Hey guys, sorry if this question seems a bit silly but I'm rather new to the nexus world and don't know too much about Metro PCS and what their network requires.
I'm looking to buy my mom the nexus 5 since she really needs a new phone and she is on Metro PCS. Would she experience any issues on Metro PCS's LTE network or anything like that if I grab the N5 that's available in the play store now? I do believe that Metro PCS is currently running on T-Mobile's network, but I need to be sure.
Also, what kind of SIM card will the N5 require? Hopefully it's a micro so there won't be a need to head over to a metro pcs store to get a correct one.
Thanks!
Sent from my C6906 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
N5 uses a MicroSIM card.As far as the other questions you ask, I cannot answer them confidently.
MetroPCS' LTE is TMobile's LTE.
AhsanU said:
Hey guys, sorry if this question seems a bit silly but I'm rather new to the nexus world and don't know too much about Metro PCS and what their network requires.
I'm looking to buy my mom the nexus 5 since she really needs a new phone and she is on Metro PCS. Would she experience any issues on Metro PCS's LTE network or anything like that if I grab the N5 that's available in the play store now? I do believe that Metro PCS is currently running on T-Mobile's network, but I need to be sure.
Also, what kind of SIM card will the N5 require? Hopefully it's a micro so there won't be a need to head over to a metro pcs store to get a correct one.
Thanks!
Sent from my C6906 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, microSIM. Also if your Mom is currently using a CDMA/LTE device from Metro she will probably need a new SIM.
The only thing to be aware of - unlike T-Mobile itself, MetroPCS SIMs require you to register the device IMEI with Metro and then they lock it to your device. So if she swaps it to a new phone, it may not work until Metro gets it properly registered.
What APN settings worked for MetroPCS and your Nexus 5?
I went to a MetroPCS store today with the Nexus 5 I bought from the Google Play store. I only had about 30 minutes to mess around with the APN settings. but I was unable to connect to their network with the test microSIM card the worker had. I got the LTE bars to show up, but the connection never changed from the white "I'm still trying to connect" mode to the solid blue "I'm connected" bars. If anyone has a successful experience with this, please let me know what APN settings you used. I know it is an unlocked phone and should work, but the Nexus 5 wan't in the MetroPCS system as a compatible phone (which I assume is due to the fact that it just launched a few days ago).
christophersoran said:
I went to a MetroPCS store today with the Nexus 5 I bought from the Google Play store. I only had about 30 minutes to mess around with the APN settings. but I was unable to connect to their network with the test microSIM card the worker had. I got the LTE bars to show up, but the connection never changed from the white "I'm still trying to connect" mode to the solid blue "I'm connected" bars. If anyone has a successful experience with this, please let me know what APN settings you used. I know it is an unlocked phone and should work, but the Nexus 5 wan't in the MetroPCS system as a compatible phone (which I assume is due to the fact that it just launched a few days ago).
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FYI, I don't think KitKat uses the white/blue distinction anymore. Did you test using apps or the browser?
APNs
cmstlist said:
FYI, I don't think KitKat uses the white/blue distinction anymore. Did you test using apps or the browser?
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Click to collapse
You are correct. There is no white/blue distinction. I've only had the Nexus 5 for a few hours and have been used to Cyanogenmod on my Nexus 4 for the last year. Yes, I did test apps and the browser. I got errors in the apps and the browser wouldn't load any websites.
I am currently on Solavei (and it works on the Nexus 5) and have switched carries 5 times in the last year, so I'm quite familiar with APN settings. I appreciate the idea though. Sometimes it's a simple answer.
christophersoran said:
You are correct. There is no white/blue distinction. I've only had the Nexus 5 for a few hours and have been used to Cyanogenmod on my Nexus 4 for the last year. Yes, I did test apps and the browser. I got errors in the apps and the browser wouldn't load any websites.
I am currently on Solavei (and it works on the Nexus 5) and have switched carries 5 times in the last year, so I'm quite familiar with APN settings. I appreciate the idea though. Sometimes it's a simple answer.
