Database Info

[Q] Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3-SCH-I535-Unlocking

I am by far no where near the caliber of technology that lie within this web site, however, I am simply trying to get some direction regarding my S3.
I purchased it from Verizon-2 yrs ago, contract expired 7/8/13; did not renew. I went with Consumer Cellular (more fitting for the older generation) but my S3 WON'T WORK ON THEIR NETWORK!
I have spent the last 3 weeks doing research on this phone to see if it can be 'unlocked' to work with a another carrier. The phone is like brand new and I don't want to get rid of it, I'd prefer to use it with the new carrier.
Is there anyone who can give me some direction to this issue? Can the phone infact be "unlocked' to work with Consumer, it has the Verizon SIM card in it, I was able to root it, successfully, now if I can just get it unlocked. Had to purchase another phone so that I would not be without phone service while I work on trying to get this one unlocked.
I've been told it can't because Verizon is a CDMA carrier and Consumer is a GSM..if this in fact true than I've no options but to sell the phone.
I do have "Preferred Network Mode' and it gives me the following options, Global, LTE/CDMA & GSM/UMTS.
Any help, directions or information would be greatly appreciated. With my thanks to all those who have taken the time to read this post.

Southern66 said:
I am by far no where near the caliber of technology that lie within this web site, however, I am simply trying to get some direction regarding my S3.
I purchased it from Verizon-2 yrs ago, contract expired 7/8/13; did not renew. I went with Consumer Cellular (more fitting for the older generation) but my S3 WON'T WORK ON THEIR NETWORK!
I have spent the last 3 weeks doing research on this phone to see if it can be 'unlocked' to work with a another carrier. The phone is like brand new and I don't want to get rid of it, I'd prefer to use it with the new carrier.
Is there anyone who can give me some direction to this issue? Can the phone infact be "unlocked' to work with Consumer, it has the Verizon SIM card in it, I was able to root it, successfully, now if I can just get it unlocked. Had to purchase another phone so that I would not be without phone service while I work on trying to get this one unlocked.
I've been told it can't because Verizon is a CDMA carrier and Consumer is a GSM..if this in fact true than I've no options but to sell the phone.
I do have "Preferred Network Mode' and it gives me the following options, Global, LTE/CDMA & GSM/UMTS.
Any help, directions or information would be greatly appreciated. With my thanks to all those who have taken the time to read this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get this phone 2 years ago? It barely came out a little more than a year ago.
Next, you can unlock it, but only if you pay for the full retail for the phone and then contact Verizon about what you want to do and then get an unlock code. After that, you're going to need a SIM card from Consumer Cellular.
There shouldn't be a problem with radio frequencies since the Verizon GS3 is a global phone. So the SIM card should work after you get it set up.
If I'm wrong in some aspect, someone feel free to correct me.
sent from my Infected Bonestock GS3

david_hume said:
How did you get this phone 2 years ago? It barely came out a little more than a year ago.
Next, you can unlock it, but only if you pay for the full retail for the phone and then contact Verizon about what you want to do and then get an unlock code. After that, you're going to need a SIM card from Consumer Cellular.
There shouldn't be a problem with radio frequencies since the Verizon GS3 is a global phone. So the SIM card should work after you get it set up.
If I'm wrong in some aspect, someone feel free to correct me.
sent from my Infected Bonestock GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In regards to Unlocking the phone, the phone is unlocked out of the box, you just pop in your sim and select GSM mode! you have to set the APN for DATA yourself tho!

Galaxy s3 sCH-I535
david_hume said:
How did you get this phone 2 years ago? It barely came out a little more than a year ago.
Next, you can unlock it, but only if you pay for the full retail for the phone and then contact Verizon about what you want to do and then get an unlock code. After that, you're going to need a SIM card from Consumer Cellular.
There shouldn't be a problem with radio frequencies since the Verizon GS3 is a global phone. So the SIM card should work after you get it set up.
If I'm wrong in some aspect, someone feel free to correct me.
sent from my Infected Bonestock GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi:
I do not recall the date of purchase but know that when I purchased it I had to sign for a 2 yr contract with Verizon..that contract was up July 8,2013.
That is not important, what is important is to find out if in fact the phone can be unlocked, VERIZON swears it is unlocked so they are not going to be of any use to me to get their help. It is up to me to find someone who can unlock this phone via a cable. The code places I have contacted can't come up with a code, they have instructed me that it needs to be done with a cable.
As I stated, I am simply trying to get the phone unlocked to use on Consumer Celluar, of which I am already a memeber and have the SIM card activated on another SAMSUNG phone of which I had to buy.
I do not have to buy the phone outright, as the phone is paid for, thus the 2 yr contract. the phone is mine, but as long as it is in the state it is now, I can only use it on VERIZON.
The I535 has a sim card in it from Verizon, when I take out the Verizon SIM card and put in the Consumer SIM card I get the message, "this is a non verizon SIM card.
I am researching this everyday to find out if IT CAN BE UNLOCKED, AND #2 WHO CAN I GET TO UNLOCK IT? Verizon went so far as to tell me that all the person needs is a USB cable and PC...how true this is, I don't know.
Thank You

