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[Q] Bought Used & Has Problems - What Should I Do?

Hi everyone. Just to start out, I am completely new to the Android world – I’ve tried to read up on these forums and whatnot but I am definitely a noob. I am coming from Apple, and long story short, I’m tired of iPhones and got myself a Galaxy S3 via Swappa in order to keep my unlimited data plan. It was previously rooted, but I requested that it be restored to stock.
I have been unable to get to a Verizon corporate store to get a sim card and activate the phone, so I’ve been using it on wifi around the house. I am having signal issues with the wif – it works everywhere except in my room. The signal shows as weak and keeps dropping every few minutes. My other devices have a strong signal. I have downloaded various wifi analyzer apps from the Play store, and they all show the wifi signal as really weak.
I searched and found numerous threads that this is an issue with some of the phones. I tried messing with settings (factory reset the phone, the router, did the *#0011# and turned wifi power saving off, changed the "keep wifi on during sleep" from always to never, etc) and nothing fixes it.
I would like to know what you guys recommend. Should I go ahead get a sim, activate the phone, update to Jelly Bean and see if that fixes the issue? I am unable to get the update since I do not have service. I tried to update via Kies, but it says current firmware pda:lg1 phone: lg1 csc: lg1 (vzw) not supported.
Or should I tell Verizon about the problem and see if they will go ahead and replace the phone? I’m not sure how that works since I am not the original owner. I’ve read that they honor the warranty based on the purchase date which is tied to the IMEI number, and not the owner’s name. Not sure how true that is… Also on the box, it says Verizon 4G LTE Certified. Not sure if that means my phone is already a certified replacement or if all the boxes say that. I haven’t been able to find that out.
I’ve read the thread about resetting the phone to return to Verizon. The flash counter screen reads Odin mode, product name: SCH-I535, Custom Binary Download: No, Current Binary: Samsung Official, System Status: Official, Qualcomm Secureboot: Enable. The android version is 4.0.4 and the baseband is I535VRLG1. Does it matter what the kernel, build number and hardware version are? I’m not sure what they should be.
I just want to be prepared when I walk into the Verizon store (which is unfortunately over an hour away), so I’m hoping I can get some opinions and maybe save myself multiple trips. I’m not sure if Verizon will work with me or not, but I figured you guys are the experts and can help me out. Thank you!

It looks like the guy who sold you the phone did in fact fully return you to stock. But it is fully stock based on the oldest stock firmware (I535VRLG1). My advice to you would be to activate the phone, and grab the OTA updates all the way up until the current version (I535VRBLK3).
I used to have all kinds of WiFi connectivity issues with this phone, until I replaced my router. Now it works perfectly. There was no real explanation as to why that was, but this phone does seem to have WiFi connectivity issues, especially with older Routers.
Try updating your software first, and see if the problem resolves with the new firmware. I believe Verizon does base the warranty off of the phone activation date, at least they did years ago in the past, but that may have changed.

Thank you, I appreciate the reply. I read that there was an OTA update issued around October to fix some of the wifi issues, but I wasn't sure if I had it. Once I activate the phone with the sim, do you think there will be any issues receiving the updates? I know nothing about rooting and have been trying to read more about it, but I'm concerned I'll end up causing more problems with the phone before I even get to use it.
The router I have is a free one Verizon gives to use with their dsl service - a Westell Model 327w. It is pretty old, although I think the firmware is up to date. The phone works fine when it is closer to the router and everywhere else in my house, except my room which is upstairs and at the other end of the house. I just figured since my other devices work fine, the S3 should too.
Thanks again.

If you are fully stock, with the stock recovery (which it sounds like you probably are), you should have no problem downloading and installing the OTAs. I believe you will have to take a few them before you get up to the current version.

