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Going to buy my friends T Mobile N5 and would like to use it on Sprint network.
Ive researched this a little and I have seen people run into trouble, saying that Sprint wont activated it because it wasn't purchased from google or sprint.
All Nexus's from North America are the same from what I understand and should be able to be used on any carrier.
Anyone have any suggestions on whether this can be done?
Thanks
Yes, all you need is a Sprint sim card
sent from my HAMMERHEAD
More accurately, if your current LTE phone has a nano SIM, then you can simply pop it out, put it in your friend's Nexus 5 and it should work. The problem comes if you need a new SIM, or if your current SIM doesn't have LTE service assigned to it. In either of those cases, you'll need to contact Sprint either for a new SIM, or to activate LTE service. At that time, they may fight you, stating that the phone isn't supported. However, if you don't back down, ask for a supervisor, or try another store, eventually you will get a reasonable person.
Worst case, call the customer service line, and say that you got a Nexus 5 from Google, and need them to send you a new SIM card. They don't have to know you didn't actually buy it from Google. Again, it may take talking to a supervisor or even multiple calls, but eventually, you'll succeed.
iammrhappy123 said:
Going to buy my friends T Mobile N5 and would like to use it on Sprint network.
Ive researched this a little and I have seen people run into trouble, saying that Sprint wont activated it because it wasn't purchased from google or sprint.
All Nexus's from North America are the same from what I understand and should be able to be used on any carrier.
Anyone have any suggestions on whether this can be done?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) the NA nexus 5 cannot be used on any carrier. it cannot be used on verizon. the other 3 major carriers are fine (tmobile, sprint, and att)
2) sprint has to add the IMEI to their databases to allow the CDMA portion to connect to their network. This is how the auth the phone to make phone calls, etc. They have added the IMEI from google play devices, and obviously the ones they sell. They do not have a list of the IMEIs tmobile sells.
jt3 said:
More accurately, if your current LTE phone has a nano SIM, then you can simply pop it out, put it in your friend's Nexus 5 and it should work.
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Click to collapse
The Nexus 5 needs a Micro SIM. If you use a nano SIM, you will need an adapter
Zepius said:
2) sprint has to add the IMEI to their databases to allow the CDMA portion to connect to their network. This is how the auth the phone to make phone calls, etc. They have added the IMEI from google play devices, and obviously the ones they sell. They do not have a list of the IMEIs tmobile sells.
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Click to collapse
That was the case till recently. Last week, I saw a Sprint store employee call customer care for a potential customer and supposedly get the IMEI added into the Sprint database for a N5 bought from T-mo. The customer had to provide invoice etc to show that he owned the device, but I think they were able to get it sorted out.
YMMV of course.
jj14 said:
The Nexus 5 needs a Micro SIM. If you use a nano SIM, you will need an adapter
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Click to collapse
Duh. I knew that. I don't know why I said Nano. I came from a Galaxy S4 Active, and remember being happy that it still had a Micro SIM, the same as the N5. Thanks for the correction.
As for the IMEI issue, I guess when the OP said T-Mo Nexus 5, I thought Play Store N5 used on T-Mo. I didn't realize T-Mo was selling them directly, and thought only Sprint was doing that. (Play Store IMEIs are in Sprint's system.) My mistake. Still, I know that they can add IMEIs to their network, but it usually requires quite a battle. This is one of the key reasons I'm not on Sprint.
jt3 said:
Duh. I knew that. I don't know why I said Nano. I came from a Galaxy S4 Active, and remember being happy that it still had a Micro SIM, the same as the N5. Thanks for the correction.
As for the IMEI issue, I guess when the OP said T-Mo Nexus 5, I thought Play Store N5 used on T-Mo. I didn't realize T-Mo was selling them directly, and thought only Sprint was doing that. (Play Store IMEIs are in Sprint's system.) My mistake. Still, I know that they can add IMEIs to their network, but it usually requires quite a battle. This is one of the key reasons I'm not on Sprint.
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I hear ya, and totally agree - it is a pain to get them to do something that is not their normal process! I'm still with them, just because they have better coverage outside of cities than T-Mo. But I'm getting tired of their terrible data speeds, and eCFSB issues - ugh
Hey All!
Thanks for the replies! You all are very helpful. I wasn't expecting any replies haha.
I'm currently on Sprint iPhone 5 which uses a Micro Sim.
First time ever going to android, so I"m excited.
I just hope that when I call Sprint to activate the N5, they wont give me crap. And hopefully they add my IMEI to their network.
