Database Info

[Q] Got my Square card reader today

I finally received my little square card reader from Squareup today. I'm anxious to get a chance to use it.
I'm curious if anyone else has gotten one yet and started using it on a regular basis. What do you think of it? I'm also wondering if anyone one out there has found some other uses for it? Near as I can tell, it's a standard magnetic reader head, so there's not reason it couldn't read any magnetic striped card. I think it'd be cool of those password/credit card/bank account app could use this dongle to read your card number instead of having to type it in manually. I've already used an audio recording app and successfully swiped and recorded the audio stream that comes from the reader.
So what are your guy's thoughts, idea's, suggestions for this niftly little dongle. Will it survive, or is it destined to be another Cuecat

Mine came in yesterday. I'm waiting for someone braver than I to crack one open to see if there is more to it than just a magnetic read head and male headphone jack. It would be neat if we discover a microcontroller flashed with a code that pairs each device specifically to the users account. But really I'm hoping it's just a simple set of components so that I could easily fabricate a new one if mine gets lost/broken.

Can you please post your apks?
I just dont see it in market.

luvit said:
Can you please post your apks?
I just dont see it in market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What APK's are you looking for?

garfnodie said:
What APK's are you looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Squareup apk fot credit cards

luvit said:
Squareup apk fot credit cards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, stupid moment. I don't know how to pull APK off my phone. Here's a link that includes a QR code that I'm sure will you get you to the market page.
http://www.doubletwist.com/apps/android/Square/-4760093326407457649/

So I received the card reader, but I haven't been successful with using it up to this point. I have a Galaxy S Vibrant, and when I follow the instructions for swiping credit cards absolutely nothing happens in the square app. Has anyone accepted payments successfully with the card reader, and if so what are you doing differently?
EDIT: Sorry about posting on this in Nexus One section. Although I'm not currently testing on a Nexus One the problem I'm having is hopefully more related to the application or OS than it is the hardware, and this is the only discussion related to Squareup on this forum.

joshuapurcell said:
So I received the card reader, but I haven't been successful with using it up to this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try testing the card reader using an audio recording app like garfnodie did. If you don't get some kind of whooshing sound on your recording, then there's a chance you've got a bad reader. But if you do get sound, then I'd say it is a hardware compatibility issue with your Galaxy.
BTW, do you get the card reader icon pop up in Square when you plug/unplug your reader?
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7183/readeryes.png
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6443/readerno.png

I wasn't getting that icon in my initial tests, but I am now that I pull the card reader out of the phone just a little. There is a certain point where I leave it that the icon stays solid and the app appears like it is ready to accept a swipe, but swiping the card does not start the authorizing process. Most degrees of pulling the card reader out of this phone only results in the icon disappearing or it constantly appearing then quickly disappearing.
I tested my card reader on a Droid X today and it worked fine, so I'm assuming this issue is most likely related to using the card reader on a Samsung Vibrant. I am running a custom ROM (Bionix 1.6 at the moment) which may have an impact on audio jack functionality, but I'm not sure. I'll need to try other ROMs and see if the audio jack behavior is any different.

I've found that using a normal headset in the same way that I described with the card reader behaves identically. The app shows the icon but in either case I'm unable to successfully swipe a card.
EDIT: I've also found that the Samsung Vibrant does video out via the 3.5mm audio jack. I'm leaning towards this being the cause as to why the card reader doesn't work with this new audio jack. Here is more information:
http://www.wirefly.com/learn/wireless_news/confirmed-samsung-vibrant-tv-out-menu/
If I toggle video out on, then I can't get the Square application to see anything plugged in. If I keep video out toggled off, then I get the level of functionality described above. If it turns out that this is the reason for the issue, then I hope it can be solved via a software update on either the Android or Square side (rather than a hardware issue). I've opened a ticket with Squareup with all this information.