I can confirm that the stock Verizon GSIII has a few upgrades before you get to 4.1.1 (the latest version)

Thanks guys.
I just remembered that I have a newer router that Verizon sent me, but I never bothered with it because the current one was working. I'll try and set that up and see if the signal improves.
I am hoping to get to the Verizon store soon, but unfortunately things keep happening that prevent me from making the trip. Can't wait to get this phone working though. Just the little bit I've played with it makes it difficult for me to go back to my iPhone.

This is how a noob post should read. Nice job, OP -- very informative and you did some homework.
Other noobs take notice -- this is how you do it. Notice how much help he got?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

If its any consolation, I had wi-fi issues even with a newer Verizon router all the way up to the latest version of the the modem and rpm file (vblk3). With the last and latest (vblk3) update, those problems disappeared. So as stated, I would update the software to the latest and hopefully you should be good. Just to add, my wife had the same problems (same phone) as well so this validates for me that it was a software issue.

[Q] Enabling VoLTE

I have a Droid Maxx on Verizon running the latest ota update (23.3.24), rooted, with TWRP installed. I enabled HD Calling (VoLTE) through Verizon's website, but cannot find an option in my phone's settings to enable it as was suggested in some comments I read on other sites. Am I missing something?

It should look like this, under Mobile Network Settings:
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app

I believe that you have to restart the phone after activating the feature on your line.

Yeah once I activated the feature on Verizon wireless I had to turn the phone off for a few mins then back on and it was there,,,a simple reboot doesnt work.

g0thm0g said:
I have a Droid Maxx on Verizon running the latest ota update (23.3.24), rooted, with TWRP installed. I enabled HD Calling (VoLTE) through Verizon's website, but cannot find an option in my phone's settings to enable it as was suggested in some comments I read on other sites. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I been looking everywhere on how to root this thing and unlock the boot loader how did u do it mine is only a couple months old sorry im suck a noob at this

morkeleb7179 said:
I been looking everywhere on how to root this thing and unlock the boot loader how did u do it mine is only a couple months old sorry im suck a noob at this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which software version do you have? There is no root available for Maxx, Ultra, or Mini phones on 4.4.4.
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app

morkeleb7179 said:
I been looking everywhere on how to root this thing and unlock the boot loader how did u do it mine is only a couple months old sorry im suck a noob at this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on an older software version and used a utility called Sunshine which was created by some of the devs who post in this forum. I just checked their website and it indicates that support for bootloader unlock for Verizon users on 4.4.4 will come in the next update to their utility. There's a $25 fee, but after your bootloader is unlocked, it will likely remain that way through future ota updates. After your bootloader is unlocked, you can install an alternate recovery like TWRP which will auto detect whether you have root upon exiting the recovery and ask if you want to install it or not.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I followed your suggestions, but still don't have an option to enable VoLTE on the device itself.
I left my phone off for 20+ minutes (several times) but the option to enable VoLTE (HD voice) was still not present under mobile network settings after powering on. I also performed a factory reset (no luck), wiped everything in TWRP and reinstalled the 23.3.24 fxz file using RSD Lite (no luck), and disabled and re-enabled HD voice through the Verizon website (still no luck).
Does anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions? I'm at a loss.

I have what may be a dumb question. I have a rooted, unlocked droid maxx on 4.4.4. I would like to get the latest update so that I can enable advanced calling on my phone. Can I download the update somewhere? My phone is set to not download updates automatically. Thanks.

For those who have been using Volte consistently since the update what has been your user experience? I was part of the soak and used it for only a week before disabling it. I found that in areas with weak 4g coverage the call would break up or I would loose the call all together.

My speaker has a crackling sound to it since enabling volte but other than that I haven't had much time with it in rough service areas to tell but I just got back to North Dakota for work so I'll get a crash course in that soon haha

twister99403 said:
My speaker has a crackling sound to it since enabling volte but other than that I haven't had much time with it in rough service areas to tell but I just got back to North Dakota for work so I'll get a crash course in that soon haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issue. I found that it was a common occurrence in a weak 4g area. When it was really bad I would cut in and out before finally dropping the call. When I was in a strong 4g area the call was crystal clear.

jughead75 said:
For those who have been using Volte consistently since the update what has been your user experience? I was part of the soak and used it for only a week before disabling it. I found that in areas with weak 4g coverage the call would break up or I would loose the call all together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. With VoLTE on I started getting call drops in places I had never had them before. I have it disabled now.

