Related
Bought 955FD myself here in saudi.
Followed instructions to make "cumulative 5 minute call" with middle east/north africa sim: regional unlock.
1st issue: wifi calling available?
Searched settings for wifi calling. Initially something pops up, such as an option but it asked for ?phone number? I dont recall, was too excited about getting ready to pop in sprint sim from edge6.
During this search i was waiting for smart switch to execute bringing files from edge6.
When its all done i see nothing about wifi calling on 955FD.
2nd issue: activating 955FD to Sprint network.
Called Sprint, they asked for HEX gave them the IMEI number, then informed phone is not compatible.
They informed me i could go into sprint store and have them flash the device to place it on sprint's system. But that didnt sound confident. The phone is not compatible but can be flashed.
I was told once before by sprint international they have special sims to be used on foreign devices. But after failed activation informed me the international sim would not work either. I am never satisfied with first tier help/information from sprint.
I am open any advice. Last hope is to switch to TMobile which i read in another xda forum it will work. But i am concerned about the wifi calling mainly.
If you're rooted, then flash the CSC selector and select TMB. It will bring you wifi calling and Volte in TMOBILE, Not sure Exynos model will support Sprint CDMA..
I'm using it in Tmobile.. Mine is G955F
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Not rooted. Never tried that before. Trying to stay away from that effort.
Must it be rooted to be used on Tmobile?
2nd issue: activating 955FD to Sprint network.
Called Sprint, they asked for HEX gave them the IMEI number, then informed phone is not compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As SBR said above, Exynos does not support CDMA. Sprint is CDMA. Your rep was correct.
rkennison said:
As SBR said above, Exynos does not support CDMA. Sprint is CDMA. Your rep was correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Would them offering to flash the device be worth a try for experimental purpose?
No. The Exynos chip does not support CDMA. That is only in the Qualcom chip. The problem lies in your CPU, not software.
You have two different types of cellular networks, CDMA and GSM. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA while everyone else (in the world) uses GSM.
Kind of just an FYI, in which case your phone will work on T-Mobile, but not sure about the extra steps with WiFi calling (though, if it's on these forums, then you should be set there too).
Will update about wifi calling feature after I speak to Mobile in few weeks upon returning to stattes.
Thanks.
955FD on T-Mobile
After signing up with Tmobile i am 99% all good. Only problem is no wifi calling feature has appeared.
J_blaze114 said:
After signing up with Tmobile i am 99% all good. Only problem is no wifi calling feature has appeared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi calling on TMobile requires the TMobile firmware (which isn't available on the 955FD model, obviously).
Even unlocked US phones from Samsung can't use WiFi calling on TMobile unless they flash TMobile firmware.
You cannot flash the TMobile firmware on your device.
Skander1998 said:
WiFi calling on TMobile requires the TMobile firmware (which isn't available on the 955FD model, obviously).
Even unlocked US phones from Samsung can't use WiFi calling on TMobile unless they flash TMobile firmware.
You cannot flash the TMobile firmware on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my only option is to use DIGITS app by tmobile. Not bad but overall happy with my choice to buy this model...so far.
Hi,
I was recently gifted an unlocked ATT S8+ (SM-G955U) which I'm trying to activate to my Verizon account. I've read conflicting information about this, and after going to the Verizon store and calling them directly I'm thoroughly confused.
The rep on the phone told me that the phone is "incompatible" with their network based on the IMEI number. From what I gather, the hardware (and model numbers) on all the major carrier's S8+s are the same and simply have different firmware. I've also read that they're interchangeable. Has anyone successfully gotten the ATT S8+ on Verizon? I'm almost feeling like it's something where I would need to jump through more hoops and speak to a manager to get them to do it, but before I did I wanted to get others input. Thanks!
I heard that the phone will work, you'll need to flash the Verizon firmware onto the AT&T phone.
Thanks Richie. Do you think that Verizon is telling me that the IMEI is "incompatible" because I may need to flash another firmware to enable CDMA? Or are some versions of the S4+ really incompatible on their network.
May there be possible success to get them to activate it anyway?
kebas239 said:
Hi,
I was recently gifted an unlocked ATT S8+ (SM-G955U) which I'm trying to activate to my Verizon account. I've read conflicting information about this, and after going to the Verizon store and calling them directly I'm thoroughly confused.
