For anyone buying the Essential Phone outright to use on Sprint, beware. - Essential Phone Guides, News, & Discussion

Do NOT activate the phone directly after getting it from Best Buy/ Essential, as it'll lock your device to Sprint. They won't be able to unlock it in Sprint, or by using Sprint tech support either. I went to a Sprint store, and was told they cannot unlock in-store. I was then told to contact their support number, and was transferred 8 times to the highest level of tech support, which ended in them telling me there was absolutely no way to unlock it. So, I was forced to take it back to Best Buy, and have to wait till Wednesday for it to arrive. Apparently Sprint sims will lock to your phone if it's taken to them directly and activated, so I'd suggest putting in a VZW sim and then activating the phone on Sprint. Don't make the same mistake I made.

TheF|ipSide said:
Do NOT activate the phone directly after getting it from Best Buy/ Essential, as it'll lock your device to Sprint. They won't be able to unlock it in Sprint, or by using Sprint tech support either. I went to a Sprint store, and was told they cannot unlock in-store. I was then told to contact their support number, and was transferred 8 times to the highest level of tech support, which ended in them telling me there was absolutely no way to unlock it. So, I was forced to take it back to Best Buy, and have to wait till Wednesday for it to arrive. Apparently Sprint sims will lock to your phone if it's taken to them directly and activated, so I'd suggest putting in a VZW sim and then activating the phone on Sprint. Don't make the same mistake I made.
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Not true. It works when I put my FreedomPop Sim in
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Jonathanlc2005 said:
Not true. It works when I put my FreedomPop Sim in
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Click to collapse
FreedomPop uses Sprint network. So, before saying not true, it'd be better for someone who tried other network other than Sprint network including MVNO to confirm.
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PowerPC said:
FreedomPop uses Sprint network. So, before saying not true, it'd be better for someone who tried other network other than Sprint network including MVNO to confirm.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Once again... Not true. It also uses TMobile and I connected to hspa+ fine
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Jonathanlc2005 said:
Once again... Not true. It also uses TMobile and I connected to hspa+ fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol you want screenshots of Sprint causing my phone to become locked? I can throw up pictures of my receipts of buying a UNLOCKED Essential phone, and then it becoming magically locked when my Sprint sim was inserted in it. It also rejected AT&T AND T-Mobile sims. Why would I fabricate a story of my phone becoming locked? The Sprint store reps told me this is something that happens a lot, along with Best buy employees telling me they had this happen before. Only reason I posted this was to make sure this happened to no one else. The only way this just happened to just me is if Essential accidentally shipped a locked Sprint phone out that was packaged like an unlocked phone, and I was just unfortunate enough to receive it. Or maybe I just imagined spending an hour and a half speaking to Sprint reps trying to unlock my phone and the about phone section and activation status on my phone are just bogus.....

Some more details that might be useful for buyers:
1. In store pickup seems to make the phone lock to Sprint, even if the first time you turn it on its with a different SIM inside.
2. People have reported Essential phone being unlocked if you choose delivery instead and use another SIM on first turn on of the device.

What kind of analogy is this.. putting VZW sim then activate to Sprint.
Picked-up mine and its unlock. No mumbo jumbo

To be clear, OP is saying (I think) if you first turn on phone with sprint sim and activate it, it will lock to Sprints SIM.
If you first activate it with a different sim, you will have no problems with any sim, including sprint.
Has anyone bought an unlocked phone and first activated it with a Sprint Sim?

My question is.. Why would you buy the Sprint variant outright? Why not buy the unlocked modem from best buy, amazon or essential? Its cheaper too.. Then put your sprint sim.

tlxxxsracer said:
My question is.. Why would you buy the Sprint variant outright? Why not buy the unlocked modem from best buy, amazon or essential? Its cheaper too.. Then put your sprint sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't. I bought an unlocked one from Best buy and took it directly to Sprint to get it activated. When they did, it carrier locked my device, and I was only receiving Sprint updates... Either Essential shipped me a locked Sprint phone, or Sprint locked it when I activated my phone that I owned, which is illegal.

It's easy to see what variant in Fastboot. It will show Variant - Sprint if it is flashed with Sprint software. Are you sure Best Buy didn't just accidentally grab a Sprint model by accident?
When you get your new one power up by holding down Volume Down to get to Fastboot and check the Variant tag.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Isn't the bootloader unlocked so you can just flash a new rom? Did the Sprint SIM lock the bootloader?

bobloadmire said:
Isn't the bootloader unlocked so you can just flash a new rom? Did the Sprint SIM lock the bootloader?
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Click to collapse
same question

I can flash LOS but I still remain carrier locked. In fastboot it shows I am using the Open-US variant, but my device is locked to Sprint. So frustrated right now.

