Hi,
I was recently gifted an unlocked ATT S8+ (SM-G955U) which I'm trying to activate to my Verizon account. I've read conflicting information about this, and after going to the Verizon store and calling them directly I'm thoroughly confused.
The rep on the phone told me that the phone is "incompatible" with their network based on the IMEI number. From what I gather, the hardware (and model numbers) on all the major carrier's S8+s are the same and simply have different firmware. I've also read that they're interchangeable. Has anyone successfully gotten the ATT S8+ on Verizon? I'm almost feeling like it's something where I would need to jump through more hoops and speak to a manager to get them to do it, but before I did I wanted to get others input. Thanks!
I heard that the phone will work, you'll need to flash the Verizon firmware onto the AT&T phone.
Thanks Richie. Do you think that Verizon is telling me that the IMEI is "incompatible" because I may need to flash another firmware to enable CDMA? Or are some versions of the S4+ really incompatible on their network.
May there be possible success to get them to activate it anyway?
kebas239 said:
Hi,
I was recently gifted an unlocked ATT S8+ (SM-G955U) which I'm trying to activate to my Verizon account. I've read conflicting information about this, and after going to the Verizon store and calling them directly I'm thoroughly confused.
The rep on the phone told me that the phone is "incompatible" with their network based on the IMEI number. From what I gather, the hardware (and model numbers) on all the major carrier's S8+s are the same and simply have different firmware. I've also read that they're interchangeable. Has anyone successfully gotten the ATT S8+ on Verizon? I'm almost feeling like it's something where I would need to jump through more hoops and speak to a manager to get them to do it, but before I did I wanted to get others input. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kebas239 said:
Thanks Richie. Do you think that Verizon is telling me that the IMEI is "incompatible" because I may need to flash another firmware to enable CDMA? Or are some versions of the S4+ really incompatible on their network.
May there be possible success to get them to activate it anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you already have an active Verizon SIM card? Like in another phone?
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Do you already have an active Verizon SIM card? Like in another phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not - only because I'm coming from an S4 (which has the larger SIM card). I had to get a new one.
kebas239 said:
Hi,
I was recently gifted an unlocked ATT S8+ (SM-G955U) which I'm trying to activate to my Verizon account. I've read conflicting information about this, and after going to the Verizon store and calling them directly I'm thoroughly confused.
The rep on the phone told me that the phone is "incompatible" with their network based on the IMEI number. From what I gather, the hardware (and model numbers) on all the major carrier's S8+s are the same and simply have different firmware. I've also read that they're interchangeable. Has anyone successfully gotten the ATT S8+ on Verizon? I'm almost feeling like it's something where I would need to jump through more hoops and speak to a manager to get them to do it, but before I did I wanted to get others input. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IMEI thing and Verizon not provisioning your phone to activate on their network is the ONLY obstacle you have.
All the US S8/S8+/Note8 variants are identical and can be cross-flashed to whatever carrier you want. You can easily grab the VZW firmware and flash it on to your AT&T device, fully converting it, however the IMEI won't be in Verizon's system since your particular phone wasn't sold by Verizon.
Somehow get around that and your phone will be fully compatible on VZWs network.
kebas239 said:
Thanks Richie. Do you think that Verizon is telling me that the IMEI is "incompatible" because I may need to flash another firmware to enable CDMA? Or are some versions of the S4+ really incompatible on their network.
May there be possible success to get them to activate it anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry about what Verizon reps are telling you because most often than not they are following a standard procedure. And they only Input your IMEI into a service like this one:https://www.verizonwireless.com/bring-your-own-device/#checkDevice
As your IMEI is for an AT&T phone, the brand model has an A appended at the end (as in AT&T).
However, you should still investigate this issue and try the steps recommended by the other guys. You will be able to use your phone with a VZV sim without reaching to Verizon
kebas239 said:
Hi,
I was recently gifted an unlocked ATT S8+ (SM-G955U) which I'm trying to activate to my Verizon account. I've read conflicting information about this, and after going to the Verizon store and calling them directly I'm thoroughly confused.
