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UPDATE: Droid Life confirms unlocked Pixel works on Verizon. :good:
I just wanted some clarification on this.
I've been getting some conflicting information around this question, so I wanted to post it here in case anyone knows.
Can the unlocked Pixel purchased from the Google Store be used on Verizon?
I bought the 5X and 6P unlocked from the Google Store and have used them both on Project Fi and Verizon. I just wanted to know if I could do the same with the Pixel.
Thanks and sorry if this has been explained clearly elsewhere.
sethwalters said:
I just wanted some clarification on this.
I've been getting some conflicting information around this question, so I wanted to post it here in case anyone knows.
Can the unlocked Pixel purchased from the Google Store be used on Verizon?
I bought the 5X and 6P unlocked from the Google Store and have used them both on Project Fi and Verizon. I just wanted to know if I could do the same with the Pixel.
Thanks and sorry if this has been explained clearly elsewhere.
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Click to collapse
Yes. It is compatible with CDMA and all of Verizon's LTE bands, and the description in the Google store says it's compatible with all major US carriers. However, you won't be able to use features that require Verizon software like wifi calling and VoLTE. Personally, I don't care about those things. I'm on Verizon and I'm seriously considering buying from the Google store.
You'll need an activated Verizon nano SIM card though.
TheSt33v said:
However, you won't be able to use features that require Verizon software like wifi calling and VoLTE.
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure that's true. For example, my unlocked Nexus 6 purchased from Motorola is able to use VoLTE. I don't have wifi calling, but I don't think Nexus 6 has wifi calling at all for Verizon, as it doesn't show up as a supported device: https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/wificalling/
stevexyz0 said:
I'm not sure that's true. For example, my unlocked Nexus 6 purchased from Motorola is able to use VoLTE. I don't have wifi calling, but I don't think Nexus 6 has wifi calling at all for Verizon, as it doesn't show up as a supported device: https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/wificalling/
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Click to collapse
You might be right about that. We won't know until someone tries it.
sethwalters said:
I just wanted some clarification on this.
I've been getting some conflicting information around this question, so I wanted to post it here in case anyone knows.
Can the unlocked Pixel purchased from the Google Store be used on Verizon?
I bought the 5X and 6P unlocked from the Google Store and have used them both on Project Fi and Verizon. I just wanted to know if I could do the same with the Pixel.
Thanks and sorry if this has been explained clearly elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. I suspect the answer is you'll be able to use it, the question is just how degraded the experience will be. When the Nexus 6 launched there were several problems with using the unlocked version:
The bring-your-own-device discount did not show up for unlocked Nexus 6, only Verizon-purchased Nexus 6
It was extremely difficult to activate a new SIM on the phone
They did eventually reinstate the discount after many people filed complaints with the FCC.
I didn't follow the 6P/5X launch very closely... how did those work on Verizon? That might give a better clue than the Nexus 6 launch since it's more recent.
stevexyz0 said:
Good question. I suspect the answer is you'll be able to use it, the question is just how degraded the experience will be. When the Nexus 6 launched there were several problems with using the unlocked version:
The bring-your-own-device discount did not show up for unlocked Nexus 6, only Verizon-purchased Nexus 6
It was extremely difficult to activate a new SIM on the phone
They did eventually reinstate the discount after many people filed complaints with the FCC.
I didn't follow the 6P/5X launch very closely... how did those work on Verizon? That might give a better clue than the Nexus 6 launch since it's more recent.
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If it's like it was on my 6p, then plug in your nano sim and go! I've had zero issues with Big Red over the last year, and Volte is working fine and dandy [emoji106]
Badger50 said:
If it's like it was on my 6p, then plug in your nano sim and go! I've had zero issues with Big Red over the last year, and Volte is working fine and dandy [emoji106]
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Click to collapse
To clarify, you got your 6P unlocked from Google/whoever, not Verizon? And Verizon is giving you the $25/month discount (assuming you are not under contract)?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
stevexyz0 said:
To clarify, you got your 6P unlocked from Google/whoever, not Verizon? And Verizon is giving you the $25/month discount (assuming you are not under contract)?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
You are correct. Got the phone from Google, plugged in my Verizon sim and it's still working fine. I'm not under contract, I never am, however, not seeing any $25 discount from Big Red. Guess they keep that for themselves [emoji16]
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Pardon me, I'm from Canada where we haven't had any CDMA for years. Aren't Sprint and Verizon CDMA whole at&t and T-Mobile are GSM? How would one phone work across all the networks? And, at least last time we had CDMA up here, you didn't use a SIM card with it. Has that changed? Just curious, it doesn't affect me at all.
