Database Info

Lose the CDMA

not sure about sprint, but Verizon when I use to hack motorlas, had the hardest registery to hack, and graphical interface witout flashing a complete new Rom, and I couldn't stand not beinging able to swap out phones with just a SIM card change, Verizon and Sprint, are tooo controlling, and I would avoid them, sure clarity and service are good on the CDMA network, but, I can't stand feeling like I'm being controlled, and the slight degrade in service doesn't offest the negatives

Dalamak said:
not sure about sprint, but Verizon when I use to hack motorlas, had the hardest registery to hack, and graphical interface witout flashing a complete new Rom, and I couldn't stand not beinging able to swap out phones with just a SIM card change, Verizon and Sprint, are tooo controlling, and I would avoid them, sure clarity and service are good on the CDMA network, but, I can't stand feeling like I'm being controlled, and the slight degrade in service doesn't offest the negatives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple things
1 - CDMA Touch Pro 2 also has SIM slot and should work on GSM networks (I haven't seen it myself so 'should' but the SIM slot is there in the spec) - You can swap whatever SIM car you want in the CDMA TP2.
2 - T-Mob reception at my house sucks
3 - I got 28% monthly service discount for Sprint vs 15% for T-Mob from my employee
Conclusion: What is bad for you isn't bad for everyone...

Actually, the GSM is locked so it only works outside the US. (I think it is hardware locked too so it would be very hard to crack.)

Dalamak said:
not sure about sprint, but Verizon when I use to hack motorlas, had the hardest registery to hack, and graphical interface witout flashing a complete new Rom, and I couldn't stand not beinging able to swap out phones with just a SIM card change, Verizon and Sprint, are tooo controlling, and I would avoid them, sure clarity and service are good on the CDMA network, but, I can't stand feeling like I'm being controlled, and the slight degrade in service doesn't offest the negatives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like feeling controlled either, but I like staring at a $500 phone with 0 signal bars even less.
Where I live and drive, any phone running on anything else besides Verizon is as good as a brick.
Sorry man, The Network > All
And honestly, I don't see changing phones as an issue at all. With Verizon you can swap out phones in 10 seconds online via ESN swap. And as for selection, aside from a very few devices like the iPhone or Hero, there are CDMA version of most major US based GSM phones. The only area that CDMA really lacks is that you can't activate overseas phones like some of the rarer Nokia's, but those phones usually don't have US 3G anyway so wtf is the point?

dgourd said:
Actually, the GSM is locked so it only works outside the US. (I think it is hardware locked too so it would be very hard to crack.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quadband GSM capabilities are available on both Verizon and Sprint's Rhodiums.
According to the sheet from Verizon...
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Verizon Wireless said:
EV-DO, 1X RTT capable (Rev. A capable); GSM Quad Band (GSM/GPRS/EDGE); UMTS / WCDMA / HSDPA / HSUPA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That $489 off-contract price point and the un-crippled RAM really makes me think... should I go to Verizon off-contract at $489 or pay $450 on contract at Sprint before rebates?

computerpro3 said:
I don't like feeling controlled either, but I like staring at a $500 phone with 0 signal bars even less.
And as for selection, aside from a very few devices like the iPhone or Hero, there are CDMA version of most major US based GSM phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, Sprint is coming out with their version of the Hero.
@labsONE
They do have GSM capabilities. The GSM only works oustside the US though. Read the FCC filings. They said they locked the GSM through hardware and firmware so it only works outside US. Inside US, you have CDMA.

dgourd said:
Actually, Sprint is coming out with their version of the Hero.
@labsONE
They do have GSM capabilities. The GSM only works oustside the US though. Read the FCC filings. They said they locked the GSM through hardware and firmware so it only works outside US. Inside US, you have CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my Telus version which says the same thing on the box and it works on Rogers in Canada and should work on any network and with any sim. Even tried it with an orange sim from france.

so it only works outside US. Inside US, you have CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it works on Rogers in Canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um...that would be outside the US. Sorry, felt like being a ****.

I personally like the phone and all of it could be capibilities...

There's a SIM slot and I have a AT&T PAYG card sitting in it - it works fine (this is a Canadian Telus TP2.) Unfortunately I can't get the 3G working yet but I am sure HSPA will be able to be leveraged sooner or later with some tweaks.
CDMA reception is very good and data speeds on EVDO are fast.

Actually both Sprint & Verizon allow you to swap between the phones you are using online.
Verizon allows you to switch even easier, by just grabbing the phone(Verizon) you want to use, and dialing *228, you can activate it via an automated system.

computerjunkie said:
Um...that would be outside the US. Sorry, felt like being a ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Canadian version from Telus are obviously locked for Canadian other GSM provider... Like your US version it is unlockable.

jessiethe3rd said:
There's a SIM slot and I have a AT&T PAYG card sitting in it - it works fine (this is a Canadian Telus TP2.) Unfortunately I can't get the 3G working yet but I am sure HSPA will be able to be leveraged sooner or later with some tweaks.
CDMA reception is very good and data speeds on EVDO are fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enabling 3g with AT&T will be a hardware hack! I dont think its possible that easily!

MightyROM
I have the CDMA U.S. Cellular Version.
I used MightyROM.
It apparently first used a CID Unlock to be able to install itself.
MightyROM is completely Windows from the Ground up as is advertised (freeware) and acts more like an upgrade to windows mobile 6.5 so gives a definite windows feel to it with extended capabilities over the original WM6.5. It allows for Provisioning/Preparing of Data Services to any of the other CDMA carriers but it wouldn't register on Boost Mobile's site after provisioning to Sprint (Sprint owns Boost Mobile) when I tried to activate online and said it was invalid MEID so I'm guessing you have to spoof the MEID # to be able to get it to work on that carrier because it should have worked if it was truly CDMA unlocked and Provisioned to Sprint (I have activated Sprint Phones on Boost Mobile in the Past without much trouble) but I don't know of any way to do that(?) but the CID unlock is essentially a spoof also right so should be able to somehow right? I havn't had a chance to check and see if any of the other carriers would accept the current MEID but I did try a bluetooth PAN connection to a blackberry running on boost (that is actually also a Sprint branded phone lol) but was unsuccessful although it looked like it was about to work for a moment, might need some minor tweaking?
I also popped a couple SIM cards in. The phone seemed to at least partially acknowledge them but the program seemed to be acting buggy so I'm guessing that has to do with another security mechanism blocking it in the extended Flash ROM.
I'm guessing it goes in levels and the next security mechanism is what Olipro call's the security unlock. Still haven't figured out or found any information on what this is or does but apparently it's part of the extended ROM. The might ROM seems to unlock the CDMA and allows to change to Global and GSM modes after install (Before I couldn't change it, it was locked into CDMA only) so I am extremely curious about the extended ROM and what it's programmed to be doing as far as closing/preventing available connections that should be there but aren't. The hardware is definitely there, it's just not being used because it's blocked by the programming. Seem's like it's in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/System/StorageManager/AutoLoad/Ext_FlashDRV when you have ROOT Superuser access in a Regedit application (I'm using Rescoe Registry app) but I don't know what values to change or try and implement and I don't want to mess anything up so will have to keep searching unless someone knows something?
I've heard that one of the files in the extended *flash ROM is nearly essential to have a working touch screen so I don't want to try to delete it all at least for that reason. Although, If I could correctly identify and locate the essential files needed for the smooth operation like the touch driver then It seems like I could just move them into the main flash ROM and then delete the extended flash ROM Carrier Junk. That would certainly take care of a lot of issues it seems and free up the space/memory?
Anyone know where I can find the Key Values and their associated meanings for the registry?
I also tried flashing a Radio. Even though I am CID unlocked the flash failed so this definitely makes me think there is something to the security lock that Olipro talks about, but as I said, I can't find any info. on it. Help plz?

