Unlocked or not? - General Questions and Answers

I got a Metro by T-Mobile phone unlocked on eBay and while the phone no longer rejects MVNO sims, it won't connect to any network either. It still connects when I put the Metro sim back in but it won't connect with sims from Lyca, Tello or Hello Mobile, all T-Mobile MVNOs. The phone is a TCL 30 XE 5G (T767W) and I bought two of them new and they both have the same problem. I'm new to the T-Mobile network and I don't know if I'm missing something. I've never had this kind of trouble on Verizon or AT&T. Has anyone else run into a problem like this? I appreciate any help anyone can offer.
Thanks!

Look inside here:
How to Check If Android Phone is Unlocked or Locked
Before buying a new Android Phone, it is best to check if Android Phone is Unlocked or Locked. Here are 2 ways to check the Simlock status of your Android phone.
www.unlockboot.com

xXx yYy said:
Look inside here:
How to Check If Android Phone is Unlocked or Locked
Before buying a new Android Phone, it is best to check if Android Phone is Unlocked or Locked. Here are 2 ways to check the Simlock status of your Android phone.
www.unlockboot.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to that site my phone is unlocked but it still won't connect to any network unless the original Metro sim is installed.

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
According to that site my phone is unlocked but it still won't connect to any network unless the original Metro sim is installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you need to enter service menu and change your radio settings or maybe you need to flash a different modem for your specific model number.
I know you said you bought them new but can you confirm that their IMEI is intact?

Droidriven said:
Maybe you need to enter service menu and change your radio settings or maybe you need to flash a different modem for your specific model number.
I know you said you bought them new but can you confirm that their IMEI is intact?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply! Both phones were shipped to me from Metro by T-Mobile. The phones were able to connect with an MVNO sim when I set the radio to 2G only mode but that option disappeared when the phones updated to Android 12 and now they can't connect at all. Even before the update, the phones would frequently disconnect and I had to set them back to 2G only mode to get service back so there was always something wrong. I'm pretty good with computers but I've never flashed a phone before and I've been suspecting that I would have to do that with these phones. I'll be happy to check their IMEI numbers if you could let me know what I'm looking for. I'd also like to learn more about flashing a new modem as you mentioned above that sounds like it might address the problem. And if you wouldn't mind letting me know where I could find the service menu?
Thanks in advance!!

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
Thank you for your reply! Both phones were shipped to me from Metro by T-Mobile. The phones were able to connect with an MVNO sim when I set the radio to 2G only mode but that option disappeared when the phones updated to Android 12 and now they can't connect at all. Even before the update, the phones would frequently disconnect and I had to set them back to 2G only mode to get service back so there was always something wrong. I'm pretty good with computers but I've never flashed a phone before and I've been suspecting that I would have to do that with these phones. I'll be happy to check their IMEI numbers if you could let me know what I'm looking for. I'd also like to learn more about flashing a new modem as you mentioned above that sounds like it might address the problem. And if you wouldn't mind letting me know where I could find the service menu?
Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After they updated, have you tried booting into recovery and wiping the cache partition(not factory reset)? Sometimes, after updates, wiping cache is necessary to remove conflicts between previously existing data and the new update.
If you are getting a connection of any kind then your IMEI is fine.
Flashing a modem is sometimes necessary but it can have risks if you flash the wrong thing.
I'm not familiar with TCL devices or how they are flashed. Typically, to flash a different modem requires downloading a firmware that has the modem that you want/need then extracting the modem from the firmware then flash the extracted modem onto the device.
Methods to access service/radio menu different from device to device, I don't know how it is done on TCL devices. Most of the time it is done by using your dialer and dialing a specific code, if there is a dialer code for your device, you should be able to find it with a Google search for:
"TCL 30 XE 5G dialer menu code"
Or
"TCL 30 XE 5G service menu"

Droidriven said:
After they updated, have you tried booting into recovery and wiping the cache partition(not factory reset)? Sometimes, after updates, wiping cache is necessary to remove conflicts between previously existing data and the new update.
If you are getting a connection of any kind then your IMEI is fine.
Flashing a modem is sometimes necessary but it can have risks if you flash the wrong thing.
I'm not familiar with TCL devices or how they are flashed. Typically, to flash a different modem requires downloading a firmware that has the modem that you want/need then extracting the modem from the firmware then flash the extracted modem onto the device.
Methods to access service/radio menu different from device to device, I don't know how it is done on TCL devices. Most of the time it is done by using your dialer and dialing a specific code, if there is a dialer code for your device, you should be able to find it with a Google search for:
"TCL 30 XE 5G dialer menu code"
Or
"TCL 30 XE 5G service menu"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to find my phone's service mode or engineering mode (hope they're the same thing) and get service back by setting the phone to 2G only mode again but that doesn't solve the problem of it losing service when LTE or 5G are turned on. Are there any other settings I could try changing?

