I've read all the threads on here, and spent many hours scouring the internet, in chat with Sprint, on the phone, and in stores. I've gotten people who knew what needed to happen but couldn't help, and people who claimed it just isn't possible to activate a play-store purchased phone on Sprint, despite countless accounts here and elsewhere that it's possible. I have a Sprint UICC (SIM) card now, and tried to get them to issue a ticket to tech support to get my MEID added, but no luck so far. There's a ticket pending, but I have low hopes. Does anyone have any numbers, emails, specific steps, etc. that they can recommend to me? I'm at my wit's end, and frankly have had it with this carrier (but I'm stuck on a family plan). As far as I understand, there is a way they can add the MEID to their database, pair it with my new SIM, and get this thing activated, but I can't seem to find anyone who can actually do it. I purchased the phone second-hand, and have confirmed with Google that it was purchased directly from them.
Thanks so much,
Matt
I bought my Nexus 5 from the play store the first day it went on sale. Activated it like any other phone. But I had my own sim card from my HTC one M7. I just gave them the meid and my sim cards serial number and Wa-la. Nexus 5 on sprint. ?
Long story short, I lost my iphone 3 months ago in the dunes, then I shattered my backup S8+ screen yesterday. My brother gave me his backup phone that one of his friends borrowed. The person who was borrowing it has moved and has been pretty much MIA. The Samsung S8 doesn't recognize my brothers original gmail account he used when he purchased the phone. What are my options? Can I go to tmobile? I have tried every work around I could find. I've even tried using Odin to put a custom rom on it, which I don't think worked because I'm not sure how to enable debug mode with the phone being locked.
Called tmobile and they told me they can't do anything, even if I provide receipt of purchase on the phone. Can I contact samsung or something?
Contacted samsung and provided the receipt/proof of purchase. They stated they don't have the tools to unlock the FRP. They gave me the number for a facility that is capable of doing it. I have an appointment Monday to have the phone unlocked. They said it can take up to two hours, sometimes they aren't able to get through them. Will update how it goes.
So I'm an idiot. When I went to pre-order, I selected T-Mobile since they didn't have a Sprint option and I figured they were "merged" by now. Apparently that's not the case. I was reluctant to get the Unlocked model.
When I got the phone yesterday, I spent 4 hours on the phone (Note 8) and a worthless trip to one of the "Sprint/T-Mobile" stores. On the last call, a guy from Sprint said my IMEI number was not in the database yet -- I'm guessing because it shipped about 5 days earlier than expected. He would elevate the issue so it would and he'd call me back once it was added, then I could transfer my Sprint SIM from my Note to my T-Mobile Fold 2. He didn't call back.
The guy at the store said I'd have to call T-Mobile to get them to unlock it so I could put it on Sprint. But they won't talk to me if I don't have an account with them and that I'd have to talk to Sprint.
I want to keep my cell phone number, so now I'm wondering if I just open a new T-Mobile account and get my number ported to T-Mobile. I've been with Sprint for 22 years so I'm reluctant to do that even though they're going to be one network -- but probably not for a while.
Recommendations?
Wade
File an FCC Complaint. It's kind of the nuclear option but in my experience when it comes to cell phone and working with wireless providers (as well as internet) that's really the only thing that seems to get them to treat the customer as a customer. Even if the phone isn't compatible that will at least get someone from the Executive Offices on the phone with you to lay out what is happening and how to fix it.
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us
I got my phone Tmobile variant Wed paid in full and tried to unlock it in the phone settings. Didn't work. So called up Tmobile. He told me to do what i already tried. Told him it didn't work. He took my IMEI and he put me on hold. Then he came back and said to try again in 3 days and if i still can't unlock it to call back. I too think maybe it's because the phone isn't technically out yet. I'm using Fi which will only be using Tmobile anyway so i went ahead and flashed unlocked firmware. Then i downloaded the Fi app and was able transfer my number. But of course being on unlocked firmware the unlock option is now gone. So i may flash the carrier firmware this weekend and try unlocking again.
I'm currently in the same predicament. I was going to get the unlocked version but it was going to take another month to ship so I went ahead with the T-mobile version. After being unable to activate the phone, after 2+ hours working with CS the answer I finally ended up with from a T-Mobile rep (Sprint was useless) was to go into a store today and they can transfer my account over to T-Mobile and then I'd be able to activate the new one. The process will also unlock the rest of my phones so that they can accept a new SIM card from T-Mobile. Not what I wanted to do but since I can't get an unlocked version it may be the only option I have because after playing with this phone there is no way I'm getting rid of it.
Last night, I finally got my situation RESOLVED!
I went to another Sprint/T-Mobile store and found someone who knew how to transfer my Sprint account and Phone Number over to T-Mobile using the same SIM card! I chose the Magenta Plus plan -- and am even saving $20 a month for being "Over 55"! I'm now a VERY happy camper who's now getting 150Mbps downloads (so far). The Manager said he noticed the Model Number of my Z Fold 2 and thinks it was the Verizon model which may have caused some of the problems.
