How to make phone appear as a tablet to mobile provider? - General Questions and Answers

Back in 2012, I got an international Galaxy Note and I opened a tablet plan with my mobile provider (Bell in Canada). It was an experiment and it worked. I was able to use it for a whole year without issue until the Galaxy Note 2 came out and I signed up for a contract with it and got a really nice plan/deal.
I tried this again recently with my old Note 2 but found out that my current provider (Telus) has an issue with what device I use the tablet plan with. I was told they created rules as to what type of plans they tack on to certain devices that connect to their network (something about APN, I think).
I want to know if I can circumvent this system by making any Android phone look like a tablet when it connects to any mobile carrier. My other option is to try switching to Bell again but I'm afraid that they will be caught up as well and treat me the same. Thanks.

andruyd said:
Back in 2012, I got an international Galaxy Note and I opened a tablet plan with my mobile provider (Bell in Canada). It was an experiment and it worked. I was able to use it for a whole year without issue until the Galaxy Note 2 came out and I signed up for a contract with it and got a really nice plan/deal.
I tried this again recently with my old Note 2 but found out that my current provider (Telus) has an issue with what device I use the tablet plan with. I was told they created rules as to what type of plans they tack on to certain devices that connect to their network (something about APN, I think).
I want to know if I can circumvent this system by making any Android phone look like a tablet when it connects to any mobile carrier. My other option is to try switching to Bell again but I'm afraid that they will be caught up as well and treat me the same. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have root, you can try to fake your device information in build.prop

Related

unlock Galaxy S

if i buy a samsung galaxy s which is locked to sprint or tmobile, can i unlock it and use with at&t? can at&t network recognize it as a smart phone? because i'm currently using samsung focus. Once i plug at&t sim card into it. It was automatically detected from at&t system and it also automatically add the the data plan to my plan which is trouble for me. Because i don't wanna pay for the data plan which i don't use much. Any idea?
Yes you can unlock it and use it with AT&T if you buy T-Mobile's GS4G. I'm not sure if AT&T's network would automatically discover what phone you have. When I switched to my Treo 650 a long time ago AT&T had no idea I had a smartphone. After the Treo 650 I upgraded to the G1 and they still thought I was using my old non-smartphone.
I doubt their system could detect the type of phone you have.
Hello, if you searched you would have found the two threads below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980157
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1028588
please search and read before starting a new thread. Thanks
thanks but will it be detected by at&t system
xuanphucn said:
thanks but will it be detected by at&t system
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Spoke to my friend at T-mo, he said yes. is there a reason why you dont want to be detected? its not like AT&T will charge you more for using an unlocked phone. the only issue is network speeds.
xuanphucn said:
thanks but will it be detected by at&t system
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I unlocked a SGS4G and a vibrant for some friends, they use them on AT&T. Yep I imagine they can see the phone, but like fknfocused said you're only going to pay the cost of a plan if you don't already have one.
If you're trying to avoid paying those costs, it's not really possible.
However, my friend with the vibrant didn't have a data plan or smartphone prior to using it on AT&T. It got 3G speeds, doesn't mean at some point they don't look at it and go "hey wait" you need a data plan. Just saying it worked.
xuanphucn said:
if i buy a samsung galaxy s which is locked to sprint or tmobile, can i unlock it and use with at&t? can at&t network recognize it as a smart phone? because i'm currently using samsung focus. Once i plug at&t sim card into it. It was automatically detected from at&t system and it also automatically add the the data plan to my plan which is trouble for me. Because i don't wanna pay for the data plan which i don't use much. Any idea?
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Click to collapse
AT&T won't automatically detect it. Tell AT&T Customer Support your old device information and chances are that you'll be good (no dataplan). I unlocked the Galaxy S 4G/added it to AT&T and I didn't have the device automatically added- I had to call so that they could set it up. They still had me down as an old Razr (the phone i was temporarily using).
i used to have a samsung focus. as soon as i insert the sim card to it. it will trigger adding a data plan to my account. I hate to pay for that because i don't use it much

