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[Completed] Use LTE tablet without sim card?

I thought perhaps this was an obvious question, but after hours of searching I'm unable to confirm if I can use an new cellular tablet as wifi-only? Specifically the older Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE Verizon (SM-P605-VZKE with Verizon branding). There's lots of cheap refurbs on the market, and the specs are still solid, even by today's standards.
I've seen countless activation bypasses on youtube, but none for this particular device (press four corners then volume-down to skip cellular activation screen).
I'm not a cell-phone person, don't even own one, but I'm android proficient, comortable rooting/flashing tablets, plus a computer science degree and decades of experience with Linux.. just no phone knowledge. My wife has an active Verizon sim card fwiw, and I'd like to update it to Lollipop (which appears to be an OTA update).
thanks for any hints.. I really did search around first for this answer,
--edfardos

edfardos said:
I thought perhaps this was an obvious question, but after hours of searching I'm unable to confirm if I can use an new cellular tablet as wifi-only? Specifically the older Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE Verizon (SM-P605-VZKE with Verizon branding). There's lots of cheap refurbs on the market, and the specs are still solid, even by today's standards.
I've seen countless activation bypasses on youtube, but none for this particular device (press four corners then volume-down to skip cellular activation screen).
I'm not a cell-phone person, don't even own one, but I'm android proficient, comortable rooting/flashing tablets, plus a computer science degree and decades of experience with Linux.. just no phone knowledge. My wife has an active Verizon sim card fwiw, and I'd like to update it to Lollipop (which appears to be an OTA update).
thanks for any hints.. I really did search around first for this answer,
--edfardos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings and welcome to assist. It should be possible to use it as a wifi only tablet yes, some roms require a sim card inserted (it doesn't need to be an active one so any would do) but this is easily fixes with a csc edit
Good Luck
Sawdoctor

Advice on Buying Exynos Galaxy s8+ For U.S. T-Mobile and Knox Tripping

Hello everyone,
T-Mobile's galaxy avant was my first phone, and being a budget phone, it wasn't all that great. However, I did learn the basics on rooting/flashing on it. I naively upgraded to the T-Mobile s7 edge thinking i could continue my custom roming, only to find out the boatloader was unlockable with research. Out of pure frustration, I downgraded to the s6 edge plus which did have the unlocked bootloader. The battery life, however, is very disappointing, even with deodexed/debloated rom.
So now, I want to upgrade to the s8+, but before I do so I would like your expert opinion on which would work best for me. I know the carrier versions of the phone will have the locked bootloader, so those should be out of question. However, I do need it to function properly on T-Mobile's network, and would like the biggest options in custom roms possible. I would assume that would point me towards the SM-G9550, but I saw various devices with the same model number but different processor exynos/snapdragon.
I don't want to make the same mistake I made with the 7, so all help is greatly appreciated!

LEGONIKES said:
Hello everyone,
T-Mobile's galaxy avant was my first phone, and being a budget phone, it wasn't all that great. However, I did learn the basics on rooting/flashing on it. I naively upgraded to the T-Mobile s7 edge thinking i could continue my custom roming, only to find out the boatloader was unlockable with research. Out of pure frustration, I downgraded to the s6 edge plus which did have the unlocked bootloader. The battery life, however, is very disappointing, even with deodexed/debloated rom.
So now, I want to upgrade to the s8+, but before I do so I would like your expert opinion on which would work best for me. I know the carrier versions of the phone will have the locked bootloader, so those should be out of question. However, I do need it to function properly on T-Mobile's network, and would like the biggest options in custom roms possible. I would assume that would point me towards the SM-G9550, but I saw various devices with the same model number but different processor exynos/snapdragon.
I don't want to make the same mistake I made with the 7, so all help is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G9550 although does have a Snapdragon 835 and an unlockable bootlooader, has 2 issues:
1) Virtually no custom ROMs available for it.
2) Not fully compatible with T-Mobile.
Get yourself the International model, SM-G955F or FD (Dual SIM).
Both are identical in terms of hardware, have the same custom ROMs, and since you'll be rooted anyway, you can flash the T-Mobile CSC to get T-Mobile features working, like VoLTE and WiFi calling.
You can get the phones off a UK based retailer like Clove, or from eBay.
Sent from my SM-G955F

