Database Info

AT&T or T-Mobile for unlocked S8+ ?

The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.

Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.

mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.

No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....

SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).

Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?

Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.

Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.

954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.

Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.

Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....

954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.

954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.

Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.

Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:

Samsung Galaxy S7 Sim Unlock Code

(mod edit)

If the phone is IMEI blocked, which is likely is if reported lost or stolen, then you won't be able to use it on any network in that country afaik

you can't unlock your phone only by rooting and changing apn.
but you can try to contact the person who sold this phone and ask him to fix this issue, I think it may work

felipeoguyar said:
Hi I'm new to posting on forums so if I break protocol or etiquette apologize in advance. two weeks ago I bought a t-mobile samsung galaxy s7 from craigslist only to find it was reported lost. the phone is not catching signal anymore and I can't use it. friend of mine told me that I can unlock the network via unlock code so I could use my cricket mobile sim with this phone. I made online research and found few sim unlocking services so my question is- can use one of them to unlock my phone or I can unlock it by rooting, changing apn settings etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good rule of thumb I have learned and used is to check google locks before seller leaves, And make them sign a bill of sale Printed name date and address, in most states in the U.S. most of these phones are valued over 500$ which With no profe You are technically in possession of stolen property which if valued over 500$ is a felony charge.
I have had a few close calls in the past but I do not now. It sucks cause you can get burned 2 ways.....
orig owner still prob owed on it figured they could sell it and then claim insurance. seen it done many times over to people.

mattzaher said:
why seller reported this phone lost after selling or it was earlier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately some people do do this. Its crooked Always get a bill of sale and check for google locks if seller is in hurry, Pass it on as much as you may want a certain device and your getting a deal.

I think people get these phones on contract for no other reason than to sell them, then they either report lost or stolen, or don't pay the contract and it gets IMEI blocked
That, or they are stolen phones

*Detection* said:
I think people get these phones on contract for no other reason than to sell them, then they either report lost or stolen, or don't pay the contract and it gets IMEI blocked
That, or they are stolen phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen it a million times over happen

sammyalexandro said:
it's very risky to buy a used phone in hurry without making sure that 'history' of this phone was good. I think better to add couple hundreds bucks and buy a new phone directly from carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sometimes the difference not only "couple hundreds" and used phone is much cheaper then new one. so better to buy a locked phone and then unlock it using sim network unlock puk code

what is the difference between Samsung Galaxy S7 G930A; G930P; G930V; G930T; G930R; G930U for sim unlocking? which one is easier to unlock? thanks

serhiopinkoli said:
what is the difference between Samsung Galaxy S7 G930A; G930P; G930V; G930T; G930R; G930U for sim unlocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G930A (AT&T, Cricket)
SM-G930P (Sprint, Boost, Virgin Mobile)
SM-G930V (Verizon);
SM-G930T (T-Mobile, Metro PCS)
SM-G930R (US Cellular)
also they have:
SM-G930F (Global)
SM-G930FD (Global; Southeast Asia)
SM-G930W8 (Canada)
which one is easier to unlock? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all US, Canadian and European models

As a general rule, whenever you will buy another device from a person or third party, check the IMEI both http://imeipro.info/
At least this is one extra filter through which you make sure you buy a phone with a clean IMEI.

alfonsocoralles said:
which one is dual sim 128GB which support all t-mobile lte bands? SM-G9350, SM-G935W8, SM-G930U, SM-G930VL, SM-G930V, SM-G930R4, SM-G930T, SM-G930P, SM-G930R7, SM-G930R6, SM-G930T1, SM-G930A, SM-G930AZ, SM-G930FD, SM-G930S, SM-G930L, SM-G930K, SM-G930F, SM-G9300, SM-G9308, SM-G930W8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G930FD is dual sim variant

alfonsocoralles said:
thanks.
is this model DSDA (dual sim dual active) or DSDS (dual sim dual standby) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's DSDS (dual sim dual standby), but you can activate some sort of imitation of "active" mode in settings. if sim1 is busy and someone calling on sim2 (which is offline because the phone has only one baseband) all income calls on sim2 will be redirected on sim1

quick question
eldar4uk said:
SM-G930A (AT&T, Cricket)
SM-G930P (Sprint, Boost, Virgin Mobile)
SM-G930V (Verizon);
SM-G930T (T-Mobile, Metro PCS)
SM-G930R (US Cellular)
also they have:
SM-G930F (Global)
SM-G930FD (Global; Southeast Asia)
SM-G930W8 (Canada)
all US, Canadian and European models
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you say they are the easiest but im having trouble. i have s7 tmobile i flashed to att then rooted it then i checked and esn check it passes but i cant get back to tmobile to try the device unlock app is there a root app i can use to unlock the network? or updated thread that will help? would you mind?

felipeoguyar said:
Hi I'm new to posting on forums so if I break protocol or etiquette apologize in advance. two weeks ago I bought a t-mobile samsung galaxy s7 from craigslist only to find it was reported lost. the phone is not catching signal anymore and I can't use it. friend of mine told me that I can unlock the network via unlock code so I could use my cricket mobile sim with this phone. I made online research and found few sim unlocking services so my question is- can use one of them to unlock my phone or I can unlock it by rooting, changing apn settings etc?
[UPDATE] unlocked successfully with www.samsungsimunlock.com
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about 4g/LTE connection after unlocking? it working well or you have only 3g connection?