Question: Sprint Touch Pro 2 be activated on Verizon

After much searching I found lots of 'no you can't's, but I haven't found any posts that are recent, ...in the last 6 months.
I have a Sprint Touch Pro 2 that I successfully got working on Page Plus. I would like to get it on my folks' Verizon family plan. I called an agent and they said if it doesn't have a Verizon logo on it, it's not possible.
I question this, but I've found no one of late posting about this.
I think the phone will work on Verizon, it may just need the ESN number activated on their network.
I remember someone here or at PPCGeeks activated it for me on PagePlus, is there anyone/any way to activate it on Verizon?
I like the phone, I just don't need data, so I don't want a regular Verizon phone.
thanks,
Yes, you can get it activated on VZW... The only problem is this... you can't do it legally or ethically... It would involve doing things against VZW's rules as well as the law... and you would need a "broken" TP2 (or other VZW phone) to do it... But that aside... the reason it worked with PagePlus is because they allow outside phones on their network, with giving you the responsibility to make it work on their network.. VZW is vey explicit that they will NOT allow anyone elses phones on their network (same with Sprint)... They are the worse 2 when it comes to that IMO..... Sorry to the bad news.... But sometimes that is how it goes.... Maybe you can post an ad on here offering to trade someone yours for the VZW version.. or maybe Craigslist?
Thanks,
Trading for a verizon phone won't work, as then I'll have to get data.
My bottom line question:
I need a smart phone, but I NEVER need data, wifi is always available for me. But I guess there is no way to have an Android phone on a Verizon network, without a data plan?
Not legally anyways, that's one of the downsides to using CDMA, the carrier has much greater control over what kind of phone you use. Thankfully they can't control the Rom/OS you run on it .
You need a Verizon rep that knows what they're doing, it can be done.
Sent from E.133rd & Caine using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

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

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

No network access on 3UK pay as you go

Hi guys!
I have recently got myself a galaxy tab 2 with 3g and as a personal carer I've been using my tablet to get me around to find pharmacies and addresses etc. I had been relying on this for the last week however this morning I was shocked to find three uk has blocked my 3g. I received an error message stating that the sim card is supposed for mobile phones, not tablets. Considering I use this as my phone I cannot understand the purpose!
Does anyone know of a way where I can trick my network into thinking this is a phone?
tiggyd said:
Hi guys!
I have recently got myself a galaxy tab 2 with 3g and as a personal carer I've been using my tablet to get me around to find pharmacies and addresses etc. I had been relying on this for the last week however this morning I was shocked to find three uk has blocked my 3g. I received an error message stating that the sim card is supposed for mobile phones, not tablets. Considering I use this as my phone I cannot understand the purpose!
Does anyone know of a way where I can trick my network into thinking this is a phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to 3 and ask for a new SIM (not MicroSIM) and also tell them about your problem

What US carriers will I be able to use my G930F with?

I have a G930F and had a message from Cricket/AT&T that it would no longer work on their network as of Feb 2022. ( https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf )
I am pretty sure my phone can use 4g even though I never see it in my area, I have seen it in other areas
I was looking at other prepaid plans anyway, and notice that both T-Mobile and Mint Mobile (which I think uses TMobile) have prepaid plans and when I put in my IMEI both say my phone will work on their network.
So just wanted to confirm that this is true and not going away with the rest of the 3g upgrade for other networks - does anyone on here use a 930F on TMobile or other US carriers?
Alternatively, I have rooted and flashed ROMs on this, so if there is some other method to keep my S7 and stay on AT&T please let me know - I have yet to find anything that said this works.
For the most part I really like my S7 and haven't really found another phone I like that I like that isn't really big - I like that I can fit this one in my pocket.
Thanks!
Well I found an answer - MINT mobile works, at least for now!
I got a 1 week trial with Mint to check it out (currently only $1 for the SIM if you order from Amazon).
My phone now has the 4G icon at the top and under Mobile networks has the option for VoLTE and Network mode is LTE/3G/2G. I don't think those options were there before but honestly don't remember.
I actually got a free phone from Cricket to use just in case and until I figure out what phone I really want, but it just doesn't compare to even this 4 year old phone. The new one seems really slow. But I will be switching to Mint now, pretty cheap pricing and seems to work for me so far!

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