joshuapurcell said:
I've found that using a normal headset in the same way that I described with the card reader behaves identically. The app shows the icon but in either case I'm unable to successfully swipe a card.
EDIT: I've also found that the Samsung Vibrant does video out via the 3.5mm audio jack. I'm leaning towards this being the cause as to why the card reader doesn't work with this new audio jack. Here is more information:
http://www.wirefly.com/learn/wireless_news/confirmed-samsung-vibrant-tv-out-menu/
If I toggle video out on, then I can't get the Square application to see anything plugged in. If I keep video out toggled off, then I get the level of functionality described above. If it turns out that this is the reason for the issue, then I hope it can be solved via a software update on either the Android or Square side (rather than a hardware issue). I've opened a ticket with Squareup with all this information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never even noticed that the card reader uses four conductors until I read your post about your problem and took a closer look at my card reader. A standard headphone jack uses three conductors(left, right, ground), most cell phone jacks use four conductors(left, right, mic, ground). Now if the Captivate can switch that fourth conductor from mic in to video out when needed, then it certainly sounds like a software issue, just don't know whos problem it and to fix.

Someone else posted in the Vibrant forums saying they have had success in getting the card reader to work while using a specific ROM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=806795
So this means it may not be a hardware problem with the card reader or the Vibrant, and that the software issue may be on the OS side and fixable via changes to whatever ROM being used. I haven't done the testing yet due to time, but I will hopefully today. The updates to this issue will be in the linked thread above going forward since it seems to be isolated to the Vibrant and we now have a Square discussion in that appropriate forum.

this actually looks awesome. I guess it converts what it reads into audio that the program can pick up. What the hell is the usage though?
/me thinks
I guess it would be awesome for when I work on peoples computers and websites, they can pay me right there. Pretty slick.

player911 said:
this actually looks awesome. I guess it converts what it reads into audio that the program can pick up. What the hell is the usage though?
/me thinks
I guess it would be awesome for when I work on peoples computers and websites, they can pay me right there. Pretty slick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see this being great for swap meets, flea markets, or trade shows or anything for that matter where your selling products or services and want to be able to take and approve credit/debit card sales on the spot.

garfnodie said:
I can see this being great for swap meets, flea markets, or trade shows or anything for that matter where your selling products or services and want to be able to take and approve credit/debit card sales on the spot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea. Actually my friend is trying to start up a Transmission Repair shop and really fell in love with the idea of being able to accept credit cards on the go.

luvit said:
Can you please post your apks?
I just dont see it in market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just called Square in the market...

Just got mine
Just got mine and I cant wait to start using it I was having problems with the icon not showing up and I just uninstalled/installed and that fixed it.

I haven't received my unit yet, but has anyone had any issues with it? I've looked into it and supposedly it's capped to $100 per transaction and I think your capped on the number of times you can use it per day.
Also I heard the reader may take multiple swipes before the software actually picks up on it.
I don't think the cap will be a big issue for me, but I would trust the opinions of the people here more then random bashes on the internet.
Would be neat if you are a Craigslist whore. Not only would you be able to take credit/check cards, but you'd also get a receipt of the transaction as well.

Q
player911 said:
I haven't received my unit yet, but has anyone had any issues with it? I've looked into it and supposedly it's capped to $100 per transaction and I think your capped on the number of times you can use it per day.
Also I heard the reader may take multiple swipes before the software actually picks up on it.
I don't think the cap will be a big issue for me, but I would trust the opinions of the people here more then random bashes on the internet.
Would be neat if you are a Craigslist whore. Not only would you be able to take credit/check cards, but you'd also get a receipt of the transaction as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the FAQ on Square's page about the fee's, transaction limits, etc.
https://support.squareup.com/entries/160793-frequently-asked-questions-faq#card-fees

daijizai said:
Just called Square in the market...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the exact name is Square. Are you in the US? It's only available in the US right now.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/square/com.squareup

who has been charged for their [b]at&t[/b] pre-order

well, i'm confused yet again. i see someone who has been charged, yet i haven't been. should i be worried?

chaosjh said:
well, i'm confused yet again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are charged when it ships. Did it ship?

Squeak22 said:
You are charged when it ships. Did it ship?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They said they will "hold" the amount from the account and then apply the charge when it ships... Depending on how your bank processes holds (or freezes), it may show up as a charge, but the date will likely change to the ship date when the charge is applied...
Like my current bank shows it as a "D/C Settlement" with Monday's date, when the phone ships it will be a charge, the "D/C/ Settlement" tag will be removed, and it will have the ship date's date (Exactly like how it happened with my Atrix last year). At my old bank (BB&T) it would show up as a charge from whenever they applied the hold, then the date would change later (which is what happened with my Captivate)... It just depends on the bank for how they handle the codes on their end.