The rep on the phone told me that the phone is "incompatible" with their network based on the IMEI number. From what I gather, the hardware (and model numbers) on all the major carrier's S8+s are the same and simply have different firmware. I've also read that they're interchangeable. Has anyone successfully gotten the ATT S8+ on Verizon? I'm almost feeling like it's something where I would need to jump through more hoops and speak to a manager to get them to do it, but before I did I wanted to get others input. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kebas239 said:
Thanks Richie. Do you think that Verizon is telling me that the IMEI is "incompatible" because I may need to flash another firmware to enable CDMA? Or are some versions of the S4+ really incompatible on their network.
May there be possible success to get them to activate it anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you already have an active Verizon SIM card? Like in another phone?
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Do you already have an active Verizon SIM card? Like in another phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not - only because I'm coming from an S4 (which has the larger SIM card). I had to get a new one.
kebas239 said:
Hi,
I was recently gifted an unlocked ATT S8+ (SM-G955U) which I'm trying to activate to my Verizon account. I've read conflicting information about this, and after going to the Verizon store and calling them directly I'm thoroughly confused.
The rep on the phone told me that the phone is "incompatible" with their network based on the IMEI number. From what I gather, the hardware (and model numbers) on all the major carrier's S8+s are the same and simply have different firmware. I've also read that they're interchangeable. Has anyone successfully gotten the ATT S8+ on Verizon? I'm almost feeling like it's something where I would need to jump through more hoops and speak to a manager to get them to do it, but before I did I wanted to get others input. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IMEI thing and Verizon not provisioning your phone to activate on their network is the ONLY obstacle you have.
All the US S8/S8+/Note8 variants are identical and can be cross-flashed to whatever carrier you want. You can easily grab the VZW firmware and flash it on to your AT&T device, fully converting it, however the IMEI won't be in Verizon's system since your particular phone wasn't sold by Verizon.
Somehow get around that and your phone will be fully compatible on VZWs network.
kebas239 said:
Thanks Richie. Do you think that Verizon is telling me that the IMEI is "incompatible" because I may need to flash another firmware to enable CDMA? Or are some versions of the S4+ really incompatible on their network.
May there be possible success to get them to activate it anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry about what Verizon reps are telling you because most often than not they are following a standard procedure. And they only Input your IMEI into a service like this one:https://www.verizonwireless.com/bring-your-own-device/#checkDevice
As your IMEI is for an AT&T phone, the brand model has an A appended at the end (as in AT&T).
However, you should still investigate this issue and try the steps recommended by the other guys. You will be able to use your phone with a VZV sim without reaching to Verizon
kebas239 said:
Hi,
I was recently gifted an unlocked ATT S8+ (SM-G955U) which I'm trying to activate to my Verizon account. I've read conflicting information about this, and after going to the Verizon store and calling them directly I'm thoroughly confused.
The rep on the phone told me that the phone is "incompatible" with their network based on the IMEI number. From what I gather, the hardware (and model numbers) on all the major carrier's S8+s are the same and simply have different firmware. I've also read that they're interchangeable. Has anyone successfully gotten the ATT S8+ on Verizon? I'm almost feeling like it's something where I would need to jump through more hoops and speak to a manager to get them to do it, but before I did I wanted to get others input. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an AT&T S8 + on Verizon's network, had to unlock the phone, I did flash VZV firmware.
Works for me.
Thanks all for the responses! So it does look like I can do it then, but I just need to get Verizon to activate the new SIM. Think if I could find another phone that's compatible, throw the SIM in, activate, then switch the SIM to the S8+ it would work? (Assuming I've flashed the Verizon firmware on it).
Also, I'm trying to find out how to flash the phone properly. I don't really need root, but I'll take it if its easy. Thinking in my scenario, I'd follow this thread, correct?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...opment/rom-s8-allcarriersrootedstock-t3659232
kebas239 said:
Thanks all for the responses! So it does look like I can do it then, but I just need to get Verizon to activate the new SIM. Think if I could find another phone that's compatible, throw the SIM in, activate, then switch the SIM to the S8+ it would work? (Assuming I've flashed the Verizon firmware on it).