Southern66 said:
Hi:
I do not recall the date of purchase but know that when I purchased it I had to sign for a 2 yr contract with Verizon..that contract was up July 8,2013.
That is not important, what is important is to find out if in fact the phone can be unlocked, VERIZON swears it is unlocked so they are not going to be of any use to me to get their help. It is up to me to find someone who can unlock this phone via a cable. The code places I have contacted can't come up with a code, they have instructed me that it needs to be done with a cable.
As I stated, I am simply trying to get the phone unlocked to use on Consumer Celluar, of which I am already a memeber and have the SIM card activated on another SAMSUNG phone of which I had to buy.
I do not have to buy the phone outright, as the phone is paid for, thus the 2 yr contract. the phone is mine, but as long as it is in the state it is now, I can only use it on VERIZON.
The I535 has a sim card in it from Verizon, when I take out the Verizon SIM card and put in the Consumer SIM card I get the message, "this is a non verizon SIM card.
I am researching this everyday to find out if IT CAN BE UNLOCKED, AND #2 WHO CAN I GET TO UNLOCK IT? Verizon went so far as to tell me that all the person needs is a USB cable and PC...how true this is, I don't know.
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is right by saying its unlocked, and thats the most anyone can help you, if you are going to try unlocking the phone by cable, you might as well throw money down the drain! and 2 you need to update to the MF1 software! as MB1 and MD3 would tell you its non verizon sim card, but even on that update if you put the phone in GSM mode in Network settings the phone should work fine for calling and texting!

having the same issue, if you find out anything will you please let me know how to do this too. i would greatly appriciate it

SIM
Did you get the free Consumer Cellular SIM yet? Your post said you have rooted and have the Verizon SIM, and you can't get on CC network without their SIM card.
The phone is already "unlocked" for global/GSM use with the JB update, so you should be able to just pop in a SIM card from CC and change settings (they should provide you with this info).

A lot of ppl are saying the Verizon GS3 is already unlocked, but when i pop in my metro pcs sim card and switch network to cdma, nothing happens. What would I have to do to make it work with this metro carrier?

No Data, No Voice, No SMS
Hi. Im also having the same issue. I have a Verizon GS3 that was originally running 4.0.4, VRALHE. I rooted, updated the baseband to MF1, and installed RLS16 of Hyperdrive, so I now am on 4.1.2. I have the option to go GSM or Global, but when I put in my MetroPCS sim, I get nothing. It prompts me for Global, but I cant make calls or send sms. I also put in the APN and no data as well. Anyone know whatbI should do next? I have an IMEI, it doesnt appear to be lost, and I have tried the phone info app, as well as trying to go through the secret menu, the network lock menu is blank.

Hey, I got the same problem, and considering how it's been a while since the last post I wonder if there is any new news on this front. Thanx!
P.s: It came preinstalled with 4.3 stock, not rooted yet. I have the option to instal 4.4.2 via Kies {PDA:NE1 / PHONE:NE1 / CSC:NE1 (VZW)}.

Update here:
I digged into some settings and found that switching it into either Global or GSM seems to make the phone capable of voice calls.
Idk about 3G, I did manually type in the APN settings, but I never use anything other than wifi because internet here is expensive unless you go with one of their plans.
So if you haven't tried it, on 4.3 go to settings, under wireless and networks select 'More Settings', Mobile Networks, Network Mode.
Worked for me, although I still get "Non-Verizon SIM" in the notifications bar and it looks like my signal is a bit weaker than before. But still works.

guys you are wrong
guys there is no way metropcs, Boost mobile or sprint networks Work cause these are CDMA carriers and verizon and the other CDMA Carriers has a different activation way on Verizon smartphones the GSM module(gsm networks as well) come unlocked for foreigner carriers even the GSM US carriers(AT&T or TMOBILE) sometimes doesnt work hope that info help

How to update your system if you're not using the carrier from your S8(+) version.