LEGONIKES said:
Hello everyone,
T-Mobile's galaxy avant was my first phone, and being a budget phone, it wasn't all that great. However, I did learn the basics on rooting/flashing on it. I naively upgraded to the T-Mobile s7 edge thinking i could continue my custom roming, only to find out the boatloader was unlockable with research. Out of pure frustration, I downgraded to the s6 edge plus which did have the unlocked bootloader. The battery life, however, is very disappointing, even with deodexed/debloated rom.
So now, I want to upgrade to the s8+, but before I do so I would like your expert opinion on which would work best for me. I know the carrier versions of the phone will have the locked bootloader, so those should be out of question. However, I do need it to function properly on T-Mobile's network, and would like the biggest options in custom roms possible. I would assume that would point me towards the SM-G9550, but I saw various devices with the same model number but different processor exynos/snapdragon.
I don't want to make the same mistake I made with the 7, so all help is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get yourself a OnePlus 5T, if you insist on custom ROMs and all. Yes, it doesn't have as many features like the S8, resizable Multi Windows, Edge, AOD, etc., but when you unlock bootloader and flash it (i.e. you trip Knox), this time around you lose actual features, Secure Folder, Samsung Pay, a few others, essentially you get a cut-down version of the real thing. Battery life should be on par with the S8+, from what I understand.
Moved away from my OnePlus 3 because got bored with it, and screen was too small. Got the Exynos G955F instead, and for the first time I haven't flashed the new phone as soon as I got it because of these reasons I listed above.

murtaza02 said:
The G9550 although does have a Snapdragon 835 and an unlockable bootlooader, has 2 issues:
1) Virtually no custom ROMs available for it.
2) Not fully compatible with T-Mobile.
Get yourself the International model, SM-G955F or FD (Dual SIM).
Both are identical in terms of hardware, have the same custom ROMs, and since you'll be rooted anyway, you can flash the T-Mobile CSC to get T-Mobile features working, like VoLTE and WiFi calling.
You can get the phones off a UK based retailer like Clove, or from eBay.
Sent from my SM-G955F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed you have the SM-G955F. What are your impressions on the phone?

sirobelec said:
Get yourself a OnePlus 5T, if you insist on custom ROMs and all. Yes, it doesn't have as many features like the S8, resizable Multi Windows, Edge, AOD, etc., but when you unlock bootloader and flash it (i.e. you trip Knox), this time around you lose actual features, Secure Folder, Samsung Pay, a few others, essentially you get a cut-down version of the real thing. Battery life should be on par with the S8+, from what I understand.
Moved away from my OnePlus 3 because got bored with it, and screen was too small. Got the Exynos G955F instead, and for the first time I haven't flashed the new phone as soon as I got it because of these reasons I listed above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I hear what you're saying about the features cut. I thought I would've had the same issue on my s6, but with this custom rom I flashed (Khongloi's s8 port) samsung pass, health, and secure folder worked perfectly fine! I feel like pay would have worked if I had gotten magisk working right before i uninstalled it, but still. I've done a little research on the forums as to how to fix everything after root, but all I found was a fix for health. If there could be a way to extract whatever the hell that rom had for other roms, I think that would be great.
I was thinking about the OP 5T, but then the cost to feature ratio just didn't make it for me. I know for sure I would've bought the OP 3T when it was new atless than 400 USD.