Also, I'm trying to find out how to flash the phone properly. I don't really need root, but I'll take it if its easy. Thinking in my scenario, I'd follow this thread, correct?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...opment/rom-s8-allcarriersrootedstock-t3659232
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you can get VZW to activate a nano SIM then all you have to do is pop it in your S8+, and it will work perfectly.
You don't HAVE to flash the Verizon firmware, but you'll won't be able to use certain features such as VoLTE and WiFi calling with the ATT firmware, so I recommend it. Not a necessity though.
To change carrier firmware, follow this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3627255
Can't help you with rooting. Sorry, I stopped rooting my phones long ago.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yes, if you can get VZW to activate a nano SIM then all you have to do is pop it in your S8+, and it will work perfectly.
You don't HAVE to flash the Verizon firmware, but you'll won't be able to use certain features such as VoLTE and WiFi calling with the ATT firmware, so I recommend it. Not a necessity though.
To change carrier firmware, follow this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3627255
Can't help you with rooting. Sorry, I stopped rooting my phones long ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great information! I'll call back Verizon and knowing all this I have something to back myself up with to at least try to convince them to activate the SIM (if not, I'll find a temporary phone to activate).
Thank you (and everyone else) for all the help!
I was able to get Verizon to activate the SIM and IMEI of the new S8. When I checked my account online to verify, it shows the correct numbers. Unfortunately, the phone is still not able to make calls or connect to the mobile network.
Following this, I rooted and flashed a deodexed stock ROM/firmware that is compatible with all carriers. This made no difference in the issue.
On the status bar, normal reception for my area is shown. There is no data (LTE/3G, etc.) connection, however. In looking at the APN settings, there are multiple Verizon options to choose. "Verizon Internet" (VZWINTERNET) is what is selected. Under the network operators, Automatic is selected. I tried changing it to Manual, but I do not get an option to select Verizon. Only ATT or T-Mobile. Under SIM Card Status, It's says that I'm on an unknown network.
Any ideas on what I could do to diagnose this? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to be able to get this phone to work so bad!
Thanks!
Success! I was about to give up, but decided to try a few more things.
1) To register a new SIM on VZW, it needs to initially go into a VZW based phone to work correctly. Once doing this, I saw some changes:
- I could now see my phone number.
- Verizon was an option under the network operators setting.
This did not solve my problem, however, as I still could not connect to the network. When selecting VZW, the request would fail and say to try again later. So onto the next (and last!) thing I did...
2) Download VZW firmware and flash via ODEN (The Comsey version, but I don't think that matters). I added the BL, AP, CP & CSC (included in the zip file) using the default options. I found this firmware at the below link and grabbed the latest version. The download was very slow for me (I had to run it overnight), but numerous posters stated that they are a reliable source so I took a chance.
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s8-plus/SM-G955U1/VZW/download/G955U1UES2AQL1/201500/
I'm just so glad everything is working now. Thank you so much to all who have responded to the thread to guide me in the right direction! Hope this helps someone else who may be having the same trouble.
I have a G930V and recently switched from Verizon to T-Mobile. I flashed the phone firmware to G930T so WiFi calling, VoLTE, and visual voicemail would work. After doing that, it seems the phone is now locked to the T-Mobile network - even though it was never locked on Verizon.
I wanted to de-bloat the phone and try G930U - but can I do that if the phone is locked now? Do I need to somehow unlock the phone first? Or is it only locked to the T-Mobile sim?
Also - If I switch to G930U, what will I lose other than bloatware? Just OTA updates? Do I have to do anything special to enable Advanced Messaging, Visual Voicemail, WiFi Calling, and VoLTE?
Mr_Transistor said:
I have a G930V and recently switched from Verizon to T-Mobile. I flashed the phone firmware to G930T so WiFi calling, VoLTE, and visual voicemail would work. After doing that, it seems the phone is now locked to the T-Mobile network - even though it was never locked on Verizon.
I wanted to de-bloat the phone and try G930U - but can I do that if the phone is locked now? Do I need to somehow unlock the phone first? Or is it only locked to the T-Mobile sim?
