I bought a used AT&T LTE Frontier on Ebay and tried to add it to my data plan online and via customer service/advanced tech support and failed because I was told that the sim id was bad. They suggested that I take it to an AT&T store. The store told me that once a sim is canceled, it cannot be reprogrammed, even if it's an esim. They said their policy would be to swap out the entire watch if I had purchased it from them, but since I didn't, I won't be able to swap and ever use the LTE function.
Anyone else have similar experience?
AT&T seems oblivious to the concept of the reprogramable esim...
Any suggestions or am I SOL?
I can't find any success stories of using a different carrier.
Any advice would be appreciated!
sinman02 said:
I bought a used AT&T LTE Frontier on Ebay and tried to add it to my data plan online and via customer service/advanced tech support and failed because I was told that the sim id was bad. They suggested that I take it to an AT&T store. The store told me that once a sim is canceled, it cannot be reprogrammed, even if it's an esim. They said their policy would be to swap out the entire watch if I had purchased it from them, but since I didn't, I won't be able to swap and ever use the LTE function.
Anyone else have similar experience?
AT&T seems oblivious to the concept of the reprogramable esim...
Any suggestions or am I SOL?
I can't find any success stories of using a different carrier.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had to have them reprovision my sim twice. It's a lengthy process but they can reprovision it. They can do it by calling tech support. They have to do several things on their end. Whoever you bought it from should have had it removed from their line 1st.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Was your sim previously deactivated by a previous owner on their account? I was told by at&t that once a sim is canceled, they can't reactivate it again, even an esim, which sounds stupid to me.
Generally, the reps at AT&T were clueless about esims.... They were insisting that the watch used a nano sim until I proved to them otherwise.
If your situation was similar, how did you get them to go against "AT&T policy"?
Thanks.
I cannot believe after all these years, AT&T has NOT posted the proper steps required to reactivate the eSim on the Frontier S3, and now the Galaxy Gear.
Here are the steps required:
1. (Most Important) First of all, if you purchased or plan to purchase a used S3 that has been deactivated... you MUST make sure that the previous owner is NOT still on contract, nor has a past due balance on the watch. You do this by asking the seller for the ICCID (SIM#), located: Settings>About>Device>ICCID. Once you obtain this #, call AT&T's regular customer service phone number...611 (if you have an AT&T phone) or call 800.288.2020.
2. Now you can start the process. By going to the same settings directory as above, write down your IMEI, ICCID, watch's Serial Number, model # and (if Galaxy Gear, not Frontier) the EID. Call the advanced tech support @ 800.331.0500. Tell the rep that you need to have an eSim re-provisioned. The rep will create a ticket request for you (write this # down.) Depending on their workload, the whole process takes about 2-4hrs.
3. Once the given time has elapsed, call the 800.331.0500 back and give them the above ticket number.
4. If they confirmed the provisioning has been completed, you'll need to provide the IMEI and the number you wish to assign to the watch.
THAT'S IT!!! Enjoy your fully functioning cellular enabled smartwatch!!!
Related
Using AT&T with the Nexus S GT-i9020T?
Has anyone successfully done this?
I bought this model of the Nexus S recently, and have been really enthusiastic about the build quality of the device. However, actually setting up phone service has presented a few challenges.
I have found nothing but conflicting information about this all over the internet. The official Nexus S manual spec sheet seems to imply that the phone can play either the tri-band or the quad-band game. Some folks report that the phone will work with AT&T but will only allow you to use EDGE and not 3G service. There are websites which say that the phone can be unlocked, however, many posters here on the xda-developers forum say that the phone is always unlocked anyway.
I bought both a T-mobile simcard and an AT&T simcard. The T-mobile one works just great. After inserting the AT&T card, the phone sees the local AT&T cell tower, but when trying to connect, it says "Your sim card does not allow a connection on this network."
I took the phone into an AT&T store this afternoon and the customer service rep replaced my sim card - but the phone acted just the same. He told me that the phone was probably carrier locked - and that I could look for a shop to help me unlock it.