derekstaroba said:
I have the CDMA U.S. Cellular Version.
I used MightyROM.
It apparently first used a CID Unlock to be able to install itself.
MightyROM is completely Windows from the Ground up as is advertised (freeware) and acts more like an upgrade to windows mobile 6.5 so gives a definite windows feel to it with extended capabilities over the original WM6.5. It allows for Provisioning/Preparing of Data Services to any of the other CDMA carriers but it wouldn't register on Boost Mobile's site after provisioning to Sprint (Sprint owns Boost Mobile) when I tried to activate online and said it was invalid MEID so I'm guessing you have to spoof the MEID # to be able to get it to work on that carrier because it should have worked if it was truly CDMA unlocked and Provisioned to Sprint (I have activated Sprint Phones on Boost Mobile in the Past without much trouble) but I don't know of any way to do that(?) but the CID unlock is essentially a spoof also right so should be able to somehow right? I havn't had a chance to check and see if any of the other carriers would accept the current MEID but I did try a bluetooth PAN connection to a blackberry running on boost (that is actually also a Sprint branded phone lol) but was unsuccessful although it looked like it was about to work for a moment, might need some minor tweaking?
I also popped a couple SIM cards in. The phone seemed to at least partially acknowledge them but the program seemed to be acting buggy so I'm guessing that has to do with another security mechanism blocking it in the extended Flash ROM.
I'm guessing it goes in levels and the next security mechanism is what Olipro call's the security unlock. Still haven't figured out or found any information on what this is or does but apparently it's part of the extended ROM. The might ROM seems to unlock the CDMA and allows to change to Global and GSM modes after install (Before I couldn't change it, it was locked into CDMA only) so I am extremely curious about the extended ROM and what it's programmed to be doing as far as closing/preventing available connections that should be there but aren't. The hardware is definitely there, it's just not being used because it's blocked by the programming. Seem's like it's in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/System/StorageManager/AutoLoad/Ext_FlashDRV when you have ROOT Superuser access in a Regedit application (I'm using Rescoe Registry app) but I don't know what values to change or try and implement and I don't want to mess anything up so will have to keep searching unless someone knows something?
I've heard that one of the files in the extended *flash ROM is nearly essential to have a working touch screen so I don't want to try to delete it all at least for that reason. Although, If I could correctly identify and locate the essential files needed for the smooth operation like the touch driver then It seems like I could just move them into the main flash ROM and then delete the extended flash ROM Carrier Junk. That would certainly take care of a lot of issues it seems and free up the space/memory?
Anyone know where I can find the Key Values and their associated meanings for the registry?
I also tried flashing a Radio. Even though I am CID unlocked the flash failed so this definitely makes me think there is something to the security lock that Olipro talks about, but as I said, I can't find any info. on it. Help plz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no extended rom partition anymore, that was a feature for older htc phones..
don't worry, you can't just delete the touch screen driver accidentally because it's in rom. you would only be able to remove it if cooking a rom
the US GSM networks are blocked in the radio firmware itself.
which radio did you try to flash? before flashing, be sure it's declared as compatible with your device model.
the security unlocker is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=578642

cmonex said:
there is no extended rom partition anymore, that was a feature for older htc phones..
don't worry, you can't just delete the touch screen driver accidentally because it's in rom. you would only be able to remove it if cooking a rom
the US GSM networks are blocked in the radio firmware itself.
which radio did you try to flash? before flashing, be sure it's declared as compatible with your device model.
the security unlocker is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=578642
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to flash the two sprint radios so far. First I tried the recommended one then I tried the other. I figured I should go with the sprint ones especially since my device is the US. cellular version and that is the RHodium400 or whatever its called that is pretty much identical to the sprint version, aside from some software, as I understand.
I am able to flash any ROM but the security/SIM unlocker is not working. I sent the ticket out just a little while ago. I got it yesterday but I thought since i was using windows 7 that i was going to have to install xp so I was working on getting a partition in my disk drive on computer and got side tracked (Never done before) into learning that but eventually it got so complex (mounted an iso and am supposed to install via grub menu in dos/linux) that I just gave up and figured I would just try and see if I could get installed on windows 7 first. I did, and it ran the first step fine, but won't do the sim unlock. Keeps saying device is in flight mode or IMEI is invalid. So sent the ticket and made another thread.
I was using MightyROM but I reverted back to the stock ROM and tried again. That didn't work.
Trying a few other things now. Gonna try and install Sprint ROM and see if that does anything. I'm guessing I need to change the radio/baseband but every thing I have tried to far fails. I figured the Security unlocker has to do with the radio but I havn't been able to find out a whole lot about it or what it does or what the encryption/restriction on the radio might even be for the U.S. Cell version.
Thanks so much for your reply. It is greatly appreciated

Discovered something interesting?
I just discovered something interesting. I installed the sprint stock ROM and it managed to change the radio/baseband version, but the network still defaults to U.S. Cellular. That is very strange. I would really really like to know what is the security mechanism that is making the phone do this
I'm guessing the radio/SIM is in fact unlocked like the phone says when I go into the SIM Manager thingy but somehow there is some programming from the U.S. Cellular carrier to always default to U.S. Cellular no matter what?!
Yes> This is very Strange. Not at all like an iphone :s
Here is what I have in device information on software:
Radio Version - 1.96.00 WF (Original -I believe- Sprint Stock Radio, Was 2.18.... Before I installed the Sprint Stock ROM/Radio Combo After HardSPL Unlocking -1.0 Olinex )
ROM - Mighty ROM
OS Version - 5.2.2....
Manilla Version 2.5.2012....
etc.... (Not that any of this -other than the radio and the fact that U.S. Cell Default - Seems to matter?)
I am super Confused!
Even mighty ROM Provision To sprint doesn't seem to completely Register. It will Provision and Provision all day long and install cab files all day long but always reverts back to U.S. Cell as the carrier and won't Detect any other networks in Comm. Manager/Phone Settings. I tried GSM and Global modes, and tried just about everything else from manually inputting the baseband frequencies and networks etc...
But like I said, there is an extended Flash Drv in the Registry Edit. You said it's not partitioned? I know flash drives are slightly different and that has something to do with the way it reads,stores, and writes information. But I don't know too much else. I think its supposed to have strong electromagnetic properties and is resistant to static electricity and drops or damage. I am wondering if partitioning a phone is also different from that of partitioning a computer?
Here are the few things I notice in the Registry that seem interesting to me/probable places for me to look:
H_Key Local Machine ... Security/PUshRouter/Security
Subkeys: (Default)
Provider10 - SecProviders.SyncMLSecProvider
Provider20- SecProviders.WAPXMLSecProvider
Provider90- SecProviders.UnauthSecProvider
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Drivers/BlockDevice/FlashDRV
There is also something Called BtC that is mentioned a lot. There are quite a few drivers and files associated with it.
And of Course : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Drivers/BuiltIn/Ext_FlashDRV is there. There is also FLASHDRV just below it along with numerous other files listed.
First Subkey of the extended FlashDRV is Defualt followed by:
Dll - OEM_FlashDRV.DLL (OEM is original Equipment Manufacturer? Maybe this is in reference to the carrier, U.S. Cellular?? or just HTC?) Lots of other keys besides that I have no way to identify what they mean.
I really am just trying to learn as I go along though. Don't have much other choice really want to use my phone how I want to use it not how some bs network wants me to use. I have hardware on this device that is completely inactive. I bought the whole phone I didn't buy part of it grrrrr this is like buying a car but not being able to use the back seat wtf lol

T-Mobile Note 10 Plus 5G

I unlocked my note 10+ 5g from t-mobile, but it won't get service with verizon.
When I install a non-tmobile sim, the software does not switch from tmobile for some reason.
Also Sam Mobile only has t-mobile and metro pcs firmware availible for the sm-n976u
Does anyone know if there is a way to get the phone working with verizon? Thanks.
-God Bless

Try clearing Sim card tool kit data.
Network reset.
Clear system cache.
Edit Access point names to correct values.
That's all I got but sure there's more. Never had use more than the above but never changed carriers. Verizon advanced tech support should be able to help... AT&T would.

