Android One - Updates blocked by geography - General Topics

I have always been interested in Android One and recently picked up a Sharp S1 (https://www.ymobile.jp/lineup/androidone-s1) from Japan on ebay. Pretty nice phone for $20, of course it will probably never connect to a cellular network...
What I ran into was the fact that it would not see that additional updates were available. I could tell from the site above that they had issued updates every month and it should have many waiting to bring it up to November 2018.
My solution, which is the point of this in case other experience the same, was to install TunnelBear on the phone, tunnel to Japan, and then run the check for updates. Once an update was found and started, I could pause the update, disconnect TunnelBear (the free version only gives you 500MB per month and the first update was 800MB), unpause and it would continue the update over wifi from my home in the US.
BTW - I had changed my TimeZone to Tokyo and failed to change it back, so I don't know if that is required in addition to the VPN
After running through this cycle several times, I now have a $20 Android Phone with decent specs fully updated to 8.1 Nov18 Security Update! I just thought I would share in case others experienced the same. I don't know if this is the result of the mobile operator blocking the updates or something Google may do.

Related

[fixed] Internet problem on sensation?

Hi,
To be clear: Internet is not the app, not over Wifi but over 4G/3G/H etc..
I got my sensation 3 days now and there seems to be a issue with the internet connection.
Mine keeps requesting data but it doesnt get any data back.
Apps like internet browser sometimes work and sometimes they dont (loading google), the weather app says there is no internet connection and manage to sometimes get the actual weather.
I tried restarting it serval times but no success..
Internet does work on my HTC Hero.
Edit:
Found the problem, had to enable data roaming..
Odd thing that it works sometimes without roaming tho..
4G internet issues
I am having the same problem with my internet, though enabling data roaming did not correct my problem. Internet and web based apps work fine over WIFI, but will randomly work over 4G. Is anyone else having a similar issue?
palehose80 said:
I am having the same problem with my internet, though enabling data roaming did not correct my problem. Internet and web based apps work fine over WIFI, but will randomly work over 4G. Is anyone else having a similar issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get a severe lag now and then when connected to 4G - seems to take a while for the connection to initiate. I've tried the "fix" posted in another thread, but that only seemed to resolve the issue temporarily.
It seems like location may have something to do with it as well. The tower closest to my home is where I experience the most issues. Though my G2X or my fiance's vibrant work without any issues.
palehose80 said:
It seems like location may have something to do with it as well. The tower closest to my home is where I experience the most issues. Though my G2X or my fiance's vibrant work without any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could contribute to my issue. I seem to live near a cell dead zone.
Theres a few threads open on this issue. There doesnt seem to be a permanent fix yet, but it is extremely annoying.
Same here, my connection would send data but winter recieve sometimes. Kinda annoying. Hopefully, htc addresses this problem soon.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Same issue - across multiple handsets
Hi, it's been a while since I posted in XDA but this issue has been a regular one with my T-mobile service, across multiple devices. I have searched far and wide for anyone else seeing this exact problem, and finally here you are. I hope this helps other users:
1) Purchased the original myTouch 3G; approx 1 year with zero connectivity issues. Loved it, exceptional for its time.
2) Purchased (upgrade) myTouch 3G Slide at launch. Following 3-5 months saw This issue with outgoing data, but no incoming response. 60/40 the internet would respond or not in any application (web, streaming, podcasts), it was a real crapshoot. Assumed the problem was isolated and performed a few master resets. Zero apps installed and continued to see the same issue. Decided it was either software or radio related and called T-mo for advice. They suggested a replacement unit after standard troubleshooting (re-seat SIM, master reset, check that you have substantial signal).
3) New MT3G Slide, same outcome. Called back. Finally received a reasonable suggestion: get a new (free) SIM from T-mo as the one I currently had was slightly older. Was sure this was the issue as the rep sounded very confident when I explained the situation. Received new SIM!
4) No change, issue persisted. Following day called T-mo and had a 'ticket' escalated to engineering dept. Was assured I would receive a call from eng. dept, but no such luck. Bothered by this whole mess and lacking in answers from T-mo, I sold the Slide and upgraded to the G2X.
5) The issue once again reared its head! If the stars were aligned and I did get In/Out data, it was 11KB/s (90kbps) tops. Ex: 5MB podcast would take 0.5-1.5 min (30-90 sec) to download prior to issue, now 10-15 min. This was with no apps installed, 4 bars of signal, 4G status icon, across multiple geographical locations, and fingers on both hands crossed. It was about this time I suspected that somehow T-mo's network was throttling my account. But, I had never used more than 1GB in a month, and they assured me I was not being throttled. A serious WTF was had
6) Realizing there were bigger problems in the world and finally at wit's end, I returned the G2X and am waiting patiently for my contract to expire in July, while using an old Nokia candybar in the meantime for calls and text only.
7) July: move to new carrier or stay with T-mo (if we can figure out what this issue is). 8 year customer, need internet on a smartphone though.
Apollo-2 said:
Hi, it's been a while since I posted in XDA but this issue has been a regular one with my T-mobile service, across multiple devices. I have searched far and wide for anyone else seeing this exact problem, and finally here you are. I hope this helps other users:
1) Purchased the original myTouch 3G; approx 1 year with zero connectivity issues. Loved it, exceptional for its time.
2) Purchased (upgrade) myTouch 3G Slide at launch. Following 3-5 months saw This issue with outgoing data, but no incoming response. 60/40 the internet would respond or not in any application (web, streaming, podcasts), it was a real crapshoot. Assumed the problem was isolated and performed a few master resets. Zero apps installed and continued to see the same issue. Decided it was either software or radio related and called T-mo for advice. They suggested a replacement unit after standard troubleshooting (re-seat SIM, master reset, check that you have substantial signal).
3) New MT3G Slide, same outcome. Called back. Finally received a reasonable suggestion: get a new (free) SIM from T-mo as the one I currently had was slightly older. Was sure this was the issue as the rep sounded very confident when I explained the situation. Received new SIM!
4) No change, issue persisted. Following day called T-mo and had a 'ticket' escalated to engineering dept. Was assured I would receive a call from eng. dept, but no such luck. Bothered by this whole mess and lacking in answers from T-mo, I sold the Slide and upgraded to the G2X.
5) The issue once again reared its head! If the stars were aligned and I did get In/Out data, it was 11KB/s (90kbps) tops. Ex: 5MB podcast would take 0.5-1.5 min (30-90 sec) to download prior to issue, now 10-15 min. This was with no apps installed, 4 bars of signal, 4G status icon, across multiple geographical locations, and fingers on both hands crossed. It was about this time I suspected that somehow T-mo's network was throttling my account. But, I had never used more than 1GB in a month, and they assured me I was not being throttled. A serious WTF was had
6) Realizing there were bigger problems in the world and finally at wit's end, I returned the G2X and am waiting patiently for my contract to expire in July, while using an old Nokia candybar in the meantime for calls and text only.
7) July: move to new carrier or stay with T-mo (if we can figure out what this issue is). 8 year customer, need internet on a smartphone though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same issue, and have gone through the same steps. New Sensation (exchnaged mine twice now) followed by new SIM, tried the *fix* posted, turned on data roaming, and still nothing. I have talked to Tmo several times, and they are supposed to be checking the towers in my area, an engineer is supposed to contact me in up to 72 hours. The Evo 3D comes out before my 14 day return period, so I may just jump ship if this problem persists. Hoping to find a fix though, as this phone is amazing when it's on Wifi