Squeak22 said:
You are charged when it ships. Did it ship?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, i wish, i still haven't been charged :/

I have not been charged. Pre-ordered early Sunday PST, online system still says "In Process" and does not show backordered.

My credit card shows it as a pending charge so far but it's only been one day.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

Same here...I see it as a pending charge.

amswak said:
I have not been charged. Pre-ordered early Sunday PST, online system still says "In Process" and does not show backordered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my order status changed in style but still says preorder, not backorder.

my card hasn't been charged but the funds have most certainly been reserved. that's basically the same thing as being charged. it's money you can no longer use.

mrvirginia said:
my card hasn't been charged but the funds have most certainly been reserved. that's basically the same thing as being charged. it's money you can no longer use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's just it, my account says i have it, my atm say it too, i could spend it if i wanted (of course if i fell below 600, the order wouldn't go through).

I ordered Monday from a store, bank account shows nothing.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Like somebody else said, it depends on how your bank handles holds. You aren't actually charged until shipment. But for my bank there was a hold for the amount, but holds disappear after about three days without actual charge, so it is gone now. If it never showed up, don't sweat. Banks handle things differently.
Rabble rabble rabble.

I won't get charged till it ships, so no for me.

Everyone just needs to relax. Wether you're charged or not involves many factors, some AT&T can't control. If you go an order confirmation just wait.

A pending charge isn't "charged", mine is pending and has been since I placed my order.

This is a quote from the e-mail I got, and yes, the money in my account is on hold.
"Please note, your credit card will be charged at time of shipment. If using either a credit or debit card, funds in the amount of this purchase will be immediately held and not available for other use. Credit and debit card transactions will not appear in your account until time of shipment."

Gun Bunny said:
This is a quote from the e-mail I got, and yes, the money in my account is on hold.
"Please note, your credit card will be charged at time of shipment. If using either a credit or debit card, funds in the amount of this purchase will be immediately held and not available for other use. Credit and debit card transactions will not appear in your account until time of shipment."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it depends how your bank works with holds, for me they charged it. Everything should be just fine on wednesday for everyone that ordered.

vioalas said:
Everyone just needs to relax. Wether you're charged or not involves many factors, some AT&T can't control. If you go an order confirmation just wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It amuses me when people post things like this in these forums. lol...you know this is as effective as telling a fiending crack addict to just chill, right? It is a waste of keystrokes...

it does suck to post stuff like this but at this point our ATT HOX needs all of the threads when can get to reach the requirement of posts or threads so its all good right now

amswak said:
It amuses me when people post things like this in these forums. lol...you know this is as effective as telling a fiending crack addict to just chill, right? It is a waste of keystrokes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And your post was helpful how? If you're going to criticize someone by doing the same thing and wasting keystrokes you can go somewhere else. If my post was thanked it helped someone.

[Q] Why is Android losing microsd/removable battery on new phones?

I have noticed a trend of newer phones foregoing the option of the user changing the battery or having a microSD slot. Is there still a need/want for these to be on phones? My thought is that this is what android is all about, giving the user options on their phone. MicroSD used to be the main reason that people went from iPhone to Android. I don't know about you but I don't like this trend with manufacturers. I hope they listen to the ones left that still want this. What do you think? Are these features still relevant? Do you only buy phones with these features and wish they wouldn't do away with it?