LEGONIKES said:
I noticed you have the SM-G955F. What are your impressions on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing bad to say about it. Great display, great battery life, great camera as well. Only thing I want is for Samsung to put a bit more effort into the software updates, but other than that, it's perfect.
Sent from my SM-G955F

Overall Compatibility in the US

Hey guys, so I was exploring purchasing a Mi Mix 3 on Aliexpress for use in the United States. However, I had some concerns about usage in the United States, especially with the international version. Could someone please tell me about their experience with this phone in the United States, including carrier signal (preferably T Mobile), any issues you've come across using this phone in the United States, and other similar dilemmas. Thanks!

Its name Global Version for a reason, so i think it will work fine all around the world, IF its a true Global Edition.
Check carefully, many seller flash the global/eu rom on CN variant and sell them as "Global Edition".

It will work internationally whether it's a global edition or not, there's no difference in the bands between the Chinese and Global variants. The software is different, however. The Chinese software works fine in the US, but you have a bit of work to do to get the Google apps on it. The other issue is if the seller is buying the Chinese variant then loading the Global software and relocking the bootloader, because if you subsequently install an official update, you will hard-brick your device. Having said that, I can't think of any reason why sellers would be bothering with that now that the Global version is readily available, at least the more reputable ones. Gearbest always clearly mark their devices on the website as either Chinese or Global. I suppose if you wanted to be absolutely sure, you could buy from a European retailer, assuming you don't want the 8/256 model. The other option, of course, is to unlock the bootloader and (optionally) install an unofficial rom, that way you also get regular Android security updates.

I would recommend spending the extra to get the 8/256 if there is any chance you are going to get a "chinese" version. The "global" version is *supposed* to have all the bands enabled on all storage/ram configurations. However, the chinese version only has full band support on the 8/256 device. It is possible that we may be able to find a way to use QXDM and stuff to enable additional bands regardless, but I wouldn't count on that. I spent the extra to get an 8/256 which now has the leaked global rom on it. The global software works great and I have atleast equivalent coverage to my work Pixel 2 XL, usually with slightly better signal levels.
I have no complaints about this device, the only thing I have noticed is it seems that the glass is not as hard on some units. I bought my wife an 8/256 device and she is not exactly gentle on her device. Her screen has no scratches, but mine has many already after about 2 months, and I'm pretty careful with my devices. And to be clear, these are light surface scratches that are only visible when tilting the device with the screen off, not something you can see with the screen on.

I have T Mobile. I get better reception on Mi Mix 3 than I got on both my Note 8 and my iPhone 7. I know this because there's a spot I park every day and the MiMix works there when the others didn't.
I got 96mbps on 4G LTE when I tested it.
Of note: I did have an original MiMix 1 and it was not good for reception. At all. But the 3 has something like 42 bands in, and it has the best reception of any phone I've had.

PWn3R said:
I would recommend spending the extra to get the 8/256 if there is any chance you are going to get a "chinese" version. The "global" version is *supposed* to have all the bands enabled on all storage/ram configurations. However, the chinese version only has full band support on the 8/256 device. It is possible that we may be able to find a way to use QXDM and stuff to enable additional bands regardless, but I wouldn't count on that. I spent the extra to get an 8/256 which now has the leaked global rom on it. The global software works great and I have atleast equivalent coverage to my work Pixel 2 XL, usually with slightly better signal levels.
I have no complaints about this device, the only thing I have noticed is it seems that the glass is not as hard on some units. I bought my wife an 8/256 device and she is not exactly gentle on her device. Her screen has no scratches, but mine has many already after about 2 months, and I'm pretty careful with my devices. And to be clear, these are light surface scratches that are only visible when tilting the device with the screen off, not something you can see with the screen on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just want to confirm. If I buy a mix 3 in China and then flash itd to a global ROM (e.g. EU) then I should have no issues using it in the US (I'll be on T-Mobile).