DUP post
---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:23 AM ----------
twister99403 said:
My speaker has a crackling sound to it since enabling volte but other than that I haven't had much time with it in rough service areas to tell but I just got back to North Dakota for work so I'll get a crash course in that soon haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@hayze
 @jughead75
 @Archangel
 @doogald
Seeking advice on updating from 21.11.21. I am unrooted & have OTA disabled with my workaround. So no downside? Just enable or disable voLTE as needed?
Thanks

aviwdoowks said:
Seeking advice on updating from 21.11.21. I am unrooted & have OTA disabled with my workaround. So no downside? Just enable or disable voLTE as needed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There may be other reasons to stick with 21.11.21 but concerns over VoLTE shouldn't be one. Even before you can use VoLTE with the phone you have to get Verizon to enable it on your account either by calling them or your account page on their website. At least I did when it came out and I assume that's still the case. Once it's enabled on your account the option to turn it on/off in the phone should show up in the settings. So if that's the only thing holding you back then I'd say go for it.

hayze said:
Same here. With VoLTE on I started getting call drops in places I had never had them before. I have it disabled now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jughead75 said:
I had the same issue. I found that it was a common occurrence in a weak 4g area. When it was really bad I would cut in and out before finally dropping the call. When I was in a strong 4g area the call was crystal clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hayze said:
There may be other reasons to stick with 21.11.21 but concerns over VoLTE shouldn't be one. Even before you can use VoLTE with the phone you have to get Verizon to enable it on your account either by calling them or your account page on their website. At least I did when it came out and I assume that's still the case. Once it's enabled on your account the option to turn it on/off in the phone should show up in the settings. So if that's the only thing holding you back then I'd say go for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What other downsides?
I am hearing about bugs & of course unlock patch that would stop Sunshine if a root method is ever found.

aviwdoowks said:
What other downsides?
I am hearing about bugs & of course unlock patch that would stop Sunshine if a root method is ever found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't encountered or heard of any bugs with 23.3.24, really. There's a thread in the other forum about lost features, but other than that and VoLTE I haven't noticed any differences from 21.11.21.
I guess there's always a risk of an root exploit being found and released for an older version after upgrading, but I'm not sure how likely that is to happen at this point. I don't think there's been a whiff of one on 21.11.21 or later. If one does come out it might end up working on 23.3.24 anyway since they are both 4.4.4 based.
With all the changes coming with Lollipop you might have better luck eventually getting an exploit for that version.
So I guess if you are perfectly content with 21.11.21 and aren't interested in VoLTE then there probably isn't much of a reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you do upgrade I speculate that it won't impact your ability to get root/unlocked bootloader down the road if one happens to fall out of the sky. But that's just my opinion.

S8 Active Oreo

Just got an update notification on my S8 Active. Looks like oreo maybe. 1.2gb

It is Oreo!

Sweet!

rjyoung00 said:
It is Oreo!
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Click to collapse
Great!
Does anybody have a link?