mikeboucher21 said:
I have noticed a trend of newer phones foregoing the option of the user changing the battery or having a microSD slot. Is there still a need/want for these to be on phones? My thought is that this is what android is all about, giving the user options on their phone. MicroSD used to be the main reason that people went from iPhone to Android. I don't know about you but I don't like this trend with manufacturers. I hope they listen to the ones left that still want this. What do you think? Are these features still relevant? Do you only buy phones with these features and wish they wouldn't do away with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is two questions.
Batteries are quickly getting to the point where they don't need changing. Sure, there are the extreme users who carry spares, but the vast majority of people will never remove or replace their battery ever. By simply foregoing a removable battery entirely, you can make phones slimmer, and ironically, pack more capacity in the same space - since you aren't having to waste space on the plastic casing, pins, etc. (or not, as in the case of the HTC One) However, as a "normal" user, I have a pile of old phones that still worked fine when they retired - with their original batteries.
Now, as to the SD card question. That is a bit more interesting. A bit part of it, IMO, is the fact that Google is really pushing their cloud services - for music, videos, backups, etc. They give you about 15GB (or just a bit shy of a mid-sized SD card) out of the chute, but even if you don't upgrade, they would prefer you to use that instead of a SD card. Why? Because using cloud storage means that you are connected to Google servers, and having your usage monitored by Google services.
Even if they don't show you ads via this route, Google isn't just an advertising company, they are also a data aggregation company (in support of advertising). They want people to be tied as intimately to their services as possible for both reasons, because it allows them to charge advertisers more. I really believe this is why Nexus devices don't have SD cards at all, and I won't be surprised if Google pushes OEMs to stop supplying them at some point, as an external SD card lets you bypass all of that.
Note, Apple is likewise pushing cloud services, and Microsoft has started in as well. All of these companies want your phone to be a network terminal, not a computer. Network terminals are completely dependent on the network, and more likely to keep you in their ecosystem.

agree with the second floor

jshamlet said:
That is two questions.
Batteries are quickly getting to the point where they don't need changing. Sure, there are the extreme users who carry spares, but the vast majority of people will never remove or replace their battery ever. By simply foregoing a removable battery entirely, you can make phones slimmer, and ironically, pack more capacity in the same space - since you aren't having to waste space on the plastic casing, pins, etc. (or not, as in the case of the HTC One) However, as a "normal" user, I have a pile of old phones that still worked fine when they retired - with their original batteries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Batteries still wear out though. After ~500 cycles, a lithium based battery (Li-ion, Li-Po) loses upwards of 20% its original capacity. If you're a heavy user, 500 cycles can happen within a year, definitely within 2 years. And yes, spares are always good. You never know what might happen.
Now, as to the SD card question. That is a bit more interesting. A bit part of it, IMO, is the fact that Google is really pushing their cloud services - for music, videos, backups, etc. They give you about 15GB (or just a bit shy of a mid-sized SD card) out of the chute, but even if you don't upgrade, they would prefer you to use that instead of a SD card. Why? Because using cloud storage means that you are connected to Google servers, and having your usage monitored by Google services.
Even if they don't show you ads via this route, Google isn't just an advertising company, they are also a data aggregation company (in support of advertising). They want people to be tied as intimately to their services as possible for both reasons, because it allows them to charge advertisers more. I really believe this is why Nexus devices don't have SD cards at all, and I won't be surprised if Google pushes OEMs to stop supplying them at some point, as an external SD card lets you bypass all of that.
Note, Apple is likewise pushing cloud services, and Microsoft has started in as well. All of these companies want your phone to be a network terminal, not a computer. Network terminals are completely dependent on the network, and more likely to keep you in their ecosystem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that at all. It's security. If you have a proper lock on your phone (PIN/password/pattern), nobody can access what's on your phone. No data, no personal information, no nude selfies, etc. But if you store "sensitive" stuff on your microSD card, anybody can get that. That's why with 4.4 KitKat, moving things to external SD became so much more difficult, or even impossible without root.

Planterz said:
Batteries still wear out though. After ~500 cycles, a lithium based battery (Li-ion, Li-Po) loses upwards of 20% its original capacity. If you're a heavy user, 500 cycles can happen within a year, definitely within 2 years. And yes, spares are always good. You never know what might happen.
Yes, and I wasn't thrilled that the M8 requires massive disassembly to get to the battery. I never said I *liked* it, just that it hasn't been as big a deal lately.
It's not that at all. It's security. If you have a proper lock on your phone (PIN/password/pattern), nobody can access what's on your phone. No data, no personal information, no nude selfies, etc. But if you store "sensitive" stuff on your microSD card, anybody can get that. That's why with 4.4 KitKat, moving things to external SD became so much more difficult, or even impossible without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KitKat's external SD security isn't totally absurd. Apps can only read/write data in folders they create, so it means you need root to use a file system explorer. I'm still not sure how they worked out special cases, like both the camera and gallery being able to access the same folder on an external SD card, so there are exceptions. Depending on how that exception works, it's possible that this hole still exists, but that's pure speculation.
However, the issue of removable storage has been around forever, and while it is a valid concern, I kind of doubt that was the driving force. The new restrictions really didn't start to come out until after Google started pushing Drive as a serious storage option for phones and tablets, so I still suspect it is more a case of nudging people onto the cloud than security. I could see "happy synergy" at best, but if it were really about security, I would expect Nexus devices to have about 2-3x the storage they presently offer to make up for it.
However, I'll admit that I'm suspicious of these drives to "put it on the cloud", and I wouldn't put it past Apple, Google, or any other company, to make "security decisions" that tend to nudge you towards those offerings. As such, I'll leave the possibility that user security really was a factor in pushing away from external SD storage.