The rep on the phone told me that the phone is "incompatible" with their network based on the IMEI number. From what I gather, the hardware (and model numbers) on all the major carrier's S8+s are the same and simply have different firmware. I've also read that they're interchangeable. Has anyone successfully gotten the ATT S8+ on Verizon? I'm almost feeling like it's something where I would need to jump through more hoops and speak to a manager to get them to do it, but before I did I wanted to get others input. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an AT&T S8 + on Verizon's network, had to unlock the phone, I did flash VZV firmware.
Works for me.
Thanks all for the responses! So it does look like I can do it then, but I just need to get Verizon to activate the new SIM. Think if I could find another phone that's compatible, throw the SIM in, activate, then switch the SIM to the S8+ it would work? (Assuming I've flashed the Verizon firmware on it).
Also, I'm trying to find out how to flash the phone properly. I don't really need root, but I'll take it if its easy. Thinking in my scenario, I'd follow this thread, correct?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...opment/rom-s8-allcarriersrootedstock-t3659232
kebas239 said:
Thanks all for the responses! So it does look like I can do it then, but I just need to get Verizon to activate the new SIM. Think if I could find another phone that's compatible, throw the SIM in, activate, then switch the SIM to the S8+ it would work? (Assuming I've flashed the Verizon firmware on it).
Also, I'm trying to find out how to flash the phone properly. I don't really need root, but I'll take it if its easy. Thinking in my scenario, I'd follow this thread, correct?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...opment/rom-s8-allcarriersrootedstock-t3659232
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you can get VZW to activate a nano SIM then all you have to do is pop it in your S8+, and it will work perfectly.
You don't HAVE to flash the Verizon firmware, but you'll won't be able to use certain features such as VoLTE and WiFi calling with the ATT firmware, so I recommend it. Not a necessity though.
To change carrier firmware, follow this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3627255
Can't help you with rooting. Sorry, I stopped rooting my phones long ago.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yes, if you can get VZW to activate a nano SIM then all you have to do is pop it in your S8+, and it will work perfectly.
You don't HAVE to flash the Verizon firmware, but you'll won't be able to use certain features such as VoLTE and WiFi calling with the ATT firmware, so I recommend it. Not a necessity though.
To change carrier firmware, follow this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3627255
Can't help you with rooting. Sorry, I stopped rooting my phones long ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great information! I'll call back Verizon and knowing all this I have something to back myself up with to at least try to convince them to activate the SIM (if not, I'll find a temporary phone to activate).
Thank you (and everyone else) for all the help!
I was able to get Verizon to activate the SIM and IMEI of the new S8. When I checked my account online to verify, it shows the correct numbers. Unfortunately, the phone is still not able to make calls or connect to the mobile network.
Following this, I rooted and flashed a deodexed stock ROM/firmware that is compatible with all carriers. This made no difference in the issue.
On the status bar, normal reception for my area is shown. There is no data (LTE/3G, etc.) connection, however. In looking at the APN settings, there are multiple Verizon options to choose. "Verizon Internet" (VZWINTERNET) is what is selected. Under the network operators, Automatic is selected. I tried changing it to Manual, but I do not get an option to select Verizon. Only ATT or T-Mobile. Under SIM Card Status, It's says that I'm on an unknown network.
Any ideas on what I could do to diagnose this? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to be able to get this phone to work so bad!
Thanks!
Success! I was about to give up, but decided to try a few more things.
1) To register a new SIM on VZW, it needs to initially go into a VZW based phone to work correctly. Once doing this, I saw some changes:
- I could now see my phone number.
- Verizon was an option under the network operators setting.
This did not solve my problem, however, as I still could not connect to the network. When selecting VZW, the request would fail and say to try again later. So onto the next (and last!) thing I did...
2) Download VZW firmware and flash via ODEN (The Comsey version, but I don't think that matters). I added the BL, AP, CP & CSC (included in the zip file) using the default options. I found this firmware at the below link and grabbed the latest version. The download was very slow for me (I had to run it overnight), but numerous posters stated that they are a reliable source so I took a chance.