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Okay good to know. I have less experience with Metro PCS but it seems that T-Mobile wants to keep them a bit more locked down.
hello everyone, im not sure if this is possible..... i have a verizon galaxy s3, and i have my t-mobile card installed. i only get edge connection. i know i used stuff with my wifes att note 2, and made changes to the modem, and she is getting 4g on her phone. is there a way to do the same thing to the galaxy s3?
thanks in advance.
oisuxx said:
hello everyone, im not sure if this is possible..... i have a verizon galaxy s3, and i have my t-mobile card installed. i only get edge connection. i know i used stuff with my wifes att note 2, and made changes to the modem, and she is getting 4g on her phone. is there a way to do the same thing to the galaxy s3?
thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
There should be the option inside of cellular networks inside settings. Personally I haven't even on TMobile since before the smartphone days but you "should" be able to change it. Don't hold me to that however
Sent from my Nexus 5
ShapesBlue said:
There should be the option inside of cellular networks inside settings. Personally I haven't even on TMobile since before the smartphone days but you "should" be able to change it. Don't hold me to that however
Sent from my Nexus 5
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i set the APN settings, and i get "service" per say. i can text, and make calls.....the problem i am having is that my internet is only "edge".
-Bill
oisuxx said:
i set the APN settings, and i get "service" per say. i can text, and make calls.....the problem i am having is that my internet is only "edge".
-Bill
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Click to collapse
I'm unsure how to help, it might be the VZW S3 doesn't play well on TMobiles network
Sent from my Nexus 5
Sorry if this has been posted before....but is it possible to flash a T-mobile ROM on a Verizon note 5?
I left big red for T-Mobile and bought a unlocked Note 5 that was originally on Verizon.
It works fine with T-Mobile and I am overall happy with the network.
However I travel a lot and would like the option of WIFI calling and also to be able to use the free in air txting on GOGo inflight.
In order to do that it seems I need the T-mobile firmware? Or is this something I can flash?
As the phone is now I have no option to turn on WIFI calling in any of the the settings.
Thanks!
Nope. If you try. You will soft brick it. Only way to recover is Odin back to stock TMO firmware. I attempted with and s4 and s6 from Verizon. I eventually caved and ponies dup for a TMO note 5. The lack of volte alone killed me.
I have a N920V as well and am now using t mobile with great Lte speeds. You 1)dl BK Package Disabler app for Samsung, 2)give it admin permission and disable all Verizon packages (except Mobile Hotspot And Tethering to keep that function), 3)input APN settings for t mobile manually, then reboot. I am unrooted and have great network functionality that rivals Verizons so called superior service.
For in flight free texting there is no need for TM firmware. I have international Note 4 (N910F) with generic rom for TM plan. GoGo works fine during my frequent Delta flights.
I have s7 verizon and have used many verizon galaxy on t-mobile. Wi-Fi calling cant be added. I am able to use the internet intermittently whilst talking but on 3g. On some verizon phones it was nothing while talking.
I have the nexus 6 on Verizon. I really would like to have the note 5. Will the T-Mobile note 5 work on Verizon?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Alright... I'm so excited for my 2nd note to come. This is also my 2nd sprint but who cares right? My last note was the Note 4 from at&t and i kinda miss it. But the battery kept overheating and I couldn't flash a rom on the phone. But I know I can if I have a sprint or a tmobile galaxy. Lol I seen YouTube and XDA.. So What's the Best Rom for this note?
I need everything for this thing.( Recovery,Rom...(S8/Note 8 port), everything). I'm using my s6 edge on tmobile and the signal is really low. I mean I still get good 4g lte signal but around 1 to 3 bars. Especially when I'm on the phone with somebody. Wifi calling is included. Hotspot is included. Almost everything works except binge on and visual voicemail. I can get the phone unlocked it's been paid in full.. I just need this thing to run like it's successor (note fe or note 8). it be cool to have the sprint 4g lte icons and the sprint boot up screen and make it feel more authentic with Better speeds and everything and I think that's what sprint has one up on. But I love tmobile so thats why I want this to run as a sprint phone using tmobile. Especially with extended range? I need help and input.
I'm not sure n920p is going to work well for you from a WiFi calling standpoint. Sprint WiFi calling isn't compatible with TMobile's system so the ROM will have to be tailored to work. I had a similar issue with Mint Sim with my Sprint Note 5.