Or hopefully, when I just switch the SIM, it'll work off the bat lol.
Ill just keep being persistent at getting them to activate it if not.
I got an att gear s2 but I don't have att service so I wanted to know if I can use it to connect to let's say T-Mobile since its an esim.
Unfortunately this is why American carriers, at least that's what my knowledge covers, f&#king suck! Out comes this new technology that for the first time will allow people to have the potential to use any carrier with the same hardware, and then carriers like AT&T refuse to unlock them.
Yes, I called AT&T and T-Mobile and AT&T doesn't unlock watches. I hope someone finds a way to somehow port the T-Mobile software over to the AT&T hardware.
The esim should be universal right? Like it should work for any carriers. If so wouldn't it work if we pay for an unlock code? Even tho we wouldn't be inserting another sim, the imei would be released to be used by other carriers. Does it make sense at all? Lol
My n6 was like that. It couldn't be used by other carrier until I unlocked it and its imei was released from att to be used by others.
brainburnerco said:
The esim should be universal right? Like it should work for any carriers. If so wouldn't it work if we pay for an unlock code? Even tho we wouldn't be inserting another sim, the imei would be released to be used by other carriers. Does it make sense at all? Lol
My n6 was like that. It couldn't be used by other carrier until I unlocked it and its imei was released from att to be used by others.
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The problem I noticed is the fact that there are custom settings for AT&T and so even if you unlocked it, I think you would need to still flash the appropriate software. I'm just guessing though.
It's really frustrating that I've got the first big consumer device using an eSIM and I can't take advantage of it's most basic and essential feature.
Any updates on this? The AT&T watch is like half the price as T-mo and I'm interested in using AT&T watch on T-mobile if possible
Any updates? I just switched mobile carriers from ATT to TMobile and would like to use my watch on their network
I have the S2 Classic SM-R735AZKAATT (for AT&T obviously) but I'd like to have it set up with T-Mobile.
Can I take this into T-Mobile and set up service? If so, anyone know how much?
I'm looking to buy a new Pixel 2 XL when it comes out. Researching the handset I found that it uses a new SIM, e-sim. Originally I thought it was a smaller SIM, however it looks like it's now a tiny chip permanently on the phones board.
I thought that this would act as a normal SIM, just unable to remove it from phone. However before spending money on the phone I wanted to confirm it would work OK on my network.
I'm currently with Sky Mobile in the UK and I asked them if they will support the e-sim and they were pretty vague and unsure if they would support it. Called a second person and got the same non-committal answer.
Anyone here know if it will work?
Many thanks
Tim
it may come different internationally, in the US a lot of networks didn't use sims while the UK and the rest of the world that uses GSM always has, this is only changing in america now that 4G is common as it is a GSM standard so requires a sim.
so I wouldn't worry about it yet, Google still hasn't officially announced the phones and on nearly every phone the US and international versions are different as outside of the US we use a lot more bands.
so basically wait for the official announcement as it wouldn't be anywhere close to the first time a US phone has had no actual sim while the international version have and it seems more likely this is geared towards keeping the US away for actually needing to start using sims in every device since their networks are a lot more tied down.
the non committal answer is likely due to the fact the phone hasn't been announced so the likes of EE who will actually stock it won't be allowed to answer if they have been pre briefed, while the other networks who wont stock the phone likely wont have any information until after the phone is announced and they start asking google.
It just occurred to me that the esim is going to suck for traveling abroad
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
My question is, if someone like me and a lot of others like to change phones often, how will we go about doing so?
Now we would just pop out our sim and put it in a different phone. How does the E-sim work? Once our numbers are on them I guess the nano/micro sims we have now are trash?
RoccoN4 said:
My question is, if someone like me and a lot of others like to change phones often, how will we go about doing so?
Now we would just pop out our sim and put it in a different phone. How does the E-sim work? Once our numbers are on them I guess the nano/micro sims we have now are trash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have a pixel xl, I guess if it was really important to you a pixel xl is still an amazing phone. I just got mine 2 months ago for around $500 on ebay brand new. Man it's such a sick phone. I really love it. Of course I want the new one but am really happy.
Hopefully the esim is just as easy to switch, would be nice if there was a tool where we could program it.
It will probably be like older CDMA phones. You will have to deactivate the phone and e-sim first before you can switch carriers. Once it is deactivated you will just have to give your carrier the IMEI and ICCID. Kind of a pain and you will lose your number due to deactivation unless you have a temporary phone to swap to but there should be no more missing sim card errors!