What if the variant just says Sprint?
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jesus359 said:
What if the variant just says Sprint?
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Click to collapse
Minesays that and I'm locked. No issue. I'll have them unlock it after 50 days... I'm on free year plan.

You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
TheF|ipSide said:
I didn't. I bought an unlocked one from Best buy and took it directly to Sprint to get it activated. When they did, it carrier locked my device, and I was only receiving Sprint updates... Either Essential shipped me a locked Sprint phone, or Sprint locked it when I activated my phone that I owned, which is illegal.
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Click to collapse
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine

seshaz said:
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
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I bought unlocked at Best Buy. Variant is Open US in bootloader. I don't use on sprint, so I wouldn't know if it locks. Best buy does sell unlocked.

in Fastboot mode check the variant and it should say "OPENUS"

seshaz said:
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why does it say I have the OPENUS version in the bootloader, and why does my receipt say I paid for an unlocked essential phone? Before making allegations, inform yourself.

Related

Sprint Nexus 5 same as Play store?

Hey I was just wondering if the Nexus 5 sold unlocked at best buy is the same one sold on the play store? Its advertised as a sprint phone and has a few different things in the box then what I saw in YouTube videos.
vibey101 said:
Hey I was just wondering if the Nexus 5 sold unlocked at best buy is the same one sold on the play store? Its advertised as a sprint phone and has a few different things in the box then what I saw in YouTube videos.
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Click to collapse
As far as i know there are only two versions of the nexus 5, one for north america and one for the rest of the world. The one for north america supports att, tmobile and sprint on the same device.
I actually got my Nexus 5 from T-mobile on a pay per month plan, so imagine my surprise when I put an att sim card into it rebooted and it worked on att lte. I was expecting the deivce to be locked to T-mobile and give me a sim error, the rep even told me that they are locked to T-mobile so I am not sure if they all come carrier unlocked or it was something that happened during the rooting, unlocking bootloader and custom rom process.
vibey101 said:
Hey I was just wondering if the Nexus 5 sold unlocked at best buy is the same one sold on the play store? Its advertised as a sprint phone and has a few different things in the box then what I saw in YouTube videos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, and Google is your friends BTW. Been asked literally hundreds of times. I am using my sprint nexus 5 just fine on straight talk right now.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Is anyone using ATT? Since the Best Buy Sprint N5 has an MEID number, ATT needed an IMEI number to input into their system in order for the new sim card to work.
Well I'm 100% sure that all nexus 5's are network unlocked regardless of what carrier you get it from. Of course if you ask the customer rep that question they will say its locked because they don't want you to jump ship. They don't wanna have to go through the hassle of phone calls, emails, and letters of collection debts. Not to mention that they will get their money in the end when or if you decide to jump ship without paying cancellation fees. The the bill gets footed to your credit score in a negative manner. I spent the last three days trying to figure out whether or not they were unlocked and I got my answer from a reliable guy on here. (In the Tmobile thread) didn't want to waste 8 or 9 dollars paying a company to unlock it for me. (If it was unlocked to begin with) so yeah carriers can't be trusted. They will say whatever they have to to protect the interests of their company.
---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 AM ----------
crizzb07 said:
Is anyone using ATT? Since the Best Buy Sprint N5 has an MEID number, ATT needed an IMEI number to input into their system in order for the new sim card to work.
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Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all phones have both meid and imei numbers. Have you checked in about phone under status? Both numbers are listed there I believe.
Edit: only imei is displayed. My bad lol.
crizzb07 said:
Is anyone using ATT? Since the Best Buy Sprint N5 has an MEID number, ATT needed an IMEI number to input into their system in order for the new sim card to work.
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Click to collapse
Just pop an att Sim into the phone, reboot and it will start working. It should automatically register the imei, it did for me. If not you can go to setting->about phone->status and read the imei off to the Rep over the phone.
I got my nexus 5 from T-mobile, just removed their Sim card put in my work att Sim card and it picked up service. No need for an unlock or anything as I believe all nexus 5 regardless of who sells them are unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
fruitsalt said:
Just pop an att Sim into the phone, reboot and it will start working. It should automatically register the imei, it did for me. If not you can go to setting->about phone->status and read the imei off to the Rep over the phone.
I got my nexus 5 from T-mobile, just removed their Sim card put in my work att Sim card and it picked up service. No need for an unlock or anything as I believe all nexus 5 regardless of who sells them are unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Thanks all for your help! The Best Buy Sprint N5 doesn't come with a pin to pop out the sim tray, any suggestions on what to use?
crizzb07 said:
Thanks all for your help! The Best Buy Sprint N5 doesn't come with a pin to pop out the sim tray, any suggestions on what to use?
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Click to collapse
I lost the pin that came with the nexus so when I need to switch Sims I just use a very fine sewing needle. Don't use a paper clip or even the pin that comes with an iPhone they are way too thick and will deform the pin hole entry, I know cause mine got deformed by the iPhone pin.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:17 PM ----------
crizzb07 said:
Thanks all for your help! The Best Buy Sprint N5 doesn't come with a pin to pop out the sim tray, any suggestions on what to use?
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Click to collapse
BTW the tray doesn't pop out completely, I would say once u push the pin in it comes out maybe like 0.5 cm after that just use ur fingers to pull it out, so the pin just kinda disengages the sim tray from the phone.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Was the article that the S7 will lock to the first Sim inserted true?