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
I was able to find my phone's service mode or engineering mode (hope they're the same thing) and get service back by setting the phone to 2G only mode again but that doesn't solve the problem of it losing service when LTE or 5G are turned on. Are there any other settings I could try changing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use the service menu to find out which bands/frequencies and network type the current modem/radio is using?
Can you find out which bands/frequencies and network type that your carrier network is using?
Compare them to see if they are compatible.
Or, try calling customer support for your carrier, there may be something they need to do in their system from their end to get your device to connect.

Droidriven said:
Can you use the service menu to find out which bands/frequencies and network type the current modem/radio is using?
Can you find out which bands/frequencies and network type that your carrier network is using?
Compare them to see if they are compatible.
Or, try calling customer support for your carrier, there may be something they need to do in their system from their end to get your device to connect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by network type?
There are a lot of options to choose from, several of them list bands. Is there a specific menu I should look for?
The carrier I have the phone on is Tello which is a T-Mobile MVNO. I've also tried Lyca and Hello Mobile both are also Tmo MVNOs and all three had the same problem. The phones are from Metro by T-Mobile so everything should be compatible. Tello customer service has tried to help but they can't figure it out.

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
What do you mean by network type?
There are a lot of options to choose from, several of them list bands. Is there a specific menu I should look for?
The carrier I have the phone on is Tello which is a T-Mobile MVNO. I've also tried Lyca and Hello Mobile both are also Tmo MVNOs and all three had the same problem. The phones are from Metro by T-Mobile so everything should be compatible. Tello customer service has tried to help but they can't figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, are the bands that are presently available on the device within the range of bands that your carrier uses? Do the network and the device use the same bands? If so, you shouldn't need to flash a different modem, if not, you may need a different modem.
Did you boot into recovery and wipe the cache partition to remove any potential conflicts caused by updating to android 12?
Are you certain that the SIM(s) you are trying to use is/are valid and active? If they have been previously deactivated, they won't work
Don't skip through my posts and only answer part of my questions. Let's cover the bases without skipping an answer to a question. Otherwise, it could lead to a wild goose chase that could have been avoided by answering everything I ask.

Droidriven said:
But, are the bands that are presently available on the device within the range of bands that your carrier uses? Do the network and the device use the same bands? If so, you shouldn't need to flash a different modem, if not, you may need a different modem.
Did you boot into recovery and wipe the cache partition to remove any potential conflicts caused by updating to android 12?
Are you certain that the SIM(s) you are trying to use is/are valid and active? If they have been previously deactivated, they won't work
Don't skip through my posts and only answer part of my questions. Let's cover the bases without skipping an answer to a question. Otherwise, it could lead to a wild goose chase that could have been avoided by answering everything I ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about the confusion. I did wipe the cache and in the past I've done a full factory reset from recovery mode it didn't help. And this problem already existed before the update to Android 12. It started the moment I changed sims. The phones only ever worked right with the original Metro sim and still do. That's why I wasn't sure if they were unlocked right but they don't reject other sims either.
The sims are active and have never been deactivated and now that I can force the phones back into 2G mode again, I can make and receive calls and use 2G data.
As for the bands I'm finding in the service menu, this is where it gets weird. They're all selected, there must be over a hundred bands turned on including bands I know this phone doesn't support.
I have confirmed the phone supports all the same bands that Tello uses. Tello uses the same bands as T-Mobile.

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
Sorry about the confusion. I did wipe the cache and in the past I've done a full factory reset from recovery mode it didn't help. And this problem already existed before the update to Android 12. It started the moment I changed sims. The phones only ever worked right with the original Metro sim and still do. That's why I wasn't sure if they were unlocked right but they don't reject other sims either.
The sims are active and have never been deactivated and now that I can force the phones back into 2G mode again, I can make and receive calls and use 2G data.
As for the bands I'm finding in the service menu, this is where it gets weird. They're all selected, there must be over a hundred bands turned on including bands I know this phone doesn't support.
I have confirmed the phone supports all the same bands that Tello uses. Tello uses the same bands as T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for confirming.
It is weird, everything seems to be in place. Have you made sure your APNs(Access Point Names) are set correctly for the network?
I can't be certain that you have all of your network and radio settings set correctly because I have no idea what settings you have, what the options are or if there are any tucked away somewhere that isn't obvious.
If everything is right on your end, it may be something on their end that they need to get right.

