I recently purchased a used LG G4 (H810 - AT&T version). I couldn't pass up the $180 price. I am on Straight Talk in the USA with an AT&T SIM. My previous phones have been nexus devices or unlocked non-carrier models. I have always been able to use the built-in Android wi-fi tethering. I don't use a lot of data, but I do need to tether occasionally. This is my first carrier-branded device on Straight Talk. Being an AT&T phone, they do everything they can to block tethering. I have tried countless apps on the phone, along with ones that do a USB tether with a PC. (ClockworkMod Tether, PDANET) I have not been able to get anything to work. This particular model is NOT ROOTABLE. Have I made a mistake buying this phone? Do I need to get an international unlocked edition if I want to do wi-fi tethering? I really like the phone and the camera is great, but not being able to tether is very dangerous in my profession as I am on-call 24/7.
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When I started shopping for a Xoom, I knew that getting one that would work on 3G/4G would get me advantages over the Wifi version. That's where my knowledge stopped.
Are there any advantages to having the CDMA/LTE capability, besides being able to get data outside of wifi areas?
Am I correct that the Xoom can NOT be used as a voice calling phone on the carrier's network (Verizon)?
I went with Xoom instead of the Nexus 7 because of the MicroSD card ability on the Xoom, and for it's 4G connectivity (even not knowing what that would get me ) Oh well, there is always more tech coming....
Your questions could really be answered by doing some searching around the forums... but:
I believe you are correct, no voice calling.
And yeah, when you buy into a mobile data plan, you can get data access anywhere the carrier has signal.
Are you planning on unlocking your bootloader and using custom ROMs?
This can be dangerous, there is a chance of bricking your device, so don't run into it without planning/researching. You may decide this route isn't for you.
IF your willing to mod your device, I believe there is way to allow your device to have access to SMS messaging (but not positive, I don't own one).
Some potential drawbacks though, if your not planning on rooting your device, it normally takes longer for the carrier branded ones to get OTA updates. Example: The wi-fi only Xoom is now getting its JellyBean update, but the Verizon branded ones are not. That update has to come through Verizon, instead of just through Google.
Hope that helps...
I just pulled the trigger on a refurbished SM-P905 (Verizon) tablet. I would like to have the option of sticking my phone's SIM card in it and use the tablet as my phone (with an ear piece, of course).
What would I need to do to the tablet in order to make that work? Root? Install additional apps? Would CM12 work?
Assume that I have a Verizon cell phone that I would pull the SIM from and put into the tablet when I needed to use it as such.
Thanks!
I have the international version of the note pro SM-P905
from my previous knowledge,
any android tablet can be used as a phone except that phone calls will be heard through the speaker unless you use an ear piece.
I already have a phone sim installed on my note pro and it is working fine out of the box
I use it the sim for data and I made a few phone calls without any problems
no need for root or anything else
I don't know about Verizon note pro model but it is suppose to be the same
Thanks! I was concerned that the tablet wouldn't have the necessary phone apps and background software that it would need right out of the box.
I have the P905V as well.
I haven't tried a phone sim on I cant say for sure on the phone calls themselves.
however I am using a T-mobile tablet sim with text messaging and the text messaging does not seem to work on this tablet.
Verizon and sprint use CDMA for voice, SMS and 3G data
When they moved to LTE (Which is a GSM technology) they basically just added a sim card slot for data on top of the existing CDMA hardware.
Some Verizon phones also have the Sim slot enabled for GSM calling for people that travel internationally.
unfortunately most tablets (and even a lot of phones) dont have that feature and only use it for LTE
I suspect that this is the case here.
there is chance it might make calls if activated under Verizon though you would need a dialer installed. (Perhaps someone with one activated with Verizon could chime in if they have tried it)
The best option I've found on an alternate carrier is to use your google voice number in the hangouts app to make VOIP calls.
it works great for that and you basically have calling coverage anywhere you have data.
Groove IP also works pretty good and doesnt use much data.
unfortunately VOIP is the only option I know of.
On a side note, as stated above the international version has the full phone features in GSM format, this is often the case with international versions of tablets.