i don't have a really brand phone and i liked the possibility to move apps to the SD card.
now i'm on 4.4.4 and i can't install too many apps 'cause i can't move them.
that's something that really bothers me as i can't afford a new phone.
in the sametime, even if you have a cloud based storge, you can't move apps overthere: that means that, with pictures resolution getting bigger (and so the file size), once you have a little bit of those + some mp3 + a video or 2, you will soon finish the default space.
(the thing is also that in Italy we don't get many Gb per day/month so most of the guys i know, don't use mp3 from the cloud but they prefer to keep the file with them)

Planterz said:
It's not that at all. It's security. If you have a proper lock on your phone (PIN/password/pattern), nobody can access what's on your phone. No data, no personal information, no nude selfies, etc. But if you store "sensitive" stuff on your microSD card, anybody can get that. That's why with 4.4 KitKat, moving things to external SD became so much more difficult, or even impossible without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am surprised, dismayed and disappointed to see this on an android developer forum. Perhaps you think the rest of us are mad - but the truth is that Apple, Microsoft and Google all have back doors into their operating systems. Apple and Microsoft are both America-based, and we all know what their privacy (non-privacy) is like. (or do we?) Google, since being bought from its original owner, has become part of the mega-corp flock. Google logs just about everything, and is also based in America. In fact, Google is the new Facebook of privacy violation. (Heard of a unique advertising ID?)
In fact, the governments of various countries employ hackers to come up with exploits of mobile phones. There are also zero-day exploits built in at government behest. This was shown in the leaked papers (I forget whether it was Snowden's lot or Assange's lot.)
If you have sensitive information, the only reliable way to store it securely is on a device which does not have any physical capability to connect to an external network wirelessly, and do not connect it to any external network physically.
This is why all big corp. and govt. research / secret systems are on a disconnected network. As in, they are physically connected within the building, but the building does not have external network communications.
Removable batteries are being taken off the market because they power the tracking capabilities of the device - even when you turn it off. If you didn't want your phone to track you, you used to be able to take out the battery. Now, if the battery is not removable, you have to leave your phone behind if you don't want to be tracked or potentially let others listen in on a sensitive conversation.

VERY IMPORTANT: Need HELP Removing INVOLED Spy Prog (Long but interesting challenge)