Also - If I switch to G930U, what will I lose other than bloatware? Just OTA updates? Do I have to do anything special to enable Advanced Messaging, Visual Voicemail, WiFi Calling, and VoLTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you "network-locked"? or have a different sort of issue? I have a ex-VZW S7; however, due to the previous owner, I was "network-locked" - and thus could NOT take the phone back to VZW (the phone's original network). I am a Tracfone customer; therefore, I COULD take the phone to T-Mobile (Tracfone uses both networks). My misgivings were, in fact, entirely due to previous experiences using T-Mobile's network (with Tracfone, Safelink Wireless, and Virgin Mobile USA. After porting the IMEI, I prayed and did the firmware change (both were flawless. Rather amusingly, my service has ALSO been flawless - better than it has previously been as a T-Mobile-MVNO customer - unexpected, to say the least. I went from swearing AT Trafcone (and T-Mobile) to swearing by them (and eating a heaping helping of CROW in the process) - when I'm wrong, I'm wrong. I've had VoLTE (and VoWiFi as well) since I've been on the Pink side of things - if you want updates, you want T-Mobile firmware, though. (I'm running Project L V.4 and knew going in I'd lose OTAs - if you'rer comfortable with that, that may be an option for you. If you're nervous, grab the latest T-Mobile ODIN TAR (it has its own thread) and flash that - the firmware is un-fooled-around with. Extract and flash with ODIN as normal.
Verizon S7 phones are not locked, period. There are instructions on how to put Tmobile rom on the phone. We have done 2 and both were easy and worked flawlessly. Wifi Calling and LTE
hankvb said:
Verizon S7 phones are not locked, period. There are instructions on how to put Tmobile rom on the phone. We have done 2 and both were easy and worked flawlessly. Wifi Calling and LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it is not locked as a Verizon phone. I am an talking about going BACK to 930V after flashing 930T. It appears to be network locked now...
I had the same issue. After changing the phone from a sm-930v to a sm-930t I placed a verizon sim in the phone and the carrier told me the device was network locked to T-Mobile. I used the T-Mobile unlock app and requested a carrier unlock. The message said, "phone permenantly unlocked." I am using a ATT sim card with Tracfone with no problems. By default Verizon phones are unlocked after 90 days if there are no pending contract issues. I think the T-Mobile carrier lock may depend upon the firmware you flash. You may want to wipe the data and try a different version.
I've just purchased a used SM-G930VL (Straight Talk) phone on Swappa. I requested the SM-G930U, but they apparently sent the wrong model.
The reason I wanted to SM-G930U model was so I could insert any SIM card and it would work.
Questions (and I'm new to Android as you can probably tell below):
- Is the SM-G930VL Verizon / Straight Talk model usually unlocked to ONLY use any SIM card from Straight Talk or would I be able to use any US carrier?
- Is there a way to put SM-G930U firmware on a SM-G930VL phone and is there an advantage to this?
- Will the SM-G930U firmware unlock the phone in case it's locked to Straight Talk only?
- Can I brick the phone for good if I attempt to Flash it and I do it wrong? or is it always possible to bring the phone back from the dead?
- Is there a recent tutorial on how to make the phone accept any carrier?
I tried using Odin to Flash the phone from SM-G930VL to SM-G930V, but was following a 2 year old YouTube video, so the files were outdated and I was unsuccessful.
The phone is running Android 8.0.0 and Knox 3.1, API level 25.
pitrofilta said:
I've just purchased a used SM-G930VL (Straight Talk) phone on Swappa. I requested the SM-G930U, but they apparently sent the wrong model.
The reason I wanted to SM-G930U model was so I could insert any SIM card and it would work.
Questions (and I'm new to Android as you can probably tell below):
- Is the SM-G930VL Verizon / Straight Talk model usually unlocked to ONLY use any SIM card from Straight Talk or would I be able to use any US carrier?
: the SM-G930VL is programmed to only work with straight talk sim cards. The phone is factory unlocked as far as i know but it does not allow network connectivity with non ST sim cards.
- Is there a way to put SM-G930U firmware on a SM-G930VL phone and is there an advantage to this?
: Yes you can put the SM-G930U firmware. All US Galaxy S7S are the same hardware wise. The Advantage is that it completely removes everything that ST baked into the firmware.
- Will the SM-G930U firmware unlock the phone in case it's locked to Straight Talk only?
: If in case the device is sim locked to ST, flashing the SM-G930U firmware will not sim unlock the device.