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s8-plus/SM-G955U1/VZW/download/G955U1UES2AQL1/201500/
I'm just so glad everything is working now. Thank you so much to all who have responded to the thread to guide me in the right direction! Hope this helps someone else who may be having the same trouble.
I flashed my S7 (930P) to a 930U following these instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0eye-zDOtQ
When I slap my XM sim in my S7, it tells me none detected. The sim is good, I can put it back in the e5 I snagged and it gets coverage immediately. I've tried flashing the modem with the VZW image and am pulling down the 930VC/CCT image now so I can try the Xfinity modem file in case that is the ticket.
If it's not, I'm not sure what my next step is. Any recommendations?
Turns out I'm not thinking straight. Checking the modem file now.
No luck
The device wasn't unlocked and I had the impression the U firmware would release that lock. Not true, still had to get Sprint to unlock.
@eskaryo
I have a sim unlocked Sprint S7 (g930p) on Android 8.0. And when I put in my active xfinity sim almost everything works. Data works, incoming and outgoing calls and texts work. But it won't switch out of roaming and all MMS including group text won't work. So do I just need to flash the firmware you mentioned to get everything working right? And can you flash it on a locked bootloader (which I believe this sprint s7 has)? If so can you confirm the exact firmware I need? Thank you!
I have the same problems with Xfinity service on my s7. This is most likely due to APN settings though I don't know for sure. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
I've just purchased a used SM-G930VL (Straight Talk) phone on Swappa. I requested the SM-G930U, but they apparently sent the wrong model.
The reason I wanted to SM-G930U model was so I could insert any SIM card and it would work.
Questions (and I'm new to Android as you can probably tell below):
- Is the SM-G930VL Verizon / Straight Talk model usually unlocked to ONLY use any SIM card from Straight Talk or would I be able to use any US carrier?
- Is there a way to put SM-G930U firmware on a SM-G930VL phone and is there an advantage to this?
- Will the SM-G930U firmware unlock the phone in case it's locked to Straight Talk only?
- Can I brick the phone for good if I attempt to Flash it and I do it wrong? or is it always possible to bring the phone back from the dead?
- Is there a recent tutorial on how to make the phone accept any carrier?
I tried using Odin to Flash the phone from SM-G930VL to SM-G930V, but was following a 2 year old YouTube video, so the files were outdated and I was unsuccessful.
The phone is running Android 8.0.0 and Knox 3.1, API level 25.
pitrofilta said:
I've just purchased a used SM-G930VL (Straight Talk) phone on Swappa. I requested the SM-G930U, but they apparently sent the wrong model.
The reason I wanted to SM-G930U model was so I could insert any SIM card and it would work.
Questions (and I'm new to Android as you can probably tell below):
- Is the SM-G930VL Verizon / Straight Talk model usually unlocked to ONLY use any SIM card from Straight Talk or would I be able to use any US carrier?
: the SM-G930VL is programmed to only work with straight talk sim cards. The phone is factory unlocked as far as i know but it does not allow network connectivity with non ST sim cards.
- Is there a way to put SM-G930U firmware on a SM-G930VL phone and is there an advantage to this?
: Yes you can put the SM-G930U firmware. All US Galaxy S7S are the same hardware wise. The Advantage is that it completely removes everything that ST baked into the firmware.
- Will the SM-G930U firmware unlock the phone in case it's locked to Straight Talk only?
: If in case the device is sim locked to ST, flashing the SM-G930U firmware will not sim unlock the device.
- Can I brick the phone for good if I attempt to Flash it and I do it wrong? or is it always possible to bring the phone back from the dead?
: There are always risks when it comes to flashing any device. When it comes to Samsung devices it's hard to really hard brick a device using and official flash tool like Odin. the device cab get soft bricked but most of the times it's because of user error that it happens.
- Is there a recent tutorial on how to make the phone accept any carrier?