I wonder if the leaked ota will update to whatever the next will since its the same baseband. Guess well wait and see lol

twizt3d said:
I wonder if the leaked ota will update to whatever the next will since its the same baseband. Guess well wait and see lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted the update that you can update using odin

don't get the this one Baseband version: G892AUCU2BRC5. Even though I tried to factory reset but I am still getting issues with the navigation bar.
Still waiting for the newest update like from Tmobile. I will never buy any AT&T ****ty phone again. Hard, slow to get an update, require a relative ATT Sim card.

blessedsword said:
don't get the this one Baseband version: G892AUCU2BRC5. Even though I tried to factory reset but I am still getting issues with the navigation bar.
Still waiting for the newest update like from Tmobile. I will never buy any AT&T ****ty phone again. Hard, slow to get an update, require a relative ATT Sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah...you know, you can install T-Mobile firmware over the AT&T device. Also, that nav bar issue is singular, meaning just you. so what ever it is you're doing, doesn't happen to anyone else. Another thing, if you live somewhere where a USA carrier doesn't provide service, DO NOT buy that phone. Plain and simple, only buy what your service provider or country offers. If you don't you lose out on bands, sometimes LTE entirely, Slow LTE because of the advanced technology only being able to be used on the carrier for the device, and as with the case of AT&T, software updates. The only reason you people are able to even have OTA zips AT ALL is because AT&T has **** security with their OTA server. The only other method to get updates would be Odin firmware, which AT&T doesn't RELEASE, it has to be leaked by companies with a GSPN account, which BTW cost ALOT of money, so the firmware itself is a solid $20 for those who do buy it to share to people here on XDA. And just so everyone knows, this method of pulling OTAs for you people will be patched because Samsung has had enough of their test builds getting leaked by some peachy ***** like me that pull their OTAs from AT&T. However long it takes, who knows, but it's gonna happen. By the way, most of this isn't directed just at you so you understand that, this is to the public in general. Sorry guys but it's true.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

FatalONEM8 said:
Yeah...you know, you can install T-Mobile firmware over the AT&T device. Also, that nav bar issue is singular, meaning just you. so what ever it is you're doing, doesn't happen to anyone else. Another thing, if you livell somewhere where a USA carrier doesn't provide service, DO NOT buy that phone. Plain and simple, only buy what your service provider or country offers. If you don't you lose out on bands, sometimes LTE entirely, Slow LTE because of the advanced technology only being able to be used on the carrier for the device, and as with the case of AT&T, software updates. The only reason you people are able to even have OTA zips AT ALL is because AT&T has **** security with their OTA server. The only other method to get updates would be Odin firmware, which AT&T doesn't RELEASE, it has to be leaked by companies with a GSPN account, which BTW cost ALOT of money, so the firmware itself is a solid $20 for those who do buy it to share to people here on XDA. And just so everyone knows, this method of pulling OTAs for you people will be patched because Samsung has had enough of their test builds getting leaked by some peachy ***** like me that pull their OTAs from AT&T. However long it takes, who knows, but it's gonna happen. By the way, most of this isn't directed just at you so you understand that, this is to the public in general. Sorry guys but it's true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit

Edit
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

FatalONEM8 said:
Yeah...you know, you can install T-Mobile firmware over the AT&T device. Also, that nav bar issue is singular, meaning just you. so what ever it is you're doing, doesn't happen to anyone else. Another thing, if you live somewhere where a USA carrier doesn't provide service, DO NOT buy that phone. Plain and simple, only buy what your service provider or country offers. If you don't you lose out on bands, sometimes LTE entirely, Slow LTE because of the advanced technology only being able to be used on the carrier for the device, and as with the case of AT&T, software updates. The only reason you people are able to even have OTA zips AT ALL is because AT&T has **** security with their OTA server. The only other method to get updates would be Odin firmware, which AT&T doesn't RELEASE, it has to be leaked by companies with a GSPN account, which BTW cost ALOT of money, so the firmware itself is a solid $20 for those who do buy it to share to people here on XDA, such as @bboii86. And just so everyone knows, this method of pulling OTAs for you people will be patched because Samsung has had enough of their test builds getting leaked by some peachy ***** like me that pull their OTAs from AT&T. However long it takes, who knows, but it's gonna happen. By the way, most of this isn't directed just at you so you understand that, this is to the public in general. Sorry guys but it's true.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the new update from ATT, I have to borrow my friend ATT sim like usual. But the new version still has not fixed yet.
I also understand what did you say for the nav bar issues above, but mine is different, not the same results on Google search.
For example:
-Youtube or Google maps is auto minimize after 2 minutes or more on screen.
-Games are automatically back to "waiting screen" in any game.
-All require fingerprints applications automatically back to fingerprint require screen while I was using it.
So I know the issue is the "back" button, I did try to change its location, hide the nav bar, but the same issues. So I know that it does not come from the physical, it is the software.
I did buy an S6 Active 3 years ago so I know the update issues that I have to face with, but Tmobile released their S8 Active too late and I did not know that.