So what can be done? Will T-mobile give me an unlock code? Do I need to buy an unlocking code from some vendor on the internet? I am familiar enough with Linux to edit files on the phone using a hex editor if there's a way to unlock it that way (I read about this method in a conversation on xda-developers.com pertaining to the Galaxy S I9000).
Not sure about unlocking, but I do know the 9020t will only do voice and Edge on At&t.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Hardware is not capable of ATT 3G but all nexus devices should already be sim unlocked. Idk why you're experiencing that issue.
I really doubt the att Rep has any knowledge on the tmo nexus s, but I'm really suspecting att's similar card as the culprit, despite the fact that u replaced it.
Sorry I couldn't be of much help.
Sent from my Nexus S
So... An update on the progress of my quest:
I called T-mobile today (on the phone: "611") where a customer service person tried and failed to authorize the unlock code. She then gave me a service number at Samsung to call: (888) 987 4357. Samsung took the information from me about the cell's phone number and the carrier... and after a bit, bounced me back, saying that I needed to call T-mobile again to see whether I could get them to issue the 8 digit "network control code" which can be derived from the IMEI number.
This time, the T-mobile rep said that she would submit a formal request for me that might take between two days and two weeks to process. She warned me that because I had not had the T-mobile account for 60 days there might be a problem with the approval - but that they might be able to do it, if I offered proof of purchase for the phone (proving that I paid full price for it). She took my email address, my landline number and some other bits of information from me, and promised I'd hear back in a few days.
For those who are interested in all the gory details... here's an update on the hoops I've been trying to jump through:
www . christophervandyck . com / o / node / 412
Going to buy my friends T Mobile N5 and would like to use it on Sprint network.
Ive researched this a little and I have seen people run into trouble, saying that Sprint wont activated it because it wasn't purchased from google or sprint.
All Nexus's from North America are the same from what I understand and should be able to be used on any carrier.
Anyone have any suggestions on whether this can be done?
Thanks
Yes, all you need is a Sprint sim card
sent from my HAMMERHEAD
More accurately, if your current LTE phone has a nano SIM, then you can simply pop it out, put it in your friend's Nexus 5 and it should work. The problem comes if you need a new SIM, or if your current SIM doesn't have LTE service assigned to it. In either of those cases, you'll need to contact Sprint either for a new SIM, or to activate LTE service. At that time, they may fight you, stating that the phone isn't supported. However, if you don't back down, ask for a supervisor, or try another store, eventually you will get a reasonable person.
Worst case, call the customer service line, and say that you got a Nexus 5 from Google, and need them to send you a new SIM card. They don't have to know you didn't actually buy it from Google. Again, it may take talking to a supervisor or even multiple calls, but eventually, you'll succeed.
iammrhappy123 said:
Going to buy my friends T Mobile N5 and would like to use it on Sprint network.
Ive researched this a little and I have seen people run into trouble, saying that Sprint wont activated it because it wasn't purchased from google or sprint.
All Nexus's from North America are the same from what I understand and should be able to be used on any carrier.
Anyone have any suggestions on whether this can be done?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) the NA nexus 5 cannot be used on any carrier. it cannot be used on verizon. the other 3 major carriers are fine (tmobile, sprint, and att)
2) sprint has to add the IMEI to their databases to allow the CDMA portion to connect to their network. This is how the auth the phone to make phone calls, etc. They have added the IMEI from google play devices, and obviously the ones they sell. They do not have a list of the IMEIs tmobile sells.
jt3 said:
More accurately, if your current LTE phone has a nano SIM, then you can simply pop it out, put it in your friend's Nexus 5 and it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 5 needs a Micro SIM. If you use a nano SIM, you will need an adapter
Zepius said:
2) sprint has to add the IMEI to their databases to allow the CDMA portion to connect to their network. This is how the auth the phone to make phone calls, etc. They have added the IMEI from google play devices, and obviously the ones they sell. They do not have a list of the IMEIs tmobile sells.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was the case till recently. Last week, I saw a Sprint store employee call customer care for a potential customer and supposedly get the IMEI added into the Sprint database for a N5 bought from T-mo. The customer had to provide invoice etc to show that he owned the device, but I think they were able to get it sorted out.