- Can I brick the phone for good if I attempt to Flash it and I do it wrong? or is it always possible to bring the phone back from the dead?
: There are always risks when it comes to flashing any device. When it comes to Samsung devices it's hard to really hard brick a device using and official flash tool like Odin. the device cab get soft bricked but most of the times it's because of user error that it happens.
- Is there a recent tutorial on how to make the phone accept any carrier?
: there are many of them here on the forums but i can try my best to give you a quick run down:
1. First download the SM-G930U firmware from here
2. Download Odin from this thread, Credits to OP on that thread
3. Once Files are downloaded, extract the firmware and odin on the same folder for convinience.
4. Once you extract the firmware, you will have 5 files that each start with BL, AP, CP, HOME_CSC, and CSC (you will need BL, AP, CP and CSC only)
5. open Odin and load each file above in there respective slots, you will be able to see where each file needs to go, note that the AP file will take a few minutes to load as this is the biggest file of the 4.
6. at this point am assuming your galaxy s7 is completely off, Press and hold the Home + Volume down + Power keys together until you see a warning screen about flashing custom firmware, press Volume up to get to Download/Odin Mode.
7. connect your S7 to your PC, use usb 2.0 ports preferably. Let Windows install the drivers (you can get samsung drivers from here, make sure you install these first i.e. before connecting your phone to your PC)
8. Once Windows installs the drivers, on Odin, click START and wait for all the files to flash, DO NOT DISCONNECT THE PHONE until Odin says Pass or something similar.
9. The phone will automatically go to recovery mode and display installing update. It will reboot again and start to boot into android. once fully booted.
10. Once booted fully, you will be on Android Oreo for the unbranded Galaxy S7 with nothing from straight talk and also you will be able to use any sim card on the device.
I tried using Odin to Flash the phone from SM-G930VL to SM-G930V, but was following a 2 year old YouTube video, so the files were outdated and I was unsuccessful.
The phone is running Android 8.0.0 and Knox 3.1, API level 25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please let me know if you have further questions or help with doing this, i can probably help you remotely if we need to.
---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
btw i know this because i myself got a straighttalk galaxy s7 when it first came out. i switched to the unbranded firmware as soon as it was made available and have not gone back to the straight talk firmware ever. the phone behaves like an actual unlocked SM-G930U device and gets updates (albeit a little slower than carrier branded S7s) directly from samsung.
Also once you follow, this go to settings and software updates to get the latest available updates available from Samsung.
micallan_17 said:
Please let me know if you have further questions or help with doing this, i can probably help you remotely if we need to.
---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
btw i know this because i myself got a straighttalk galaxy s7 when it first came out. i switched to the unbranded firmware as soon as it was made available and have not gone back to the straight talk firmware ever. the phone behaves like an actual unlocked SM-G930U device and gets updates (albeit a little slower than carrier branded S7s) directly from samsung.
Also once you follow, this go to settings and software updates to get the latest available updates available from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies for not answering earlier. I really appreciate your offer and thoughts, however I just returned the S7 and purchased a used S8 instead.
pitrofilta said:
Apologies for not answering earlier. I really appreciate your offer and thoughts, however I just returned the S7 and purchased a used S8 instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Cool
Having A Bit Of Trouble With Calls!
micallan_17 said:
It's Cool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the thread folks!
I am also (an old) beginner! Followed the instructions (Thank you @micallan_17) and was able to successfully flash stock G930U into a T-Mobile S7 which was supposed to have been unlocked when I bought it, but apparently was not! So, with G930U everything works with my Consumer Cellular SIM (AT&T network), but I can not call out or receive calls! Flashed phone back to T-Mobile stock G930T and took it to a T-Mobile store. They were kind and put a demo SIM in it and it worked to call out. So, the hardware seems to be working. Back to G930U, I have wiped cache and data, but still no calls! Can send and receive text, WiFi works and have 4G LTE functional. It also shows the VoLTE option and WiFi calling, but won't do either. Basically, it is a smartphone that is only smart!
Any brilliant fixing suggestions out there?
AEChief said:
Hey thanks for the thread folks!