I moved my phone from Verizon to T-Mobile this week. It wasn't a smooth process but everything seems ok now. I am having one problem.
T-Mobile has a product called Scam Shield that is supposed to block garbage calls and texts. I tried to find it and wasn't able to. I talked to one of their tech and they sent me a link. When I went to it in Play Store, I got the following message:
"This item isn't available on your carrier."
I don't know if Google Play still thinks I'm with Verizon or if it just doesn't recognize that my carrier is now T-Mobile but either way, I'm unable to get to it. The T-Mobile tech send me an APK for it and I was able to install it but that's not good enough because I won't be able to get updates for it. My wife's phone, on the same account and recently ported, is not having this issue. After spending over an hour on the phone with their tech support, I don't know what else to do.
Has anyone seen this and been able to fix it? T-Mobile is completely useless with these types of things, apparently.
Thanks
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.
Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.
Device Details:
Model #: SM-N986U1
Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT
Questions:
Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI
Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"
If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.
Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?
Do you see any issues with the current software listed above
Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?
The whole, ugly story:
My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)
Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)
Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)
Many, many customer support calls/chats:
Unable to reconnect device to SIM
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".
Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support
Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".
Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.
Problem persists and worsens
I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc
Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk
Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.
They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.
In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.
I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:
Your device is an AT&T device
I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.
They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.
I attempt to reach AT&T support line;
no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.
Attempted support chat, but same results as above
Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.
Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"
Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)
Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.
I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.
They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.
Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)
Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.
Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).
Back to the AT&T store.
They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.
They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service
Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store
Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman
"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"
"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."
Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note
Performs a Network Reset
Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G
I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug
Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service
I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.
They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account
They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.
No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.
Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.
Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)
Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)
NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support
Support tells me I need a new SIM
I explain that
We already tried that 4 days ago, and
My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app
Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:
She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.
She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account
There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it
They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.
Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.
Thanks!
PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE SOLVED
**I'm making this reply for reference in case someone else comes across a similar issue.
My device is a Samsung Note 20 Ultra 5G; my carrier is Straighttalk (TracFone) with a Verizon SIM. I’ve been with them since bailing from Verizon around 2010. I bought my phone from an online store, supposedly "new" and "unlocked". The CSC and Provider Software version checked out, and I was able to register it successfully with Samsung December 2021 and had zero issues with phone and service until Janury 3/4, 2023.**
1/12/23 UPDATE from OP: After 8-9 days of frustration, hours on phone and chat support, in person visits to mobile carrier stores, (oh, and no service), I successfully installed and activated a new SIM on my Note 20 Ultra 5G tonight. Calls, texts, etc., seem to be going through. So, so far so good.
This was my 2nd attempt at reconnecting my device to a network by installing a new SIM. I can only guess at why it was unsuccessful before. But for posterity, the 1st attempt was made by using a SIM kit purchased from Walmart. The 2nd attempt was made by using a SIM purchased from Straighttalk and patiently waiting four days for delivery.
Both attempts were made while I was on a support call, using a landline to speak with them.
After activation today a new feature appeared in my Mobile Networks setting that wasn't there before. It's labeled "VoLTE Calls SIM 1" feature and has an on/off slide button next to it.
Also, my Network Mode was automatically set to GLOBAL after activation, when it had always been set to LTE/CDMA. I'm curious about that, so if anyone wants to chime in on whether GLOBAL is the preferred setting for me now I'd be happy to hear opinions.
I generally have really poor service at my home (1-2 bars usually) and that is still the case. I should be able to access 5G in areas where it's available though.
Ongoing Issue: I do not have proof of resolution regarding my IMEI being connected to another phone number on an account with a different carrier.
As of this evening the IMEI unlock request portal at the other carrier still shows that my IMEI1 has some sort of financial committment attached to it. Interestingly, my IMEI2 is good to go so far as the same unlock portal is concerned. (I’ve never had an account with this carrier) It's a puzzle and I don't know what any of it actually means.
We'll see how things go. Fingers crossed that I'll continue to have uninterrupted service, but it is going to take the passing of some time before I feel like I will be able to relax completely.
Thanks for providing this space for people to problem solve and share.
JDScott1 said:
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.
Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.
Device Details:
Model #: SM-N986U1
Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT
Questions:
Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI
Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"
If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.
Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?
Do you see any issues with the current software listed above
Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?
The whole, ugly story:
My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)
Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)
Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)
Many, many customer support calls/chats:
Unable to reconnect device to SIM
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".
Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support
Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".
Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.
Problem persists and worsens
I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc
Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk
Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.
They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.
In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.
I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:
Your device is an AT&T device
I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.
They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.
I attempt to reach AT&T support line;
no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.
Attempted support chat, but same results as above
Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.
Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"
Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)
Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.
I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.
They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.
Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)
Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.
Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).
Back to the AT&T store.
They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.
They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service
Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store
Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman
"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"
"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."
Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note
Performs a Network Reset
Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G
I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug
Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service
I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.
They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account
They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.
No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.
Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.
Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)
Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)
NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support
Support tells me I need a new SIM
I explain that
We already tried that 4 days ago, and
My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app
Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:
She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.
She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account
There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it
They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.
Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
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There is no "s20 note"