: there are many of them here on the forums but i can try my best to give you a quick run down:
1. First download the SM-G930U firmware from here
2. Download Odin from this thread, Credits to OP on that thread
3. Once Files are downloaded, extract the firmware and odin on the same folder for convinience.
4. Once you extract the firmware, you will have 5 files that each start with BL, AP, CP, HOME_CSC, and CSC (you will need BL, AP, CP and CSC only)
5. open Odin and load each file above in there respective slots, you will be able to see where each file needs to go, note that the AP file will take a few minutes to load as this is the biggest file of the 4.
6. at this point am assuming your galaxy s7 is completely off, Press and hold the Home + Volume down + Power keys together until you see a warning screen about flashing custom firmware, press Volume up to get to Download/Odin Mode.
7. connect your S7 to your PC, use usb 2.0 ports preferably. Let Windows install the drivers (you can get samsung drivers from here, make sure you install these first i.e. before connecting your phone to your PC)
8. Once Windows installs the drivers, on Odin, click START and wait for all the files to flash, DO NOT DISCONNECT THE PHONE until Odin says Pass or something similar.
9. The phone will automatically go to recovery mode and display installing update. It will reboot again and start to boot into android. once fully booted.
10. Once booted fully, you will be on Android Oreo for the unbranded Galaxy S7 with nothing from straight talk and also you will be able to use any sim card on the device.
I tried using Odin to Flash the phone from SM-G930VL to SM-G930V, but was following a 2 year old YouTube video, so the files were outdated and I was unsuccessful.
The phone is running Android 8.0.0 and Knox 3.1, API level 25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please let me know if you have further questions or help with doing this, i can probably help you remotely if we need to.
---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
btw i know this because i myself got a straighttalk galaxy s7 when it first came out. i switched to the unbranded firmware as soon as it was made available and have not gone back to the straight talk firmware ever. the phone behaves like an actual unlocked SM-G930U device and gets updates (albeit a little slower than carrier branded S7s) directly from samsung.
Also once you follow, this go to settings and software updates to get the latest available updates available from Samsung.
micallan_17 said:
Please let me know if you have further questions or help with doing this, i can probably help you remotely if we need to.
---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
btw i know this because i myself got a straighttalk galaxy s7 when it first came out. i switched to the unbranded firmware as soon as it was made available and have not gone back to the straight talk firmware ever. the phone behaves like an actual unlocked SM-G930U device and gets updates (albeit a little slower than carrier branded S7s) directly from samsung.
Also once you follow, this go to settings and software updates to get the latest available updates available from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies for not answering earlier. I really appreciate your offer and thoughts, however I just returned the S7 and purchased a used S8 instead.
pitrofilta said:
Apologies for not answering earlier. I really appreciate your offer and thoughts, however I just returned the S7 and purchased a used S8 instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Cool
Having A Bit Of Trouble With Calls!
micallan_17 said:
It's Cool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the thread folks!
I am also (an old) beginner! Followed the instructions (Thank you @micallan_17) and was able to successfully flash stock G930U into a T-Mobile S7 which was supposed to have been unlocked when I bought it, but apparently was not! So, with G930U everything works with my Consumer Cellular SIM (AT&T network), but I can not call out or receive calls! Flashed phone back to T-Mobile stock G930T and took it to a T-Mobile store. They were kind and put a demo SIM in it and it worked to call out. So, the hardware seems to be working. Back to G930U, I have wiped cache and data, but still no calls! Can send and receive text, WiFi works and have 4G LTE functional. It also shows the VoLTE option and WiFi calling, but won't do either. Basically, it is a smartphone that is only smart!
Any brilliant fixing suggestions out there?
AEChief said:
Hey thanks for the thread folks!