Recently I found that someone close to me had been using a purchased spy prog. Thanks to Google alerting me that unauthorized login and sync occurred.
I quickly recognized the phone found the program and cancelled their membership since I originally made the account/email address for them and they told me what password to use. But somehow that phone has continued to sync from their phone.
To this point I've been being safe; I've been messaging or texting lies along w/ truth. Yet somehow all that information makes it back my a simple slip up of words by the other 2 ppl in house. They accidentally repeat in general something I mentioned in text/fb message/phone call/information/etc.
I've literally deleted everything I could find that was left after factory reset. (EVERY FILE!!) I had root and end up with a virus I couldn't remove & didn't want to factory reset. The virus took over screen and no matter what I couldnt get it off. In the end, only way phone company could get it off was access with use of a computer & prog to factory reset. While talking it updated from 6.0 to 7.0. So I'm going to have reroot.
QUESTION FINALLY: How to can I emove the hack or exploit ( or whatever it is) that is reporting or cloneing everything word & information? Yes, I've tried every possible virus/spy pro/spyware/malware/hack/exploit detector remover I read about. PLEASE advise.
The person( I suspect) is currently charged with domestic violence w/ prejudice, I cannot drop the charges they won't allow me. Due to it being domestic violence against someone disabled (me).
**SIDENOTE/QUESTION FOR LAWYERS. The Person was somehow released without bail and i was ordered to leave the house with literally NOWHERE wheelchair accessible to go?? The reason, I suspect snitch (for lack of better word), the Magistrate had already set the bail then a judge on SATURDAY OF A HOLIDAY WEEKEND changed it. Also its hand written, dunno whose initials are on it cant read them. I've NEVER nor has my victims advocate heard of that. I pay slightly less than 3rd of whole house payment accord to other person on the mortgage. I do not qualify for disability only pathetic SSI. The person is more than likely trying to find something negative on me. They have threatened to have me evicted untold times! Im an entirely different person after nearly dying 2 times and was close a 3 rd. That along with being on a ventilator 3 times...if that doesnt change someone you have a serious problem on and finally being in a wheelchair. All caused by a neurological disease. Might I mention I found an old sound recorder that goes with a spy cam according to one specialist and one genius old friend (haven't found hidden cam.YET!) in my room. I do *man* things in the room I pay for. Thought it was illegal to record with sound. Hell or without a person knowing considering by law I'm a tenant**
The person is beyond clueless about technology but their brother worked for govt many yrs ago installing, none other than CAMERAS. He now prides himself as being a computer expert & dev.(he's not bad). He knows LINUX exceptionally well.
Quick Question...should I go ahead with rooting or wait?
PLEASE HELP AND IF POSSIBLE FIND THE FOOTPRINT HE MIGHT HAVE LEFT BEHIND. PRIVATE MESSAGE ME IF NEED MORE DETAILS ON PHONE INFORMATION OR IF A LAWYER (I live in TN)
Galaxy S7 with exynos chipset.
Did have root until att updated after
removing weird virus. Will Root soon.

General TMO US is "giving away" this phone.

T-Mobile US is running a promotion where you get this phone for "free" when you attach it to a line after trading in an old phone. The gotchas are:
The phone you are trading in must:
Not be stolen/locked
Not have a Cracked Screen
Not have water damage
Have a valid IMEI
For ESN/MEID phones, generate your IMEI here: https://www.imei.info/calc
Turn on (It may need to fully boot as they grabbed the IMEI from the Dialer)
The must be attached to an active voice rate plan line
Pay Taxes and Fees (was ~$41usd for me)
Pay your monthly bill for 24 months or you will have to pay the difference upto $282usd
Up to 4 devices per account (must have 4 lines)
More info found on this page: https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/e...MO_P_HOMETOWN_Q8D0X5TZQIWIM1P724532_HP#offers

Trade-in process in a T-Mobile store worked well for me last Sunday. I traded in three old phones, after carefully removing any google account information from each. Factory resets don't remove this information. It has to be done manually when you reboot after the factory reset.
However, as stated above, you must have clean old phones that boot up to the main screen. The IMEI is checked and verified for each phone you trade-in.
There is a lot of verification done. For example, they will confirm that the old phone can be used on the T-Mobile network using the IMEI. They will scan your driver's license a couple of times. They will check every line on your account with you to make certain that the correct line is involved. To help them, I put a sticker on the back of each old phone with the IMEI on it. They did not trust the stickers, however. In most cases, I had to instruct the T-Mobile clerk on how to boot up the old phones and how to access the IMEI information. The clerk simply did not know how to boot up the old phones. Don't assume that he does.
From my viewpoint having completed the process for 3 lines, I strongly suggest you go to a T-Mobile store in person to do the trade-in. They will have lots of questions, and, if you mail it in, the answer will probably be, it doesn't qualify.