[Q] Bought Used & Has Problems - What Should I Do?

Hi everyone. Just to start out, I am completely new to the Android world – I’ve tried to read up on these forums and whatnot but I am definitely a noob. I am coming from Apple, and long story short, I’m tired of iPhones and got myself a Galaxy S3 via Swappa in order to keep my unlimited data plan. It was previously rooted, but I requested that it be restored to stock.
I have been unable to get to a Verizon corporate store to get a sim card and activate the phone, so I’ve been using it on wifi around the house. I am having signal issues with the wif – it works everywhere except in my room. The signal shows as weak and keeps dropping every few minutes. My other devices have a strong signal. I have downloaded various wifi analyzer apps from the Play store, and they all show the wifi signal as really weak.
I searched and found numerous threads that this is an issue with some of the phones. I tried messing with settings (factory reset the phone, the router, did the *#0011# and turned wifi power saving off, changed the "keep wifi on during sleep" from always to never, etc) and nothing fixes it.
I would like to know what you guys recommend. Should I go ahead get a sim, activate the phone, update to Jelly Bean and see if that fixes the issue? I am unable to get the update since I do not have service. I tried to update via Kies, but it says current firmware pda:lg1 phone: lg1 csc: lg1 (vzw) not supported.
Or should I tell Verizon about the problem and see if they will go ahead and replace the phone? I’m not sure how that works since I am not the original owner. I’ve read that they honor the warranty based on the purchase date which is tied to the IMEI number, and not the owner’s name. Not sure how true that is… Also on the box, it says Verizon 4G LTE Certified. Not sure if that means my phone is already a certified replacement or if all the boxes say that. I haven’t been able to find that out.
I’ve read the thread about resetting the phone to return to Verizon. The flash counter screen reads Odin mode, product name: SCH-I535, Custom Binary Download: No, Current Binary: Samsung Official, System Status: Official, Qualcomm Secureboot: Enable. The android version is 4.0.4 and the baseband is I535VRLG1. Does it matter what the kernel, build number and hardware version are? I’m not sure what they should be.
I just want to be prepared when I walk into the Verizon store (which is unfortunately over an hour away), so I’m hoping I can get some opinions and maybe save myself multiple trips. I’m not sure if Verizon will work with me or not, but I figured you guys are the experts and can help me out. Thank you!
It looks like the guy who sold you the phone did in fact fully return you to stock. But it is fully stock based on the oldest stock firmware (I535VRLG1). My advice to you would be to activate the phone, and grab the OTA updates all the way up until the current version (I535VRBLK3).
I used to have all kinds of WiFi connectivity issues with this phone, until I replaced my router. Now it works perfectly. There was no real explanation as to why that was, but this phone does seem to have WiFi connectivity issues, especially with older Routers.
Try updating your software first, and see if the problem resolves with the new firmware. I believe Verizon does base the warranty off of the phone activation date, at least they did years ago in the past, but that may have changed.
Thank you, I appreciate the reply. I read that there was an OTA update issued around October to fix some of the wifi issues, but I wasn't sure if I had it. Once I activate the phone with the sim, do you think there will be any issues receiving the updates? I know nothing about rooting and have been trying to read more about it, but I'm concerned I'll end up causing more problems with the phone before I even get to use it.
The router I have is a free one Verizon gives to use with their dsl service - a Westell Model 327w. It is pretty old, although I think the firmware is up to date. The phone works fine when it is closer to the router and everywhere else in my house, except my room which is upstairs and at the other end of the house. I just figured since my other devices work fine, the S3 should too.
Thanks again.
If you are fully stock, with the stock recovery (which it sounds like you probably are), you should have no problem downloading and installing the OTAs. I believe you will have to take a few them before you get up to the current version.
I can confirm that the stock Verizon GSIII has a few upgrades before you get to 4.1.1 (the latest version)
Thanks guys.
I just remembered that I have a newer router that Verizon sent me, but I never bothered with it because the current one was working. I'll try and set that up and see if the signal improves.
I am hoping to get to the Verizon store soon, but unfortunately things keep happening that prevent me from making the trip. Can't wait to get this phone working though. Just the little bit I've played with it makes it difficult for me to go back to my iPhone.
This is how a noob post should read. Nice job, OP -- very informative and you did some homework.
Other noobs take notice -- this is how you do it. Notice how much help he got?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
If its any consolation, I had wi-fi issues even with a newer Verizon router all the way up to the latest version of the the modem and rpm file (vblk3). With the last and latest (vblk3) update, those problems disappeared. So as stated, I would update the software to the latest and hopefully you should be good. Just to add, my wife had the same problems (same phone) as well so this validates for me that it was a software issue.