The Verizon Note 10+ 5G has a different model number. So they probably won't allow the T-Mobile/Metro/AT&T version on their network

iBowToAndroid said:
The Verizon Note 10+ 5G has a different model number. So they probably won't allow the T-Mobile/Metro/AT&T version on their network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're correct. AT&T is compatible with Tmobile but not Verizon according to B&H Photo compatibility charts.
So it look like AT&T is in your future. AT&T is easier to deal with anyway. Do not use a corporate store though, use over the phone or online AT&T.
It may be possible to change out the C port PCB for the Verizon variant. Yes that PCB controls internet access. I can't confirm this is the only difference though! That PCB is only $20 and relatively easy to change out.

blackhawk said:
I think you're correct. AT&T is compatible with Tmobile but not Verizon according to B&H Photo compatibility charts.
So it look like AT&T is in your future. AT&T is easier to deal with anyway. Do not use a corporate store though, use over the phone or online AT&T.
It may be possible to change out the C port PCB for the Verizon variant. Yes that PCB controls internet access. I can't confirm this is the only difference though! That PCB is only $20 and relatively easy to change out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's gets service with att, but it still has the tmobile boot logo. I flashed the att rom, but it didn't help. The carrier is supposed to automatically switch when you insert a different sim card right?
I also tried *#272*imei# but it says "unable to process the request"

CPR.OP546 said:
It's gets service with att, but it still has the tmobile boot logo. I flashed the att rom, but it didn't help. The carrier is supposed to automatically switch when you insert a different sim card right?
I also tried *#272*imei# but it says "unable to process the request"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it on Verizon or AT&T???
My 60 second attention span is kicking in... now.
As for switching sims I never had to.
The boot logo is the least of worries.
Be glad you didn't brick it.

blackhawk said:
Be glad you didn't brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually super difficult to hard brick a Qualcomm device, and even if it is hard bricked and only enters EDL mode, it can be fixed as long as you have the correct files.
There are too many safeguards in place between Qualcomm and Samsung - the average user will always be blocked from doing anything that would brick a device. There's really no danger in flashing firmware whatsoever

blackhawk said:
Is it on Verizon or AT&T???
My 60 second attention span is kicking in... now.
As for switching sims I never had to.
The boot logo is the least of worries.
Be glad you didn't brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to use it with att because it won't get service with verizon at all.
It's very annoying having the tmobile bloatware. Also it should be compatible with att's 5g, but it only gets lte.

CPR.OP546 said:
I'm trying to use it with att because it won't get service with verizon at all.
It's very annoying having the tmobile bloatware. Also it should be compatible with att's 5g, but it only gets lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then I'm assuming that it did not automatically change over to the AT&T splash screen and bloatware when you inserted an AT&T SIM?

iBowToAndroid said:
So then I'm assuming that it did not automatically change over to the AT&T splash screen and bloatware when you inserted an AT&T SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. It does not have a multi-csc mode for some reason. I thought all samsung phones had that by default.

CPR.OP546 said:
Right. It does not have a multi-csc mode for some reason. I thought all samsung phones had that by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all, no. But all U models should have it.
Have you tried doing a full Odin firmware flash including an AT&T USERDATA file?

iBowToAndroid said:
Not all, no. But all U models should have it.
Have you tried doing a full Odin firmware flash including an AT&T USERDATA file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That is what I meant by flashing the att rom. It does not seem to make a difference.

CPR.OP546 said:
Yes. That is what I meant by flashing the att rom. It does not seem to make a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may have a way to do it. No guarantees though

iBowToAndroid said:
I may have a way to do it. No guarantees though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing the only option left is to root the phone, and then start manually removing things.

CPR.OP546 said:
I'm guessing the only option left is to root the phone, and then start manually removing things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My method doesn't involve root, no. You can't root if you've taken an OTA update in March of this year or later

I hope I can be of some help.
I recently ordered a Note 10+ 5G - Locked Verizon from a popular online re-seller. When I turned it on, I was greeted with an AT&T boot logo. I was pretty upset, but I though I'd try to get it up and running on Verizon before spending a couple weeks sending it back and getting a replacement. I tried Verizon's online software and I couldn't get beyond the IMEI change. It kept telling me that the Note's IMEI was what I was already using with my Droid, which was obviously not the case. So, I headed into my local Verizon store.
Nothing they did would get my 4G SIM to work, so they swapped out for a 5G SIM for free, then switched my hardware IMEI numbers and proceeded to have a some difficulty getting on the network. After doing a network reset, it seemingly worked. More on that below. I was getting both data and voice over network. I was able to transfer my setting, apps, etc from my Motorola Droid with Samsung Switch. The phone indicates both 3G and 4G signals as I travel around town. 5G is not available in my immediate area, though it is in some cities I occasionally travel to, but I'm unable to test that just yet. I become aware that there are differences between Verizon's 5G and other networks and it seems the non-Verizon phone I have is probably for the best in terms of compatibility.
Unfortunately, texts frequently take 10-30 seconds to send. Images, gifs and other non-text MMS can take multiple minutes to send and sometimes just fail. Other times the recipient will receive them twice. I feel like this may be due to the poor coverage at my residence. Further testing in areas of good to excellent coverage are necessary. I tried changing the network settings from Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode, but anything other than the default "GLOBAL" would result in a disconnect of data and voice services. The only way to fix it was Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This would restore the Mode to GLOBAL and bring back data and voice services.
In an effort to remove the AT&T branding, I learned how to trigger a carrier switch, dialed the code and changed it from AT&T to XAA. That got rid of the AT&T boot animation and I was able to remove all but 2 stubborn AT&T apps. I noticed that my android version was 10 and UI was 2.5, so I set out to update.
This is where things got frustrating. Every attempt to update through the settings > software update was met with failure. Try again in 24 hours, it would say. I assumed this was because I was now using a Verizon sim on an AT&T firmware, but I wasn't sure. I thought I might be able to flash to a Verizon firmware, but after several versions and some more research, I learned that going from 976U to 976V was not possible.
So, over the course of several days, I learned a lot. I looked up the firmware releases on AT&T's website for the 976U and saw that they matched the T-Mobile and MetroPCS versions. So, I settled on a T-Mobile version of Android 11 / UI 3.1. It updated without any issues and even remained in XAA mode. No bloatware, no loading images, all settings and apps the same.
So, even though I have an unlocked AT&T Note 10+ 5G 256GB and you have a T-Mobile, the fact that we both have a 976U model, I think there is hope for you to get up and running on Verizon.
Hope this has helped.

Data but No Phone?