I am also (an old) beginner! Followed the instructions (Thank you @micallan_17) and was able to successfully flash stock G930U into a T-Mobile S7 which was supposed to have been unlocked when I bought it, but apparently was not! So, with G930U everything works with my Consumer Cellular SIM (AT&T network), but I can not call out or receive calls! Flashed phone back to T-Mobile stock G930T and took it to a T-Mobile store. They were kind and put a demo SIM in it and it worked to call out. So, the hardware seems to be working. Back to G930U, I have wiped cache and data, but still no calls! Can send and receive text, WiFi works and have 4G LTE functional. It also shows the VoLTE option and WiFi calling, but won't do either. Basically, it is a smartphone that is only smart!
Any brilliant fixing suggestions out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Glad the instructions were helpful, regarding the call issue, when you try calling, does it give you an error message? Also when you go to settings>connections>mobile networks, what shows under Network Mode?
micallan_17 said:
Hi, Glad the instructions were helpful, regarding the call issue, when you try calling, does it give you an error message? Also when you go to settings>connections>mobile networks, what shows under Network Mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the reply.
When I call a number, it acts and says it is dialing but it is quiet even with speaker on, and after about a minute it hangs up. No error messages appear. Calling the number from another phone goes to voicemail after a couple of rings, as though the number is busy or off. The Network Mode shows as LTE/3G/2G (auto connect). I also noticed that WiFi Calling that showed up with T-Mobile is missing with this setup, so I misspoke previously.
Update and a question on this topic
AEChief said:
Hi, thanks for the reply.
When I call a number, it acts and says it is dialing but it is quiet even with speaker on, and after about a minute it hangs up. No error messages appear. Calling the number from another phone goes to voicemail after a couple of rings, as though the number is busy or off. The Network Mode shows as LTE/3G/2G (auto connect). I also noticed that WiFi Calling that showed up with T-Mobile is missing with this setup, so I misspoke previously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First an update:
So, after I was convinced that the phone was still locked to T-Mobile, I wrote to the seller and they offered to exchange it. I got the second S7 and it is working fine, still T-Mobile but obviously unlocked! Now I am thinking of flashing it with the G930U ROM, but am not sure if it will affect the unlocking.
My question is just that: I assume the boot-loader is locked; then will going to the Samsung unlocked ROM mess things up? And if it happens that I can not call out with it like the first unit, going back to G930T ROM may not bring it back to the current state!
Has anyone have words of wisdom in this regard?
AEChief said:
First an update:
So, after I was convinced that the phone was still locked to T-Mobile, I wrote to the seller and they offered to exchange it. I got the second S7 and it is working fine, still T-Mobile but obviously unlocked! Now I am thinking of flashing it with the G930U ROM, but am not sure if it will affect the unlocking.
My question is just that: I assume the boot-loader is locked; then will going to the Samsung unlocked ROM mess things up? And if it happens that I can not call out with it like the first unit, going back to G930T ROM may not bring it back to the current state!
Has anyone have words of wisdom in this regard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should not lock the Device, the U firmware should flash just fine, Flashing the U firmware does not affect the boot loader locked state. make sure the device is permanently sim unlocked not temporary unlocked.
Benefits (if any) of unlocked firmware
AEChief said:
First an update:
So, after I was convinced that the phone was still locked to T-Mobile, I wrote to the seller and they offered to exchange it. I got the second S7 and it is working fine, still T-Mobile but obviously unlocked! Now I am thinking of flashing it with the G930U ROM, but am not sure if it will affect the unlocking.
My question is just that: I assume the boot-loader is locked; then will going to the Samsung unlocked ROM mess things up? And if it happens that I can not call out with it like the first unit, going back to G930T ROM may not bring it back to the current state!
Has anyone have words of wisdom in this regard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The major benefit (if any) of U (unlocked/carrierless) firmware (from posts in this and other carrier threads) is the avoidage of carrier-specific applications (which are almost universally regarded as *bloatware*). However, because of scripts written by the talented folks elsewhere on XDA, even the most bloated carrier firmware can be skimmed of bloat without the concern that you could be shooting yourself in the foot by not getting a feature that can be firmware-reliant (such as VoLTE or VoWifi). Further, some carriers (Verizon Wilreless most notably) have a stock-only firmware policy (that is, in fact, the biggest ding I have with Big Red).
S7 Snapdragon (applies to any such)
pitrofilta said:
I've just purchased a used SM-G930VL (Straight Talk) phone on Swappa. I requested the SM-G930U, but they apparently sent the wrong model.