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/02/25...-will-carrier-lock-to-the-first-inserted-sim/
I know some t-mobile customers already have devices in hand (or will be getting it within a few days). Has anyone checked if the above article is true? Would be awesome to know for all US who aren't on T-mo or any major carrier (I'm on Cricket, No preorders, and no edge listed so far.)
Would be awesome to preorder the ATT version from a place like target, get those preorder bonuses (target has $100 GC + standard 5% off for target card members, so its probably the cheapest place to get it), and then use it on Cricket.
Note: This is primarily meant for US carriers and devices. not other countries, which has different laws and networks.
Yes I'm also wondering how this will work. When I spoke to sales team at CPW they said it would be completely unlocked but knew nothing about the so called locking feature which may happen to us. Uk
Good question, I'm surprised no one has posted the answer yet considering how many people are getting them.
I'm on cricket as well, and planning to get the tmobile s7 due to the unlocked bootloader (at&t is bootloader locked)... It would be nice not to have to pay some company to remotely Sim unlock it
I would like to know too. Thank you!
I'd also like to know whether the phone will download carrier software specific everytime a different SIM is inserted
Im buying mine from samsung direct so id be annoyed if they have the sim region lock in place. im sure they are selling it unlocked and this sim lock is carrier requested.
sonhy said:
Im buying mine from samsung direct so id be annoyed if they have the sim region lock in place. im sure they are selling it unlocked and this sim lock is carrier requested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you in canada? If so there is a sim lock when you put in your sim, but you're given an unlock code with the phone if you get it from a samsung store.
no not canada, well thats good to hear about unlock code, as said im pretty sure the sim lock is only for carrier bought gs7 phones.
Work for a carrier: it will lock upon first sim. If you put in a sim after initial Set up it wipes and reboots. Unlock codes are available like any other phone
CPW never lock their android phones. This feature is for carriers to lock if they want and helps Sammy to sell phones to multiple suppliers using the same SKU code rather than different variants. Anyone buying sim free won't have to worry about this and I'm 99℅ sure shops like cpw won't use this. Buying from an operator however is a different story
Sent from my XT1580 using Tapatalk
Seems like this SIM lock applies to carrier phones only and not Global/International aka Unlocked.
My guess is they do this so Samsung can provide everyone with the same standard S7 model to save hassle on carrier specific phones that are locked from the factory so the carrier can pick up any S7 and provide the sim that then locks to that network.
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
bradbutter said:
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
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Cool thanks for reporting.
bradbutter said:
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont understand what you are saying...if you stuck a tmobile sim from your iphone and stuck it in your tmobile s7, its still possibly carrier locked to tmobile.
we want to know if you stick a cricket or at&t in your tmobile s7 first, will it lock to those carriers even though your on tmobile or will it require a remote unlock
I'd be curious to know that if id DOES lock, would a ODIN/reflash of stock reset it?
I would love it buying a AT&T version would work on Verizon or T-Mobile.
All this of course with the phone having access to all bands set on initial carrier SIM card boot up.
Is it possible to just flash a different version's os? Example, could i just flash the t-mo fw onto an att phone?
el7145 said:
I dont understand what you are saying...if you stuck a tmobile sim from your iphone and stuck it in your tmobile s7, its still possibly carrier locked to tmobile.
we want to know if you stick a cricket or at&t in your tmobile s7 first, will it lock to those carriers even though your on tmobile or will it require a remote unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well yeah in that case I'm not sure because I know my phone should be locked to T-Mobile from the start unless I pay it off in full. I highly doubt if I would have put a non T-Mobile Sim in it first that it would of even got service. You would have to ask someone with an unlocked device if another sim works because most devices from carriers are locked from the start.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
bradbutter said:
Oh well yeah in that case I'm not sure because I know my phone should be locked to T-Mobile from the start unless I pay it off in full. I highly doubt if I would have put a non T-Mobile Sim in it first that it would of even got service. You would have to ask someone with an unlocked device if another sim works because most devices from carriers are locked from the start.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best answer here. I'm not sure what the confusion is here. A phone from T Mobile IS locked to T Mobile unless one removes the carrier lock. Its always been this way (sans int. phones). The carrier unlock app is in the S7 as well and by law all US carriers must provide the unlock if requested by a customer.
So if the OP buys an S7 outright then they can request and will receive the unlock for the phone. Otherwise its business as usual.