I have a brand-new rooted and LineageOS modded Motorola One 5G Ace. Ever since the 3G shutoff, most of my family has been having problems with their phones - except for my son and his old Moto G4+ - his phone works perfectly. I expected the purchase of this phone, which was on the AT&T whitelist would solve the issues that I was having but that was not the case - this phone is still having the same problems. I even tried switching carriers (it would probably work if I went with AT&T directly but they're WAY too expensive) but it seems that no matter what I do, I can't call.
Now here is the interesting bit.
My carrier's access point gives me data but no phone.
Switching to any AT&T access point with the MMSC set to http://mmsc.mobile.att.net gives me phone, but no data. SMS is still available.
My carrier's tech support and I tried a lot of different things without success
Has anyone overcome this issue?
Sidenote - switching the MMSC to https://mmsc.mobile.att.net and the MMS port to 8080 works but data seems slower.

Shadeclan said:
I have a brand-new rooted and LineageOS modded Motorola One 5G Ace. Ever since the 3G shutoff, most of my family has been having problems with their phones - except for my son and his old Moto G4+ - his phone works perfectly. I expected the purchase of this phone, which was on the AT&T whitelist would solve the issues that I was having but that was not the case - this phone is still having the same problems. I even tried switching carriers (it would probably work if I went with AT&T directly but they're WAY too expensive) but it seems that no matter what I do, I can't call.
Now here is the interesting bit.
My carrier's access point gives me data but no phone.
Switching to any AT&T access point with the MMSC set to http://mmsc.mobile.att.net gives me phone, but no data. SMS is still available.
My carrier's tech support and I tried a lot of different things without success
Has anyone overcome this issue?
Sidenote - switching the MMSC to https://mmsc.mobile.att.net and the MMS port to 8080 works but data seems slower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so the answer seems to be the auto (PRL) selection in the "Set Preferred Network Type" list - except, on my phone, auto (PRL) doesn't show up for any entries other than GSM/WCDMA (dial *#*#4636#*#* and go to Phone Info). My son has LTE in his list. There must be a file somewhere on the phone with the preferred network types ...

you never mentioned where you got the phone (direct from att or 3rd party) or the precise model number.
was pondering getting this phone to help parents having to turn off LTE after the att 3g fiasco started, because att is their only coverage option
(stupid att refuses to enable VoLTE for many devices including their moto x4 devices, which would work fine on tmo if they had coverage, and running current LOS)

jmichael2497 said:
you never mentioned where you got the phone (direct from att or 3rd party) or the precise model number.
was pondering getting this phone to help parents having to turn off LTE after the att 3g fiasco started, because att is their only coverage option
(stupid att refuses to enable VoLTE for many devices including their moto x4 devices, which would work fine on tmo if they had coverage, and running current LOS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry. Phone is an XT2113-2 purchased directly from Motorola. Also, I was mistaken - the preferred network type needs to be set to "GSM/WCDMA preferred". I set the phone to what I listed above but the phone reset itself to that setting and it works. I suspect that once AT&T straightens everything out, you'll need to switch it to something else if it's not done automatically.
I found this phone at the top of the AT&T Whitelist for Motorola phones, which is one of the reasons I bought it. I refuse to get a Samsung or any other phone where the company goes out of its way to prevent people from unlocking the bootloader.

Well, I came across this little tidbit on the AT&T Community Forums.
The pertinent post is this one by Centarus3200:
Type this code into your keypad.
*#*#4636#*#*
If under "phone information", VOLTE is grayed out and you can't turn it on, ATT has blocked your phone's IMEI from being provisioned for 4G voice calls.
You can try to convince advanced tech support to provision your phone for VOLTE, but they'll either stall you out on an endless circle (Edited per community guidelines) or basically tell you to go (Edited per community guidelines) an egg (meaning buy a new phone from them).
Unnoficially, ATT will NOT provision any unlocked phone for VOLTE. Period.
Yes, even if it's on their whitelist. They just wanted to screw you into a corner first with that lie.
There are several vendors selling unlocked phones for use with their networks. If these phones are able to achieve LTE / 5G coverage, it must be due to one of the following reasons:
Best case (and unlikeliest scenario) - the IMEI of all phones sold by the carrier has been registered with AT&T and will be allowed on their network - that would allow modding of the phone since the IMEI is not changed during modding.
The "unlocked" phone has been modified somehow to AT&T specs so that it will be allowed on the network. This would mean modding the phone would get rid of the modification so a modded phone would lose coverage.
Worst case - AT&T can detect the OS fingerprint of the phone. If this changes when the bootloader is unlocked, that would mean that AT&T can detect phones with unlocked bootloaders.
Sadly, I am returning my brand new phone to Motorola - I don't have the technical savvy to deal with this. It would require some wizard over at LineageOS to overcome this hurdle.

Shadeclan said:
Phone is an XT2113-2 purchased directly from Motorola. Also, I was mistaken - the preferred network type needs to be set to "GSM/WCDMA preferred".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for confirming.
i suspected that ATT would continue being excessively fascist, capitalist pigs, with their whitelist extortion racket of VoLTE certification fees from manufacturers...
no point in getting this 2021 bootloader unlockable device to use with LOS (since moto hasn't upgraded os from 10 for most variants) if my parents are stuck on 3.5G H+ mode anyway.
please file both an FCC and FTC complaint against ATT for their anti-consumer, anti-competitive, and anti-environment VoLTE whitelist policy hidden under the claims of "3g shutdown".

jmichael2497 said:
thanks for confirming.
i suspected that ATT would continue being excessively fascist, capitalist pigs, with their whitelist extortion racket of VoLTE certification fees from manufacturers...
no point in getting this 2021 bootloader unlockable device to use with LOS (since moto hasn't upgraded os from 10 for most variants) if my parents are stuck on 3.5G H+ mode anyway.
please file both an FCC and FTC complaint against ATT for their anti-consumer, anti-competitive, and anti-environment VoLTE whitelist policy hidden under the claims of "3g shutdown".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I wouldn't say capitalist. Capitalists would be interested in maximizing their profits and would avoid restrictions. Monopolists and mercantilists, certainly but capitalists get a bad rap.
I won't be filing a complaint. AT&T is a merchantilist concern in cahoots with the government agencies mentioned. Anything I do will be flatly ignored. The best approach is the market approach - circumvent their restrictions and make them look foolish.

ATT is apparently doing just fine on the capitalist front, my parents are pretty ready to just give up on android and keep saying let's just buy an iphone because never had calling problems with them, so... i'm sure plenty other folks stuck with ATT are just buying off their whitelist from ATT, more profit from lack of choices.

Here is the story so far ...
3G Shutdown - Consumer Cellular is bought out by AT&T so all their phones are locked now.
Purchased a Motorola One 5G Ace from Motorola, unlocked the bootloader and installed LineageOS.
Moved my service to Pure Talk - no 4G.
Tried to go to Mint Mobile but there is no real T-Mobile coverage in my town.
Gave up and sent back the Ace to Motorola. Decided to purchase a phone directly from the provider.
Did some research and found that the only company offering Motorola phones on the AT&T network is Patriot Mobile - Purchased a Moto G Play from them. Decided not to unlock the bootloader quite yet but got the unlock key from Motorola.
There was some issues with activating the phone so I put my Pure Talk SIM in the phone and was able to access the 4G network.
Made myself a developer on the phone and tried to turn on OEM Unlocking - not able to do it.
Today, I ironed out the issues with Patriot Mobile activated the service and put my Patriot Mobile SIM card in. Now I can turn on OEM Unlocking.
Observations: It appears that the provider SIM card is able to control whether or not OEM Unlocking can be turned on. It also appears that the provider SIM card can detect if OEM Unlocking is on or off and either send that info to the provider, limit band access or, possibly, penalize the user in other ways.
What to Do: I plan on leaving the OEM Unlocking switch in the ON position for a week and monitor for 4G coverage. If everything looks good, I will then unlock the bootloader and wait for another week. If that goes well, I will purchase another 5G Ace and see how that goes.