YMMV of course.
jj14 said:
The Nexus 5 needs a Micro SIM. If you use a nano SIM, you will need an adapter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Duh. I knew that. I don't know why I said Nano. I came from a Galaxy S4 Active, and remember being happy that it still had a Micro SIM, the same as the N5. Thanks for the correction.
As for the IMEI issue, I guess when the OP said T-Mo Nexus 5, I thought Play Store N5 used on T-Mo. I didn't realize T-Mo was selling them directly, and thought only Sprint was doing that. (Play Store IMEIs are in Sprint's system.) My mistake. Still, I know that they can add IMEIs to their network, but it usually requires quite a battle. This is one of the key reasons I'm not on Sprint.
jt3 said:
Duh. I knew that. I don't know why I said Nano. I came from a Galaxy S4 Active, and remember being happy that it still had a Micro SIM, the same as the N5. Thanks for the correction.
As for the IMEI issue, I guess when the OP said T-Mo Nexus 5, I thought Play Store N5 used on T-Mo. I didn't realize T-Mo was selling them directly, and thought only Sprint was doing that. (Play Store IMEIs are in Sprint's system.) My mistake. Still, I know that they can add IMEIs to their network, but it usually requires quite a battle. This is one of the key reasons I'm not on Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya, and totally agree - it is a pain to get them to do something that is not their normal process! I'm still with them, just because they have better coverage outside of cities than T-Mo. But I'm getting tired of their terrible data speeds, and eCFSB issues - ugh
Hey All!
Thanks for the replies! You all are very helpful. I wasn't expecting any replies haha.
I'm currently on Sprint iPhone 5 which uses a Micro Sim.
First time ever going to android, so I"m excited.
I just hope that when I call Sprint to activate the N5, they wont give me crap. And hopefully they add my IMEI to their network.
Or hopefully, when I just switch the SIM, it'll work off the bat lol.
Ill just keep being persistent at getting them to activate it if not.
I bought a used Gear S3 LTE for AT&T but when I tried to connect it to the AT&T network I was told it's still tied to another account, despite it not being active. They confirmed it was not stolen, no money is owed on it, and it's not active on anyone's account. But I had 3 reps tell me that because it has an eSIM, in order to transfer it to another account the original owner has to reactivate it on their account and transfer billing responsibility to the new owner. When I pressed them about it they said there was nothing they could do for privacy and legal reasons. So once the eSIM has been assigned to an account it stays there until that account owner assigns it to someone else.
I understand that eSIMs are different and the old model with phones involved just swapping out sim cards when the owner changed, but I find it difficult to believe there's no way to transfer a device once the original owner is out of the picture. Has anyone else bought a used device? Is it necessary for the original owner to do anything else beyond removing the device from their account?
The good news is the seller (not the original owner) offered a partial refund on the watch because we couldn't connect it to LTE. But at this point I'm more curious about how these eSIMs work than anything else. Almost nobody at AT&T seemed to know how to deal with them. The rep at the store even tried taking the back off until I stopped him.
Don't know how AT&T esim register/reset works but these are the instructions for Singtel in Singapore, http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/s...sim-samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte-5546092.html
gpmg762 said:
Don't know how AT&T esim register/reset works but these are the instructions for Singtel in Singapore ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the post. This looks like exactly what I need except it's for Singtel in Singapore The AT&T watch I have doesn't have any setting relating to SIM profiles (I checked both the watch and the Gear android app), which I guess means that it's locked to a single profile for now. But it's nice to see the functionality I want to be available *somewhere*. It gives hope that an American network may implement it eventually.
Hello,
I owned a Verizon Galaxy Note 20 Ultra that I bought shortly after release. I got bored with it, as often happens, so I paid it off in full and sold it, to someone who uses T-Mobile. They cannot activate the phone, when they put their T-Mobile SIM in it, it gives the message "SIM card is not from Verizon Wireless". The facts:
I owned and used the phone for well over the 60 day automatic unlock period.