This tutorial is for you who bought a carrier S8(+) and is using a SIM from another carrier and, because of that, not being able to update your system through your phones.
Error: "Service Unavailable: Sorry, we are having trouble authenticating your device. Try again later"
So, that's actually pretty easy to do, but a PC (or Mac) will be necessary.
The only thing you have to do is to download Smart Switch from Samsung on your PC and sync it with your device.
After you've done that, Smart Switch is gonna show the option to update your system.
PS: Beware it takes a while to download the update, at least if your S8(+) is from VZW.
Download links (Samsung.com):
PC: Click here
Mac: Click here
Hope I could help those who were having this problem!

I am using vzw GS8 on att and I get OTA just fine. I don't understand why this is a concern

Whanksta said:
I am using vzw GS8 on att and I get OTA just fine. I don't understand why this is a concern
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many people are getting this error.

Alvincp said:
Many people are getting this error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, same error I was getting. Thanks for sharing this!

Thanks for the post, I was having the same issue. I wonder though, if it's possible to configure an S8 to get OTA updates despite this issue. This is probably a question for Verizon support, huh?

Thanks for the post, I was having the same issue. I wonder though, if it's possible to configure an S8 to get OTA updates despite this issue. This is probably a question for Verizon support, huh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you have to flash the firmware to a different carrier however according to the other thread it's not possible yet: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72031437&postcount=75
I brought Verizon version on Ebay but I'm using it on Cricket network. I get the OTA error and I'm currently trying to update via Smart Switch.

Whanksta said:
I am using vzw GS8 on att and I get OTA just fine. I don't understand why this is a concern
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're using a vzw version on att? Any idea if that would work the other way around? Like a gsm version on cdma?
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

steven1193 said:
You're using a vzw version on att? Any idea if that would work the other way around? Like a gsm version on cdma?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Verizon phones are carrier unlocked out of the box.

Whanksta said:
No, Verizon phones are carrier unlocked out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if its unlocked? I'm trying to use an tmobile one on verizon. Sorry if the answer is still the same and I'm wasting your time.

Benzillah said:
Thanks for the post, I was having the same issue. I wonder though, if it's possible to configure an S8 to get OTA updates despite this issue. This is probably a question for Verizon support, huh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason people are seeing the error is because the phone is not activated through Verizon , so it is not in their server if you call it. another easy way to get OTA updates is to borrow a verizon sim from a friend, or even start a simple cheapest prepay plan. activate the phone with the sim, then everything will be ok, unless you wipe the phone. Friend of mine ,and myself tried on both his s8 and my s8+ , no problem at all.
we both are on ATT.

Alvincp said:
This tutorial is for you who bought a carrier S8(+) and is using a SIM from another carrier and, because of that, not being able to update your system through your phones.
Error: "Service Unavailable: Sorry, we are having trouble authenticating your device. Try again later"
So, that's actually pretty easy to do, but a PC (or Mac) will be necessary.
The only thing you have to do is to download Smart Switch from Samsung on your PC and sync it with your device.
After you've done that, Smart Switch is gonna show the option to update your system.
PS: Beware it takes a while to download the update, at least if your S8(+) is from VZW.
Download links (Samsung.com):
PC: Click here
Mac: Click here
Hope I could help those who were having this problem!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this change the model number so I can download different ROMs, after I get it unlocked? For example if I want a ROM that's popular for the verizon model, but I'm using the Tmo model? I think Tmo makes you wait a month after activating a device on their network before you're allowed to unlock it.

babyzone2 said:
The reason people are seeing the error is because the phone is not activated through Verizon , so it is not in their server if you call it. another easy way to get OTA updates is to borrow a verizon sim from a friend, or even start a simple cheapest prepay plan. activate the phone with the sim, then everything will be ok, unless you wipe the phone. Friend of mine ,and myself tried on both his s8 and my s8+ , no problem at all.
we both are on ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to make sure I get this straight once the phone is activated with a Verizon SIM card you can take the Verizon SIM card out, put back ATT sim card, and the phone will still get OTA updates even with the ATT SIM card inside?