Shadeclan said:
Here is the story so far ...
3G Shutdown - Consumer Cellular is bought out by AT&T so all their phones are locked now.
Purchased a Motorola One 5G Ace from Motorola, unlocked the bootloader and installed LineageOS.
Moved my service to Pure Talk - no 4G.
Tried to go to Mint Mobile but there is no real T-Mobile coverage in my town.
Gave up and sent back the Ace to Motorola. Decided to purchase a phone directly from the provider.
Did some research and found that the only company offering Motorola phones on the AT&T network is Patriot Mobile - Purchased a Moto G Play from them. Decided not to unlock the bootloader quite yet but got the unlock key from Motorola.
There was some issues with activating the phone so I put my Pure Talk SIM in the phone and was able to access the 4G network.
Made myself a developer on the phone and tried to turn on OEM Unlocking - not able to do it.
Today, I ironed out the issues with Patriot Mobile activated the service and put my Patriot Mobile SIM card in. Now I can turn on OEM Unlocking.
Observations: It appears that the provider SIM card is able to control whether or not OEM Unlocking can be turned on. It also appears that the provider SIM card can detect if OEM Unlocking is on or off and either send that info to the provider, limit band access or, possibly, penalize the user in other ways.
What to Do: I plan on leaving the OEM Unlocking switch in the ON position for a week and monitor for 4G coverage. If everything looks good, I will then unlock the bootloader and wait for another week. If that goes well, I will purchase another 5G Ace and see how that goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked the bootloader without loss of service today. I'll be reordering my Moto One 5G Ace today along with a phone for my daughter. Looks like Patriot Mobile is going to let people on the AT&T network with unlocked phones. I sent an email to the company CEO and thanked him.

Shadeclan said:
I unlocked the bootloader without loss of service today. I'll be reordering my Moto One 5G Ace today along with a phone for my daughter. Looks like Patriot Mobile is going to let people on the AT&T network with unlocked phones. I sent an email to the company CEO and thanked him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded the recovery files today with the Motorola recovery tool and tried using Magisk to modify the boot image - it failed. I may try to load Magisk from recovery. There is no "official" TWRP recovery but both /e/ foundation and LineageOS have their own recoveries that can be flashed or run from fastboot.
Update 20220614 15:01 EST: I successfully rooted the phone through /e/ foundation recovery using Magisk 25.0. TopJohnWu has rewritten the whole thing V25 is currently in beta but I read through the notes and I felt more confident with this version. After root, I was able to get 5G data and send and receive phone calls just fine. Next step is to load /e/ ROM onto the phone. I am confident that I can recover using the Motorola recovery tool if things go south.

The TWRP on the Telegram channel works. I am using it.

RETIEF said:
The TWRP on the Telegram channel works. I am using it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to load it under a custom ROM? That was my issue - couldn't get TWRP to load regardless of whether I had flashed it to recovery or booted into it via fastboot.

Shadeclan said:
Were you able to load it under a custom ROM? That was my issue - couldn't get TWRP to load regardless of whether I had flashed it to recovery or booted into it via fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed it with fastboot to recovery_a and recovery_b. I then rebooted to system, then turned the phone off, rebooted to fastboot, selected recovery and it booted.

RETIEF said:
I flashed it with fastboot to recovery_a and recovery_b. I then rebooted to system, then turned the phone off, rebooted to fastboot, selected recovery and it booted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this the syntax? fastboot flash recovery_a twrp.img ?

Shadeclan said:
Is this the syntax? fastboot flash recovery_a twrp.img ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Assuming you have renamed the downloaded file "twrp.img".

RETIEF said:
Yes. Assuming you have renamed the downloaded file "twrp.img".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A link to the TWRP you are using? I do believe there's a beta version somewhere here on the forum ... Aaah. It's for the kiev -3. I have a XT2113-2 - probably explains why it won't work on my phone.

Shadeclan said:
A link to the TWRP you are using? I do believe there's a beta version somewhere here on the forum ... Aaah. It's for the kiev -3. I have a XT2113-2 - probably explains why it won't work on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kiev-twrp-3.6.0_11.0_RC-1.4.img | by SyberHexen for Moto One 5g Ace
Download GApps, Roms, Kernels, Themes, Firmware, and more. Free file hosting for all Android developers.
androidfilehost.com

I have the Xt2113-2.

I have successfully installed /e/ foundation ROM on my Moto
RETIEF said:
I have the Xt2113-2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will grab it right away - many thanks.

Unlocked or not?

I got a Metro by T-Mobile phone unlocked on eBay and while the phone no longer rejects MVNO sims, it won't connect to any network either. It still connects when I put the Metro sim back in but it won't connect with sims from Lyca, Tello or Hello Mobile, all T-Mobile MVNOs. The phone is a TCL 30 XE 5G (T767W) and I bought two of them new and they both have the same problem. I'm new to the T-Mobile network and I don't know if I'm missing something. I've never had this kind of trouble on Verizon or AT&T. Has anyone else run into a problem like this? I appreciate any help anyone can offer.
Thanks!

Look inside here:
How to Check If Android Phone is Unlocked or Locked
Before buying a new Android Phone, it is best to check if Android Phone is Unlocked or Locked. Here are 2 ways to check the Simlock status of your Android phone.
www.unlockboot.com

xXx yYy said:
Look inside here:
How to Check If Android Phone is Unlocked or Locked
Before buying a new Android Phone, it is best to check if Android Phone is Unlocked or Locked. Here are 2 ways to check the Simlock status of your Android phone.
www.unlockboot.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to that site my phone is unlocked but it still won't connect to any network unless the original Metro sim is installed.

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
According to that site my phone is unlocked but it still won't connect to any network unless the original Metro sim is installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you need to enter service menu and change your radio settings or maybe you need to flash a different modem for your specific model number.
I know you said you bought them new but can you confirm that their IMEI is intact?

Droidriven said:
Maybe you need to enter service menu and change your radio settings or maybe you need to flash a different modem for your specific model number.
I know you said you bought them new but can you confirm that their IMEI is intact?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply! Both phones were shipped to me from Metro by T-Mobile. The phones were able to connect with an MVNO sim when I set the radio to 2G only mode but that option disappeared when the phones updated to Android 12 and now they can't connect at all. Even before the update, the phones would frequently disconnect and I had to set them back to 2G only mode to get service back so there was always something wrong. I'm pretty good with computers but I've never flashed a phone before and I've been suspecting that I would have to do that with these phones. I'll be happy to check their IMEI numbers if you could let me know what I'm looking for. I'd also like to learn more about flashing a new modem as you mentioned above that sounds like it might address the problem. And if you wouldn't mind letting me know where I could find the service menu?
Thanks in advance!!

