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So like the title says I have a brand new never started/updated t-mobile s7 and I'm looking to use the phone on the Verizon network where I currently have a plan.
I've never unlocked SIMs before so I figured I'd check here first, I don't want to brick the phone obviously..
So my question is how do I go about doing this? I see t-mobile has an app that unblocks the SIM for customers, however I'm not a customer and do not plan on using t-mobile network.
I found some dodgy websites that claim to be able to do it but I'm not sure how I feel about handling over my information to them especially without at least some third party confirmation that the service actually works and is not a scam.
Does anyone have some input on what to do?
Flash the 930U firmware to it. This should allow it to be SIM unlocked.
Try calling tm you just never know they may just give you the unlock codes. I had a phone lock to att once, gave them a ring and they gave me the codes, just be nice.
I used the tmobile unlock app on device. The app checks if you qualify same as a rep would.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers mobile app
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
2003WRB said:
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CDMA and GSM are two different frequency bands, and use separate hardware. Meaning, they are physically not compatible.
2003WRB said:
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The good news for you is that the S7 sold in the United States all contain the same hardware, the same actual components, so they all physically are capable of handling both GSM and CDMA networks. Also good for you is that now that the phone is unlocked, you can either flash the Verizon firmware or flash the "U" firmware on your device. Normally speaking, this would be really bad advice for any other device, but for the S7 it is possible.
I have the T-Mo S7 flat, and I am running the latest U firmware on AT&T, though I have flashed many and sold them for Verizon.
Don't fret, be happy, and Merry Christmas!
will this allow lte+,in order words can I make a call and still browse the internet on verizon?
So I did some minor research and confused about the preordered version of the S8. Mine is a G950U on Sprint network. I'm assuming that this is the North American variant the is supposedly unlocked. However, I assume once you put your son card in it is carrier sum locked.....?
Anyhow, after reading what differences there is between the SM-G950U and SM-G950P I don't quite understand the differences in bands. Seems like there is a slight difference according to the link below. Is this hardware or software based? Or is this litterally the identical Phone? I apologize in advance if this is a rhetorical question I just can't seem to find a definitive answer on this matter.
http://www.phonemore.com/compare/phones/samsung-galaxy-s8-sm-g950p-vs-samsung-galaxy-s8-sm-g950u/5341532
Tried today with an active Vzw sim before activating with the Sprint sim and it was a no go, said invalid sim. Pulled the device fresh out of the box and tried from an unactivated state. Also the device is the s8+ (SM-G955U)
I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?
icydius said:
I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well could be. Where did you buy it? Take a look at this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/help/s8-software-installation-problems-t3639259
If it has a mediatek processor and not a snapdragon or exynos it's definitely a fake.
AT&T does not have anything in their databases about international phones like the F model. When you call them and give them an IMEI of an S8 F model, they will not know anything about it, and their systems won't know what features it is capable of supporting. Ton get Volte working, you will have to flash the ATT CSC https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/samsung-galaxy-s8--s8-cross-device-development/utility-flashable-csc-selection-v1-1-0-t3636739 and keep calling them until you get a 2nd level tech support guy that is willing to go into the guts of their systems and place an IMEI of another ATT phone that has similar features. If you have another similar phone on your ATT account, they can use that IEMI to have their system figure out what features it supports. I believe they used a S7 that I used to have and that got Volte working - for a while anyway.
I have an unlocked S8+ phone Model G955U1 and was with AT&T. In the process of trying to get wifi calling (BTW, they don't provide this feature for unlocked phones, so I dumped them and went with T-Mobile), I asked them to verify the IMEI, they could not find it. Their IMEI data base lists only the phones they sell but not the factory unlocked ones or phones you buy somewhere else. I wouldn't count on AT&T and as ggrant3876 mentioned above, check your processor's make.
Flame Red said:
AT&T does not have anything in their databases about international phones like the F model. When you call them and give them an IMEI of an S8 F model, they will not know anything about it, and their systems won't know what features it is capable of supporting. Ton get Volte working, you will have to flash the ATT CSC https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/samsung-galaxy-s8--s8-cross-device-development/utility-flashable-csc-selection-v1-1-0-t3636739 and keep calling them until you get a 2nd level tech support guy that is willing to go into the guts of their systems and place an IMEI of another ATT phone that has similar features. If you have another similar phone on your ATT account, they can use that IEMI to have their system figure out what features it supports. I believe they used a S7 that I used to have and that got Volte working - for a while anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying. Funny, I never got notifications that anyone had replied.