ok so just wondering
adammelody said:
you should flash t-mobile stock rom, clean cache/dalvik cache and unlock it using Network Unlock app. after that you will be able to flash any custom ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im now back to g930t do i need to agree to the device data collection from tmobile pink screen in initial setup process for this to work?. and to clear dalvik cache dont i need to be rooted for that? i thought flashing back to stock does that automatically. thank you for your patience im still learning,( but totally dedicated in this art. ask my wife.) one more question since tmobile has terms for unlock policy one being on network for min of 40 days, does that mean i need to request unlock using a tmo sim inserted or can this be done using wifi? reason i ask is becasue im a att user and another policy for unlock is 2 requests per 90 days. and ive already attempted a temp and perm unlock. both said inelegiable. so im trying to narrow it down to see if i needed to have tmo sim inserted at the time to connect to there remote servers. if so since i didnt at thetime of request im hoping that the 2 unlock requests didnt count. and on the other hand that would be a pain because i dont have a tmo sim. or could this be achieved using wifi.?
---------- Post added at 03:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:05 AM ----------
felipeoguyar said:
Hi I'm new to posting on forums so if I break protocol or etiquette apologize in advance. two weeks ago I bought a t-mobile samsung galaxy s7 from craigslist only to find it was reported lost. the phone is not catching signal anymore and I can't use it. friend of mine told me that I can unlock the network via unlock code so I could use my cricket mobile sim with this phone. I made online research and found few sim unlocking services so my question is- can use one of them to unlock my phone or I can unlock it by rooting, changing apn settings etc?
[UPDATE] unlocked successfully with www.samsungsimunlock.com
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was that site effective because i was thinking about goin the same route and did a few reviews and found that people were saying that it didnt work. heard that it was using a dummy app to say that it was unlocked but truely was not. can u confirm this unlock method is still workin for you?
---------- Post added at 03:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 AM ----------
does it always stack quotes like that? i posted replys seperately but some reason it stacked them.

julianalaqrua said:
what about 4g/LTE connection after unlocking? it working well or you have only 3g connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as I know, this phone support all LTE bands so 4g will work correctly after unlocking I think

ronnycopsetta said:
dalvik cache cleaning is only custom recovery feature or I can do it using stock recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you can do it using stock recovery as well

pierremaximiliano said:
yes, you can do it using stock recovery as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think TWRP recovery will work better in this case

uzbekputh said:
what iа the phone is not rooted? is it possible to install TWRP recovery on stock phone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you can use stock recovery too

For anyone buying the Essential Phone outright to use on Sprint, beware.

Do NOT activate the phone directly after getting it from Best Buy/ Essential, as it'll lock your device to Sprint. They won't be able to unlock it in Sprint, or by using Sprint tech support either. I went to a Sprint store, and was told they cannot unlock in-store. I was then told to contact their support number, and was transferred 8 times to the highest level of tech support, which ended in them telling me there was absolutely no way to unlock it. So, I was forced to take it back to Best Buy, and have to wait till Wednesday for it to arrive. Apparently Sprint sims will lock to your phone if it's taken to them directly and activated, so I'd suggest putting in a VZW sim and then activating the phone on Sprint. Don't make the same mistake I made.

TheF|ipSide said:
Do NOT activate the phone directly after getting it from Best Buy/ Essential, as it'll lock your device to Sprint. They won't be able to unlock it in Sprint, or by using Sprint tech support either. I went to a Sprint store, and was told they cannot unlock in-store. I was then told to contact their support number, and was transferred 8 times to the highest level of tech support, which ended in them telling me there was absolutely no way to unlock it. So, I was forced to take it back to Best Buy, and have to wait till Wednesday for it to arrive. Apparently Sprint sims will lock to your phone if it's taken to them directly and activated, so I'd suggest putting in a VZW sim and then activating the phone on Sprint. Don't make the same mistake I made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. It works when I put my FreedomPop Sim in
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Jonathanlc2005 said:
Not true. It works when I put my FreedomPop Sim in
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FreedomPop uses Sprint network. So, before saying not true, it'd be better for someone who tried other network other than Sprint network including MVNO to confirm.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

PowerPC said:
FreedomPop uses Sprint network. So, before saying not true, it'd be better for someone who tried other network other than Sprint network including MVNO to confirm.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again... Not true. It also uses TMobile and I connected to hspa+ fine
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Jonathanlc2005 said:
Once again... Not true. It also uses TMobile and I connected to hspa+ fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol you want screenshots of Sprint causing my phone to become locked? I can throw up pictures of my receipts of buying a UNLOCKED Essential phone, and then it becoming magically locked when my Sprint sim was inserted in it. It also rejected AT&T AND T-Mobile sims. Why would I fabricate a story of my phone becoming locked? The Sprint store reps told me this is something that happens a lot, along with Best buy employees telling me they had this happen before. Only reason I posted this was to make sure this happened to no one else. The only way this just happened to just me is if Essential accidentally shipped a locked Sprint phone out that was packaged like an unlocked phone, and I was just unfortunate enough to receive it. Or maybe I just imagined spending an hour and a half speaking to Sprint reps trying to unlock my phone and the about phone section and activation status on my phone are just bogus.....