hoxbox said:
Just to make sure I get this straight once the phone is activated with a Verizon SIM card you can take the Verizon SIM card out, put back ATT sim card, and the phone will still get OTA updates even with the ATT SIM card inside?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's it. In fact I tried with the Verizon Sim, no Sim, att Sim. All work fine. I have a friend also has a galaxy s8, borrowed a Verizon Sim, activated , removed Sim, att Sim work like a charm with OTA. There are two draw back for using the Verizon phone with Sim from other carriers. No OTA updates unless phone is activated through Verizon, especially for those use the phone over sea. 2nd, no full LTE performance due to lack of band used by your own carrier. For example, band 17 from AT&T, the Verizon phone doesn't have that . Your LTE works, but you likely have lower performance on LTE depends on your location. Verizon phone are unlocked and compatible with other GSM carriers , but not fully optimized.

info
steven1193 said:
Even if its unlocked? I'm trying to use an tmobile one on verizon. Sorry if the answer is still the same and I'm wasting your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your tmobile version is unlocked it will work on Verizon

babyzone2 said:
Yes, that's it. In fact I tried with the Verizon Sim, no Sim, att Sim. All work fine. I have a friend also has a galaxy s8, borrowed a Verizon Sim, activated , removed Sim, att Sim work like a charm with OTA. There are two draw back for using the Verizon phone with Sim from other carriers. No OTA updates unless phone is activated through Verizon, especially for those use the phone over sea. 2nd, no full LTE performance due to lack of band used by your own carrier. For example, band 17 from AT&T, the Verizon phone doesn't have that . Your LTE works, but you likely have lower performance on LTE depends on your location. Verizon phone are unlocked and compatible with other GSM carriers , but not fully optimized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. This should work even with prepaid. I'm thinking about getting: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Verizon-BYOD-4FF-SIM-Card-Kit/40716598 and then activate it. I just hope Verizon doesn't deactivate your phone once the prepaid time is up lol.

hoxbox said:
Thanks for the info. This should work even with prepaid. I'm thinking about getting: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Verizon-BYOD-4FF-SIM-Card-Kit/40716598 and then activate it. I just hope Verizon doesn't deactivate your phone once the prepaid time is up lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should just borrow a sim from a friend or family , no need to spend the money and there is no impact what so ever to their service.

I was able to update an S8 by simply removing the SIM and running it with no SIM. Not sure if that'll work for other people, I had to tap 'check for updates' a few times before it went through.

A_Car said:
I was able to update an S8 by simply removing the SIM and running it with no SIM. Not sure if that'll work for other people, I had to tap 'check for updates' a few times before it went through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did this on my Galaxy S7, and it fixed the issue, and was able to download the latest system update for Android. I was using an AT&T SIM card.
I did have to restart my phone after I removed the AT&T SIM card though, just telling what I did.

Thanks for posting this man!

you all could just go here http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model?q=sm-g950t&exact=1&r=TMB&v=&rpp=100 download which firmware you want. flash in odin and enjoy new update. this will work every time without problems and it does not care who your provider is at all.

Getting AT&T features to work on unlocked S9+

Does anyone have a definite solution to this problem? I've read many opinions but haven't run across a solution. I have a Samsung unlocked S9+ running official AT&T firmware and userdata but the carrier specific apps and features still don't work. The best infomation I've found is that the IMEI numbers of the unlocked devices are not in AT&T system so the features/apps won't work.
If this is the case, has anyone had any luck getting AT&T to register their IMEI and get the features working?

What worked for me and others (see the at&t fw thread) is to call or chat with AT&T and give them a imei from a carrier branded phone(with your sim in, though this might not be required). Tell them you are trying to get wifi calling to activate and it is failing at the provisioning step and they will input your imei and it will reprovision. Then pull your sim and put it into your s9/+ running at&t fw and it will allow volte, wifi calling and call protect to work (these are the only ones I use).
Good luck

I talked with someone in AT&T technical support and they remoted directly into my phone, reset all app defaults and network settings.. This of course didn't fix anything so they opened a trouble ticket. They told me my IMEI was in their system and was OK. Haven't heard back yet.

why not just flash ATT U firmware?

I'm running AT&T official U firmware G965USQS2ARF4. What just occurred to me was that I didn't do a factory reset before or after applying it via ODIN.