I received the Blue Note10+ from the Samsung preorder. (SM-N975U1). I'm using it on T-Mobile.
I'm having serious signal strength issues. My Note 8 is at 3 bars while the Note10+ has 0 or 1 bar while indoors. I usually have full 4 bars with the Note8 when I walk outside, but I rarely hit 3 bars with the Note 10+ wherever I'm at. I've never hit the full 4 bars yet with the Note 10+.
Is anyone having this issue? Any suggestions for a solution?
Bars alone don't tell the whole picture as each phone is calibrated differently. The only way to know for sure is running speed tests and comparing actual signal strength numbers in the settings.
bawobogo said:
I received the Blue Note10+ from the Samsung preorder. (SM-N975U1). I'm using it on T-Mobile.
I'm having serious signal strength issues. My Note 8 is at 3 bars while the Note10+ has 0 or 1 bar while indoors. I usually have full 4 bars with the Note8 when I walk outside, but I rarely hit 3 bars with the Note 10+ wherever I'm at. I've never hit the full 4 bars yet with the Note 10+.
Is anyone having this issue? Any suggestions for a solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the actual signal strength on each phone to compare...I have a TMO version of the S10+ and unlocked versions of the Note, the 10+ and a 9... the db strength measures the same on all phones, yet the TMO version shows additional bars... for example, at 99db to 104db, the tmo shows 3-4 bars, the unlocked 2...
Go to About phone, Status, sim card status to get the actual signal strength...
Same. Pixel 3 works, Note 10 has zero bars and doesn't work. I assume it's not connecting to TMobile bands
I'm on Sprint, got the Note 10+ around 9:30 yesterday. No issues whatsoever.
Can you tell us the dbm compared to the pixel? I'm really curious if I should just flash the tmo firmware before I even bother to load it.
kolyan said:
Same. Pixel 3 works, Note 10 has zero bars and doesn't work. I assume it's not connecting to TMobile bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might need to update the PRL? Assuming it's a new phone. Have you contacted TMO?
EDIT: Seems like TMO is having issues.
jackdforme said:
Can you tell us the dbm compared to the pixel? I'm really curious if I should just flash the tmo firmware before I even bother to load it.
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Click to collapse
I am home now. Dbm here is the same and everything works. I was in the area that had signal problems and Pixel was probably using band 12 whereas Note just lost signal for good
---------- Post added at 01:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 AM ----------
zedwards said:
You might need to update the PRL? Assuming it's a new phone. Have you contacted TMO?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on Google Fi
Flash the T-Mobile frimware on it
bawobogo said:
I received the Blue Note10+ from the Samsung preorder. (SM-N975U1). I'm using it on T-Mobile.
I'm having serious signal strength issues. My Note 8 is at 3 bars while the Note10+ has 0 or 1 bar while indoors. I usually have full 4 bars with the Note8 when I walk outside, but I rarely hit 3 bars with the Note 10+ wherever I'm at. I've never hit the full 4 bars yet with the Note 10+.
Is anyone having this issue? Any suggestions for a solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you check for software update when you got your phone? When I received my unlocked Note 10 on the 21st, there was a new software update. Although the update didn't call out signal strength specifically, but you never know... After playing around with the device, I flashed it with T-Mobile firmware. I didn't have enough time to test cell signal, but haven't seen issues yesterday and today. The signal strength is on par with my Pixel 2 and S10e
I've run speed test at the same exact spot with my Note 8, OnePlus 6T and Note 10+ and they're all just about the same, between 85-90Mbps DL.
I have one less bar at home but still managed to get 120mb download speed. Havent looked at the dbm readings. Elsewhere its been just as good as my s8+.
Unlocked N10+.