The reason I wanted to SM-G930U model was so I could insert any SIM card and it would work.
Questions (and I'm new to Android as you can probably tell below):
- Is the SM-G930VL Verizon / Straight Talk model usually unlocked to ONLY use any SIM card from Straight Talk or would I be able to use any US carrier?
- Is there a way to put SM-G930U firmware on a SM-G930VL phone and is there an advantage to this?
- Will the SM-G930U firmware unlock the phone in case it's locked to Straight Talk only?
- Can I brick the phone for good if I attempt to Flash it and I do it wrong? or is it always possible to bring the phone back from the dead?
- Is there a recent tutorial on how to make the phone accept any carrier?
I tried using Odin to Flash the phone from SM-G930VL to SM-G930V, but was following a 2 year old YouTube video, so the files were outdated and I was unsuccessful.
The phone is running Android 8.0.0 and Knox 3.1, API level 25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My S7 (Snapdragon model) is not merely ex-Verizon, but one with a blacklisted IMEI on Big Red; the same would apply to any S7 (the gotcha with a blacklisted IMEI is that you can't take the phone back to the carrier that blacklisted the IMEI in question). The ONLY reason why blacklisted IMEIs happen is going to be contract-breakage (which is commonplace with long contracts - more than carriers want to admit). Still, you CAN take a phone with a blacklisted IMEI to another carrier (in my case, I took it to the the T-Mobile side of Tracfone). Other than that, you can go to any carrier.
Since I have been on the Tracfone side of T-Mobile, I have run T-Mobile Nougat, AT&T Mobility beta Oreo, AT&T Mobility Oreo Final, then T-Mobile Oreo - all without changing carriers, and all on the same S7. (You read that right - for at least two months, I ran firmware technically alien to both carrier AND phone - and it mattered to neither.) What has to be pointed out is that - until the b8 firmware, the ONLY carrier that quibbled about firmware is Verizon - and even that does not apply to their MVNOs, such as Tracfone.) Still, you have to wonder, why does Verizon care - especially since no other carrier did - even with phones under contract - until b8 came along - and that is only with the S7 in update-only mode? (It isn't as if Pie were in the offing for the S7.)
PGHammer said:
My S7 (Snapdragon model) is not merely ex-Verizon, but one with a blacklisted IMEI on Big Red; the same would apply to any S7 (the gotcha with a blacklisted IMEI is that you can't take the phone back to the carrier that blacklisted the IMEI in question). The ONLY reason why blacklisted IMEIs happen is going to be contract-breakage (which is commonplace with long contracts - more than carriers want to admit). Still, you CAN take a phone with a blacklisted IMEI to another carrier (in my case, I took it to the the T-Mobile side of Tracfone). Other than that, you can go to any carrier.
Since I have been on the Tracfone side of T-Mobile, I have run T-Mobile Nougat, AT&T Mobility beta Oreo, AT&T Mobility Oreo Final, then T-Mobile Oreo - all without changing carriers, and all on the same S7. (You read that right - for at least two months, I ran firmware technically alien to both carrier AND phone - and it mattered to neither.) What has to be pointed out is that - until the b8 firmware, the ONLY carrier that quibbled about firmware is Verizon - and even that does not apply to their MVNOs, such as Tracfone.) Still, you have to wonder, why does Verizon care - especially since no other carrier did - even with phones under contract - until b8 came along - and that is only with the S7 in update-only mode? (It isn't as if Pie were in the offing for the S7.)
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(Yeah fkn wish pie was available 8 Is gunna be last forms for the s7.
Can anyone at all help me root this phone? I bought it today from Walmart after reading it could be rooted but my varrient SM-G930VL Straight Talk came preloaded with Android 8.0 and all the guides say they are for android 6.0 please help!!
Hey,
Just got the S22Ultra today. I see that messages is now the default, which is good. But it appears RCS is now specific to AT&T only? When before it worked with anyone who had Google messages.
Has anyone else encountered this?
AT&T is known for having an implementation of RCS that doesn't go outside it's network.
Why? Don't ask me...
Solution: Install the "U1" firmware
Da_G said:
AT&T is known for having an implementation of RCS that doesn't go outside it's network.
Why? Don't ask me...