Mobile data issues

Hello,
After the update 4.4.4 I am having increasing issues with mobile data. The strange thing is, that it started really yesterday (31st of June). When I connect to WiFi the indicator looks great and white in the two finger pull down curtain. But when I disconnect WiFi, the cellular connection goes in orange, and it states that is has no internet connection. Same cellular provider on another phone works just fine.
Do any of you have any idea what this could be? Since I did not have the issue on day one of 4.4.4, I am thinking the 6 weeks update cycle on the play store services could have something to do with it?
I have written Nexus support, but really, I do not expect an answer.
I do believe that it is safe to assume that the issue is software related.
This is not a *bump* post.
Merely, I went to my cell providers website, and saw they had cancelled my 3G service, when my new subscription "pack" started here today. Today, where the problem started.
So, that is solved

Samsung Pay app download

Just went to the Gear S2 Apps store and wtf, the Samsung Pay app is there to download for my Classic 3g model independently of the firmware upgrade that we've been waiting for. It requires a secondary download for the phone as well, but sadly when opening the phone app it says I'm not in the proper country or some mumbo jumbo like that. Chime in. What's going on here guys? You'll find the app under top free, then scrolling down. It won't show up if you use the search button.
Update: reading the fine print on the phone app, it states that it's only working on the bluetooth model. This is some serious neglect on the 3g model side of things. Come on Tmobile and Samsung. Where is our Major firmware update at least that includes all of the new perks? It's been over 2 months since that release already.
I called them and they said it's not available yet...it is strange that it's now showing up! I got my hopes up too soon!
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk
It's not there for me.
(Verizon S2 Sport 3G)
I, too, downloaded the Samsung Pay app for my Verizon Gear S2 3G smartwatch with the same error message stating wrong country or wrong smartwatch version. I confirmed that the 3G versions are not yet supported which is so frustrating. The latest update with the sleep tracker function amongst other updates has not even been released for the 3G version. Samsung needs to address this issue right away and really needs to improve their support for updates, software, etc. Getting old fast.

Settings App Crash?

Have you had the settings app crash on you? The settings app would crash on all three of the Pixels at the local Verizon store yesterday after about three seconds. Rebooting the Pixel seemed to correct the issue. I didn't look to see which software version they were running. There was also a couple in the store exchanging a Pixel XL due to something not working on the phone, and the last two HTC 10 models I looked at in Verizon stores had launchers that wouldn't work. Realistically the S7 or Xperia X Compact are some of the very few other phones I would consider, but after hearing my uncle talk about the issues he had with HTC phones, yesterday wasn't a good early impression.
EDIT: So far I haven't seen the issue I saw in stores, but I did get Error code 941 in the play store, which was solved by toggling wifi and cellular data on and off. I haven't rooted to see what is going on, but my phone is showing that it's awake about 9% of the time, which is more than what I was able to get with Android 4.1 on my prior phone.

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