Some more details that might be useful for buyers:
1. In store pickup seems to make the phone lock to Sprint, even if the first time you turn it on its with a different SIM inside.
2. People have reported Essential phone being unlocked if you choose delivery instead and use another SIM on first turn on of the device.

What kind of analogy is this.. putting VZW sim then activate to Sprint.
Picked-up mine and its unlock. No mumbo jumbo

To be clear, OP is saying (I think) if you first turn on phone with sprint sim and activate it, it will lock to Sprints SIM.
If you first activate it with a different sim, you will have no problems with any sim, including sprint.
Has anyone bought an unlocked phone and first activated it with a Sprint Sim?

My question is.. Why would you buy the Sprint variant outright? Why not buy the unlocked modem from best buy, amazon or essential? Its cheaper too.. Then put your sprint sim.

tlxxxsracer said:
My question is.. Why would you buy the Sprint variant outright? Why not buy the unlocked modem from best buy, amazon or essential? Its cheaper too.. Then put your sprint sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't. I bought an unlocked one from Best buy and took it directly to Sprint to get it activated. When they did, it carrier locked my device, and I was only receiving Sprint updates... Either Essential shipped me a locked Sprint phone, or Sprint locked it when I activated my phone that I owned, which is illegal.

It's easy to see what variant in Fastboot. It will show Variant - Sprint if it is flashed with Sprint software. Are you sure Best Buy didn't just accidentally grab a Sprint model by accident?
When you get your new one power up by holding down Volume Down to get to Fastboot and check the Variant tag.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Isn't the bootloader unlocked so you can just flash a new rom? Did the Sprint SIM lock the bootloader?

bobloadmire said:
Isn't the bootloader unlocked so you can just flash a new rom? Did the Sprint SIM lock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same question

I can flash LOS but I still remain carrier locked. In fastboot it shows I am using the Open-US variant, but my device is locked to Sprint. So frustrated right now.

What if the variant just says Sprint?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jesus359 said:
What if the variant just says Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minesays that and I'm locked. No issue. I'll have them unlock it after 50 days... I'm on free year plan.

You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
TheF|ipSide said:
I didn't. I bought an unlocked one from Best buy and took it directly to Sprint to get it activated. When they did, it carrier locked my device, and I was only receiving Sprint updates... Either Essential shipped me a locked Sprint phone, or Sprint locked it when I activated my phone that I owned, which is illegal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine

seshaz said:
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought unlocked at Best Buy. Variant is Open US in bootloader. I don't use on sprint, so I wouldn't know if it locks. Best buy does sell unlocked.

in Fastboot mode check the variant and it should say "OPENUS"

seshaz said:
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why does it say I have the OPENUS version in the bootloader, and why does my receipt say I paid for an unlocked essential phone? Before making allegations, inform yourself.

looking for "before-i-buy" details on the different versions, for using on T-mobile

looking for "before-i-buy" details on the different versions, for using on T-mobile
cant seem to find exact details on in2013 / in2017 / in2020 / in2025 but i have (obviously) seen those references around while trying to research the different versions
i presume 2 of those 4 versions are international and the others USA, please do correct me if i'm wrong.... and based on the descriptions from people who are "selling" the Oneplus 8 phone(s) all of these appear to be T-mobile compatible
i've seen that there are both locked and unlocked versions of the USA models.... and i also have easy access to some unlocked international models locally from 3rd parties.... which leads me to some questions:
Question #1
is the T-mobile OTA blacklisting for bootloader unlocking limited to sprint/t-mobile models, or would an SIM-Unlocked USA model also end up blacklisted for bootloader unlocking?
Question #2
is unlocked International a bad idea for usage on USA T-mobile due to availability of bands?
appears 4g and 5g would be accessible, but i don't know to what extent the coverage would be hindered (which i've noticed can be anywhere from non existent to severe cell frequency mismatch between brands / regions / models)
Question #3
am i looking at any kind of "technical difficulties" outside of OTA block, by bootloader unlocking on OnePlus? i am very new to the brand, coming from Samsung in the era before they were locked by default :silly:

Sterist said:
cant seem to find exact details on in2013 / in2017 / in2020 / in2025 but i have (obviously) seen those references around while trying to research the different versions
i presume 2 of those 4 versions are international and the others USA, please do correct me if i'm wrong.... and based on the descriptions from people who are "selling" the Oneplus 8 phone(s) all of these appear to be T-mobile compatible
i've seen that there are both locked and unlocked versions of the USA models.... and i also have easy access to some unlocked international models locally from 3rd parties.... which leads me to some questions:
Question #1
is the T-mobile OTA blacklisting for bootloader unlocking limited to sprint/t-mobile models, or would an SIM-Unlocked USA model also end up blacklisted for bootloader unlocking?
Question #2
is unlocked International a bad idea for usage on USA T-mobile due to availability of bands?
appears 4g and 5g would be accessible, but i don't know to what extent the coverage would be hindered (which i've noticed can be anywhere from non existent to severe cell frequency mismatch between brands / regions / models)
Question #3
am i looking at any kind of "technical difficulties" outside of OTA block, by bootloader unlocking on OnePlus? i am very new to the brand, coming from Samsung in the era before they were locked by default :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
First of all, there are 4 versions of the OP8 :
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
The USA version is different, not a pain to root or to OTA update, you keep OTA when rooting. In short that's the phone OP intended you to use. It's 5G, but not millimeter waves or things like that. I couldn't test 5G yet since I don't live in America, you have to scroll through the OP8 forums to find your answer.
And there is no "international version". Don't be fooled, International version is a way to lure buyers in buying chinese version but flashed with OxygenOS global. You'll buy the chinese version (with potential band mismatch), it's cheaper but you'll have issues with G-Pay and 5G (even 4G in some countries).
So #1: Carriers phone not only blacklist you when unlocking bootloader, they try to make it impossible for you to unlock it. Idk if it's the same with unlocked SIM (but I don't think so)
#2: Since international is in fact chinese with global software (and not chinese specific) I highly recommend you not to buy it (even though the price looks sexy)
#3: Unlocking bootloader requires you to wipe your phone, otherwise no issues if you follow the instructions. If you flash a ROM or install magisk modules then the stability of your phone depends on the dev's work and not the OEM anymore.
I might be wrong with the Carrier Devices banning unlocking bootloader since I'm not from America so search more on the internet.
Hope this helped, have a good day :good:

Raiz said:
Hi,
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is definitely an IN2017, it shows on phonearena and gsmarena spec pages, but in the USA each carrier has a designated model number within a same phone model (like 900P 900T 900V) so that might be what's going on with IN2015 versus IN2017 (i'm guessing GSM model versus CDMA model)
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
The USA version is different, not a pain to root or to OTA update, you keep OTA when rooting. In short that's the phone OP intended you to use. It's 5G, but not millimeter waves or things like that. I couldn't test 5G yet since I don't live in America, you have to scroll through the OP8 forums to find your answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this part through me off a little because Verizon and T-mobile are both USA versions lol... did you mean to say something different or am i misunderstanding?

Sterist said:
there is definitely an IN2017, it shows on phonearena and gsmarena spec pages, but in the USA each carrier has a designated model number within a same phone model (like 900P 900T 900V) so that might be what's going on with IN2015 versus IN2017 (i'm guessing GSM model versus CDMA model)
this part through me off a little because Verizon and T-mobile are both USA versions lol... did you mean to say something different or am i misunderstanding?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, I forgot to put it, IN2017 is the CDMA.
And CDMA are modified versions of the IN2015. That's why you can't use the same cases for CDMA and GSM versions. They added in the phone, the hardware to make their 5G technology work. So CDMA and GSM technically are all American (since they're located there), but they're different, especially for OTA. It's not OP that provides updates for CDMA phones, that's T-Mobile or other carriers, and I heard people here complaining the updates are slow to be available. I don't even know if Android 11 is available for them yet.
That's why I advices you to buy the IN2015

There is a MSM tool for t-mobile that is up to date with the latest firmware, 10.5.20.

esjames said:
There is a MSM tool for t-mobile that is up to date with the latest firmware, 10.5.20.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've always been a samsung guy, i dont know if you're familiar with samsung tools, but, based on what i researched last night, it sounds like MSM is effectively "odin" right?

Sterist said:
i've always been a samsung guy, i dont know if you're familiar with samsung tools, but, based on what i researched last night, it sounds like MSM is effectively "odin" right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's kinda like odin, except it's better. MSM can fix just about anything except a hard brick.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-8/how-to/op8-unbrick-tool-to-restore-device-to-t4093043

esjames said:
It's kinda like odin, except it's better. MSM can fix just about anything except a hard brick.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-8/how-to/op8-unbrick-tool-to-restore-device-to-t4093043
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds wonderful to me i'm honing in on the decision to buy, just having a hard time finding non-retail prices, other than Swappa
would you recommend getting the T-mobile and converting (which effectively means unlocking? lol) or does that come with caveats avoidable by just buying one already unlocked?
it sounds like there's no difference but ughh... idk i'm in information overload mode trying to hit the ground running lol

If it was up to me, I would just buy the pro model if you can afford that. I ended up buying through tmobile to finance mine and had my device sim unlocked so I can unlock the bootloader.

I have IN2017 on Tmobile and would recommend it. The Tmobile vendor rom works better on their network for obvious reasons, for example 5G standalone doesn't currently work on the Global OOS (oxygen OS) roms.
To answer your specific concerns:
#1 I've never heard of Tmobile blacklisting anyone for unlocking or rooting. Just make sure the imei is good if you buy used. Use a legit site like Swappa.
#2 Yes avoid the "international". Stick to IN2015 (Global) or IN2017 for use in the USA.
#3 Bootloader unlock on the IN2017 requires a clean esn/imei. You fill out a form and Tmobile gives you the unlock code a week later.
After bootloader unlock you can easily root with Magisk or flash pretty much anything. On my 2017 I've ran the tmobile rom, OOS10, OOS11, and gone back and forth.

sx10 said:
#3 Bootloader unlock on the IN2017 requires a clean esn/imei. You fill out a form and Tmobile gives you the unlock code a week later.
After bootloader unlock you can easily root with Magisk or flash pretty much anything. On my 2017 I've ran the tmobile rom, OOS10, OOS11, and gone back and forth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?