Looking for s8 plus with unlocked bootloader.

Hey guys.. i ordered my sprint s8+ and it will be here the 21st. I'm thinking about buying one with an unlocked bootloader and sending this one back. It has to work with sprint cdma. Anyone know where i can get one or what model that would be ?
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
No chance any international phone will ever be whitelisted by sprint. You have the hardest carrier to use unlocked GSM phones with. Sprint is CDMA and has a system of adding only the phones it will allow into its network
djxn40 said:
Hey guys.. i ordered my sprint s8+ and it will be here the 21st. I'm thinking about buying one with an unlocked bootloader and sending this one back. It has to work with sprint cdma. Anyone know where i can get one or what model that would be ?
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to leave Sprint for any chance of that.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
So the only way to get a unlocked boot loader is to pay full price for a international phone.
hinds90 said:
So the only way to get a unlocked boot loader is to pay full price for a international phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and stay the hell away from Verizon or Sprint.
^ Exactly! Here
Interceptor777 said:
Yes, and stay the hell away from Verizon or Sprint.
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Click to collapse
^ This. This is also why most of the phone reviewers, in the US anyway, have either AT&T or T-Mobile, as they're both use GSM. All unlocked phones sold in the international market are GSM, so you can basically plop in your SIM and you're good to go.
Verizon and Sprint are much trickier as they both use CDMA, which unless I'm mistaken, it's only in the US market. And with their whitelist system, even if you have the correct bands for their networks, it still might not work.
Lol that sucks being that I'm with Verizon. Ah well no root and roms. As long as it works great factory I guess I'll be okay.
I love mine even though it's sprint model. So much nicer then that nightmare iPhone I had. Lol
njdan30 said:
I love mine even though it's sprint model. So much nicer then that nightmare iPhone I had. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got another sim from the other providers just to test the sim lock policy?
954wrecker said:
Got another sim from the other providers just to test the sim lock policy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have att and Verizon straight talk Sims soon as I get home I'll try let you know
djxn40 said:
Hey guys.. i ordered my sprint s8+ and it will be here the 21st. I'm thinking about buying one with an unlocked bootloader and sending this one back. It has to work with sprint cdma. Anyone know where i can get one or what model that would be ?
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader has nothing to do with that. What you mean is network unlocked
Device locked by carrier contact carrier for unlocking when I try different SIM.i have two more due today from two other carriers for my wife and daughter wife's is Verizon so I'm pretty sure hers is unlocked lie every other model from be. Ups says they're out for delivery so ill try they other 2 today. Have a good day all
djxn40 said:
Hey guys.. i ordered my sprint s8+ and it will be here the 21st. I'm thinking about buying one with an unlocked bootloader and sending this one back. It has to work with sprint cdma. Anyone know where i can get one or what model that would be ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is none.
---------- Post added at 02:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
hinds90 said:
So the only way to get a unlocked boot loader is to pay full price for a international phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and it won't work on Sprint or Verizon.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Sim Unlock Code