Stuart R said:
I'm running AT&T official U firmware G965USQS2ARF4. What just occurred to me was that I didn't do a factory reset before or after applying it via ODIN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just did that... Didn't help.

Stuart R said:
Does anyone have a definite solution to this problem? I've read many opinions but haven't run across a solution. I have a Samsung unlocked S9+ running official AT&T firmware and userdata but the carrier specific apps and features still don't work. The best infomation I've found is that the IMEI numbers of the unlocked devices are not in AT&T system so the features/apps won't work.
If this is the case, has anyone had any luck getting AT&T to register their IMEI and get the features working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stuart R said:
I talked with someone in AT&T technical support and they remoted directly into my phone, reset all app defaults and network settings.. This of course didn't fix anything so they opened a trouble ticket. They told me my IMEI was in their system and was OK. Haven't heard back yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes your IMEI is in their system. But it's not an IMEI from a branded ATT phone. You have to have the IMEI from an ATT phone like others have said, and like i had to do or you will not get the features, no matter what firmware you flash. This has been discussed in many threads. You have to have ATT change your IMEI in their system.
elliwigy said:
why not just flash ATT U firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wont help unless you have a 965U or the IMEI from an ATT phone . ATT Features will not work on 965U1 IMEI. AT&T told me theses features wouldn't work on an unlocked phone and asked if i had the unlocked version. I told them no, it was an ATT phone i bought from Best Buy and it has an ATT logo (not the truth, got it from Samsung) and that i read in the forums that there were some issues with the S9 and that changing the IMEI fixed everyone's problems. I said i had my s8 here that everything works on and she said it's worth a shot to try and she changed mine in their system to the IMEI from my AT&T Branded S8 that i provided them. 965U1 has worked flawless ever since. All features work.

nugzo said:
Yes your IMEI is in their system. But it's not an IMEI from a branded ATT phone. You have to have the IMEI from an ATT phone like others have said, and like i had to do or you will not get the features, no matter what firmware you flash. This has been discussed in many threads. You have to have ATT change your IMEI in their system.
Wont help unless you have a 965U or the IMEI from an ATT phone . ATT Features will not work on 965U1 IMEI. AT&T told me theses features wouldn't work on an unlocked phone and asked if i had the unlocked version. I told them no, it was an ATT phone i bought from Best Buy and it has an ATT logo (not the truth, got it from Samsung) and that i read in the forums that there were some issues with the S9 and that changing the IMEI fixed everyone's problems. I said i had my s8 here that everything works on and she said it's worth a shot to try and she changed mine in their system to the IMEI from my AT&T Branded S8 that i provided them. 965U1 has worked flawless ever since. All features work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds about right.. i mean you can switch csc while on U1 depending on the sim card inserted but U1 isnt meznt to have all the carrier crap they need for the special features to work so u get the bare minimum..
while on U firmware, it seems the csc doesnt fully switch like they did on the S8 devices.. i tested this on my sim unlocked vzw s9+ with an att sim and a sprint sim and although data and calls worked,it stsyed on verizon bootani and bloat etc etc no matter what i did.. before on s8 devices after a reset it would have changed the boot ani,bloat and woulda had all the carrier features..
im also surprised they changed your imei lol.. i thought that was illegal lol.. i guess if the carrier does it then its fine haha