I am also (an old) beginner! Followed the instructions (Thank you @micallan_17) and was able to successfully flash stock G930U into a T-Mobile S7 which was supposed to have been unlocked when I bought it, but apparently was not! So, with G930U everything works with my Consumer Cellular SIM (AT&T network), but I can not call out or receive calls! Flashed phone back to T-Mobile stock G930T and took it to a T-Mobile store. They were kind and put a demo SIM in it and it worked to call out. So, the hardware seems to be working. Back to G930U, I have wiped cache and data, but still no calls! Can send and receive text, WiFi works and have 4G LTE functional. It also shows the VoLTE option and WiFi calling, but won't do either. Basically, it is a smartphone that is only smart!
Any brilliant fixing suggestions out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Glad the instructions were helpful, regarding the call issue, when you try calling, does it give you an error message? Also when you go to settings>connections>mobile networks, what shows under Network Mode?
micallan_17 said:
Hi, Glad the instructions were helpful, regarding the call issue, when you try calling, does it give you an error message? Also when you go to settings>connections>mobile networks, what shows under Network Mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the reply.
When I call a number, it acts and says it is dialing but it is quiet even with speaker on, and after about a minute it hangs up. No error messages appear. Calling the number from another phone goes to voicemail after a couple of rings, as though the number is busy or off. The Network Mode shows as LTE/3G/2G (auto connect). I also noticed that WiFi Calling that showed up with T-Mobile is missing with this setup, so I misspoke previously.
Update and a question on this topic
AEChief said:
Hi, thanks for the reply.
When I call a number, it acts and says it is dialing but it is quiet even with speaker on, and after about a minute it hangs up. No error messages appear. Calling the number from another phone goes to voicemail after a couple of rings, as though the number is busy or off. The Network Mode shows as LTE/3G/2G (auto connect). I also noticed that WiFi Calling that showed up with T-Mobile is missing with this setup, so I misspoke previously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First an update:
So, after I was convinced that the phone was still locked to T-Mobile, I wrote to the seller and they offered to exchange it. I got the second S7 and it is working fine, still T-Mobile but obviously unlocked! Now I am thinking of flashing it with the G930U ROM, but am not sure if it will affect the unlocking.
My question is just that: I assume the boot-loader is locked; then will going to the Samsung unlocked ROM mess things up? And if it happens that I can not call out with it like the first unit, going back to G930T ROM may not bring it back to the current state!
Has anyone have words of wisdom in this regard?
AEChief said:
First an update:
So, after I was convinced that the phone was still locked to T-Mobile, I wrote to the seller and they offered to exchange it. I got the second S7 and it is working fine, still T-Mobile but obviously unlocked! Now I am thinking of flashing it with the G930U ROM, but am not sure if it will affect the unlocking.
My question is just that: I assume the boot-loader is locked; then will going to the Samsung unlocked ROM mess things up? And if it happens that I can not call out with it like the first unit, going back to G930T ROM may not bring it back to the current state!
Has anyone have words of wisdom in this regard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should not lock the Device, the U firmware should flash just fine, Flashing the U firmware does not affect the boot loader locked state. make sure the device is permanently sim unlocked not temporary unlocked.
Benefits (if any) of unlocked firmware
AEChief said:
First an update:
So, after I was convinced that the phone was still locked to T-Mobile, I wrote to the seller and they offered to exchange it. I got the second S7 and it is working fine, still T-Mobile but obviously unlocked! Now I am thinking of flashing it with the G930U ROM, but am not sure if it will affect the unlocking.
My question is just that: I assume the boot-loader is locked; then will going to the Samsung unlocked ROM mess things up? And if it happens that I can not call out with it like the first unit, going back to G930T ROM may not bring it back to the current state!
Has anyone have words of wisdom in this regard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The major benefit (if any) of U (unlocked/carrierless) firmware (from posts in this and other carrier threads) is the avoidage of carrier-specific applications (which are almost universally regarded as *bloatware*). However, because of scripts written by the talented folks elsewhere on XDA, even the most bloated carrier firmware can be skimmed of bloat without the concern that you could be shooting yourself in the foot by not getting a feature that can be firmware-reliant (such as VoLTE or VoWifi). Further, some carriers (Verizon Wilreless most notably) have a stock-only firmware policy (that is, in fact, the biggest ding I have with Big Red).