Badger50 said:
You are correct. Got the phone from Google, plugged in my Verizon sim and it's still working fine. I'm not under contract, I never am, however, not seeing any $25 discount from Big Red. Guess they keep that for themselves [emoji16]
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I wouldn't call paying $300/year extra "fine". You might want to look into it, I believe you have to request the discount. It's been a while since I dealt with this though.
stevexyz0 said:
I wouldn't call paying $300/year extra "fine". You might want to look into it, I believe you have to request the discount. It's been a while since I dealt with this though.
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Good info my friend. Thanks for the tip [emoji106]
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Badger50 said:
If it's like it was on my 6p, then plug in your nano sim and go! I've had zero issues with Big Red over the last year, and Volte is working fine and dandy [emoji106]
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Click to collapse
Hey dude... I recently switched over to Verizon, and have had a 6P since launch last year. Was wondering, what exactly is voLTE, is there something special that has to be done to make it work, and do you know IF there is any way to get wifi calling to work? I do tend to need it since at times I don't get good reception...
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
voLTE is just voice over LTE which you already have which basically means voice and data simultaneously. And no WiFi calling calling available on Verizon. At least not to my knowledge anyway [emoji106]
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Just to add...
My son's 6p works great on Verizon. He has VoLTE and get's the non contract discount. Never had a problem with it. I had the original Google Play store Nexus 6 and ran into problems initially. But like someone else stated, everything is fine now. I even bought an unlocked one not too long ago and had no issues with it. I don't think we will have any problems with the Pixels.
Droid Life confirms unlocked Pixel works on Verizon. :good:
stevexyz0 said:
To clarify, you got your 6P unlocked from Google/whoever, not Verizon? And Verizon is giving you the $25/month discount (assuming you are not under contract)?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I also want to confirm that with the Nexus 5X from Google (rooted and custom ROM) works flawlessly on Verizon and I get the $25/mo access discount on the line. VoLTE works great. I just select the Enhanced 4G LTE Mode under Cellular networks menu on the settings.
DrunkFuX666 said:
Hey dude... I recently switched over to Verizon, and have had a 6P since launch last year. Was wondering, what exactly is voLTE, is there something special that has to be done to make it work, and do you know IF there is any way to get wifi calling to work? I do tend to need it since at times I don't get good reception...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE is Voice over LTE. It means voice calls are transmitted over the new LTE network instead of the legacy CDMA network (or GSM in the case of carriers besides Verizon/Sprint).
It's important because if your phone has only a half-duplex modem, as most recent CDMA phones starting around the time of Droid Turbo and Nexus 6 do, you can't conduct a voice call (circuit switched) and have an LTE data connection (packet switched) at the same time. (Interestingly GSM carriers can do a GSM voice stream and LTE data stream at the same time with a half-duplex modem since there's a standard for doing that, but it's not possible with CDMA and LTE without a more expensive full-duplex modem.)
How can you tell if VoLTE is working for you? Turn off wifi for the purpose of the test, if you're connected to a wifi network (you're testing whether you can do data over the cell network, not wifi, while a call is ongoing). Verify the "LTE" logo shows up next to the cell signal strength indicator. Place a voice call. If the "LTE" logo disappears while the voice call is ongoing, you don't have VoLTE. If it remains, you're good. Most importantly, try using data e.g. web browser over cellular data while on a voice call.
What if the VoLTE test doesn't work? On your My Verizon account, go to My Plan & Services -> Manage Products & Apps , and make sure "HD Voice" (they used to call it Advanced Calling) is enabled. On your Nexus Settings, go to Wireless & Networks -> More -> Cellular Networks, and turn on "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode" if it isn't already. Note that turning on HD Voice on your Verizon account requires you to switch to either Basic or Premium Visual Voicemail -- the old fashioned voice mail doesn't work with it.
What's the difference between VoLTE and HD Voice? VoLTE is about the connection from your phone to the Verizon tower, and it applies no matter whom you are calling; it enables simultaneous voice and data. HD Voice is a high-bandwidth codec for much better sounding voice calls, but the other end has to support it too, so it only works if you have VoLTE (HD Voice over non-LTE is theoretically possible but Verizon doesn't support it) AND if the person you are calling supports HD Voice too (e.g. another recent Nexus or iPhone that's correctly configured). You can tell if HD Voice is working because the "HD" icon will appear in the dialer AFTER THE OTHER PERSON PICKS UP THE CALL, but you won't even need to look for the icon because the call will sound so vastly better that it will be obvious.
