could feasibly work as a simple menu option choice, or a widget to switch networks? I personally use Google Voice so receiving calls would happen in whichever network happens to be connected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess what terky meant is he will forward calls to two numbers in Google voice settings ( let's say T-Mobile and freedompop) and then whichever network will be active will receive the call. So you will still be receiving the call.
Sounds logical but it has to be tried.
I see freedompop's website now accepts meid numbers. But my concern is; will activating the nexus 5's meid number on freedompop block using the gsm functionality of the phone??
If not, it would be just terrific!!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
h20wakebum said:
I disagree. If you were to activate it on sprint, you could use it without the sprint Sim... You just would not get LTE. So technically you could activate it on Sprint (as you don't activate the phone on T-Mobile just the sim).
It would be cool if we could bypass the sprint Sim necessity.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
afazel said:
This won't work because when connected to LTE on Sprint it uses eCSFB to fall back to 1x to accept the call. This happens over the LTE connection. If you're connected to tmobile LTE, there's no way for it to tell you you have a call incoming from Sprint's network.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vincent Law said:
The phone doesn't have dual radios to even accommodate this anyway. So even if you were somehow able to activate it with a TMO SIM and on Sprint (which alone would take a ton of ROM hacking), you still physically couldn't talk to both networks. The radio would need to pick one or the other. It can't just flip flop at will, it has to set up the connection with the tower and maintain it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TerkyTime said:
So do you think it could feasibly work as a simple menu option choice, or a widget to switch networks? I personally use Google Voice so receiving calls would happen in whichever network happens to be connected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So with the new Android 5.1 update, which now supports dual sim, (I know guys N5 only has one sim card slot) do you think it would be easier to do this?
My idea is to get a freedompop service with the imei number, just registering the phone online and you dont physically need a sim card from them. And lets say we use another sim card ( Att, tmob, etc) to use. So basically we would have two service providers.
And from my point of view; i wouldnt need both of their services at the same time. Lets say i want to use freedompop first, and whenever it expires, I can switch to my other carrier manually.
Any thoughts on this?
Brainstorming?!?!?!

[Q] Switching from Sprint to AT&T?

Hey Folks,
I have a Nexus 5, which I bought from the Play store and have been using on Sprint for the past year. I'm switching carriers to AT&T and would like to know if my device will work on their network. I went to an AT&T store and tried swapping out my SIM for one of theres but the "AT&T" logo didn't show up on my phone and I wasn't able to use voice/text/data. Then, when I tried swapping my sprint SIM back in I had a ton of trouble, in the end, the sprint store had to factory reset my phone to get it to work again. I guess my question is, are there any specific settings that need to be changed or a specific manner in which i switch the SIM cards to get it to work on AT&T? A Sprint rep told me it work on AT&T but that can't be right, the phone is unlocked after all. Any and all input is welcomed!
A lot of people here use ATT me included. You'll have to change your APN to ATT. You also will have to give them your phones IMEI. After that you'll be all set.
theesotericone said:
A lot of people here use ATT me included. You'll have to change your APN to ATT. You also will have to give them your phones IMEI. After that you'll be all set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to switch sims between ting(sprint MVNO) and ATT since I work in areas sometimes that does not have att service, and I never had a problem going between the two. Did you try to reset the radio on the phone?
theesotericone said:
A lot of people here use ATT me included. You'll have to change your APN to ATT. You also will have to give them your phones IMEI. After that you'll be all set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chapelfreak said:
I used to switch sims between ting(sprint MVNO) and ATT since I work in areas sometimes that does not have att service, and I never had a problem going between the two. Did you try to reset the radio on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys,
I looked for APN settings on my phone and googled it but I couldn't find those options. I tried updating the profile before, updating the PRL, restarting it multiple times and turning the radio on and off. Also tried switching the network type between Global and LTE options multiple times, which only worked < 1% of the time. Finally, I went to the sprint store where they did a factory reset and now it only works on 3G (no LTE). This is a family plan where we're switching to ATT permanently. My sister is sending me some sort of "customized" SIM card for my phone (they took all of my phones info) that should work on ATT. When I go into ATT again to test out my phone, are there any specific settings I need to change or a certain manner in which I switch the SIM cards to test my phone if it works? I wanna test it with a random ATT sim first and not my "customized" SIM card because our ATT line isn't activated as yet, only sprint is.

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