(mod edit)
If the phone is IMEI blocked, which is likely is if reported lost or stolen, then you won't be able to use it on any network in that country afaik
you can't unlock your phone only by rooting and changing apn.
but you can try to contact the person who sold this phone and ask him to fix this issue, I think it may work
felipeoguyar said:
Hi I'm new to posting on forums so if I break protocol or etiquette apologize in advance. two weeks ago I bought a t-mobile samsung galaxy s7 from craigslist only to find it was reported lost. the phone is not catching signal anymore and I can't use it. friend of mine told me that I can unlock the network via unlock code so I could use my cricket mobile sim with this phone. I made online research and found few sim unlocking services so my question is- can use one of them to unlock my phone or I can unlock it by rooting, changing apn settings etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good rule of thumb I have learned and used is to check google locks before seller leaves, And make them sign a bill of sale Printed name date and address, in most states in the U.S. most of these phones are valued over 500$ which With no profe You are technically in possession of stolen property which if valued over 500$ is a felony charge.
I have had a few close calls in the past but I do not now. It sucks cause you can get burned 2 ways.....
orig owner still prob owed on it figured they could sell it and then claim insurance. seen it done many times over to people.
mattzaher said:
why seller reported this phone lost after selling or it was earlier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately some people do do this. Its crooked Always get a bill of sale and check for google locks if seller is in hurry, Pass it on as much as you may want a certain device and your getting a deal.
I think people get these phones on contract for no other reason than to sell them, then they either report lost or stolen, or don't pay the contract and it gets IMEI blocked
That, or they are stolen phones
*Detection* said:
I think people get these phones on contract for no other reason than to sell them, then they either report lost or stolen, or don't pay the contract and it gets IMEI blocked
That, or they are stolen phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen it a million times over happen
sammyalexandro said:
it's very risky to buy a used phone in hurry without making sure that 'history' of this phone was good. I think better to add couple hundreds bucks and buy a new phone directly from carrier
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Click to collapse
sometimes the difference not only "couple hundreds" and used phone is much cheaper then new one. so better to buy a locked phone and then unlock it using sim network unlock puk code
what is the difference between Samsung Galaxy S7 G930A; G930P; G930V; G930T; G930R; G930U for sim unlocking? which one is easier to unlock? thanks
serhiopinkoli said:
what is the difference between Samsung Galaxy S7 G930A; G930P; G930V; G930T; G930R; G930U for sim unlocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G930A (AT&T, Cricket)
SM-G930P (Sprint, Boost, Virgin Mobile)
SM-G930V (Verizon);
SM-G930T (T-Mobile, Metro PCS)
SM-G930R (US Cellular)
also they have:
SM-G930F (Global)
SM-G930FD (Global; Southeast Asia)
SM-G930W8 (Canada)
which one is easier to unlock? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all US, Canadian and European models
As a general rule, whenever you will buy another device from a person or third party, check the IMEI both http://imeipro.info/
At least this is one extra filter through which you make sure you buy a phone with a clean IMEI.
alfonsocoralles said:
which one is dual sim 128GB which support all t-mobile lte bands? SM-G9350, SM-G935W8, SM-G930U, SM-G930VL, SM-G930V, SM-G930R4, SM-G930T, SM-G930P, SM-G930R7, SM-G930R6, SM-G930T1, SM-G930A, SM-G930AZ, SM-G930FD, SM-G930S, SM-G930L, SM-G930K, SM-G930F, SM-G9300, SM-G9308, SM-G930W8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G930FD is dual sim variant
alfonsocoralles said:
thanks.
is this model DSDA (dual sim dual active) or DSDS (dual sim dual standby) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's DSDS (dual sim dual standby), but you can activate some sort of imitation of "active" mode in settings. if sim1 is busy and someone calling on sim2 (which is offline because the phone has only one baseband) all income calls on sim2 will be redirected on sim1
quick question
eldar4uk said:
SM-G930A (AT&T, Cricket)
SM-G930P (Sprint, Boost, Virgin Mobile)
SM-G930V (Verizon);
SM-G930T (T-Mobile, Metro PCS)
SM-G930R (US Cellular)