Droidriven said:
Ok, thanks for confirming.
It is weird, everything seems to be in place. Have you made sure your APNs(Access Point Names) are set correctly for the network?
I can't be certain that you have all of your network and radio settings set correctly because I have no idea what settings you have, what the options are or if there are any tucked away somewhere that isn't obvious.
If everything is right on your end, it may be something on their end that they need to get right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the APN was the first thing I checked and Tello confirmed it too.
I can send you screenshots of the service menus if that would help.
Tello is now saying the phone might not be "fully unlocked" I don't know what that means. Is there more than one way to lock a phone? Did T-Mobile come up with another way of locking their phones? A screen in the settings menu does warn the phone is still locked and it isn't yet eligible to be unlocked but it accepts the sim and connects to 2G at least. Could Tello be on to something here?

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
Yeah, the APN was the first thing I checked and Tello confirmed it too.
I can send you screenshots of the service menus if that would help.
Tello is now saying the phone might not be "fully unlocked" I don't know what that means. Is there more than one way to lock a phone? Did T-Mobile come up with another way of locking their phones? A screen in the settings menu does warn the phone is still locked and it isn't yet eligible to be unlocked but it accepts the sim and connects to 2G at least. Could Tello be on to something here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are couple of different kinds of "unlocked"
There is SIM/carrier unlock and there is bootloader unlock. They two completely different things and have nothing to do with each other.
Have you tried going through the carrier unlock process yourself to confirm it has been done correctly?

Droidriven said:
Have you tried going through the carrier unlock process yourself to confirm it has been done correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how to do that.

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
I don't know how to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally, there is a website that you go to to get an unlock code.
Google search:
"TCL 30 XE 5G (T767W) SIM unlock"

Droidriven said:
Generally, there is a website that you go to to get an unlock code.
Google search:
"TCL 30 XE 5G (T767W) SIM unlock"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that Metro phones can't be unlocked with a code. Instead, they're unlocked by a preinstalled carrier app when the phone becomes eligible for an unlock, which my phone isn't. In my case, I bought an unlocking service from eBay which had me hook up my phone to my PC via USB for the unlock. Is there another way to check?

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
My understanding is that Metro phones can't be unlocked with a code. Instead, they're unlocked by a preinstalled carrier app when the phone becomes eligible for an unlock, which my phone isn't. In my case, I bought an unlocking service from eBay which had me hook up my phone to my PC via USB for the unlock. Is there another way to check?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got scammed, whether they did it on purpose or not is another question. They probably didn't rob you on purpose, it is just a matter of there never being any kind of guarantee that a 3rd party unlocking service works on every device. You took that chance when you chose to go that route.
If there is an app that is supposed to be used, why is your device not eligible to unlock via the app? You will have to use the official unlock method if/when it is eligible, hopefully the 3rd party unlock service hasn't done anything that conflicts with the official method.
I suggest that, in the future, don't make gambles or look for shortcuts when buying devices without being 100% certain that you are buying from a reputable source that guarantees their products and services. It is best to buy directly from the carrier/manufacturer or from Swappa. I wouldn't buy from eBay unless I could confirm that there was a legitimately proven unlock method for the specific model number that I'm considering purchasing before I actually purchase the device.
If you can return the device and get your money back, I suggest you do it or report it to eBay to see if they will protect your purchase since what you got is not what you agreed to purchase.

Droidriven said:
You got scammed, whether they did it on purpose or not is another question. They probably didn't rob you on purpose, it is just a matter of there never being any kind of guarantee that a 3rd party unlocking service works on every device. You took that chance when you chose to go that route.
If there is an app that is supposed to be used, why is your device not eligible to unlock via the app? You will have to use the official unlock method if/when it is eligible, hopefully the 3rd party unlock service hasn't done anything that conflicts with the official method.
I suggest that, in the future, don't make gambles or look for shortcuts when buying devices without being 100% certain that you are buying from a reputable source that guarantees their products and services. It is best to buy directly from the carrier/manufacturer or from Swappa. I wouldn't buy from eBay unless I could confirm that there was a legitimately proven unlock method for the specific model number that I'm considering purchasing before I actually purchase the device.
If you can return the device and get your money back, I suggest you do it or report it to eBay to see if they will protect your purchase since what you got is not what you agreed to purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the phones new from Metro not eBay. The only thing I got from eBay was the unlocking service which cost me $8. And I didn't pay anything for the phones either as they were free with the purchase of one month of Metro service. So there's really no point in returning the phones and I'm not gonna bother opening a case with eBay over $8.
Metro won't unlock the phones until I've paid for six months of their service.
A quick search on eBay comes up with multiple sellers offering unlocks for my specific phone model locked to Metro. I've been thinking about just trying to get the phones unlocked again by another seller but everything and everyone seems to be telling me the phones are already unlocked so I don't know what I should try next. Is there a way to check if the phones are really unlocked?