Raiz said:
Hi,
First of all, there are 4 versions of the OP8 :
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say you won't get updates, but my phone has wanted to update for over a week now. Maybe security updates aren't affected? I have IN2017, unlocked bootloader and rooted.
---------- Post added at 05:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:55 PM ----------
Sterist said:
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://support.oneplus.com/app/ans...-to-unlock-bootloader-for-oneplus-smart-phone

Sterist said:
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token

sx10 said:
I have IN2017 on Tmobile and would recommend it. The Tmobile vendor rom works better on their network for obvious reasons, for example 5G standalone doesn't currently work on the Global OOS (oxygen OS) roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes yes i'm re-quoting the post lol
are you saying that OxygenOS is the global rom? also, can you clarify what is being described by 5G "standalone" ?
just got my IN2017 and it's on oxygenOS 10
it is unlocked and my account is Sprint (and will remain that way) but sprint's system was too slow to reflect that this phone was activated on the account, so the T-mobile store wasn't able to put a T-mobile SIM in it (yet)
...with that said, the phone says 5G is connected and speed tests are.... pretty bad... barely meeting mid tier 4G standards... how can i definitively confirm or deny if i'm on the global rom

Sterist said:
yes yes i'm re-quoting the post lol
are you saying that OxygenOS is the global rom? also, can you clarify what is being described by 5G "standalone" ?
just got my IN2017 and it's on oxygenOS 10
it is unlocked and my account is Sprint (and will remain that way) but sprint's system was too slow to reflect that this phone was activated on the account, so the T-mobile store wasn't able to put a T-mobile SIM in it (yet)
...with that said, the phone says 5G is connected and speed tests are.... pretty bad... barely meeting mid tier 4G standards... how can i definitively confirm or deny if i'm on the global rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro....
You will need to flash it. It doesn't come preinstalled on Sprint\tmo.
I'm using your exact setup. I too have the Sprint sim in my Tmo OP8
If you are on 10nand want to go to global, there is a thread on here that will take you through the process.
Follow the guide carefully but confidently. It does work and will not brick your phone.
You will convert to global a10... I had issues with cellular signal after converting.
HOWEVER, after upgrading to A11 global rom (local upgrade) everything works perfectly.
I'm on OOS11 Open Beta 3 with sprint sim on the IN2017.

crazynapkinman said:
Bro....
You will need to flash it. It doesn't come preinstalled on Sprint\tmo.
I'm using your exact setup. I too have the Sprint sim in my Tmo OP8
If you are on 10nand want to go to global, there is a thread on here that will take you through the process.
Follow the guide carefully but confidently. It does work and will not brick your phone.
You will convert to global a10... I had issues with cellular signal after converting.
HOWEVER, after upgrading to A11 global rom (local upgrade) everything works perfectly.
I'm on OOS11 Open Beta 3 with sprint sim on the IN2017.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast

Sterist said:
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know what you've heard about global but it puts Tmo stock to shame

Simple answer. Buy the phone from oneplus.com. I did and have had no issues at all on T-Mobile. Trust me, with any OnePlus devices, you absolutely want to be able to root right off the bat and install viper. Audio tends to be a big problem with oneplus phones, and only viper seems to solve the issue.
The phone is $600, and a bargain at that price.

mx597turbo said:
Simple answer. Buy the phone from oneplus.com. I did and have had no issues at all on T-Mobile. Trust me, with any OnePlus devices, you absolutely want to be able to root right off the bat and install viper. Audio tends to be a big problem with oneplus phones, and only viper seems to solve the issue.
The phone is $600, and a bargain at that price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also financing from oneplus available

Sterist said:
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just look at the version on the about phone screen. The TMobile software builds end in IN55CB (latest is 10.5.22.IN55CB), and the global roms end in IN21AA.
About the 5g standalone, that means you can connect to the 5g signals alone. This only works on the Tmobile rom right now. You'll see NR-SA in apps like signalcheck or network signal guru. The alternative is NSA (non-standalone) 5g where the phone has to be connected to a 4g signal at the same time for 5g to work. This gives you 5g speed but with higher latency and it uses more battery. It's just like when Sprint 4g came out but early phones needed to stay connected to the 1x signal as well.

How to enter SIM unlock code in Verizon's Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?

Hi Guys, I've got unlock code for Verizon's SM-N986U but can't access the code entry window.
1. It doesn't ask for unlock code when I insert GSM SIM card and restart it.
2. It doesn't react for USSD commands such as #7465625*638*# and #0111*
It seems USSD commands are already disabled by Verizon or Samsung.
As I know USSD commands still work on carrier free models so is it possible to flash with unlocked firmware and try to enter unlock code?
Other unlock suggestions will be also appreciated.
Be safe and healthy!
Zaza

zazabichi said:
Hi Guys, I've got unlock code for Verizon's SM-N986U but can't access the code entry window.
1. It doesn't ask for unlock code when I insert GSM SIM card and restart it.
2. It doesn't react for USSD commands such as #7465625*638*# and #0111*
It seems USSD commands are already disabled by Verizon or Samsung.
As I know USSD commands still work on carrier free models so is it possible to flash with unlocked firmware and try to enter unlock code?
Other unlock suggestions will be also appreciated.
Be safe and healthy!
Zaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ask this question to the person that sold you the unlock code ? Looks like you got stiffed

zazabichi said:
Hi Guys, I've got unlock code for Verizon's SM-N986U but can't access the code entry window.
1. It doesn't ask for unlock code when I insert GSM SIM card and restart it.
2. It doesn't react for USSD commands such as #7465625*638*# and #0111*
It seems USSD commands are already disabled by Verizon or Samsung.
As I know USSD commands still work on carrier free models so is it possible to flash with unlocked firmware and try to enter unlock code?
Other unlock suggestions will be also appreciated.
Be safe and healthy!
Zaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know the unlocking is done OTA by Verizon and not by code entry. If you qualify for network unlocking give them a call and have them unlock it.
Flashing unlocked firmware has no impact or bearing on network unlock and will not help you in this case.