I had the regular Pixel. Sold it. Am playing with the Essential (it's not as bad as all these reviews). So I guess if I get the new Pixel 2 XL, I won't be able to swap sims back and forth?
Prediction: e-SIM won't be easy to switch, and older plans (e.g., Verizon grandfathered unlimited data plans) won't be permitted on the e-SIM as being "not compatible".
Just another means for carriers to take away control from end users. C'est la vie!
Definitely not keen on the idea of not being able to swap my sim from phone to phone. The few times I'd need to switch are usually emergency situations. I hope this rumor is wrong.
The idea of esim is still confusing for me, can anyone explain it to me?
Falitheman said:
The idea of esim is still confusing for me, can anyone explain it to me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You already have the answers you seek. http://bfy.tw/EEJb . I'm teaching you to fish.
zetsumeikuro said:
You already have the answers you seek. http://bfy.tw/EEJb . I'm teaching you to fish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, lmgtfy really stepped up their game. I haven't seen their results in probably a year or more. It used to be dripping with passive aggressiveness but now it's a deluge!
ok...let me ask another question: My 6P finally crapped out and Google is sending me a Pixel XL. I need to port my phone number to the Pixel. So does this mean a trip to the carrier ? ( TMO in my case )
eosaph said:
ok...let me ask another question: My 6P finally crapped out and Google is sending me a Pixel XL. I need to port my phone number to the Pixel. So does this mean a trip to the carrier ? ( TMO in my case )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, just use the SIM from the 6P.
eosaph said:
ok...let me ask another question: My 6P finally crapped out and Google is sending me a Pixel XL. I need to port my phone number to the Pixel. So does this mean a trip to the carrier ? ( TMO in my case )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
E-sim is not for the current Pixel....
galaxys said:
E-sim is not for the current Pixel....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no one knows if its even for the next Pixel either
Falitheman said:
The idea of esim is still confusing for me, can anyone explain it to me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from my understanding the "SIM chip" is already in the phone and using serials and such I'm guessing there will be some black magic at the network end where they can push the SIM data to the chip on the phone, it may even end up like some of the older phones (more heard of it on the Apple side) where you actually have to go into the networks shop and have them activate the handset, either way I can see this being short lived as most of the world has used SIM cards since time began, so in these countries it will likely put a lot of people off if they have to keep dealing with the networks more so than they do now to get the network lock removed down the line.
Here in Germany you get a paper with a qr code. Just scan it and everything else happens automatically.
I hope everyone saw the announcement today, but if you haven't yet, the esim is for project Fi only. It will still have a sim tray for other carriers.
fiffan86 said:
I hope everyone saw the announcement today, but if you haven't yet, the esim is for project Fi only. It will still have a sim tray for other carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome. Man I just got my pixel XL like not even two months ago. They are pretty generous with the trade in offering $410. But I just can't figure out if it's worth it. Are allot of you guys moving from but first pixel XL to pixel XL 2
On my Pixel 3 I cannot activate Project Fi. I assume it would automatically use eSim or give me the option to? However it does not. It has asks me to install a Sim.
I installed eSim switcher and have the option to add a carrier but I still cannot get it to work, just says cannot be activated try again later.
I would kind to know if there is a way to tell if my eSim has been disabled?
The Verizon models need to be activated on VZW for 24 hours before they become available to use on another carrier.
Nope, eSim is disabled.
When I was ready to order mine, I chatted at Google and I was told any pixel 3 bought from any of the sources (Google, Fi, best buy, Verizon) would be physically the same and would all allow for future Fi through esim. It took a bit of back and forth to explain that I didn't want to use it or activate it or start a fi account right away, but it should work the same.
gotcha640 said:
When I was ready to order mine, I chatted at Google and I was told any pixel 3 bought from any of the sources (Google, Fi, best buy, Verizon) would be physically the same and would all allow for future Fi through esim. It took a bit of back and forth to explain that I didn't want to use it or activate it or start a fi account right away, but it should work the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Thank you for posting this. I was hoping the capability is at least there.
Ughh.. I escalated this as far as I could within Verizon and from the person that handles the Verizon + Google relationship, eSim has been disabled on the Pixel 3 with no plans to enable it.