blessedsword said:
I just got the new update from ATT, I have to borrow my friend ATT sim like usual. But the new version still has not fixed yet.
I also understand what did you say for the nav bar issues above, but mine is different, not the same results on Google search.
For example:
-Youtube or Google maps is auto minimize after 2 minutes or more on screen.
-Games are automatically back to "waiting screen" in any game.
-All require fingerprints applications automatically back to fingerprint require screen while I was using it.
So I know the issue is the "back" button, I did try to change its location, hide the nav bar, but the same issues. So I know that it does not come from the physical, it is the software.
I did buy an S6 Active 3 years ago so I know the update issues that I have to face with, but Tmobile released their S8 Active too late and I did not know that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never heard of that. Also just realized that G892U is on BLv1 while AT&T is BLv2 [emoji52] so.....you're stuck on AT&T firmwares...
Edit:Nvm
Edit 2: I'm retarded lol
https://mega.nz/#!0UBGha7K!Blm-PB5erb-z2n-HMjPLAssaDVswp9Z1Cjjn5GiPto0
G892AUCS2ARB1
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

FatalONEM8 said:
I've never heard of that. Also just realized that G892U is on BLv1 while AT&T is BLv2 [emoji52] so.....you're stuck on AT&T firmwares...
Edit:Nvm
Edit 2: I'm retarded lol
https://mega.nz/#!0UBGha7K!Blm-PB5erb-z2n-HMjPLAssaDVswp9Z1Cjjn5GiPto0
G892AUCS2ARB1
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the new base version is G892AUCS2BRD4. That the BLv2, but ATT website always updates late, the customer services suck. The ATT new version always release after Tmobile version only 1 to 3 days, but the web needs almost 2 weeks for that. So I always check in Tmobile first

blessedsword said:
the new base version is G892AUCS2BRD4. That the BLv2, but ATT website always updates late, the customer services suck. The ATT new version always release after Tmobile version only 1 to 3 days, but the web needs almost 2 weeks for that. So I always check in Tmobile first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good, that firmware there will bring you back to nougat and you can OTA from there or sit on it.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

FatalONEM8 said:
It's all good, that firmware there will bring you back to nougat and you can OTA from there or sit on it.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean? I have not try OTA via Odin for ATT active phone yet. The new update is around 47mb.

blessedsword said:
What do you mean? I have not try OTA via Odin for ATT active phone yet. The new update is around 47mb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This firmware is nougat, so whatever problem you're having with the nav bar if it wasn't there in previous updates, this should fix it. Then you can OTA whenever and see if it's just Oreo you don't like, which is fine because you can stay on nougat. And also root I believe.
Oh wait, are you saying you want the BRD4 or whatever update?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

FatalONEM8 said:
This firmware is nougat, so whatever problem you're having with the nav bar if it wasn't there in previous updates, this should fix it. Then you can OTA whenever and see if it's just Oreo you don't like, which is fine because you can stay on nougat. And also root I believe.
Oh wait, are you saying you want the BRD4 or whatever update?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nvm. I missed understand you :fingers-crossed:

blessedsword said:
nvm. I missed understand you :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a BRC5-BRD3 if you want to check it out. Uploading right now.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-lpuJPQ60cKCelW5_OiJXNzl9Xteuq4f/view?usp=drivesdk
Heres the official OTA BRC5-BRD4 https://drive.google.com/open?id=1S4X18R9TeFgh695LnvZtoh_Cu0sVUnIy
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

FWIW my phone did ota normally from leaked brc5 to brd4 om it's own. I didnt get a chance to Odin back since I was in the middle of moving.