also they have:
SM-G930F (Global)
SM-G930FD (Global; Southeast Asia)
SM-G930W8 (Canada)
all US, Canadian and European models
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you say they are the easiest but im having trouble. i have s7 tmobile i flashed to att then rooted it then i checked and esn check it passes but i cant get back to tmobile to try the device unlock app is there a root app i can use to unlock the network? or updated thread that will help? would you mind?
felipeoguyar said:
Hi I'm new to posting on forums so if I break protocol or etiquette apologize in advance. two weeks ago I bought a t-mobile samsung galaxy s7 from craigslist only to find it was reported lost. the phone is not catching signal anymore and I can't use it. friend of mine told me that I can unlock the network via unlock code so I could use my cricket mobile sim with this phone. I made online research and found few sim unlocking services so my question is- can use one of them to unlock my phone or I can unlock it by rooting, changing apn settings etc?
[UPDATE] unlocked successfully with www.samsungsimunlock.com
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about 4g/LTE connection after unlocking? it working well or you have only 3g connection?
ok so just wondering
adammelody said:
you should flash t-mobile stock rom, clean cache/dalvik cache and unlock it using Network Unlock app. after that you will be able to flash any custom ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im now back to g930t do i need to agree to the device data collection from tmobile pink screen in initial setup process for this to work?. and to clear dalvik cache dont i need to be rooted for that? i thought flashing back to stock does that automatically. thank you for your patience im still learning,( but totally dedicated in this art. ask my wife.) one more question since tmobile has terms for unlock policy one being on network for min of 40 days, does that mean i need to request unlock using a tmo sim inserted or can this be done using wifi? reason i ask is becasue im a att user and another policy for unlock is 2 requests per 90 days. and ive already attempted a temp and perm unlock. both said inelegiable. so im trying to narrow it down to see if i needed to have tmo sim inserted at the time to connect to there remote servers. if so since i didnt at thetime of request im hoping that the 2 unlock requests didnt count. and on the other hand that would be a pain because i dont have a tmo sim. or could this be achieved using wifi.?
---------- Post added at 03:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:05 AM ----------
felipeoguyar said:
Hi I'm new to posting on forums so if I break protocol or etiquette apologize in advance. two weeks ago I bought a t-mobile samsung galaxy s7 from craigslist only to find it was reported lost. the phone is not catching signal anymore and I can't use it. friend of mine told me that I can unlock the network via unlock code so I could use my cricket mobile sim with this phone. I made online research and found few sim unlocking services so my question is- can use one of them to unlock my phone or I can unlock it by rooting, changing apn settings etc?
[UPDATE] unlocked successfully with www.samsungsimunlock.com
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was that site effective because i was thinking about goin the same route and did a few reviews and found that people were saying that it didnt work. heard that it was using a dummy app to say that it was unlocked but truely was not. can u confirm this unlock method is still workin for you?
---------- Post added at 03:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 AM ----------
does it always stack quotes like that? i posted replys seperately but some reason it stacked them.
julianalaqrua said:
what about 4g/LTE connection after unlocking? it working well or you have only 3g connection?
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Click to collapse
as I know, this phone support all LTE bands so 4g will work correctly after unlocking I think
ronnycopsetta said:
dalvik cache cleaning is only custom recovery feature or I can do it using stock recovery?
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yes, you can do it using stock recovery as well
pierremaximiliano said:
yes, you can do it using stock recovery as well
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I think TWRP recovery will work better in this case
uzbekputh said:
what iа the phone is not rooted? is it possible to install TWRP recovery on stock phone ?
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Click to collapse
yes, you can use stock recovery too