What about Wifi calling on Verizon? They actually DO support it, but not on Nexus devices. Here is their FAQ and list of supported devices, which does not include Nexus 6/6P. I have personally seen it working on a Verizon iPhone so I know they have it. And, according to this, the Pixel will support wifi calling on Verizon!
craig0r said:
Pardon me, I'm from Canada where we haven't had any CDMA for years. Aren't Sprint and Verizon CDMA whole at&t and T-Mobile are GSM? How would one phone work across all the networks? And, at least last time we had CDMA up here, you didn't use a SIM card with it. Has that changed? Just curious, it doesn't affect me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel, along with many "international" phones, supports both CDMA and GSM networks. And yes, CDMA carriers like Verizon started using SIM cards several years ago. I think it's necessary in order to offer LTE compatibility, but I don't know the details.
TheSt33v said:
The Pixel, along with many "international" phones, supports both CDMA and GSM networks. And yes, CDMA carriers like Verizon started using SIM cards several years ago. I think it's necessary in order to offer LTE compatibility, but I don't know the details.
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Click to collapse
LTE is GSM based at it's core, so basically yes LTE is the reason for CDMA carriers adding sim cards.
CDMA will eventually disappear completely as VOLTE replaces 2g and 3g for both voice and data transmission.
Wi-Fi calling is the only question, but even if it requires some proprietary VZW bull, an unlocked bootloader should let us flash their image if it ended up being necessary, but that's a last resort I don't expect to face...
I can't seem to find the wifi calling feature in my settings, has anyone had any luck with this yet? I activated my Verizon variant yesterday on Verizon, according to the tech helping me with activation it should work on the phone and showed enabled on the account after activation but I cannot find the setting for VoLTE or WIFI calling.
Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to work. You should check the older U11 forums to see if anyone was able to get those features working on Verizon. I've chatted with HTC, and they flat out told me those features would not work on AT&T no matter what. Some carriers just don't allow every feature to be available on unlocked phones.
holz75 said:
Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to work. You should check the older U11 forums to see if anyone was able to get those features working on Verizon. I've chatted with HTC, and they flat out told me those features would not work on AT&T no matter what. Some carriers just don't allow every feature to be available on unlocked phones.
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Click to collapse
Im on T-Mobile so I know not a direct comparison, but I couldn't find my VOLTE or WIFI calling features right away. They are under settings / call / very bottom. To holz75's point, it may not be workable with Verizon.
evilevn said:
I can't seem to find the wifi calling feature in my settings, has anyone had any luck with this yet? I activated my Verizon variant yesterday on Verizon, according to the tech helping me with activation it should work on the phone and showed enabled on the account after activation but I cannot find the setting for VoLTE or WIFI calling.
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Click to collapse
hi mate I been able to make wifi and volte working on my htc u12+ maybe this help you
check my thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/u12-plus/how-to/wi-fi-calling-volte-t3867267
I have the unlocked version which says it works with Verizon but I can't seem to call or text. 4g data works fine though.
EDIT: Everything works now, calling, data, sms, and mms.
Ndaoud360 said:
I have the unlocked version which says it works with Verizon but I can't seem to call or text. 4g data works fine though.
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Click to collapse
Yes fully working here. I replied to your post on the other thread. Pm and I'll try to help if I can
I know this is an old thread but as it pertains to service on Verizon does VOLTE work on the 12+ (specifically the unlocked 128gb variant) and does the phone support CDMA, as I heard there was an issue with the U11 in this regard?
I am itching to ditch Samsung and get back to my HTC roots but I don't want t a phone missing VOLTE or being that I am in KY, and travel to rural areas extensively, one that may not have service for extended periods.
kdsmith10000 said:
I know this is an old thread but as it pertains to service on Verizon does VOLTE work on the 12+ (specifically the unlocked 128gb variant) and does the phone support CDMA, as I heard there was an issue with the U11 in this regard?
I am itching to ditch Samsung and get back to my HTC roots but I don't want t a phone missing VOLTE or being that I am in KY, and travel to rural areas extensively, one that may not have service for extended periods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phone does support VoLTE but the phone does lack CDMA, so if 3g is crucial to you, I'd skip this phone for now.
Hey all, considering getting a new phone, and this one seems like a beast. Currently have a pixel 2XL. On Verizon.
given that there aren't many choices for an unlocked bootloader on Verizon, how is this one running? Call quality okay? Any problems with the CDMA data? with all those things in mind, any advice on what model or what source I should use to purchase the phone? Thanks.