Hello, owner of a Note 20 Ultra from verizon, I've gone thru all this many times.
1. Verizon Auto unlocks device from network after 60 day. Only time the put any re-lock on device is the financial lock for unpaid financing.
2. Current carrier firmware does not support auto switching to new carrier SIM, must be flashed with correct CSC.
3. We are waiting for samsung to push the ota out that unlocks auto switching feature.
5. US Based samsung phones on US Cellular, Verizon and ATT do not have software unlock code support.
Hope this helps anyone else trying to use carrier sold device on another carrier.

Verizon now seels their phones locked and automatically unlock them after 60 days. If it's still sim locked the device was either never activated on verizon and or less than 60 days which leads me to ask why it was sold
---------- Post added at 07:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:17 PM ----------
Limeybastard said:
Did you ask this question to the person that sold you the unlock code ? Looks like you got stiffed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no unlock codes for verizon. They automatically unlock em after like 60 days now. It's a new theft prevention put in place about July of last year or before
---------- Post added at 07:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:18 PM ----------
scottusa2008 said:
As far as I know the unlocking is done OTA by Verizon and not by code entry. If you qualify for network unlocking give them a call and have them unlock it.
Flashing unlocked firmware has no impact or bearing on network unlock and will not help you in this case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct. Supposed to be auto after like 60 days. Which leads me to believe the device is subsidized by verizon. If the owner here bought it it may not be paid off or amount owed on account
---------- Post added at 07:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 PM ----------
zazabichi said:
Hi Guys, I've got unlock code for Verizon's SM-N986U but can't access the code entry window.
1. It doesn't ask for unlock code when I insert GSM SIM card and restart it.
2. It doesn't react for USSD commands such as #7465625*638*# and #0111*
It seems USSD commands are already disabled by Verizon or Samsung.
As I know USSD commands still work on carrier free models so is it possible to flash with unlocked firmware and try to enter unlock code?
Other unlock suggestions will be also appreciated.
Be safe and healthy!
Zaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read up some

TheMadScientist said:
Verizon now seels their phones locked and automatically unlock them after 60 days. If it's still sim locked the device was either never activated on verizon and or less than 60 days which leads me to ask why it was sold
---------- Post added at 07:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:17 PM ----------
There are no unlock codes for verizon. They automatically unlock em after like 60 days now. It's a new theft prevention put in place about July of last year or before
---------- Post added at 07:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:18 PM ----------
This is correct. Supposed to be auto after like 60 days. Which leads me to believe the device is subsidized by verizon. If the owner here bought it it may not be paid off or amount owed on account
---------- Post added at 07:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 PM ----------
Read up some
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why you quote me? Is it because you love me ? ?

Limeybastard said:
Why you quote me? Is it because you love me ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love each and every last one of you...???

As I understand the unlock code provided by Unlock Panda, isn't legit and can't unlock the phone.
So is there any way to flash it with correct CSC and unlock it?
crimznsins said:
Hello, owner of a Note 20 Ultra from verizon, I've gone thru all this many times.
1. Verizon Auto unlocks device from network after 60 day. Only time the put any re-lock on device is the financial lock for unpaid financing.
2. Current carrier firmware does not support auto switching to new carrier SIM, must be flashed with correct CSC.
3. We are waiting for samsung to push the ota out that unlocks auto switching feature.
5. US Based samsung phones on US Cellular, Verizon and ATT do not have software unlock code support.
Hope this helps anyone else trying to use carrier sold device on another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

zazabichi said:
As I understand the unlock code provided by Unlock Panda, isn't legit and can't unlock the phone.
So is there any way to flash it with correct CSC and unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It must be on Verizon firmware. And active on Verizon account. only way. For a minimum of 60 day or whatever is needed to satisfy their requirements

QUOTE=TheMadScientist;84018109]It must be on Verizon firmware. And active on Verizon account. only way. For a minimum of 60 day or whatever is needed to satisfy their requirements[/QUOTE]
Verizon support says the phone is already unlocked but in fact it doesn't accept GSM card. Whe I power it on with GSM card inside, it shows the LTE icon, which instantly dissappears when the phone is fully booted.
I have flashed from Verizon's locked SM-N986U to unlocked SM-N986U and then flashed back to Verizon. May it had some impact on network reception?

zazabichi said:
QUOTE=TheMadScientist;84018109]It must be on Verizon firmware. And active on Verizon account. only way. For a minimum of 60 day or whatever is needed to satisfy their requirements
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon support says the phone is already unlocked but in fact it doesn't accept GSM card. Whe I power it on with GSM card inside, it shows the LTE icon, which instantly dissappears when the phone is fully booted.
I have flashed from Verizon's locked SM-N986U to unlocked SM-N986U and then flashed back to Verizon. May it had some impact on network reception?[/QUOTE]
If it's not showing sim card not accepted. There would be some dialogue like that.
They will a lot say this sim is not from verizon but that's just them telling you. Don't mean it's not locked. Have you attempted to put in your carriers apn settings. I know on some devices they won't grab any service or anything without apn fully setup
Then yes it's unlocked and it's a different issue