Official OTA BRC5-BRD4 https://drive.google.com/open?id=1S4X18R9TeFgh695LnvZtoh_Cu0sVUnIy

Tmobile WIFI Calling?

anyone have working wifi calling with TMO-US? i assume not, due to it not being officially supported, but want to double check.

sidewinder_x5 said:
anyone have working wifi calling with TMO-US? i assume not, due to it not being officially supported, but want to double check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello there. I've recently purchased the US version since I live in USA but I noticed wifi calling doesn't work on mine and I couldn't find a way to enable it. I have not called T-Mobile yet but I will eventually. I'll give an update later.
Have you had any luck with it?

Droios said:
Hello there. I've recently purchased the US version since I live in USA but I noticed wifi calling doesn't work on mine and I couldn't find a way to enable it. I have not called T-Mobile yet but I will eventually. I'll give an update later.
Have you had any luck with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i havent gotten it yet, since i use wifi calling a lot at home due to not the greatest signal. if it doesnt support, then i might have to pass, which is a shame since its such a nice phone otherwise.

Do OnePlus Phones Updates Require WiFi?

Hello, I would like to know if OnePlus phones get their updates via LTE or do they require WiFi?
I'm in a situation where I don't have access to WiFi and my current phone, S20fe, requires WiFi for updates,
Thanks in advance.

Dark_Stoner said:
Hello, I would like to know if OnePlus phones get their updates via LTE or do they require WiFi?
I'm in a situation where I don't have access to WiFi and my current phone, S20fe, requires WiFi for updates,
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they will work without wifi, but you have to manually start the download yourself (it will not auto download, just tell you that an update is available). Not entirely sure about that though. If not you can always use the oxygen updater app (not official oneplus app!) to download the update over LTE and install it with the local upgrade option.

Qnorsten said:
I think they will work without wifi, but you have to manually start the download yourself (it will not auto download, just tell you that an update is available). Not entirely sure about that though. If not you can always use the oxygen updater app (not official oneplus app!) to download the update over LTE and install it with the local upgrade option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnx so much for taking the time to provide me with the info.
I hope the 9Pro is half decent because it sounds promising,

The 8T does not require WIFI to update...at least mine doesn't! I had the S20FE for awhile and it did not require WIFI either...I wonder why yours does? I also had the S10E and it DID need WIFI which was one of the reasons I dumped it! Personally I think it is NOT dependent on the phone, but rather on your wireless provider along with the particular phone.

jaseman said:
The 8T does not require WIFI to update...at least mine doesn't! I had the S20FE for awhile and it did not require WIFI either...I wonder why yours does? I also had the S10E and it DID need WIFI which was one of the reasons I dumped it! Personally I think it is NOT dependent on the phone, but rather on your wireless provider along with the particular phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I ask you what carrier you are currently using? I have Verizon Wireless but I don't know if the update has to come from them or directly from Samsung? Either way I'm looking forward to getting off the Samsung hype train because I really don't like One UI.

Dark_Stoner said:
Can I ask you what carrier you are currently using? I have Verizon Wireless but I don't know if the update has to come from them or directly from Samsung? Either way I'm looking forward to getting off the Samsung hype train because I really don't like One UI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently using AT&T.

jaseman said:
I am currently using AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnx 4 the info. Based on this info the update must be carrier driven.

jaseman said:
I am currently using AT&T.
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Click to collapse
I think I'm being punished by VZW because I got a grand daddy SIM.Ii had used 140GB last month but I only paid 30$ a month, plus activation and BS fees.
CS told me "You don't have a data plan." So I replied, "So if I got one, I'd get the update? They said no, you need WiFi.