nugzo said:
Yes your IMEI is in their system. But it's not an IMEI from a branded ATT phone. You have to have the IMEI from an ATT phone like others have said, and like i had to do or you will not get the features, no matter what firmware you flash. This has been discussed in many threads. You have to have ATT change your IMEI in their system.
Hard to believe that they would just accept another IMEI and register it to your phone. I thought these were all unique numbers that couldn't be used on more than one device. How did that change affect the phone that originally had the branded IMEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Stuart R said:
nugzo said:
Yes your IMEI is in their system. But it's not an IMEI from a branded ATT phone. You have to have the IMEI from an ATT phone like others have said, and like i had to do or you will not get the features, no matter what firmware you flash. This has been discussed in many threads. You have to have ATT change your IMEI in their system.
Hard to believe that they would just accept another IMEI and register it to your phone. I thought these were all unique numbers that couldn't be used on more than one device. How did that change affect the phone that originally had the branded IMEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt affect original s8 i used at all. or the s9. I replaced the s8 with the s9 when it came out so i just used the sim out of the s8 when the s9 arrived. s8 is just a spare phone now. I asked the operator if this would disable the other phone that the IMEI came from and she said no. I put sim from s9 in s8 afterwards just to test and it worked fine. They arent changing the IMEI of your actual s9, it still shows your original IMEI in your phone settings. They are just using the IMEI you provided on their end. What is actually going on behind the scenes i dont know. Maybe somebody that works in carrier support or may just have knowledge on how this actually works could chime in. I'm guessing they just use the IMEI to activate the features, since the unlocked one isn't eligible. I saw a better explanation in one of the firmware threads, if i run across it i'll post the link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I will reiterate what is said above and clarify my post. You aren't asking the support team to change your phones imei. I think as stated previously that is a forbidden/illegal maneuver. The support request is to change the imei which is active in the at&t system as only carrier branded phones are able to use certain at&t features.
If you have an old AT&T phone its imei can be used to "trick" at&t into activation/provisioning. Then you can put your sim into a U1 phone using at&t firmware and use carrier specific features.
Hopefully, this is easier to understand and clears up some of the confusion I may have introduced in my original reply.

jay2o01 said:
I will reiterate what is said above and clarify my post. You aren't asking the support team to change your phones imei. I think as stated previously that is a forbidden/illegal maneuver. The support request is to change the imei which is active in the at&t system as only carrier branded phones are able to use certain at&t features.
If you have an old AT&T phone its imei can be used to "trick" at&t into activation/provisioning. Then you can put your sim into a U1 phone using at&t firmware and use carrier specific features.
Hopefully, this is easier to understand and clears up some of the confusion I may have introduced in my original reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presume I can use the IMEI from another brand of working AT&T phone such as an iPhone 6S (in this case, my wife's)?

Stuart R said:
I presume I can use the IMEI from another brand of working AT&T phone such as an iPhone 6S (in this case, my wife's)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another thought... Say I get an old Galaxy S6 which uses the same size Nano SIM as my S9+. I move my S9+ SIM to the S6, update it to the latest AT&T firmware and enable WIFI calling. If I then move my SIM back to my S9+, will the carrier features now work?

Stuart R said:
Another thought... Say I get an old Galaxy S6 which uses the same size Nano SIM as my S9+. I move my S9+ SIM to the S6, update it to the latest AT&T firmware and enable WIFI calling. If I then move my SIM back to my S9+, will the carrier features now work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I'm doing. I use an older LG phone and the sim/IMEI then swap it to my u1 with AT&T fw after the device is provisioned.

jay2o01 said:
This is exactly what I'm doing. I use an older LG phone and the sim/IMEI then swap it to my u1 with AT&T fw after the device is provisioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to know that works. I can pick up an old AT&T S6 pretty cheaply on ebay. Guess I'll give that a try. Thanks

Download visual voicemail from apk mirrow

jay2o01 said:
This is exactly what I'm doing. I use an older LG phone and the sim/IMEI then swap it to my u1 with AT&T fw after the device is provisioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I previously had an AT&T branded S8+ with the same SIM that I'm using in the unbranded S9+ but I guess I never provisioned (enabled) WIFI calling. Dunno.

The "trick" of giving them an IMEI from an ATT branded phone doesn't usually work any more, maybe it used to, years ago.
This is why I won't buy OnePlus phones any more. I love their devices, best bang for the buck on the market, but no amount of my fiddling would get ATT to recognize it and provision VoLTE... so no wifi calling, no HD calling... when you make a call, your data drops to 3G, etc...
My Essential, somehow was on their "BYOD" plan and so it would give me VoLTE and HD calling, but no wifi calling. No wifi calling is stupid, because you aren't using their network at that point, so why should they even care?

SquireSCA said:
The "trick" of giving them an IMEI from an ATT branded phone doesn't usually work any more, maybe it used to, years ago.
This is why I won't buy OnePlus phones any more. I love their devices, best bang for the buck on the market, but no amount of my fiddling would get ATT to recognize it and provision VoLTE... so no wifi calling, no HD calling... when you make a call, your data drops to 3G, etc...
My Essential, somehow was on their "BYOD" plan and so it would give me VoLTE and HD calling, but no wifi calling. No wifi calling is stupid, because you aren't using their network at that point, so why should they even care?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"maybe it used to, years ago"... That doesn't apply in this context does it as carrier features VOLTE and Wi-Fi calling weren't even in existence years ago. And I'm not sure you have to give them anything. The claim by some is that just provisioning the features with your SIM on a branded device is enough.