Sadly the US only versions often have things stripped out by the carrier, sometimes out of necessity and sometimes to push people to use their service etc.
Thanks for the info! That's exactly what I was afraid of, that the Verizon version of the OS on this tablet wouldn't include the phone/texting software. So I'm wondering if the CM12 rom does..?
Unfortunately while the Verizon version is rootable on android 4.4 there are no custom roms for it currently.
Also note that they released the 5.1 update for the Verizon model but its not yet rootable.
I've kept mine on 4.4 for this reason but a lot of people have opted to give up root for the newer software.
I know this all sounds like bad news but this is really an amazing tablet, I actually use it exclusively and no longer use windows at home.
I also often use it for calls over VOIP.
but unfortunately if custom roms and voice calls are what you are looking for in a tablet the international version would have likely been the better choice.
The Verizon Version does have a few perks due to the snapdragon 800 processor, charging faster being the biggest.
Thanks! I just purchased mine and its supposed to get here tomorrow. I'm probably going to send it back. I don't want to be stuck on 4.4 just so I can have root, and I don't want to deal with not even having root on 5.1. Then add-on that you can't unlock the bootloader on the Verizon version, and it's a no-go.
So, I use my phone for a source of internet at my place of work. I have AT&T service and currently have an Axon 7 and enjoy free wifi hotspot with it, and it works great. However, I can't get the axon 7 to play well with my gear s3 for samsung pay and a few other weird very annoying things.
So, I want to get the S8+ that is factory unlocked so I can use the wifi hotspot without issue and get all of the benefits of my watch, but I have heard a horrible rumor that when you put in an att sim that the unlocked s8+ downloads the att bloatware and will not let you have free wifi tethering. I have an unlimited plan and already pay for my internet, I should be allowed to use it as I see fit damn it!
My question is this: If I have an At&t unlimited data plan and buy the International Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8+, can I use the wifi hotspot (wifi tethering) with no problems with it remaining stock, unrooted?
I freaking hope that I can as this would be really the biggest reason for me to buy it and would certainly keep me from buying it if in fact I cannot use the wifi hotspot on it.
Thanks for your time everyone!
Anyone? I am poised to buy this thing if I can use it the way I need to.
If no one else answers before I get home, I have an AT&T sim card I can pop in and check.
These phones shouldn't be downloading bloatware though, at the very most it imposes Network features and restrictions of the carrier you're using.
I don't have any Verizon bloat on mine, but I also haven't been paying attention to whats happening with others, as there isn't very much talk of the unlocked model on here.
---------- Post added at 08:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:11 PM ----------
You should be able to do whatever the phone is capable of without rooting provided the AT&T stuff isn't interfering.
thanks!
Seireiju said:
If no one else answers before I get home, I have an AT&T sim card I can pop in and check.
These phones shouldn't be downloading bloatware though, at the very most it imposes Network features and restrictions of the carrier you're using.
I don't have any Verizon bloat on mine, but I also haven't been paying attention to whats happening with others, as there isn't very much talk of the unlocked model on here.
---------- Post added at 08:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:11 PM ----------
You should be able to do whatever the phone is capable of without rooting provided the AT&T stuff isn't interfering.
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I Thank you. That's what I heard, that (with one of the newer Samsung phones that was unlocked) once an att sim was in it, and linked to that carrier, it dl'ed the bloatware due to something with the att network and it also didn't allow them to use the hotspot for free. I hope that the person was either wrong or lying. I got granfathered in due to my old iphone play when I had a 3G (olllllllld) and the hotspot is the only real reason for me to need unlimited data.
BolinMedia said:
I Thank you. That's what I heard, that (with one of the newer Samsung phones that was unlocked) once an att sim was in it, and linked to that carrier, it dl'ed the bloatware due to something with the att network and it also didn't allow them to use the hotspot for free. I hope that the person was either wrong or lying. I got granfathered in due to my old iphone play when I had a 3G (olllllllld) and the hotspot is the only real reason for me to need unlimited data.