MetroPCS version Unlocked working on Verizon

So I have the MetroPCS version of the A20. I got it carrier unlocked the other day. I decided to try my Version SIM in it and it actually works. I've been using it a few days with no issues on Verizon. Just thought I'd share that.
ItGuyJax8430 said:
So I have the MetroPCS version of the A20. I got it carrier unlocked the other day. I decided to try my Version SIM in it and it actually works. I've been using it a few days with no issues on Verizon. Just thought I'd share that.
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Can you unlock the bootloader?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/root-samsung-galaxy-a20-rooting-guide-t3954872
physwizz said:
Can you unlock the bootloader?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/root-samsung-galaxy-a20-rooting-guide-t3954872
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Sorry, no idea about the bootloader. I just got it carrier sim unlocked.
ItGuyJax8430 said:
Sorry, no idea about the bootloader. I just got it carrier sim unlocked.
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It seems that the bootloader is locked in the US.
ItGuyJax8430 said:
So I have the MetroPCS version of the A20. I got it carrier unlocked the other day. I decided to try my Version SIM in it and it actually works. I've been using it a few days with no issues on Verizon. Just thought I'd share that.
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How did you sim unlock ?
ricosuave88 said:
How did you sim unlock ?
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Paid for an unlocking service on eBay. I’ve used them several times. They unlocked it via the MetroPCS unlock app (not really an app because they’ve built it in to the actual OS on the A20 under more network settings). So it’s an official unlock not some remote in to your PC scam thing.
ItGuyJax8430 said:
Paid for an unlocking service on eBay. I’ve used them several times. They unlocked it via the MetroPCS unlock app (not really an app because they’ve built it in to the actual OS on the A20 under more network settings). So it’s an official unlock not some remote in to your PC scam thing.
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Would you mid sharing details like the Wait Time once submitted, website name and the final cost? I am interested.
Freshly_Snipes said:
Would you mid sharing details like the Wait Time once submitted, website name and the final cost? I am interested.
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Yeah. Sorry, I should have shared that. Wait time was about 10 days. Depending on when you buy it. The cost was $38.99 and the seller is in the link below. I have used them several times as each time it worked out great.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/METROPCS-D...-LG-KYOCERA-ALCATEL-ZTE-Coolpad-/264273293533
ItGuyJax8430 said:
Yeah. Sorry, I should have shared that. Wait time was about 10 days. Depending on when you buy it. The cost was $38.99 and the seller is in the link below. I have used them several times as each time it worked out great.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/METROPCS-D...-LG-KYOCERA-ALCATEL-ZTE-Coolpad-/264273293533
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Tnx for sharing ,
Did you activated your A20 before you sent IMEI for unlocking or not? I have mine A20 and it's still not activated, dunno what I should do first ?
It doesn't matter as long as you have the metro unlock app installed.
---------- Post added at 12:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:52 AM ----------
kiboboss said:
Tnx for sharing ,
Did you activated your A20 before you sent IMEI for unlocking or not? I have mine A20 and it's still not activated, dunno what I should do first ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter as long as you have the metro unlock app installed.
ItGuyJax8430 said:
So I have the MetroPCS version of the A20. I got it carrier unlocked the other day. I decided to try my Version SIM in it and it actually works. I've been using it a few days with no issues on Verizon. Just thought I'd share that.
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Click to collapse
I'm guessing almost all the MetroPCS A20s on craigslist were given "free with contract" so the initial 24-month contract is not up yet (your case may be different). In that case, I'd expect MetroPCS(Tmo) to eventually put the MEID onto their blacklist. The carriers used to honor each others' blacklists, which could cause Vz to shut off service in the future.
That said, I bought a craigslist Boost G4 a few years ago, which was not accepted by Sprint but has worked fine on Tmo and ATT ever since. So maybe they are not sharing blacklists anymore.
So I look at the ebay link, did you paid 64$ to unlock this device? really
Did u just have a Verizon sim card that u put in the phone? Because I have the same phone and I got it unlocked thru metro but I tried to use a Verizon sim card thru straight talk and it didnt work. Would I just have to get a sim card straight thru verizon and do it that way? Where I'm at I don't get very good service thru t mobile but other ppl have great service with Verizon
ZackPhone said:
So I look at the ebay link, did you paid 64$ to unlock this device? really
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I did not. They have raised prices since I've done it.
Tence0821 said:
Did u just have a Verizon sim card that u put in the phone? Because I have the same phone and I got it unlocked thru metro but I tried to use a Verizon sim card thru straight talk and it didnt work. Would I just have to get a sim card straight thru verizon and do it that way? Where I'm at I don't get very good service thru t mobile but other ppl have great service with Verizon
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Click to collapse
I just put my Verizon SIM in it and it started working on Verizon. It was an already active SIM directly through Verizon.
ItGuyJax8430 said:
I just put my Verizon SIM in it and it started working on Verizon. It was an already active SIM directly through Verizon.[/QUOTE
Ok thank you
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For anyone interested. The updated terms through metro for unlocking the carrier on an Android just involves paying more than $100 on your phones bill.
My A20 is free to unlock in about 10 days or so.
MetroPCS version of the A20
Have you activated the MetroPCS version of the A20 before you sent IMEI to unlock it, mine was not activated. as per my knowledge, Verizon SIM cards work with the following phones such as Verizon iPhone, Verizon Galaxy phone or other unlocked CDMA phones. and it won't be compatible with ATT or GSM phones. I want to get my hands on new MetroPCS as my last phone was way too old and wanted to know whether MetroPCS open near me or not.

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