TheMadScientist said:
Verizon support says the phone is already unlocked but in fact it doesn't accept GSM card. Whe I power it on with GSM card inside, it shows the LTE icon, which instantly dissappears when the phone is fully booted.
I have flashed from Verizon's locked SM-N986U to unlocked SM-N986U and then flashed back to Verizon. May it had some impact on network reception?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's not showing sim card not accepted. There would be some dialogue like that.
They will a lot say this sim is not from verizon but that's just them telling you. Don't mean it's not locked. Have you attempted to put in your carriers apn settings. I know on some devices they won't grab any service or anything without apn fully setup
Then yes it's unlocked and it's a different issue[/QUOTE]
Lets start everything from the beggining. By default device was on Verizon's locked N986USQS1BTJ8 firmware. My SIM card didn't work or ask for network unlock. I wasn't able to apply network unlock code even with USSD commands as it works with lot of devices.
So I flashed it to unlocked N986U1UES1ATJ3 firmware. When I restarted the device, it showed my SIM card and started working for five minutes. After five minutes a pop up window showed up asking for unlock code. The code I was provided by Unlock Service didn't work and the signal dissapeared again.
Finally I have switched back to default Verizon's N986USQU1BTIB_CHA Firmware and contacted Their Twitter Support. They confirmed that the phone is unlocked and suggested to contact my local Carrier.
As it was in the beginning, The SIM card and LTE icon still shows up on the boot, but after couple of seconds it dissapears again. APN settings for this SIM card are checked and active.

zazabichi said:
Finally I have switched back to default Verizon's N986USQU1BTIB_CHA Firmware and contacted Their Twitter Support. They confirmed that the phone is unlocked and suggested to contact my local Carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple things... If I look up the BTIB firmware I don't see that as an option for Verizon on SamMobile. I do see it as an option for Xfinity/Charter phones. I know that was one of the firmware releases for my Spectrum Mobile phone.
Second give more details on where the phone came from (i.e. was it from and network locked too Spectrum Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, Verizon, etc), where are you trying to use the phone at (and with whom) and who told you to contact the local carrier (was it the place that sold you the unlock code)? Are you using the phone within the USA or outside the USA?
If the place that sold you the network code said to contact the carrier then you should do so... If the carrier the phone is actually locked too said to contact the carrier your trying to use the phone at, then do so. It maybe possible your using the phone on a carrier that doesn't fully support it, or hasn't properly provisioned/configured it.
If your using the phone outside of the USA you might run into issues with compatibility...

scottusa2008 said:
Couple things... If I look up the BTIB firmware I don't see that as an option for Verizon on SamMobile. I do see it as an option for Xfinity/Charter phones. I know that was one of the firmware releases for my Spectrum Mobile phone.
Second give more details on where the phone came from (i.e. was it from and network locked too Spectrum Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, Verizon, etc), where are you trying to use the phone at (and with whom) and who told you to contact the local carrier (was it the place that sold you the unlock code)? Are you using the phone within the USA or outside the USA?
If the place that sold you the network code said to contact the carrier then you should do so... If the carrier the phone is actually locked too said to contact the carrier your trying to use the phone at, then do so. It maybe possible your using the phone on a carrier that doesn't fully support it, or hasn't properly provisioned/configured it.
If your using the phone outside of the USA you might run into issues with compatibility...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Scott,
1. I have downloaded BTIB firmware from this XDA thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-20-ultra/how-to/ota-ota-firmware-n986u-t4143833
Should I try another one? For example this one?
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-20-ultra-5g/firmware/SM-N986U1/VZW/#SM-N986U1
2. By default the phone was Verizon's network locked N986U. I'm trying to use it in Georgia (Country not a US State) where usually all global phones (2G,3G,LTE) work without any problem.
In fact the phone sees local SIM card before it's fully booted, then SIM stops working. Local carrier is Magticom, APN is activated and checkmarked but there is no connection (please see the screens).
Scr 1 and 2. In the moment when phone starts SIM card is functional.
Scr 3. Shortly SIM card goes offline as seen in SIM status section.
Scr 3. APN is configured and checked automatically, which means, phone has recognized the SIM.
As I figured out, new Verizon phones didn't have an option to enter network unlock code. But my code was provided as a primary unlock solution from third party unlock service (Unlock Panda). So as I had a code, I tried to flash it to unlocked firmware (to gain access to unlock code entry window) but this method failed as I got a message that the code was incorrect. After this fail I tried to switch back to Verizon firmware and flashed to BTIB (I'm not sure anymore, if I flashed proper firmware).
So I have a phone which doesn't work with any of three Georgian Mobile Carriers while Verizon Support says that the phone isn't locked and it should work.
Best Regards,
Zaza