Actually someone did add an IMEI for another similar AT&T phone.
Nothing about the phone seems fake, but when I gave them my sister's IMEI for a 955F they said it immediately came up in their system while my 955FD did not.
I'll review that thread to see if my phone would be negatively affected by the ATT CSC.
BTW, what happened to your voLTE that made it stop working?
Gratitudes!!
ggrant3876 said:
Very well could be. Where did you buy it? Take a look at this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/help/s8-software-installation-problems-t3639259
If it has a mediatek processor and not a snapdragon or exynos it's definitely a fake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of these are applicable *whew*
The seed of doubt was planted when an AT&T rep told me it may be a fake even though I had not previously considered it.
Thanks for the link!!
TheBoozer said:
I have an unlocked S8+ phone Model G955U1 and was with AT&T. In the process of trying to get wifi calling (BTW, they don't provide this feature for unlocked phones, so I dumped them and went with T-Mobile), I asked them to verify the IMEI, they could not find it. Their IMEI data base lists only the phones they sell but not the factory unlocked ones or phones you buy somewhere else. I wouldn't count on AT&T and as ggrant3876 mentioned above, check your processor's make.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel better now, thanks! It shows Exynos 8895 and everything else seemed legit as well. I don't know why I listen to AT&T reps....
I never really liked the Wi-fi calling on my AT&T V20 and even without it, the voice clarity is wonderful.
one way to check is root , real us versions cant be rooted as its a snapdragon , so far our friends in china cant fake an s8 , just by looking at the screen will give it away , but before the years out iam sure they will have a better clone that could fool anyone.international models are always better also faster than the us versions as nd no crap ware from the carriers .
That lack of band 30 could be the issue regarding the slow LTE speeds
icydius said:
I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not a fake dont worry and no rooting will have nothing to do with it, also you would easily be able to tell if you compared it to your sisters s8! the current s8+ fakes are the same size as the S8 theres nothing + about them haha, they may fool someone who has never handled an s8 or seen one irl but you would 100 percent be able to tell its a fake having handled a real one regardless if its the plus or not
Very easier to know is real or not, if Odin can't detect then it is fake. Fake one impossible can install Samsung own firmware.
I know my s8+ is a fake. I just need to know how to change imei number so I can use my phone. It came from China. He said it's supported by TMobile and at&t. I want to go with TMobile if possible. He sent me the pattern to call and change it,but I don't know what numbers to replace it with.
Cecejohns said:
I know my s8+ is a fake. I just need to know how to change imei number so I can use my phone. It came from China. He said it's supported by TMobile and at&t. I want to go with TMobile if possible. He sent me the pattern to call and change it,but I don't know what numbers to replace it with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing imei numbers is illeagal in most contries. and You will find no help on XDA for such tasks
either way orig user solved his problem thread closed
So I just received my unlocked galaxy s8+ G955U from swappa. I was hoping it would be as easy as putting in my previous nano sim card from my Nexus 6p and activating. It isn't. The branding is t-mobile. Showing t-mobile screen when I turn it on. I tried activating from myverizon , but when I enter the imei it says: "The phone associated with the Device ID you entered is not compatible with the Verizon Wireless network. Try a Different Device"
I purchased an unlocked phone hoping to avoid most if not all of the verizon bloatware. But, I need to be able to make phone calls and tie it to my Verizon account.
Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
polorsport said:
So I just received my unlocked galaxy s8+ G955U from swappa. I was hoping it would be as easy as putting in my previous nano sim card from my Nexus 6p and activating. It isn't. The branding is t-mobile. Showing t-mobile screen when I turn it on. I tried activating from myverizon , but when I enter the imei it says: "The phone associated with the Device ID you entered is not compatible with the Verizon Wireless network. Try a Different Device"
I purchased an unlocked phone hoping to avoid most if not all of the verizon bloatware. But, I need to be able to make phone calls and tie it to my Verizon account.
Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
clearly you got the Tmobile s8+ model. Even if its unlocked it only works with Gsm networks. Verizon is CDMA not gsm. Return for a refund and buy a no-career unlocked phone. Good luck
This is the model you need https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-s8-64gb-unlocked-midnight-black/5803742.p?skuId=5803742
I think you're right. This sucks. But, it's good to know. I've been on the phone with customer service for 40 minutes trying to get it activated and still no luck.
the_noob65 said:
clearly you got the Tmobile s8+ model. Even if its unlocked it only works with Gsm networks. Verizon is CDMA not gsm. Return for a refund and buy a no-career unlocked phone. Good luck
This is the model you need https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-s8-64gb-unlocked-midnight-black/5803742.p?skuId=5803742
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I don't understand is that the customer service representative says it's activated on her end. I just can't make or receive calls. No lte or 3g shown.
the_noob65 said:
clearly you got the Tmobile s8+ model. Even if its unlocked it only works with Gsm networks. Verizon is CDMA not gsm. Return for a refund and buy a no-career unlocked phone. Good luck
This is the model you need https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-s8-64gb-unlocked-midnight-black/5803742.p?skuId=5803742
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is 100% absolutely false and incorrect. All the US S8+ models have the SAME EXACT hardware. Only the firmware is different.
polorsport said:
So I just received my unlocked galaxy s8+ G955U from swappa. I was hoping it would be as easy as putting in my previous nano sim card from my Nexus 6p and activating. It isn't. The branding is t-mobile. Showing t-mobile screen when I turn it on. I tried activating from myverizon , but when I enter the imei it says: "The phone associated with the Device ID you entered is not compatible with the Verizon Wireless network. Try a Different Device"
I purchased an unlocked phone hoping to avoid most if not all of the verizon bloatware. But, I need to be able to make phone calls and tie it to my Verizon account.
Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP, are you SURE it's network Unlocked? The T-Mo branded S8 shipped network locked. If it's network Unlocked, it WILL work on Verizon, but it will still have the T-Mo bootup screen and apps. That's the firmware.
If you want no bloatware, check out the threads for flashing the Unlocked Firmware.
After exhausting all my options I took my friends advice, and called t-mobile. Turns out the phone is still locked. So it's either the seller unlocks it, or refund.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
That is 100% absolutely false and incorrect. All the US S8+ models have the SAME EXACT hardware. Only the firmware is different.
OP, are you SURE it's network Unlocked? The T-Mo branded S8 shipped network locked. If it's network Unlocked, it WILL work on Verizon, but it will still have the T-Mo bootup screen and apps. That's the firmware.
If you want no bloatware, check out the threads for flashing the Unlocked Firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can answer this question. If the phone is still locked. Can I flash firmware to unlock it, and activate it on Verizon. (I don't even care about bloatware anymore. I just want to have a working phone)
polorsport said:
Maybe you can answer this question. If the phone is still locked. Can I flash firmware to unlock it, and activate it on Verizon. (I don't even care about bloatware anymore. I just want to have a working phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can't unlock it just by flashing the unlocked firmware. T-Mobile will have to unlock it.
Read one of the threads a out flashing unlocked firmware, it will answer many of your questions, including the ones you have asked in this thread.
Hello all,
A friend of mine is on AT&T and thinking of getting an US unlocked S8+ to use. He asked me what he might miss out on by not getting the AT&T version. I'm thinking VOLTE, maybe wifi calling. Idk. Can anyone enlighten us?
Thanks.
-evilhunter101
P.S. I swear this is really for a friend, I'm using a Verizon S8+ on Verizon :good:
I had bought an AT&T version of the S8 plus and unlocked it, then i switched the fw to the unlocked version and now i am able to use it on any carrier i want. The only problem is that i have to activate my service on one of my older phone that used the carrier i wanted.
Honestly, won't be missing out on much
alspaugh.william said:
I had bought an AT&T version of the S8 plus and unlocked it, then i switched the fw to the unlocked version and now i am able to use it on any carrier i want. The only problem is that i have to activate my service on one of my older phone that used the carrier i wanted.
Honestly, won't be missing out on much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically nothing missing. That's good to hear. He's already on AT&T but I don't know the sim card size of his current phone. We'll deal with that when we get there.
Thanks, appreciate the information.
I think you're right about WiFi calling unless there is some other way to add it. I'm looking for a solution for that. I just switched my AT&T S8+ to an unlocked ROM and that is the thing I miss the most. Not sure about volte.