Stuart R said:
"maybe it used to, years ago"... That doesn't apply in this context does it as carrier features VOLTE and Wi-Fi calling weren't even in existence years ago. And I'm not sure you have to give them anything. The claim by some is that just provisioning the features with your SIM on a branded device is enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And as someone who has repeatedly tried it, it doesn't seem to work. You can give them an IMEI from another phone, but it usually doesn't work. Either the IMEI is "on their list", or from a phone that is on the BYOD list, or it isn't. It's not the phone's fault, it is that AT&T is kinda being dicks about this... They want you to buy their phones, because most people sign a contract to get the cheaper price, or use their NEXT financing to spread the costs out. That creates a barrier to exit for most customers and protects AT&T's revenue stream from monthly invoices.
While bringing your own device makes them just as much money from the monthly bill, it doesn't help them "retain customers by locking them into a contract", so they usually don't give you full functionality...
I have had a working SIM from an ATT branded phone that was properly provisioned, popped it into my other device, and VoLTE went away. I would call them up and give them the IMEI from the phone, or one that I know worked, and still no go. The one exception was the Essential, and that was because for whatever reason, Essential went to the effort to get it on their BYOD list.
Trust me, if it was easy, I would be doing it and buying OnePlus phones exclusively every 6 months and that would be the end of it. LOL

SM-G930VL Questions From A Beginner

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.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(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!!

T-Mobile Note 10 Plus 5G

I unlocked my note 10+ 5g from t-mobile, but it won't get service with verizon.
When I install a non-tmobile sim, the software does not switch from tmobile for some reason.
Also Sam Mobile only has t-mobile and metro pcs firmware availible for the sm-n976u
Does anyone know if there is a way to get the phone working with verizon? Thanks.
-God Bless

Try clearing Sim card tool kit data.
Network reset.
Clear system cache.
Edit Access point names to correct values.
That's all I got but sure there's more. Never had use more than the above but never changed carriers. Verizon advanced tech support should be able to help... AT&T would.

The Verizon Note 10+ 5G has a different model number. So they probably won't allow the T-Mobile/Metro/AT&T version on their network

iBowToAndroid said:
The Verizon Note 10+ 5G has a different model number. So they probably won't allow the T-Mobile/Metro/AT&T version on their network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're correct. AT&T is compatible with Tmobile but not Verizon according to B&H Photo compatibility charts.
So it look like AT&T is in your future. AT&T is easier to deal with anyway. Do not use a corporate store though, use over the phone or online AT&T.
It may be possible to change out the C port PCB for the Verizon variant. Yes that PCB controls internet access. I can't confirm this is the only difference though! That PCB is only $20 and relatively easy to change out.

blackhawk said:
I think you're correct. AT&T is compatible with Tmobile but not Verizon according to B&H Photo compatibility charts.
So it look like AT&T is in your future. AT&T is easier to deal with anyway. Do not use a corporate store though, use over the phone or online AT&T.
It may be possible to change out the C port PCB for the Verizon variant. Yes that PCB controls internet access. I can't confirm this is the only difference though! That PCB is only $20 and relatively easy to change out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's gets service with att, but it still has the tmobile boot logo. I flashed the att rom, but it didn't help. The carrier is supposed to automatically switch when you insert a different sim card right?
I also tried *#272*imei# but it says "unable to process the request"

CPR.OP546 said:
It's gets service with att, but it still has the tmobile boot logo. I flashed the att rom, but it didn't help. The carrier is supposed to automatically switch when you insert a different sim card right?
I also tried *#272*imei# but it says "unable to process the request"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it on Verizon or AT&T???
My 60 second attention span is kicking in... now.
As for switching sims I never had to.
The boot logo is the least of worries.
Be glad you didn't brick it.

blackhawk said:
Be glad you didn't brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually super difficult to hard brick a Qualcomm device, and even if it is hard bricked and only enters EDL mode, it can be fixed as long as you have the correct files.
There are too many safeguards in place between Qualcomm and Samsung - the average user will always be blocked from doing anything that would brick a device. There's really no danger in flashing firmware whatsoever

blackhawk said:
Is it on Verizon or AT&T???
My 60 second attention span is kicking in... now.
As for switching sims I never had to.
The boot logo is the least of worries.
Be glad you didn't brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to use it with att because it won't get service with verizon at all.
It's very annoying having the tmobile bloatware. Also it should be compatible with att's 5g, but it only gets lte.