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I just received my Unlocked S8+ US version that I bought directly from Samsung.com today and I have ATT and I put in my ATT sim card and I selected the NExtgen APN, and i just tried the hotspot and works perfectly fine and I never had any ATT bloatware download, which should never happen with a non att unlock phone.
awesome!!!!! So, the unlocked version you have is a US At&t that is unlocked and not even the international version? Is it branded At&T on the phone, or no branding?
I've got the USA version, unlocked, no carrier branded and I can activate hotspot without carrier check. I'm on cricket
BolinMedia said:
awesome!!!!! So, the unlocked version you have is a US At&t that is unlocked and not even the international version? Is it branded At&T on the phone, or no branding?
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yes mines US version, is not carrier branded and I bought directly from Samsung USA from there web site, and the hotspot works perfect, besides not having wifi calling that`s the only draw back. see link
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-s/galaxy-s8-plus-64gb--unlocked--sm-g955uzkaxaa/
2003vstrom said:
yes mines US version, is not carrier branded and I bought directly from Samsung USA from there web site, and the hotspot works perfect, besides not having wifi calling that`s the only draw back. see link
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-s/galaxy-s8-plus-64gb--unlocked--sm-g955uzkaxaa/
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx2Lnhth5qg&t=695s
Got to 8 minutes 10 seconds
In this video, Linus Tech Tips reviews it and says that the first sim inserted in to it gets it to download all of the bloatware for that carrier and others have said that once the att bloat is on you also cannot use the wifi hotspot. I literally have the money in my pocket and am going to bestbuy in the morning before work to get the phone. I pray to God that I can use the wifi hotspot on it. Otherwise I will demand a refund and take it back. I cannot have a phone without the wifi hotspot for free. Anyone with att try the unlocked version by setting it up with their att sim? I'm freaking scared right now!
BolinMedia said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx2Lnhth5qg&t=695s
Got to 8 minutes 10 seconds
In this video, Linus Tech Tips reviews it and says that the first sim inserted in to it gets it to download all of the bloatware for that carrier and others have said that once the att bloat is on you also cannot use the wifi hotspot. I literally have the money in my pocket and am going to bestbuy in the morning before work to get the phone. I pray to God that I can use the wifi hotspot on it. Otherwise I will demand a refund and take it back. I cannot have a phone without the wifi hotspot for free. Anyone with att try the unlocked version by setting it up with their att sim? I'm freaking scared right now!
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Get a cheap prepaid sim on T-Mobile or an MNVO of AT&T and use that sim first to set it up then swap with your AT&T, buy passing the while first sim issue.
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
I can confirm that there are no problems with hotspot. I have the US unlocked version. No AT&T bloatware at all was downloaded when I put the SIM card in. I use tether every day with no issues
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
I'm on sprint. Just activated phone today, and no bloatware installed. That being said, I cannot seem to start the hotspot. Every time I do, its just shouts itself off. Bluetooth tethering seems to stay on, although I have not tested it yet. Any ideas why that might be? Does sprint block hotspot even on unlocked phones?
Hi, I'm thinking about picking up a SIM-unlocked T-Mobile S7 (930T) or maybe a T-Mobile S7 Edge (935T) to run on Cricket, but I want to make sure that the phone doesn't check with the carrier before allowing hotspot (hotspot tether provisioning).
For example, I'm pretty sure the Verizon version allows hotspot to be used without pinging whatever carrier's SIM one has installed (Cricket) because that's the way it worked on my Verizon branded S6. With my Cricket SIM in it, I could still run a hotspot without the phone checking for permission with my carrier as it does with some phones like the iPhone and S7 930A. On those two phones I can't do hotspot because it checks with the carrier before allowing hotspot tethering and I don't have hotspot on my plan. I don't do hotspot that often but it's nice to have it there when I need it.
The only reason I'm not looking at a Verizon version of the S7 is because the bands I would need to run well on Cricket are switched off on the 930V.
Let me know if you know whether the T-mobile S7s allow use of the hotspot tether function without pinging the carrier for permission.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
charter3554 said:
Hi, I'm thinking about picking up a SIM-unlocked T-Mobile S7 (930T) or maybe a T-Mobile S7 Edge (935T) to run on Cricket, but I want to make sure that the phone doesn't check with the carrier before allowing hotspot (hotspot tether provisioning).