Charkatak said:
Did you check for software update when you got your phone? When I received my unlocked Note 10 on the 21st, there was a new software update. Although the update didn't call out signal strength specifically, but you never know... After playing around with the device, I flashed it with T-Mobile firmware. I didn't have enough time to test cell signal, but haven't seen issues yesterday and today. The signal strength is on par with my Pixel 2 and S10e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on Tmobile and also bought the unlocked (note+) version and ran the update. If you could be so kind, what does flashing the Tmo firmware do (and how do I do it)? Would this give me everything Tmobile puts on their phones? Is there a benefit to doing that? I am curious if that would help with the signal strength.
rosedog said:
I am on Tmobile and also bought the unlocked (note+) version and ran the update. If you could be so kind, what does flashing the Tmo firmware do (and how do I do it)? Would this give me everything Tmobile puts on their phones? Is there a benefit to doing that? I am curious if that would help with the signal strength.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just use Odin to flash TMobile firmware for note 10, you will have all TMobile bloatwares and features that built-in T-Mobile firmware. I believe you gain more signal bars. I also think you will be able to do video calling on your U1. I don't have note 10, still hang on with my note 9, N960U1.
rosedog said:
I am on Tmobile and also bought the unlocked (note+) version and ran the update. If you could be so kind, what does flashing the Tmo firmware do (and how do I do it)? Would this give me everything Tmobile puts on their phones? Is there a benefit to doing that? I am curious if that would help with the signal strength.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if you flash T-Mobile firmware on your Note 10, you will gain few features:
1) Advanced Messaging - be able to see when person read your sms, when it was delivered or when person is typing a message. You can also send images/videos of a larger sizes about ~10MB. This will only work when you text people that have similar software or that use T-Mobile
2) Video calling will be built in to the phone dialer app - works with phones from T-Mobile that use similar software(LG, Samsung, Moto)
3) Will have 4G LTE wording in the status bar instead of just LTE or LTE+
4) T-Mobile logo on boot and sounds
5) Practically no bloatware - after flashing, during phone setup, you will be asked if you want to install 3 T-Mobile apps: Visual Voice mail, T-Mobile account app and Macfee antivirus - just don't check boxes if you don't need them.
The reason I flash my phones with T-Mobile firmware is that, before releasing they test the update so it would work better on their network and that I have T-Mobile
Charkatak said:
So if you flash T-Mobile firmware on your Note 10, you will gain few features:
1) Advanced Messaging - be able to see when person read your sms, when it was delivered or when person is typing a message. You can also send images/videos of a larger sizes about ~10MB. This will only work when you text people that have similar software or that use T-Mobile
2) Video calling will be built in to the phone dialer app - works with phones from T-Mobile that use similar software(LG, Samsung, Moto)
3) Will have 4G LTE wording in the status bar instead of just LTE or LTE+
4) T-Mobile logo on boot and sounds
5) Practically no bloatware - after flashing, during phone setup, you will be asked if you want to install 3 T-Mobile apps: Visual Voice mail, T-Mobile account app and Macfee antivirus - just don't check boxes if you don't need them.
The reason I flash my phones with T-Mobile firmware is that, before releasing they test the update so it would work better on their network and that I have T-Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AWESOME! Thanks for the reply.
I have noticed something about my signal. It may show one bar but compared to my Note 9, so far, it is blowing it out of the water with internet access. The building I work in has a metal roof and typically that spells trouble for fast browsing. The 10+ seems to be accessing sites faster. However using the GPS this morning I could have sworn it told me it lost signal.
*edit*
Forgot to ask...when flashing the T-Mobile firmware does that trip Knox? Is that still a thing worth worrying about?
I haave two conflicting opinions on flashing tmo firmware.
Thing One.
The carriers lie to us. That's why the tmo signal is better. Not because it's better, it's probably a marketing directive. Resetting the Calc of bars shown to dbm is not optimizing anything. It's making its customers not see dead zones and drop outs. Even though you still have no access on the device.
Thing Two.
But what if I'm wrong. Is it impacting my battery life having computationally lower bars?
Oh the madness.
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
I have zero bars now on N10 with T-Mobile band 66. Unfortunately I have no clue how to check bands on Pixel 3 phone, it gives be 4 bars of LTE
I have the same crap signal strength. My note 4 and 9 no probs. Changed sim card. Changed carrier, took phone To an authorized Samsung service center same problem. I find on Google that and saw how many others are having the exact same problem. The Samsung service center said they've been getting more and more calls on this problem and it's not a software issue it's a hardware issue. They told me there's not a hardware update, meaning there is not an antenna that can be replaced it's Built-in to the phone to where they couldn' change it out
flashprash65 : So are you telling us that we will never have a better signal than we currently have?
That we spent $ 1200 for a product that will never work properly?