Running fine, the unlocked version works on all the carriers, popped a sprint Sim and it worked for 30 seconds before Sim locked up unforantly no support on sprint unless one plus 7 pro 5g. T-mobile was terrible what ever reason, full bars 1mb speeds or call couldn't be placed. Best place to buy is direct oneplus.com
Yes it does. Got mine from OnePlus website. But Id recommend looking into how to tweak the sim cards settings to work better on verizon. Once I did that, ive been getting way faster network speeds. If you need help doing that let me know
id love to know about the sim settings. im on verizon... phone works better than i thought it would. I expected more areas with poor to no reception... instead i basically get the same coverage i did with my s10, but if i can make it better, i sure want to.
thanks
spencbain said:
Yes it does. Got mine from OnePlus website. But Id recommend looking into how to tweak the sim cards settings to work better on verizon. Once I did that, ive been getting way faster network speeds. If you need help doing that let me know
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Likewise I would love to hear the tweaks for Verizon.
There is no cdma data. I've not missed it much except in the forests of Oregon. Turning on roaming got me service though on the extended network.
WiFi calling and Verizon video chat doesn't work.
Other than the pixel, about the only other choice on Verizon would be an unbranded Moto.
Are there any differences (Hardware like LTE, 5G Band differences or software differences) between AT&T and US Unlocked versions?
Hardware should be no difference. Radio bands should be the same. Software is different. The unlocked comes without carrier bloatware.
That is correct. The software is the only difference. I had the Samsung Note 10+ unlocked on AT&T. I couldn't get WiFi call or HD voice. This time I went the Note 20 Ultra AT&T version. Not a big deal. I just remove the bloatware from the phone using ADB. You can find articles on how to do it.
Weird that I was told by VZW that I couldn't wifi call on the unlocked version. But I can.
I had the U1 version on ATT. Worked great. Some menus missing, such as ability to choose VOLTE butncall quality was great. Has to call ATT to change to a 5g plan for 5g.
By the unlocked version, are you referring to the SM-N986B/DS? I am researching as well and I am on the AT&T network.
Edit: my bad misread title.
I had a U1 N10+ and as someone else mentioned, no wifi calling or HD Voice (VOLTE). Even flashing the U firmware. ATT typically has to Whitelist your phone to unlock those features. Running the U would unlock Video Calling (useless unless the other person is also on ATT) and Advanced Messaging (also an ATT only service). The day I got my N20Ultra, I popped my ATT activated sim, and no VOLTE / HD voice, and no wifi calling. Being on U1, the rest of the features weren't available (video calling, advanced messaging, vvm) which isn't surprising since it's debranded.
In another thread, it showed that Factory Unlocked N20Ultra will have HD Voice hut NOT wifi calling. That's fairly new, so YMMV. Saw the post earlier this week. Not sure it's it's live already or in the works. Some phones had support for WiFi calling and HD Voice, but the N20 series were showing only HD Voice at time of article.
I've since dumped att for Metro (Tmobile) for a few reasons, but primarily their reluctance for fully support a factory unlocked device. They are making a step in the right direction, but honestly, VOLTE and WiFi Calling should be standard features supported. Like why wouldn't you want me to call on wifi instead of clogging the wireless towers? Both work OOTB with Tmobile.
Edit: If you have no plans to switch carriers, I'd get it through att. Even if you run U1 for now, you can change your mind later and know all the features will work on U. If you buy factory unlocked, and need WiFi calling, there's no guarantee it'll work even if you load U firmware. In the past, the device has to have the IMEI specifically whitelisted on their end.
todd3835 said:
I had a U1 N10+ and as someone else mentioned, no wifi calling or HD Voice (VOLTE). Even flashing the U firmware. ATT typically has to Whitelist your phone to unlock those features. Running the U would unlock Video Calling (useless unless the other person is also on ATT) and Advanced Messaging (also an ATT only service). The day I got my N20Ultra, I popped my ATT activated sim, and no VOLTE / HD voice, and no wifi calling. Being on U1, the rest of the features weren't available (video calling, advanced messaging, vvm) which isn't surprising since it's debranded.
In another thread, it showed that Factory Unlocked N20Ultra will have HD Voice hut NOT wifi calling. That's fairly new, so YMMV. Saw the post earlier this week. Not sure it's it's live already or in the works. Some phones had support for WiFi calling and HD Voice, but the N20 series were showing only HD Voice at time of article.
I've since dumped att for Metro (Tmobile) for a few reasons, but primarily their reluctance for fully support a factory unlocked device. They are making a step in the right direction, but honestly, VOLTE and WiFi Calling should be standard features supported. Like why wouldn't you want me to call on wifi instead of clogging the wireless towers? Both work OOTB with Tmobile.