scottyrick2 said:
Trade-in process in a T-Mobile store worked well for me last Sunday. I traded in three old phones, after carefully removing any google account information from each. Factory resets don't remove this information. It has to be done manually when you reboot after the factory reset.
However, as stated above, you must have clean old phones that boot up to the main screen. The IMEI is checked and verified for each phone you trade-in.
There is a lot of verification done. For example, they will confirm that the old phone can be used on the T-Mobile network using the IMEI. They will scan your driver's license a couple of times. They will check every line on your account with you to make certain that the correct line is involved. To help them, I put a sticker on the back of each old phone with the IMEI on it. They did not trust the stickers, however. In most cases, I had to instruct the T-Mobile clerk on how to boot up the old phones and how to access the IMEI information. The clerk simply did not know how to boot up the old phones. Don't assume that he does.
From my viewpoint having completed the process for 3 lines, I strongly suggest you go to a T-Mobile store in person to do the trade-in. They will have lots of questions, and, if you mail it in, the answer will probably be, it doesn't qualify.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory resets have always removed my Google info on prob 100+ devices I've done it to. The only time I've seen that the accounts are not removed is when factory reseting in recovery mode.
The phone doesnt need to be compatible on the T-Mobile network. People are trading in old AMPS/Analog phones thats been gone for a very long time.

hyelton said:
Factory resets have always removed my Google info on prob 100+ devices I've done it to. The only time I've seen that the accounts are not removed is when factory reseting in recovery mode.
The phone doesnt need to be compatible on the T-Mobile network. People are trading in old AMPS/Analog phones thats been gone for a very long time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to remove your Google accounts before the factory reset. It will still require your Google password otherwise after the reset.

blackhawk said:
You need to remove your Google accounts before the factory reset. It will still require your Google password otherwise after the reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you reset via recovery. If you reset from the settings of the phone it does not. Test it yourself. As long as its not some obsecure phone model, 100% guarantee it does not.

hyelton said:
Only if you reset via recovery. If you reset from the settings of the phone it does not. Test it yourself. As long as its not some obsecure phone model, 100% guarantee it does not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I made that former mistake returning a new 10+ once and it was fun
So if it in settings that won't (hopefully) happen?
I simply have no use for that kind of security.
Google is the #1 security risk

blackhawk said:
Lol I made that former mistake returning a new 10+ once and it was fun
So if it in settings that won't (hopefully) happen?
I simply have no use for that kind of security.
Google is the #1 security risk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing it via settings it shouldn't happen. If its a samsung and logged into a samsung account it does need to be connected via data or wifi and enter the samsung account password, otherwise just a google account no issues with resetting.

hyelton said:
Doing it via settings it shouldn't happen. If its a samsung and logged into a samsung account it does need to be connected via data or wifi and enter the samsung account password, otherwise just a google account no issues with resetting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Will the Samsung account do the same thing? Knox is nothing but trouble.
Meh, I like my phones to be dumb...