For example, I'm pretty sure the Verizon version allows hotspot to be used without pinging whatever carrier's SIM one has installed (Cricket) because that's the way it worked on my Verizon branded S6. With my Cricket SIM in it, I could still run a hotspot without the phone checking for permission with my carrier as it does with some phones like the iPhone and S7 930A. On those two phones I can't do hotspot because it checks with the carrier before allowing hotspot tethering and I don't have hotspot on my plan. I don't do hotspot that often but it's nice to have it there when I need it.
The only reason I'm not looking at a Verizon version of the S7 is because the bands I would need to run well on Cricket are switched off on the 930V.
Let me know if you know whether the T-mobile S7s allow use of the hotspot tether function without pinging the carrier for permission.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
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I have T-mobile s7, and I am in Italy, with an itlaian provider and hotspot is working just fine.
I think that if your phone is SIM ulocked (like mine) you can use hotspot without problem.
hope it can help
Hi. I bought a new Pixel 7 Pro from Google store and tried using the hotspot on it with my AT&T carrier. I noticed that I do not get an IP address from the phone. I verified with the carrier that I have it on my plan and they told me it is because my phone is unlocked which seems like BS to me. I have not rooted it or changed from the factory ROM and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on getting this to work? I put my SIM into my old Pixel XL that has a custom ROM on and is unlocked and hotspot works fine on it.
Thanks
Anyone got any ideas?
Mine works just fine.... On at&t as well... Dunno what's going on with yours
Mine works as well w/AT&T - I would reach out to AT&T and they can double-check the settings for your device, shouldn't take long.
I called them today and actually got someone with a brain. Went through many settings and then said my hotspot limit was reached to 3GB even though I had not used it in a couple months and just started a new billing cycle. I added 12GB of hotspot to the plan and then it worked! I am so glad someone took the time to look over the account to realize this as when I logged into AT&T's website it showed I had not used any of the data of the hotspot. Who knows why the computer on one end was different then what I saw but this fixed it. I am very happy. Thanks All!
moonlite said:
Hi. I bought a new Pixel 7 Pro from Google store and tried using the hotspot on it with my AT&T carrier. I noticed that I do not get an IP address from the phone. I verified with the carrier that I have it on my plan and they told me it is because my phone is unlocked which seems like BS to me. I have not rooted it or changed from the factory ROM and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on getting this to work? I put my SIM into my old Pixel XL that has a custom ROM on and is unlocked and hotspot works fine on it.
Thanks
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Lol You can't hotspot because your device is unlocked xD, she should be fired for making customers believe that bs
You say "AT&T carrier" - are you by chance referring to an MVNO? Cricket, for example? Cricket doesn't allow BYOD devices to use hotspot. Older devices can evade their detection but newer ones cannot.
@J0nhy, I bought a brand new Google Pixel 7 Pro unlocked from the Google store. It is for sure unlocked.
And yes, AT&T is my carrier (that is who the bill comes from and my SIM has their logo stamped on it), not Cricket.
Yeah if you have AT&T, just call tech support and hang up and call again until you get someone who can investigate why it doesn't work rather than blaming the unlocked device.
I tethered via USB just fine. I have an unlocked phone and I'm on AT&T as well.
Just customer service some don't know what they are doing and others are better at their job. I'm glad all it was, was a setting from the carrier and not my new phone. I love this new Pixel 7 Pro. The best phone I have ever owned.
Root the phone, install VPN Hotspot from play store... I go through 70gb+ a month. Not a single bit of hotspot data.
eloko said:
Root the phone, install VPN Hotspot from play store... I go through 70gb+ a month. Not a single bit of hotspot data.
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I second this. I use VPN hotspot as well with a VPN. I've tried it on Verizon and T-Mobile but not AT&t. Having both VPN hotspot and a VPN on, the ISP as no idea that you're using hotspot and you can have unlimited hotspot.