It was active on my Verizon account for the entire time until a week before I sold it.
It was paid off IN FULL, and my account said the line was paid in full and ready for an upgrade.
My Verizon account is never behind or not paid on time (Auto-Pay)
Is there something I needed to do to the phone besides factory reset it? Is there anything that can be done? Should I call Verizon customer service? To further complicate matters, the person I sold it to lives in another state. I may need to have them send me the phone back and refund them their money if I can't figure this out.
Thank you so much for any help that can be provided.
Are you sure you used the device for 60 days?
Rtiberius said:
Hello,
I owned a Verizon Galaxy Note 20 Ultra that I bought shortly after release. I got bored with it, as often happens, so I paid it off in full and sold it, to someone who uses T-Mobile. They cannot activate the phone, when they put their T-Mobile SIM in it, it gives the message "SIM card is not from Verizon Wireless". The facts:
I owned and used the phone for well over the 60 day automatic unlock period.
It was active on my Verizon account for the entire time until a week before I sold it.
It was paid off IN FULL, and my account said the line was paid in full and ready for an upgrade.
My Verizon account is never behind or not paid on time (Auto-Pay)
Is there something I needed to do to the phone besides factory reset it? Is there anything that can be done? Should I call Verizon customer service? To further complicate matters, the person I sold it to lives in another state. I may need to have them send me the phone back and refund them their money if I can't figure this out.
Thank you so much for any help that can be provided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you used the device for 60 days? Did you check with another carrier sim before you sold the device?
SIM card is not from Verizon Wireless is a common message for all Verizon branded phones. May be buyer is confused with this message.
dadmi said:
Are you sure you used the device for 60 days?
Are you sure you used the device for 60 days? Did you check with another carrier sim before you sold the device?
SIM card is not from Verizon Wireless is a common message for all Verizon branded phones. May be buyer is confused with this message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, it was activated in late August 2020 and was active up until the end of December 2020. No, I didn't realize I should try a different carrier's SIM first.
I asked them if they are able to call or text despite the SIM card message and they said no.
You need(ed) to request VZW to carrier (SIM) unlock the device prior to selling it.
cam30era said:
You need(ed) to request VZW to carrier (SIM) unlock the device prior to selling it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm so confused, Verizon says devices are automatically unlocked in their policies listed here: https://www.verizon.com/support/device-unlocking-policy/
I'm going to call Verizon, and see if there's anything they can do.
Update: Called Verizon tech support, and the agent confirmed that the device IS unlocked. He said I should have the buyer contact T-Mobile customer service and add the device to their database. Hopefully that works.
Rtiberius said:
Update: Called Verizon tech support, and the agent confirmed that the device IS unlocked. He said I should have the buyer contact T-Mobile customer service and add the device to their database. Hopefully that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding to database is a Verizon thing, Tmobile is gsm. There is no way to sim unlock it if you don't do it on your phone line and request the unlock as if you're using the phone yourself.
Verizon will not unlock it unless it's currently on the line and met the other criteria you already have. For some reason verizon can't read if its really unlocked unless it's on their network, I went through it with an iphone earlier this year. They're a mess.
damn, i thought me getting a new phone annually is bad. you get a new phone every quarter? lol, actually i was thinking about trading mine for a fold 2 but no s-pen, no exp storage and a step down camera array, i decided to keep my note and see if they fix the fold 2's shortcomings.
what's in your pocket now?
It is quite possible that the buyer was not using an existing active sim. He was probably trying to activate a new sim which failed. I had the same issue with AT&T when activating a new sim. AT&T was not recognizing Unlocked model imei and I had to use a very old phone imei for activating sim after which I was able to use the same sim with with AT&T.
It also possible the buyer is lying to you. Either way it looks like the deal is going tits up for you. Perhaps next time check with a T-Mobile SIM before selling it or sell it as verizon locked. Feel for you.
Hello, i know this is a old thread but did you find the solution? i bought a verizon note 20 ultra and it doesnt work on any carrier, just work for a minute and it stops.
You guys found a way to unlock this? I just got the same phone and its a very expensive paperweight atm
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!
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