omega552003 said:
T-Mobile US is running a promotion where you get this phone for "free" when you attach it to a line after trading in an old phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for helping others by posting this information which I took advantage of.
A few more details I found out after getting the phone are that you can talk T-Mobile USA out of charging you a few of the (somewhat hidden so-called nominal) fees given they didn't charge me them (they only charged me the state tax on the $282 estimated MSRP) for the 64GB Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (Model SM-A326U).
You either call them up or visit a store or use your T-Mobile account online to order the "upgrade"
If you do not have or use your T-Mobile account online then you can talk them out of charging you the $20 (I did) but you have to have a good excuse - otherwise the only way to save that $20 charge is to do it online (they will walk you through the process on the phone though and not charge you).
Also you can talk them out of the $5.99 shipping & handling fee if you come up with a good excuse (ask me how I know this).
But if you don't talk them out of the nominal charges, the cost to you is:
State sales tax on the $282 MSRPP
$6 shipping & handling
$20 for ordering at a brick-and-mortar store or ordering via telephone support personnel
They send you a link to print a two-page PDF, the first page of which is essentially a generic checklist of what to do and the second page of which is specific to your trade-in device which contains three things.
The USPS free shipping label that goes on the outside of the box
The description of your trade-in phone that goes inside the box
An optional receipt for your records
You have to find your own box to ship back the old phone (or you can use the brown cardboard box that the new phone came in if you want. Don't worry the new phone comes with its own white box so you don't need the brown cardboard outside box.)
As stated in the OP, they told me you can trade in as many as four phones but each trade-in phone has to be in its own box with its own receipt inside and its own label on the outside.
You stick the receipt inside the box, along with your old phone, turned off but with the battery in place, and you stick a shipping label on the outside of the box.
When you go to the US Post Office to drop it off you can ask for a receipt from the Post Office and they will print one out (and email it to you if you like). You do not need to insure the shipment - you have to trust the US Post Office that they won't go postal on your package (so I snapped a photo at the post office, just in case).
You will get a series of texts from T-Mobile telling you the status such as these I received:
"Your T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 White with serial number 1234567890 has been received and is currently being processed. For trade-in details, go to t-mo.co/mytradein01"​
And then... the somewhat scary zero-dollar indicator...
T-Mobile has applied a device trade-in credit of $0 to your Equipment Installation Plan for your Samsung Galaxy S3 White. Please visit t-mo.co/order01 for details or call 611.​
And finally... the reassuring word "complete"...
T-Mobile promo msg: The trade-in for line 2015551212 is complete and will receive a monthly bill credit for the 2021 Samsung Trade P7 promotion as long as you maintain eligibility & service. For details, go to t-mo.co/tradein01​​To expand further upon the terms and conditions it seems you have one month to send the tradin where they will nag you by text a few times if you procrastinate (ask me how I know this).
They don't want your charger or your cables or your SIM card or sdcard. They only want the phone which has to be complete and in a single unit all put together as a single item (phone + battery + the battery cover for example).
As was stated in the OP, they told me your old phone must work which they define as "being able to make a call" (even though it won't have a SIM card in it most likely). It doesn't matter what network, nor if it's old technology (some bands no longer even exist, I think).
However, the phone must be "undamaged" in so much as the screen can be scratched but not broken or cracked or washed out. There must not be water damage but the back and front can be scratched and dented as long as it's not major damage. The battery just has to have enough charge to power up the phone (as mine hadn't been charged in over a decade or so and wasn't even the original battery anyway).
In my situation the back cover was a different color than the phone and they said that's ok but that they'd note their pre-approval in the records.
Interestingly they say the phone must not be locked to a PIN but mine was locked to a PIN that I've long forgotten. After attempting all the old PINs I could think of, I called them back in exasperation to ask how to wipe out the PIN.
Thankfully they told me they'd note in the records that the phone is locked to a PIN and that those notes would inform the people checking the phone that it's OK that it's locked to a personal PIN.
Just to be clear this is a different "lock" than a carrier lock. My trade-in was a T-Mobile locked phone but they said the carrier lock status didn't matter to them (i.e., it could have been carrier locked to Verizon or AT&T and it wouldn't have mattered).
When I asked what happens if they don't approve the trade-in phone, I received various answers each time I called (which is the bane of all customer support queries) but the general answer was that they'd give us a chance to rectify the problem with another battery (if it was overbloated for example) or with another phone if necessary.
Although one person I asked said they'd have to cancel the order and start fresh with a new order - so if this happens to you that they don't approve your trade-in when they test it out - then let us know how they handled it - as that was my biggest worry given I had to punch a hole in the battery with a pin to let out the bloat just so that I could get the back cover to barely stay on as I had scrambled to find a back that fit (it was the wrong color) and I had it locked to a personal PIN, etc., any or all of which are faults which you'd expect in a 10 year old phone that has been sitting in a drawer waiting to be deemed useful again (just like The Brave Little Toaster was finally found useful after years of neglect).

Just a heads up. I traded in two Tracfone Alcatel MyFlip Phones bought on Amazon for 9.99$. They didn't give me any issues so network locked isn't a problem (opposed to the 'make a call on T-Mobile Network' above). I just wanted a backup phone since my current backup is a Samsung Galaxy SII (and my daily-driver for the moment a Galaxy S5).
Also, I 'd probably just do the request online. You save the 20$ fee from the store, and the 6$ shipping is more than what your time is likely worth per how much of a hassle and time consuming it seems to be to do it in person.
Besides that, GalaxyA325G's post perfectly reflects my experience and I couldn't explain it any better. Still not sure what exactly I should do with these phones (backups, as a standalone mp3, etc), but I do hope sooner or later they can be rooted and ROM'd. Time will tell.

My trade-in with 1 Tracfone Alcatel MyFlip Phone went was successful as well on Monday. I'll end up doing one more soon as well now too.