Would it be worth returning the Verizon one and buying an unlocked one?
gotcha640 said:
Would it be worth returning the Verizon one and buying an unlocked one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to unlock the bootloader and root it soon it would be :good:
pragakhan said:
Ughh.. I escalated this as far as I could within Verizon and from the person that handles the Verizon + Google relationship, eSim has been disabled on the Pixel 3 with no plans to enable it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, you are going to need to either return it or use a Verizon sim and Fi Esim, although I'm not sure that will work at this point. That really sucks though. The reason it's eSim locked is that with it enabled you could take the device to any carrier immediately. They don't like that since you probably bought it on a deal like bogo or a payment plan over 24 months. If you bought it on a Verizon plan then they also want the early termination fee. There is a new revision of eSim that can lock the phone but it's on hold while the DOJ investigates. Personally, do yourself a favor and return it ASAP and perhaps take the hit on the return fee. You might be able to negotiate it down due to the eSim lock.
FYI, the Pixel 2 are eSim unlocked as well as the Apple Watch Series 3 but that's it for now. Let's see what happens when the gorilla comes into the game. Should be an interesting fight and I'm not sure Verizon can stand up to Apple for long.
I returned the device and ordered one from Google. Lesson learned, gave up my free stand and paying restocking fee lol
Glad I seen this thread, just canceled my Pixel 3 from Verizon and offered mine through Google. (Back Ordered)
Thank You
Vinny [emoji631]
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Does anyone know if the Verizon Pixel 3 is actually missing the eSIM chip, or is it just disabled through software. Actually I haven't seen any way to figure out if a particular Pixel 3 was from Google or Verizon ...
lightsedge said:
Does anyone know if the Verizon Pixel 3 is actually missing the eSIM chip, or is it just disabled through software. Actually I haven't seen any way to figure out if a particular Pixel 3 was from Google or Verizon ...
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Click to collapse
Yes it has it and no it's not disabled thru software. It's just not enabled with Verizon network. Yet.
bobby janow said:
Yes it has it and no it's not disabled thru software. It's just not enabled with Verizon network. Yet.
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Click to collapse
My friend was not able to sign up for Google Fi using eSIM though.
Also, I switched to a T-Mobile SIM, and I don't see an easy way to open the eSIM Manager app. Not sure if this is normal or not - i.e. it seems to have GUI according to the store page but the "Open" link does not appear for me, nor is it in the apps list. Also no mention of eSIM in Mobile Settings. I guess maybe my OS build is a Verizon version?
lightsedge said:
My friend was not able to sign up for Google Fi using eSIM though.
Also, I switched to a T-Mobile SIM, and I don't see an easy way to open the eSIM Manager app. Not sure if this is normal or not - i.e. it seems to have GUI according to the store page but the "Open" link does not appear for me, nor is it in the apps list. Also no mention of eSIM in Mobile Settings. I guess maybe my OS build is a Verizon version?
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Click to collapse
I don't believe it has anything to with a Verizon version of the software, especially considering there is no such thing. There is only on version that we all use.
TMobile app isn't ready yet. They are saying by the end of the year. There is a Reddit thread on how to do it now if you want.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/co...es_how_to_activate/?utm_source=reddit-android
TonikJDK said:
I don't believe it has anything to with a Verizon version of the software, especially considering there is no such thing. There is only on version that we all use.
TMobile app isn't ready yet. They are saying by the end of the year. There is a Reddit thread on how to do it now if you want.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/co...es_how_to_activate/?utm_source=reddit-android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a great thread, very informative. I heard that on Dec 7th the iPhone XR and XS were to be Verizon eSim active but I've not confirmed that yet. They are fighting tooth and nail to keep the tech out of people's hands, even dropping secondary sims down to 2G. But Apple will put the hammer down and then it will roll out to us lowly Pixel people eventually.
TonikJDK said:
I don't believe it has anything to with a Verizon version of the software, especially considering there is no such thing. There is only on version that we all use.
TMobile app isn't ready yet. They are saying by the end of the year. There is a Reddit thread on how to do it now if you want.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/co...es_how_to_activate/?utm_source=reddit-android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice thread, but there are accounts of Verizon disabling eSIM: https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/a4ispi/tmobile_us_esim_is_working_on_pixel_3xl/. The question is how?
I heard that Pixel 3 boxes from Google have ESIM ID printed. However, mine from Verizon has SIM ID, which matches the physical SIM card inside the phone. I actually don't know how to find the EID.
My Pixel 3 box that was purchased from direct from Google does have an ESIM ID number printed on the box.
lightsedge said:
Nice thread, but there are accounts of Verizon disabling eSIM: https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/a4ispi/tmobile_us_esim_is_working_on_pixel_3xl/. The question is how?