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
Thank you for your reply! Both phones were shipped to me from Metro by T-Mobile. The phones were able to connect with an MVNO sim when I set the radio to 2G only mode but that option disappeared when the phones updated to Android 12 and now they can't connect at all. Even before the update, the phones would frequently disconnect and I had to set them back to 2G only mode to get service back so there was always something wrong. I'm pretty good with computers but I've never flashed a phone before and I've been suspecting that I would have to do that with these phones. I'll be happy to check their IMEI numbers if you could let me know what I'm looking for. I'd also like to learn more about flashing a new modem as you mentioned above that sounds like it might address the problem. And if you wouldn't mind letting me know where I could find the service menu?
Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After they updated, have you tried booting into recovery and wiping the cache partition(not factory reset)? Sometimes, after updates, wiping cache is necessary to remove conflicts between previously existing data and the new update.
If you are getting a connection of any kind then your IMEI is fine.
Flashing a modem is sometimes necessary but it can have risks if you flash the wrong thing.
I'm not familiar with TCL devices or how they are flashed. Typically, to flash a different modem requires downloading a firmware that has the modem that you want/need then extracting the modem from the firmware then flash the extracted modem onto the device.
Methods to access service/radio menu different from device to device, I don't know how it is done on TCL devices. Most of the time it is done by using your dialer and dialing a specific code, if there is a dialer code for your device, you should be able to find it with a Google search for:
"TCL 30 XE 5G dialer menu code"
Or
"TCL 30 XE 5G service menu"

Droidriven said:
After they updated, have you tried booting into recovery and wiping the cache partition(not factory reset)? Sometimes, after updates, wiping cache is necessary to remove conflicts between previously existing data and the new update.
If you are getting a connection of any kind then your IMEI is fine.
Flashing a modem is sometimes necessary but it can have risks if you flash the wrong thing.
I'm not familiar with TCL devices or how they are flashed. Typically, to flash a different modem requires downloading a firmware that has the modem that you want/need then extracting the modem from the firmware then flash the extracted modem onto the device.
Methods to access service/radio menu different from device to device, I don't know how it is done on TCL devices. Most of the time it is done by using your dialer and dialing a specific code, if there is a dialer code for your device, you should be able to find it with a Google search for:
"TCL 30 XE 5G dialer menu code"
Or
"TCL 30 XE 5G service menu"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to find my phone's service mode or engineering mode (hope they're the same thing) and get service back by setting the phone to 2G only mode again but that doesn't solve the problem of it losing service when LTE or 5G are turned on. Are there any other settings I could try changing?

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
I was able to find my phone's service mode or engineering mode (hope they're the same thing) and get service back by setting the phone to 2G only mode again but that doesn't solve the problem of it losing service when LTE or 5G are turned on. Are there any other settings I could try changing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use the service menu to find out which bands/frequencies and network type the current modem/radio is using?
Can you find out which bands/frequencies and network type that your carrier network is using?
Compare them to see if they are compatible.
Or, try calling customer support for your carrier, there may be something they need to do in their system from their end to get your device to connect.

Droidriven said:
Can you use the service menu to find out which bands/frequencies and network type the current modem/radio is using?
Can you find out which bands/frequencies and network type that your carrier network is using?
Compare them to see if they are compatible.
Or, try calling customer support for your carrier, there may be something they need to do in their system from their end to get your device to connect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by network type?
There are a lot of options to choose from, several of them list bands. Is there a specific menu I should look for?
The carrier I have the phone on is Tello which is a T-Mobile MVNO. I've also tried Lyca and Hello Mobile both are also Tmo MVNOs and all three had the same problem. The phones are from Metro by T-Mobile so everything should be compatible. Tello customer service has tried to help but they can't figure it out.

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
What do you mean by network type?
There are a lot of options to choose from, several of them list bands. Is there a specific menu I should look for?
The carrier I have the phone on is Tello which is a T-Mobile MVNO. I've also tried Lyca and Hello Mobile both are also Tmo MVNOs and all three had the same problem. The phones are from Metro by T-Mobile so everything should be compatible. Tello customer service has tried to help but they can't figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, are the bands that are presently available on the device within the range of bands that your carrier uses? Do the network and the device use the same bands? If so, you shouldn't need to flash a different modem, if not, you may need a different modem.
Did you boot into recovery and wipe the cache partition to remove any potential conflicts caused by updating to android 12?
Are you certain that the SIM(s) you are trying to use is/are valid and active? If they have been previously deactivated, they won't work
Don't skip through my posts and only answer part of my questions. Let's cover the bases without skipping an answer to a question. Otherwise, it could lead to a wild goose chase that could have been avoided by answering everything I ask.

Droidriven said:
But, are the bands that are presently available on the device within the range of bands that your carrier uses? Do the network and the device use the same bands? If so, you shouldn't need to flash a different modem, if not, you may need a different modem.
Did you boot into recovery and wipe the cache partition to remove any potential conflicts caused by updating to android 12?
Are you certain that the SIM(s) you are trying to use is/are valid and active? If they have been previously deactivated, they won't work
Don't skip through my posts and only answer part of my questions. Let's cover the bases without skipping an answer to a question. Otherwise, it could lead to a wild goose chase that could have been avoided by answering everything I ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about the confusion. I did wipe the cache and in the past I've done a full factory reset from recovery mode it didn't help. And this problem already existed before the update to Android 12. It started the moment I changed sims. The phones only ever worked right with the original Metro sim and still do. That's why I wasn't sure if they were unlocked right but they don't reject other sims either.
The sims are active and have never been deactivated and now that I can force the phones back into 2G mode again, I can make and receive calls and use 2G data.
As for the bands I'm finding in the service menu, this is where it gets weird. They're all selected, there must be over a hundred bands turned on including bands I know this phone doesn't support.
I have confirmed the phone supports all the same bands that Tello uses. Tello uses the same bands as T-Mobile.

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
Sorry about the confusion. I did wipe the cache and in the past I've done a full factory reset from recovery mode it didn't help. And this problem already existed before the update to Android 12. It started the moment I changed sims. The phones only ever worked right with the original Metro sim and still do. That's why I wasn't sure if they were unlocked right but they don't reject other sims either.
The sims are active and have never been deactivated and now that I can force the phones back into 2G mode again, I can make and receive calls and use 2G data.
As for the bands I'm finding in the service menu, this is where it gets weird. They're all selected, there must be over a hundred bands turned on including bands I know this phone doesn't support.
I have confirmed the phone supports all the same bands that Tello uses. Tello uses the same bands as T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for confirming.
It is weird, everything seems to be in place. Have you made sure your APNs(Access Point Names) are set correctly for the network?
I can't be certain that you have all of your network and radio settings set correctly because I have no idea what settings you have, what the options are or if there are any tucked away somewhere that isn't obvious.
If everything is right on your end, it may be something on their end that they need to get right.

Droidriven said:
Ok, thanks for confirming.
It is weird, everything seems to be in place. Have you made sure your APNs(Access Point Names) are set correctly for the network?
I can't be certain that you have all of your network and radio settings set correctly because I have no idea what settings you have, what the options are or if there are any tucked away somewhere that isn't obvious.
If everything is right on your end, it may be something on their end that they need to get right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the APN was the first thing I checked and Tello confirmed it too.
I can send you screenshots of the service menus if that would help.
Tello is now saying the phone might not be "fully unlocked" I don't know what that means. Is there more than one way to lock a phone? Did T-Mobile come up with another way of locking their phones? A screen in the settings menu does warn the phone is still locked and it isn't yet eligible to be unlocked but it accepts the sim and connects to 2G at least. Could Tello be on to something here?

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
Yeah, the APN was the first thing I checked and Tello confirmed it too.
I can send you screenshots of the service menus if that would help.
Tello is now saying the phone might not be "fully unlocked" I don't know what that means. Is there more than one way to lock a phone? Did T-Mobile come up with another way of locking their phones? A screen in the settings menu does warn the phone is still locked and it isn't yet eligible to be unlocked but it accepts the sim and connects to 2G at least. Could Tello be on to something here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are couple of different kinds of "unlocked"
There is SIM/carrier unlock and there is bootloader unlock. They two completely different things and have nothing to do with each other.
Have you tried going through the carrier unlock process yourself to confirm it has been done correctly?

Droidriven said:
Have you tried going through the carrier unlock process yourself to confirm it has been done correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how to do that.