There is a serious problem to me not sure if it's because of Mi MIX or TMobile combination (Los Angeles area)
Same problem on my wife's MIX 2S and my MIX 3, both official global version and latest firmware.
When the phone is on wifi, even though the mobile connection looks connected, it might have been disconnected actually.
No call and message will come through. People's calls will go to voice mail.
You will not know that until someone tell you they can't call you on the phone, or when turning off wifi suddently all missing text/MMS messages will arrive.
I'm still searching on more information on this and if some others have the same issue.
One of you friends used to have similar issues using a Samsung Galaxy on TMobile before he switched to iPhone.

Working great here in MN on T-Mobile no issues at all. I have the global edition.

It works for the most part on Verizon (a carrier which doesn't technically support it), the only issues I have are with MMS messaging (which is fixed in another thread) and my mobile hotspot which Verizon seems to be unable to turn on properly. Other than that I haven't had any issues. I would imagine on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile you would see even fewer problems, if any.

Rockmadeofrock said:
It works for the most part on Verizon (a carrier which doesn't technically support it), the only issues I have are with MMS messaging (which is fixed in another thread) and my mobile hotspot which Verizon seems to be unable to turn on properly. Other than that I haven't had any issues. I would imagine on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile you would see even fewer problems, if any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it to work with Verizon? I entered my IMEI and it isn't compatible.

Matt0817 said:
How did you get it to work with Verizon? I entered my IMEI and it isn't compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need to do is pop in a Verizon SIM card and change the APN settings and it'll work. Sometimes the SIM card won't let you change them (because Verizon locks them down), but that didn't happen to me. If that's the case, grab someone else's SIM card that has like T-Mobile, put it in your phone, add a new APN, then put the Verizon one back in and select the APN you made. I detailed the settings you need to set in these posts: _1_, _2_. If you need any additional help let me know.
Also, if you want to enable VoLTE check out this thread.

Root for the CAT S22 + (review!)

So I bought the s22 flip unlocked and am decently excited about it. Its clearly a beta-ish device, with some bugs. The screen sometimes goes black and the keyboards are little frizzy.
General:
Size: Yes it's a brick. Don't be surprised. I do wish there was a smart flip phone on the market that more resembles the nice old compact ones, but the only other model seems to be the galaxy folder 2 and that don't work in the US. The screen is small and can feel cluttered, but it's usable.
Battery: the battery life is pretty meh. It'll probably last a day.
Specs: it's slow and has 2 gigs of ram and 16 of storage. Up to 128gb expandable. I tried putting in 256 and it didn't work.
Wierd things they don't tell you: It has no t9 (why?!) But it can be sideloaded. Doesn't seem to care about hotspot provisioning. IT SUPPORTS CDMA (and 5G?) ON SOME MVNOs! I popped in a verizon sim, and with data set to lte only connection is great but no volte.
Best of all, unlockable bootloader! So how can we go about unlocking this device? I've spoken to both CAT support and Bullitt group, and they told me "
Bullitt Group do not distribute the stock ROM for any of our devices.
This is part of our contractual obligations with our partners and the Brands that we represent". So so much for that. What now?

I'm curious about the possibilities as well.
Also about network settings best for 4g/LTE
As right now mine only connects to 2g

well I just got one of these devices and want to at least update it to a full version of android instead of Android Go!
I read that you can sideload android 11 on it and just don't overwrite the drivers.
When you talked with Cat/Bullitt did you ask them if they are ever going to update the firmware on the phone at all? Most phones even T-mobiles bottom of the line phones still get 1 OTA update in firmware to fix initial issues. and most companies are at least providing one level of android updates also.
Any luck with any software work arounds? As for best 4g/LTE settings that is carrier specific, you can change those in developer mode and manually set them up under sim settings.
I plan to use mine on a T-Mobile MVNO so shouldn't have any issue there as this was a Tmobile phone originally that I just got "NEW" unlocked.
I might reach out to T-Mobile for firmware also, as they have to have multiple versions of the firmware as they have T-Mobile branded bloatware on some and Metro branded Bloatware on others.