I heard that Pixel 3 boxes from Google have ESIM ID printed. However, mine from Verizon has SIM ID, which matches the physical SIM card inside the phone. I actually don't know how to find the EID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I saw that but I don't believe it. They just haven't activated it yet I doubt they have purposely disabled it. It's live now for the iPhone but not yet for the Pixel 3. I might give them a call to find out when it will be activated but I don't have much hope in getting a csr that even knows what I'm talking about.
edit: nothing doing. They don't know when we'll have support on the 3s. I do wonder if someone took a vzw P3 / XL and could get the eSim activated on ATT or Fi.
Has anyone tried scanning the QR code generated on verizon's site? I generated the QR code on my Verizon account, but decided against scanning it for now... I'm traveling this week and can't afford to be down a phone. I didn't want it to disable my physical SIM and not active the eSIM, and somehow get stuck in limbo.
Hey all,
I saw that Best Buy has the unlocked P7P model GA03453-US while the Google store version is GE2AE. Is there a difference between the models? I can't find the BB model on Google's or anyone else's site.
Just want to make sure it's had MMW 5G and that 5G will work on AT&T's site.
Would it also be worth buying an open box model in excellent condition and over $100 off?
Thanks!
I wish that they would stop doing these confusing model numbers at stores. The GA03453-US is actually the GE2AE, it's just how Best Buy and other retailers catalog the phone. I bought one on release day and can confirm it's the standard US unlocked GE2AE model and I'm using it with a Boost AT&T network SIM with no issues.
Google GA03453 US
Google GA03453 US
device.report
• Universal Unlocked. Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Also compatible with prepaid carriers including Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS, Google Fi, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, Tracfone, Net10, Mint, and H2O.
I agree with everything @EtherealRemnant said ⬆ right there. Google's not the only one, but certainly one of the brands I come across most often with this problem.
Edit: I forgot that I already have all the model number pairs in my Post #6 - Regarding P7P 5G model numbers and capabilities, and how to determine your hardware version, although I don't have them organized by pairs. The one model number type at the top of the post, and the other at the bottom.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I agree with everything @EtherealRemnant said ⬆ right there. Google's not the only one, but certainly one of the brands I come across most often with this problem.
Edit: I forgot that I already have all the model number pairs in my Post #6 - Regarding P7P 5G model numbers and capabilities, and how to determine your hardware version, although I don't have them organized by pairs. The one model number type at the top of the post, and the other at the bottom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. Just taking a look at the options. I was hoping to find someone that could unlock AT&T's but I'm not really finding anyone reputable that claims they can do it. So I'm thinking Google's offering the best deal with the trade in. I'm looking at getting the 256GB Obsidian.
AT&T's model is listed as the GE2AE if you look for how it's set up. Not sure if any sub-branding.
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
Lastly, if either of you want to PM me a referral, I'd appreciate it.
Superguy said:
Thanks guys. Just taking a look at the options. I was hoping to find someone that could unlock AT&T's but I'm not really finding anyone reputable that claims they can do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought anyone with an at&t model could unlock once you pay the phone off, like t-mobile, but I'm not experienced, I've only bought carrier unlocked phones for the last six years and I had come from Verizon back then.
But it is indeed easiest not to have to deal with the carriers and just buy the factory carrier unlocked model direct from Google, or Best Buy, or other places that offer them.
Superguy said:
AT&T's model is listed as the GE2AE if you look for how it's set up. Not sure if any sub-branding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, good to know.
Superguy said:
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That won't affect anything like that.
Superguy said:
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. We don't have C-band here but my Boost SIM is connected to 5G Nationwide and the phone supports mmWave and C-band.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I thought anyone with an at&t model could unlock once you pay the phone off, like t-mobile, but I'm not experienced, I've only bought carrier unlocked phones for the last six years and I had come from Verizon back then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They'll do that. I just don't want to wait.
Not like I'd bolt to another carrier. We tried T-Mo last summer and that's a fiasco I never want to repeat. Plus AT&T gives me a really good deal with a FAN from work.
Superguy said:
They'll do that. I just don't want to wait.
Not like I'd bolt to another carrier. We tried T-Mo last summer and that's a fiasco I never want to repeat. Plus AT&T gives me a really good deal with a FAN from work.
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Click to collapse
Understandable. I had to Google what AT&T FAN is. I didn't know the abbreviation off the top of my head, but Google's search results were actually helpful. I used to use a work discount too with AT&T and before that, one with Verizon. The last four years, give or take, we've just been using AT&T Prepaid, and it's been cheaper than all our previous options and works great for our usage. Every once in a while I look at other options or carriers, but there's nothing enticing enough.