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
I don't know how to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally, there is a website that you go to to get an unlock code.
Google search:
"TCL 30 XE 5G (T767W) SIM unlock"

Droidriven said:
Generally, there is a website that you go to to get an unlock code.
Google search:
"TCL 30 XE 5G (T767W) SIM unlock"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that Metro phones can't be unlocked with a code. Instead, they're unlocked by a preinstalled carrier app when the phone becomes eligible for an unlock, which my phone isn't. In my case, I bought an unlocking service from eBay which had me hook up my phone to my PC via USB for the unlock. Is there another way to check?

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
My understanding is that Metro phones can't be unlocked with a code. Instead, they're unlocked by a preinstalled carrier app when the phone becomes eligible for an unlock, which my phone isn't. In my case, I bought an unlocking service from eBay which had me hook up my phone to my PC via USB for the unlock. Is there another way to check?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got scammed, whether they did it on purpose or not is another question. They probably didn't rob you on purpose, it is just a matter of there never being any kind of guarantee that a 3rd party unlocking service works on every device. You took that chance when you chose to go that route.
If there is an app that is supposed to be used, why is your device not eligible to unlock via the app? You will have to use the official unlock method if/when it is eligible, hopefully the 3rd party unlock service hasn't done anything that conflicts with the official method.
I suggest that, in the future, don't make gambles or look for shortcuts when buying devices without being 100% certain that you are buying from a reputable source that guarantees their products and services. It is best to buy directly from the carrier/manufacturer or from Swappa. I wouldn't buy from eBay unless I could confirm that there was a legitimately proven unlock method for the specific model number that I'm considering purchasing before I actually purchase the device.
If you can return the device and get your money back, I suggest you do it or report it to eBay to see if they will protect your purchase since what you got is not what you agreed to purchase.

Droidriven said:
You got scammed, whether they did it on purpose or not is another question. They probably didn't rob you on purpose, it is just a matter of there never being any kind of guarantee that a 3rd party unlocking service works on every device. You took that chance when you chose to go that route.
If there is an app that is supposed to be used, why is your device not eligible to unlock via the app? You will have to use the official unlock method if/when it is eligible, hopefully the 3rd party unlock service hasn't done anything that conflicts with the official method.
I suggest that, in the future, don't make gambles or look for shortcuts when buying devices without being 100% certain that you are buying from a reputable source that guarantees their products and services. It is best to buy directly from the carrier/manufacturer or from Swappa. I wouldn't buy from eBay unless I could confirm that there was a legitimately proven unlock method for the specific model number that I'm considering purchasing before I actually purchase the device.
If you can return the device and get your money back, I suggest you do it or report it to eBay to see if they will protect your purchase since what you got is not what you agreed to purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the phones new from Metro not eBay. The only thing I got from eBay was the unlocking service which cost me $8. And I didn't pay anything for the phones either as they were free with the purchase of one month of Metro service. So there's really no point in returning the phones and I'm not gonna bother opening a case with eBay over $8.
Metro won't unlock the phones until I've paid for six months of their service.
A quick search on eBay comes up with multiple sellers offering unlocks for my specific phone model locked to Metro. I've been thinking about just trying to get the phones unlocked again by another seller but everything and everyone seems to be telling me the phones are already unlocked so I don't know what I should try next. Is there a way to check if the phones are really unlocked?

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
I got the phones new from Metro not eBay. The only thing I got from eBay was the unlocking service which cost me $8. And I didn't pay anything for the phones either as they were free with the purchase of one month of Metro service. So there's really no point in returning the phones and I'm not gonna bother opening a case with eBay over $8.
Metro won't unlock the phones until I've paid for six months of their service.
A quick search on eBay comes up with multiple sellers offering unlocks for my specific phone model locked to Metro. I've been thinking about just trying to get the phones unlocked again by another seller but everything and everyone seems to be telling me the phones are already unlocked so I don't know what I should try next. Is there a way to check if the phones are really unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've already used methods to check if it is unlocked. Obviously, the service you paid for didn't work, you can't get your money back for that, those services don't come with any guarantee. As I said, you can take another chance and try another 3rd party service that also is not guaranteed or you can wait and do it the official way. I'm betting the unlock service is a waste of time and money and you'll have to wait and do it the right way. That is the cost of blindly taking a shortcut.

Question s22 Ultra - unlocking issues

Does anyone have any tips on how to bypass carrier lock that seems to be set up on the software side of my phone. For context:
I have had my phone over 12 months and it is paid off in full. I have requested and unlock from Boost mobile and they keep telling me they unlocked it on their end however the phone is still showing it is networked locked. I've not had any issues with them unlocking an eligible device in the past and in my experiences its usually done within 48 hours. I have been back and forth with them and they keep opening a new case and then it ends up closed stating the device is already unlocked.
I have even tried factory resetting the device after the time period. At this point I'm a bit annoyed as I have been trying to activate my new s23 ultra but my s22 ultra is still carrier locked to boost which makes re-sale harder then having an unlocked device.
I've considered unlocking the bootloader and re-flashing firmware via odin but I'm honestly not to sure if that would do anything. I have also formally filed a complaint with the FCC however that could take forever and I just want to be able to have this s22 ultra unlocked so i can activate my new phone on the line.
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
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"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
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Also it is a SM-S908U
So even when I put in another sim it doesn't prompt for an unlock code it just indicates that it's locked to the carrier.
I have tried over and over with boost and every case they open they close within 48 hours saying it's already unlocked. I honestly don't think they are being shady I just genuinely think it's incompetence and they don't know how to unlock this device. As I've never had issues with them unlocking my devices upon request in the past.

You don't need to unlock the bootloader to flash official firmware. Instead of "re-flashing" the firmware you have, I recommend flashing the official U1 variant of the firmware you're on which is the firmware that is installed on unlocked Samsung phones sold from Samsung directly. Have done this myself in past and confirmed it works, you'll have access to all unlocked content.
Flashing firmware from U to U1 will require a complete data wipe. When you turn on your phone for the first time after flashing, ensure you remove your sim card and go through the initial set up process without restoring any data from backup using Google or Samsung. After that's done, you can shut phone off and reinsert sim card. This will prevent carrier provisioned firmware from being installed on your device which includes all the carriers bloatware. You'll be 100% unlocked running on unlocked firmware without having to unlock bootloader or root your device. Unlocking bootloader is only required when you flash unofficial ROMs. There's plenty of guides which I'm sure you can figure out how to properly flash official firmware which will confirm what I'm telling you.
After that's done, follow this GUIDE for instructions on how to unlock all US/CA LTE and NR5G bands (Includes instructions on removing FRP which is a requirement for some devices).

Thank you!
This is what I was looking for. I had already downloaded the u1 firmware last night but just didn't want to waste my time as it will wipe data again.
I'll try this out now thanks! Also does csc or home csc need to be flashed with it?

bingblop said:
You don't need to unlock the bootloader to flash official firmware. Instead of "re-flashing" the firmware you have, I recommend flashing the official U1 variant of the firmware you're on which is the firmware that is installed on unlocked Samsung phones sold from Samsung directly. Have done this myself in past and confirmed it works, you'll have access to all unlocked content.
Flashing firmware from U to U1 will require a complete data wipe. When you turn on your phone for the first time after flashing, ensure you remove your sim card and go through the initial set up process without restoring any data from backup using Google or Samsung. After that's done, you can shut phone off and reinsert sim card. This will prevent carrier provisioned firmware from being installed on your device which includes all the carriers bloatware. You'll be 100% unlocked running on unlocked firmware without having to unlock bootloader or root your device. Unlocking bootloader is only required when you flash unofficial ROMs. There's plenty of guides which I'm sure you can figure out how to properly flash official firmware which will confirm what I'm telling you.
After that's done, follow this GUIDE for instructions on how to unlock all US/CA LTE and NR5G bands (Includes instructions on removing FRP which is a requirement for some devices).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I flashed the u1 firmware and although the "network lock status" disappeared from the settings menu it still appears the device is carrier locked to boost.
I imagine they just didn't correctly unlock on their end.
This is very frustrating hopefully the FCC complaint prompts them to take care of it.
With the u1 firmware if they were to send on their servers for the device to be unlocked do you know if that would potentially create any issues? Do you think I should flash back to the U firmware just to play it safe?