Solution: Install the "U1" firmware
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Would we lose WiFi calling / VoLTE / Visual Voicemail with that?
In the past there was difficulty using non carrier branded firmware and losing those particular features...
However at this point in time, VoLTE is a requirement to be connected to AT&Ts network.. and wifi calling works great I'm running U1 on AT&T Unlimited Elite with both features working well
Da_G said:
In the past there was difficulty using non carrier branded firmware and losing those particular features...
However at this point in time, VoLTE is a requirement to be connected to AT&Ts network.. and wifi calling works great I'm running U1 on AT&T Unlimited Elite with both features working well
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Which csc did you choose if you don't mind me asking, for the U1 firmware?
I have the S22 Ultra on U firmware with AT&T Unlimited Elite Plan as well and my 5G is amazing, sometimes even faster than my wifi.
Do you use USC or ATT for the U1 firmware's csc. I'm going to download from Frija and flash tomorrow. Hate the bloatware.
I forgot to mention that Visual Voice-mail works 100% as well. I used the U1 firmware posted here which I believe is multi-CSC. Generally speaking, if you punch most CSC into a Downloader like Frija, it will pull the same firmware zip file (U1) - there are some exceptions like Thom Browne which use a custom zip. Wifey and I were having problems sending photos via Text / "Advanced Messaging" on "U" firmware. I flashed both our phones to U1 (wow, flashing via USB-C cable takes 1 minute to flash the 7 gig firmware at 10gbps, pretty nice)
"U1" comes with both Samsung Messages and Samsung's customized Google messages build.
Samsung Messages still tries to use Advanced Messaging on AT&T, so that's out of the picture on "U1" as well.
But, Google Messages works great using Jibe as the backend for RCS as usual.
Da_G said:
I forgot to mention that Visual Voice-mail works 100% as well. I used the U1 firmware posted here which I believe is multi-CSC. Generally speaking, if you punch most CSC into a Downloader like Frija, it will pull the same firmware zip file (U1) - there are some exceptions like Thom Browne which use a custom zip.
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Thanks! What about 5G?
Also, did you do a full wipe going from U to U1? Or used HOME_CSC to keep data.
5G works great. AT&T gatekeeps 5G via a combination of factors:
5G Capable Plan on account
5G IMEI reported from connecting device
5G Capable APN connected from device (enhancedphone, nrphone, nrbroadband)
Firmware doesn't seem to affect it in my experience.
The "U1" image posted does not contain a HOME_CSC, so maintaining data is not an option this time around. I would still recommend a factory reset immediately prior to changing firmware from U1<-->U, while it does work, I feel like that introduces a tendency to glitchiness.
S22 uses a nice 5G modem that brings a beefy featureset, it has notable diversity and carrier aggregation improvements that seem to be shining through nicely on AT&T. I notice different bands being connected than typical with my other devices. For example I'm getting 10mhz of Band 29 downlink CA which is bumping speed test results nicely.
The reason I got the carrier locked version was to not lose those features. It was an issue in the past. It's nice to know it's been resolved.
It looks like a work around is being considered. A lot of ppl are complaining about the RCS issue in messages. I'll wait a while before I flash, but thanks for that option.
Da_G said:
5G works great. AT&T gatekeeps 5G via a combination of factors:
5G Capable Plan on account
5G IMEI reported from connecting device
5G Capable APN connected from device (enhancedphone, nrphone, nrbroadband)
Firmware doesn't seem to affect it in my experience.
The "U1" image posted does not contain a HOME_CSC, so maintaining data is not an option this time around. I would still recommend a factory reset immediately prior to changing firmware from U1<-->U, while it does work, I feel like that introduces a tendency to glitchiness.
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Is the U1 firmware the USA unlocked?
U1 firmware is world-wide unlocked, it includes all the necessary customizations to connect the bare minimum services + enhanced features (carrier video calling, RCS, visual voicemail, APN settings)
U1 doesn't come with the carrier specific "bloatware" and branding.
U has all that stuff that no one wants. In the past we had to use that flavor to enable carrier features as crispy1805 mentioned. No more! Now we can enjoy the bloatware free goodness.
It seems to be a global issue. I've been monitoring other forms: https://forums.att.com/conversation...2c097b3be6?commentId=62166982bd69402c097b3ed2