S7 Snapdragon (applies to any such)
pitrofilta said:
I've just purchased a used SM-G930VL (Straight Talk) phone on Swappa. I requested the SM-G930U, but they apparently sent the wrong model.
The reason I wanted to SM-G930U model was so I could insert any SIM card and it would work.
Questions (and I'm new to Android as you can probably tell below):
- Is the SM-G930VL Verizon / Straight Talk model usually unlocked to ONLY use any SIM card from Straight Talk or would I be able to use any US carrier?
- Is there a way to put SM-G930U firmware on a SM-G930VL phone and is there an advantage to this?
- Will the SM-G930U firmware unlock the phone in case it's locked to Straight Talk only?
- Can I brick the phone for good if I attempt to Flash it and I do it wrong? or is it always possible to bring the phone back from the dead?
- Is there a recent tutorial on how to make the phone accept any carrier?
I tried using Odin to Flash the phone from SM-G930VL to SM-G930V, but was following a 2 year old YouTube video, so the files were outdated and I was unsuccessful.
The phone is running Android 8.0.0 and Knox 3.1, API level 25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My S7 (Snapdragon model) is not merely ex-Verizon, but one with a blacklisted IMEI on Big Red; the same would apply to any S7 (the gotcha with a blacklisted IMEI is that you can't take the phone back to the carrier that blacklisted the IMEI in question). The ONLY reason why blacklisted IMEIs happen is going to be contract-breakage (which is commonplace with long contracts - more than carriers want to admit). Still, you CAN take a phone with a blacklisted IMEI to another carrier (in my case, I took it to the the T-Mobile side of Tracfone). Other than that, you can go to any carrier.
Since I have been on the Tracfone side of T-Mobile, I have run T-Mobile Nougat, AT&T Mobility beta Oreo, AT&T Mobility Oreo Final, then T-Mobile Oreo - all without changing carriers, and all on the same S7. (You read that right - for at least two months, I ran firmware technically alien to both carrier AND phone - and it mattered to neither.) What has to be pointed out is that - until the b8 firmware, the ONLY carrier that quibbled about firmware is Verizon - and even that does not apply to their MVNOs, such as Tracfone.) Still, you have to wonder, why does Verizon care - especially since no other carrier did - even with phones under contract - until b8 came along - and that is only with the S7 in update-only mode? (It isn't as if Pie were in the offing for the S7.)
PGHammer said:
My S7 (Snapdragon model) is not merely ex-Verizon, but one with a blacklisted IMEI on Big Red; the same would apply to any S7 (the gotcha with a blacklisted IMEI is that you can't take the phone back to the carrier that blacklisted the IMEI in question). The ONLY reason why blacklisted IMEIs happen is going to be contract-breakage (which is commonplace with long contracts - more than carriers want to admit). Still, you CAN take a phone with a blacklisted IMEI to another carrier (in my case, I took it to the the T-Mobile side of Tracfone). Other than that, you can go to any carrier.
Since I have been on the Tracfone side of T-Mobile, I have run T-Mobile Nougat, AT&T Mobility beta Oreo, AT&T Mobility Oreo Final, then T-Mobile Oreo - all without changing carriers, and all on the same S7. (You read that right - for at least two months, I ran firmware technically alien to both carrier AND phone - and it mattered to neither.) What has to be pointed out is that - until the b8 firmware, the ONLY carrier that quibbled about firmware is Verizon - and even that does not apply to their MVNOs, such as Tracfone.) Still, you have to wonder, why does Verizon care - especially since no other carrier did - even with phones under contract - until b8 came along - and that is only with the S7 in update-only mode? (It isn't as if Pie were in the offing for the S7.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Yeah fkn wish pie was available 8 Is gunna be last forms for the s7.
Can anyone at all help me root this phone? I bought it today from Walmart after reading it could be rooted but my varrient SM-G930VL Straight Talk came preloaded with Android 8.0 and all the guides say they are for android 6.0 please help!!