Ya no way they unlocked it like you said. I'm not sure how that would effect it. You shouldn't have to switch back. U1 firmware doesn't carrier unlock you, but it will tell you if you are carrier locked though without a shadow of doubt. Once they properly unlock you should be fine with U1 firmware. Decision to jump back to be safe is a lot of work lol. Your decision.
I personally, would try calling again and try to get a different rep who knows what to do. A lot of these people don't know what they're doing. Keep in mind, once they do unlock you, it could take a little bit to take effect (Could be instant, could take some time can't give you estimate, it was instant for me once I rebooted, but I have T-Mobile) and would only appear as unlocked after a reboot. Have you tried using a different carriers sim card to make sure it doesn't work?
Sorry, this must be super frustrating to go through. Sounds like you're at the point that nobody here could help further though. Just offering up some tips you probably already know. Good luck!

To add to that ask to speak to a higher up (account manager or otherwise) and let them know you've filed a complaint with the FCC for violating not only the law but their own terms and conditions. This should light a fire under their ass.

bingblop said:
Ya no way they unlocked it like you said. I'm not sure how that would effect it. You shouldn't have to switch back. U1 firmware doesn't carrier unlock you, but it will tell you if you are carrier locked though without a shadow of doubt. Once they properly unlock you should be fine with U1 firmware. Decision to jump back to be safe is a lot of work lol. Your decision.
I personally, would try calling again and try to get a different rep who knows what to do. A lot of these people don't know what they're doing. Keep in mind, once they do unlock you, it could take a little bit to take effect (Could be instant, could take some time can't give you estimate, it was instant for me once I rebooted, but I have T-Mobile) and would only appear as unlocked after a reboot. Have you tried using a different carriers sim card to make sure it doesn't work?
Sorry, this must be super frustrating to go through. Sounds like you're at the point that nobody here could help further though. Just offering up some tips you probably already know. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I have tried other carriers sims and e-sims its for sure still locked. I have been speaking with a different rep every 48 hours because i keep having to call them back. They all seem pretty clueless they just tell me they are escalating it to the managers and then when i check back after the 48 hours(because its still not unlocked) they close the case that they opened stating that it was already unlocked.
I've had a rep tell me it was something on my end maybe - that advised me i need to factory reset it - which i did for the sake of being able to tell them i did. that obviously was nothing more than a waste of time. I've had another one tell me i need to contact samsung. Which i did and samsung basically laughed at me stating that only the carrier can unlock it and that they couldnt assist me(which i also knew before reaching out to them) all for the sake of going through this whole process so that the next rep in 48 hours can try to tell me the same thing.
I will probably just dirty flash back to the U firmware - i worry that the phone may not correctly take the unlock if I'm on u1.
On u1 I get prompted for an unlock code when i put in another Sim:
On the U firmware it doesnt prompt for a code when using another sim it just give me a message to contact carrier.
Also in more connection settings on the U firmware it shows the network lock status under more connection settings whereas on the U1 firmware it doesnt.
Contacted them again this morning via chat and this is what im dealing with(I have added "Me:" to the lines that i typed to them, to help distinguish myself from the boost rep):
"
We have checked your device unlock request and upon checking here, the case for unlocking was already resolved.
ME: no it has not
they keep closing the case and have not unlocked the device
Can you please go to Settings > General > About > Look for Carrier Lock.
1) If it says No SIM restrictions, then your phone is unlocked. If it says SIM locked or anything else, it is locked.
ME: there is no general option on samsung
Please go to About phone.
ME: there is network lock status in connections > more connection settings and its still locked
I'd like to try a power cycle on your phone to make it reacquire the network after the reboot. Press and hold the power button, which is typically along the side or top of the device until the device powers off completely
ME: no i have done that many times
ME: u guys have not unlocked it
ME: i can provide screen shots proving it is still locked
Uploaded image
Please give me 2-4 minutes to check my resources for the best possible resolution for your concern. I will get back with you and get this resolved before we end this chat session.
Your device appears to be eligible for unlocking. The process can take up to two business days to complete. Unlocking a device does not automatically make it operable with another carrier's network. Even when a device is unlocked it needs to be compatible with the other carrier's network. To ensure that your device receives the unlock notification follow these instructions: You will receive a text message once your phone is unlocked. When you receive this text message, make sure your Boost SIM card is still in the device, and perform the Update Data Profile (on Android phones.) This is typically done by accessing Settings, then tap System Updates, and then tap Update Data Profile. For inactive devices, this function should be performed within 14 days of the text notification. All Android devices must have the Boost SIM inserted to receive the Boost unlock notification.
Uploaded image
ME:i have went through that process EVERY TIME my boost sim card has remained in the phone the entire time
ME: phone powered on
ME: connected to the network
Me: waited 48 hours
Me: waited another 48 hours
ME:waitied another 48 hours
The reason why it takes longer is because our specialist needs to escalate this to a higher up for full validation."
I'm just very annoyed. Thanks for trying to help out though I guess I'll just have to wait for the FCC complaint to prompt boost to get someone who knows what they are doing to take care of it.

dj24 said:
To add to that ask to speak to a higher up (account manager or otherwise) and let them know you've filed a complaint with the FCC for violating not only the law but their own terms and conditions. This should light a fire under their ass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have done that. Per the FCC they have been served and have 30 days to reach back out to me. It's just so frustrating. I'd like to be able to activate my s23 ultra and dont want to keep waiting lol. Even when I spoke with a supervisor who sent the case to their manager i checked back after the 48 hours and they just closed it again stating the device was already unlocked. Which it absolutely has not been.

Their incompetence is mind boggling. I really hope going the FCC route will bring the resolution you richly deserve.

tytyty11 said:
Have done that. Per the FCC they have been served and have 30 days to reach back out to me. It's just so frustrating. I'd like to be able to activate my s23 ultra and dont want to keep waiting lol. Even when I spoke with a supervisor who sent the case to their manager i checked back after the 48 hours and they just closed it again stating the device was already unlocked. Which it absolutely has not been.
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Click to collapse
Can you not take it to their physical store and have them look at it?

TheMystic said:
Can you not take it to their physical store and have them look at it?
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Click to collapse
I could, however, most boost mobiles stores are more like authorized vendors who just operate under their name. I'm doubtful that the experience will be much better. If I get no results from the FCC complaint I'd consider trying that but im doubtful they will be any more competent.

tytyty11 said:
I could, however, most boost mobiles stores are more like authorized vendors who just operate under their name. I'm doubtful that the experience will be much better. If I get no results from the FCC complaint I'd consider trying that but im doubtful they will be any more competent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have already wasted a lot of time on something that shouldn't exist to begin with. This includes the long posts here on XDA. .
Since they haven't been of any help as their system incorrectly reports it having been unlocked, and each time they ask you to wait 48 hours, you're better off visiting one of their 'main' stores or the head office directly and sort this out.
May be carry a written complaint too and get them to acknowledge receiving it.

Not sure if you've seen this yet but this is somebody with the same problem you're having with Boost Mobile and actually received a solution about 45 days later. https://androidforums.com/threads/p...mobile-claims-it-is-already-unlocked.1345103/