I just picked up an S22. I've tried TeamSpeak and Mumble, and the PTT won't work when the flip is closed. Any suggestions? Thanks

Hello everybody. I got s22 flip. I am in Italy and I can't use it. Seller said is working with any 4g simcard. But my phone is not working. Any suggestion? Thanks

I need help. I flashed boot from 29 firmware to 30. Root is activated, but Wi-Fi and speakers do not work. I need an update.zip from 29 to 30 firmware.

i have 30 version and i need boot.img to root
i need help to root anybody help?

Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro - are there different versions?

Hi all, I'm asking here because there is no dedicated subforum for XCover 6.
So, I'm planning on buying Galaxy XCover 6Pro but I'm getting confused if there are different version of it out on the market? I've noticed that shops in my country (Poland) mark phones they are selling using these three different product numbers:
sm-g736bzkdeeb,
sm-g736bzkdeee,
sm-g736bzkd
with the first one (EEB) being called "Enterprise Edition" appearing in most of stores while the offical samsung.com store lists XCover 6Pro with "EEE" product number. Neverthless google shows up a samsung page for the "EEB" model too.
https://www.samsung.com/uk/business/smartphones/xcover/galaxy-xcover6-pro-sm-g736bzkdeeb/
https://www.samsung.com/levant/business/smartphones/xcover/galaxy-xcover6-pro-sm-g736bzkdeee/
So i checked the specs, in stores and on these samsung pages and they all appear to be the same XCover 6 Pro, 6GB 5G phones with Dual Sim in black colour.
So here is my question. Are they really the same phone or there is some difference that's my eye is missing?

The difference between the two devices you have named, is that one is made for the German market (EEB) and one is made for the eastern European and Swiss/Austrian markets (EEE).
There may be some issues with things such as samsung pay if you are using a device outside of its region but overall the device should work fine either way.
With the previous model (G715FN), I was able to flash to my local firmware without issue and all bands worked flawlessly as well as all localised features such as samsung pay. Unfortunately once this is done, you will not receive OTA updates any longer as it recognises your device has been modified. This may be because I tripped knox doing all this.
The only other thing to look out for is that you aren't buying a device that has been locked to a given carrier, or requires a sim from that carrier for activation.
Again, there's usually ways around this but you don't need to complicate your life like that.
If you are able to buy locally, surely they can give you some assurances that the device will work with your local providers?
There is no difference in specs, bands etc, it's just localisation support and operator specific configurations to worry about.
Samsung generally include all international MBN files in their modem config files so it's not such a huge deal these days as long as you can successfully register the device for use.

bandario said:
The difference between the two devices you have named, is that one is made for the German market (EEB) and one is made for the eastern European and Swiss/Austrian markets (EEE).
There may be some issues with things such as samsung pay if you are using a device outside of its region but overall the device should work fine either way.
With the previous model (G715FN), I was able to flash to my local firmware without issue and all bands worked flawlessly as well as all localised features such as samsung pay. Unfortunately once this is done, you will not receive OTA updates any longer as it recognises your device has been modified. This may be because I tripped knox doing all this.
The only other thing to look out for is that you aren't buying a device that has been locked to a given carrier, or requires a sim from that carrier for activation.
Again, there's usually ways around this but you don't need to complicate your life like that.
If you are able to buy locally, surely they can give you some assurances that the device will work with your local providers?
There is no difference in specs, bands etc, it's just localisation support and operator specific configurations to worry about.
Samsung generally include all international MBN files in their modem config files so it's not such a huge deal these days as long as you can successfully register the device for use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for detailed explanation!

Anyone tried root with Magisk?

bandario said:
Anyone tried root with Magisk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one I got recently, but have not used Magisk. Doesn't one have to access bootloader to do that? Which is my question: Anyone have an unlock for the bootloader?

Yes. There's instructions Here