Edit: If you have no plans to switch carriers, I'd get it through att. Even if you run U1 for now, you can change your mind later and know all the features will work on U. If you buy factory unlocked, and need WiFi calling, there's no guarantee it'll work even if you load U firmware. In the past, the device has to have the IMEI specifically whitelisted on their end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spoke to AT&T for hours and they whitelisted my international Note20 Ultra IMEI. I still don't have Wi-Fi calling and they absolutely don't know why... I regret switching from T-Mobile to AT&T... but unfortunately have to stay with AT&T for 2 more years because of iPhone deals we got...
Guys, all you have to do is flash the U Home CSC for and you'll have all the features on ATT and still have U1 firmware on your U1 device. At least for me on this phone and two previous, the Samsung devices were already "whitelisted" with ATT
Can a US CSC be flashed to another snapdragon model, namely 9860?
ekerbuddyeker said:
Can a US CSC be flashed to another snapdragon model, namely 9860?
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My guess is no .... But not sure
So if I have a at&t version and flash the u1 firmware would I have wifi calling?
jjr3211 said:
So if I have a at&t version and flash the u1 firmware would I have wifi calling?
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No. If you're on the AT&T version, stay there.
I can't believe AT&T would whitelist all Samsung Unlocked devices, that would really surprise me. You can buy AT&T locked Galaxy phone and unlock it with AT&T since you bought it outright, and then of course it would be whitelisted.
Still Less Features for Factory Unlocked Models?
Read through this thread and tried digging around in all other logical forums and it seems that it's still the case that one cannot get WiFi calling on AT&T with a Factory Unlocked model?
Asking because Amazon is selling the Note 20 Ultra 512GB Factory Unlocked today for $1,200.
Found a Reddit thread that has people stating there will be a Samsung update that addresses this.
Have seen various posts in various places about flashing file(s)/ROM to enable this.
Any authoritative answer as to whether WiFi Calling (and Voice Over LTE) can be enabled on AT&T with a Factory Unlocked Note 20 Ultra? Or authoritative assurance it will, soon?
haroldlundt said:
Read through this thread and tried digging around in all other logical forums and it seems that it's still the case that one cannot get WiFi calling on AT&T with a Factory Unlocked model?
Asking because Amazon is selling the Note 20 Ultra 512GB Factory Unlocked today for $1,200.
Found a Reddit thread that has people stating there will be a Samsung update that addresses this.
Have seen various posts in various places about flashing file(s)/ROM to enable this.
Any authoritative answer as to whether WiFi Calling (and Voice Over LTE) can be enabled on AT&T with a Factory Unlocked Note 20 Ultra? Or authoritative assurance it will, soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They cannot. Att and att based subsidized carriers. Do not allow byod on votle or wifi calling. I have a trick to make it work for a couple hours. So I know its possible. But after a few hours their systems reprovision your device and shut them back off.
TheMadScientist said:
They cannot. Att and att based subsidized carriers. Do not allow byod on votle or wifi calling. I have a trick to make it work for a couple hours. So I know its possible. But after a few hours their systems reprovision your device and shut them back off.
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Too bad. Thanks for the reply. Feel better about passing up the sale especially since it will probably be a common sale price during Xmas sales.
And WiFi Calling is too important a feature to trade for a discount of a hundred or even two.
haroldlundt said:
Too bad. Thanks for the reply. Feel better about passing up the sale especially since it will probably be a common sale price during Xmas sales.
And WiFi Calling is too important a feature to trade for a discount of a hundred or even two.
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Click to collapse
Yea. If you provision volte and wifi on a actual att phone and sim swap they work for a while. Usually around 4 or 5 am. Then it shuts off and never works again. Till sim swap and reprovision
VoLTE on unlocked Samsung S20 and Note20 series phones is set to "on" by default, but unchangeable (greyed out). As of right now, there is no ability to select WiFi calling until Samsung decides to grace those of us with unlocked phones that ability.
haroldlundt said:
Read through this thread and tried digging around in all other logical forums and it seems that it's still the case that one cannot get WiFi calling on AT&T with a Factory Unlocked model?
Asking because Amazon is selling the Note 20 Ultra 512GB Factory Unlocked today for $1,200.
Found a Reddit thread that has people stating there will be a Samsung update that addresses this.
Have seen various posts in various places about flashing file(s)/ROM to enable this.
Any authoritative answer as to whether WiFi Calling (and Voice Over LTE) can be enabled on AT&T with a Factory Unlocked Note 20 Ultra? Or authoritative assurance it will, soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a long term method but it involves calling att, and getting your IMEI registered so you can get VOLTE and wifi calling. Ask customer service. I can't remember the name of the department you need to request. It takes a couple of weeks and then you suddenly get a weird sms (something like IMEI provisioned) and then it works. Did it on note 9.