zazabichi said:
Hi Scott,
1. I have downloaded BTIB firmware from this XDA thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-20-ultra/how-to/ota-ota-firmware-n986u-t4143833
Should I try another one? For example this one?
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-20-ultra-5g/firmware/SM-N986U1/VZW/#SM-N986U1
2. By default the phone was Verizon's network locked N986U. I'm trying to use it in Georgia (Country not a US State) where usually all global phones (2G,3G,LTE) work without any problem.
In fact the phone sees local SIM card before it's fully booted, then SIM stops working. Local carrier is Magticom, APN is activated and checkmarked but there is no connection (please see the screens).
Scr 1 and 2. In the moment when phone starts SIM card is functional.
Scr 3. Shortly SIM card goes offline as seen in SIM status section.
Scr 3. APN is configured and checked automatically, which means, phone has recognized the SIM.
As I figured out, new Verizon phones didn't have an option to enter network unlock code. But my code was provided as a primary unlock solution from third party unlock service (Unlock Panda). So as I had a code, I tried to flash it to unlocked firmware (to gain access to unlock code entry window) but this method failed as I got a message that the code was incorrect. After this fail I tried to switch back to Verizon firmware and flashed to BTIB (I'm not sure anymore, if I flashed proper firmware).
So I have a phone which doesn't work with any of three Georgian Mobile Carriers while Verizon Support says that the phone isn't locked and it should work.
Best Regards,
Zaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question, how did you get the phone to begin with?
Also was the phone within the USA when the 60 day period with Verizon had passed and Verizon had sent the network unlock information to the phone. I believe it is still true that in order for the phone to actually unlock you need to be within the USA running stock Verizon firmware.
If the phone is indeed truly network unlocked I am suspecting a compatibility issue with the carrier here, since the phone was originally sold for use within the USA.

I hazard a guess that by OP flashing it to U1 to force enter purchased unlock code is what caused this issue. Since my research concludes that locked Verizon note 20 ultra requires remote unlocking and doesn't work with a code method. He's effectively flashed to U1 to force device to prompt him to enter a code that wont work.

Limeybastard said:
I hazard a guess that by OP flashing it to U1 to force enter purchased unlock code is what caused this issue. Since my research concludes that locked Verizon note 20 ultra requires remote unlocking and doesn't work with a code method. He's effectively flashed to U1 to force device to prompt him to enter a code that wont work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup... The OP's images that were posted show that the phone is not connecting to the network, whether it be a result of compatibility issues or network lock.
Because the OP is trying to use the phone overseas I really think that one of the two issues maybe what's going on:
The phone was purchased locked and removed from the USA before Verizon was able to unlock it.
The phone is not compatible with the network the OP is trying to connect it with
I would be inclined to think that the second issue maybe what is going on, but the first option is also very much probable as the OP did not really say how the phone was purchased (nor why they didn't just get the international model to begin with).

scottusa2008 said:
Yup... The OP's images that were posted show that the phone is not connecting to the network, whether it be a result of compatibility issues or network lock.
Because the OP is trying to use the phone overseas I really think that one of the two issues maybe what's going on:
The phone was purchased locked and removed from the USA before Verizon was able to unlock it.
The phone is not compatible with the network the OP is trying to connect it with
I would be inclined to think that the second issue maybe what is going on, but the first option is also very much probable as the OP did not really say how the phone was purchased (nor why they didn't just get the international model to begin with).
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Yep, he'll need to mail it in to one of us for further investigation.

Limeybastard said:
Yep, he'll need to mail it in to one of us for further investigation.
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Click to collapse
The OP wouldn't need to go that far... It's really just a matter of one of two probable scenarios.
If the OP's phone is actually and truly network unlocked then the issue is that of compatibility with the carrier he/she is attempting to use. For this the OP would have to work with the carrier to resolve the issue, or purchase a phone that was sold for that region.
If the OP's phone isn't actually network unlocked then the OP is out of luck unless he/she can do one of the following:
obtain an unlocked phone
bring the phone back into the USA and have Verizon complete the unlock process
Because the OP was trying to obtain an unlock code even though for what ever reason Verizon said the phone was unlocked gives me pause to offer any other suggestions or remedies. Perhaps the OP is telling the truth or it was a matter of timing (the code was purchased before Verizon said the phone was unlocked) or the OP is intentionally/accidentally omitting information which indicates a different scenario.
Ultimately in the end the answer to the OP's question unlocking the phone is done OTA by Verizon and not by USSD code entry.

scottusa2008 said:
The OP wouldn't need to go that far... It's really just a matter of one of two probable scenarios.
If the OP's phone is actually and truly network unlocked then the issue is that of compatibility with the carrier he/she is attempting to use. For this the OP would have to work with the carrier to resolve the issue, or purchase a phone that was sold for that region.
If the OP's phone isn't actually network unlocked then the OP is out of luck unless he/she can do one of the following:
obtain an unlocked phone
bring the phone back into the USA and have Verizon complete the unlock process
Because the OP was trying to obtain an unlock code even though for what ever reason Verizon said the phone was unlocked gives me pause to offer any other suggestions or remedies. Perhaps the OP is telling the truth or it was a matter of timing (the code was purchased before Verizon said the phone was unlocked) or the OP is intentionally/accidentally omitting information which indicates a different scenario.
Ultimately in the end the answer to the OP's question unlocking the phone is done OTA by Verizon and not by USSD code entry.
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LOL, I wasn't serious about the mailing in part.