CPR.OP546 said:
I'm trying to use it with att because it won't get service with verizon at all.
It's very annoying having the tmobile bloatware. Also it should be compatible with att's 5g, but it only gets lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then I'm assuming that it did not automatically change over to the AT&T splash screen and bloatware when you inserted an AT&T SIM?

iBowToAndroid said:
So then I'm assuming that it did not automatically change over to the AT&T splash screen and bloatware when you inserted an AT&T SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. It does not have a multi-csc mode for some reason. I thought all samsung phones had that by default.

CPR.OP546 said:
Right. It does not have a multi-csc mode for some reason. I thought all samsung phones had that by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all, no. But all U models should have it.
Have you tried doing a full Odin firmware flash including an AT&T USERDATA file?

iBowToAndroid said:
Not all, no. But all U models should have it.
Have you tried doing a full Odin firmware flash including an AT&T USERDATA file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That is what I meant by flashing the att rom. It does not seem to make a difference.

CPR.OP546 said:
Yes. That is what I meant by flashing the att rom. It does not seem to make a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may have a way to do it. No guarantees though

iBowToAndroid said:
I may have a way to do it. No guarantees though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing the only option left is to root the phone, and then start manually removing things.

CPR.OP546 said:
I'm guessing the only option left is to root the phone, and then start manually removing things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My method doesn't involve root, no. You can't root if you've taken an OTA update in March of this year or later

I hope I can be of some help.
I recently ordered a Note 10+ 5G - Locked Verizon from a popular online re-seller. When I turned it on, I was greeted with an AT&T boot logo. I was pretty upset, but I though I'd try to get it up and running on Verizon before spending a couple weeks sending it back and getting a replacement. I tried Verizon's online software and I couldn't get beyond the IMEI change. It kept telling me that the Note's IMEI was what I was already using with my Droid, which was obviously not the case. So, I headed into my local Verizon store.
Nothing they did would get my 4G SIM to work, so they swapped out for a 5G SIM for free, then switched my hardware IMEI numbers and proceeded to have a some difficulty getting on the network. After doing a network reset, it seemingly worked. More on that below. I was getting both data and voice over network. I was able to transfer my setting, apps, etc from my Motorola Droid with Samsung Switch. The phone indicates both 3G and 4G signals as I travel around town. 5G is not available in my immediate area, though it is in some cities I occasionally travel to, but I'm unable to test that just yet. I become aware that there are differences between Verizon's 5G and other networks and it seems the non-Verizon phone I have is probably for the best in terms of compatibility.
Unfortunately, texts frequently take 10-30 seconds to send. Images, gifs and other non-text MMS can take multiple minutes to send and sometimes just fail. Other times the recipient will receive them twice. I feel like this may be due to the poor coverage at my residence. Further testing in areas of good to excellent coverage are necessary. I tried changing the network settings from Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode, but anything other than the default "GLOBAL" would result in a disconnect of data and voice services. The only way to fix it was Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This would restore the Mode to GLOBAL and bring back data and voice services.
In an effort to remove the AT&T branding, I learned how to trigger a carrier switch, dialed the code and changed it from AT&T to XAA. That got rid of the AT&T boot animation and I was able to remove all but 2 stubborn AT&T apps. I noticed that my android version was 10 and UI was 2.5, so I set out to update.
This is where things got frustrating. Every attempt to update through the settings > software update was met with failure. Try again in 24 hours, it would say. I assumed this was because I was now using a Verizon sim on an AT&T firmware, but I wasn't sure. I thought I might be able to flash to a Verizon firmware, but after several versions and some more research, I learned that going from 976U to 976V was not possible.
So, over the course of several days, I learned a lot. I looked up the firmware releases on AT&T's website for the 976U and saw that they matched the T-Mobile and MetroPCS versions. So, I settled on a T-Mobile version of Android 11 / UI 3.1. It updated without any issues and even remained in XAA mode. No bloatware, no loading images, all settings and apps the same.
So, even though I have an unlocked AT&T Note 10+ 5G 256GB and you have a T-Mobile, the fact that we both have a 976U model, I think there is hope for you to get up and running on Verizon.
Hope this has helped.