WhatsWrongWithThisPhone said:
I got the phones new from Metro not eBay. The only thing I got from eBay was the unlocking service which cost me $8. And I didn't pay anything for the phones either as they were free with the purchase of one month of Metro service. So there's really no point in returning the phones and I'm not gonna bother opening a case with eBay over $8.
Metro won't unlock the phones until I've paid for six months of their service.
A quick search on eBay comes up with multiple sellers offering unlocks for my specific phone model locked to Metro. I've been thinking about just trying to get the phones unlocked again by another seller but everything and everyone seems to be telling me the phones are already unlocked so I don't know what I should try next. Is there a way to check if the phones are really unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've already used methods to check if it is unlocked. Obviously, the service you paid for didn't work, you can't get your money back for that, those services don't come with any guarantee. As I said, you can take another chance and try another 3rd party service that also is not guaranteed or you can wait and do it the official way. I'm betting the unlock service is a waste of time and money and you'll have to wait and do it the right way. That is the cost of blindly taking a shortcut.

Related

Sim Unlock Suggestion (T-Mobile & Metro PCS)

So i assume that everyone has heard of the new Device Unlock app preinstealled on Devices sold by T-Mobile and Metro PCS. They present it as a new way for carrier unlocking devices in an easier way but the catch is having to meet THEIR requirements like using their service for at least 90 days (Prepaid) or fully paying off the device (Postpaid).
The problem is that they are practically forcing us to throw money at them to get anything we want even though we prepaid customers purchased our devices outright. Sure for some people the device was sold at a discounted price so it would make since for them to gain that money back through service activations, but that still wouldn't equal the amount you would be paying during a 90 day period. On top of that there are people that didnt get this device at a discounted price, therefore we shouldn't have to be "Limited" like those who did.
So after doing alot of research, since i too have a MS631 Stylo, it seems that this device was reprogram to generate sim unlocking remotely, but that doesnt entirely mean it's impossible to bypass this like most people say. This isn't iPhone, this is Android. Completely open sourced and with root access, we have the ability to manipulated any given SOFTWARE function.
Looking through files etc. It seems the sim unlocking menu was removed. Doesnt take a scientist to do that (Nice job Metro and T-Mobile). Simply sideloading the SimUnlock Menu apk from another LG device will bring it back. The dialer codes were also generating null output. On the MS631 the dialer code is 2945#*631# if im not mistaken. Entering this defaultly will generating nothing but the digits being erased. Installing the sim unlock menu from the LG G2 reactivates this function. Using the same dialer code will bring up the sim unlock menu successfully but none of the options will work. Choose any will greet you with a nice message stating "Your phone is not personalised". This means theirs no internal script or file locking your device like before, this officially confirms the unlock proccess is server sided. But, you have to take into consideration that the SimUnlock menu only reads from a specific directory to locate and process the unlock code when entered. So now the question relies on where the unlock is triggered on your phone from their servers.
Removing the Device Unlock app will do nothing since it's nothing but a tool to proccess this unlock via sever then callbacked to trigger the unlock on the device. So i tried flashing the T-Mobile KDZ thinking it would automatically unlock my device or at least lock it to the T-Mobile's Network instead which is the service im trying to switch to anyway. Flashing the KDZ is successful but nothings changes. Im still greeted with the Network Lock message upon entering a foreign sim, even a T-Mobile sim. Users in the S6 forums have had success flashing the Metro PCS firmware on their T-Mobile S6's to bring up the Unlock Screen, but the thing with their situation was the device unlocking software was not programmed into the Metro PCS software. The Device Unlock was programmed on Both Metro and T-Mobile stylo firmwares.
How can your phone still tell you're locked to a specific network even though youre using a different firmware? Well apparently the device unlocking function is programmed in the modem. To my knowledge Metro and T-Mobile share the same modem for the Stylo, meaning flashing another firmware may have worked on other phones but not on the Stylo considering the status of the modem has not changed.
So here's my suggestion to get the Stylos unlocked or at least bring back a work Unlocking menu and bypassing the Device Unlock app. Port the international rom to the Metro and T-Mobile versions. Don't say it's impossible, because it's been done on several devices and people still do it to this day. The international versions dont carry the same modems nor do the cricket and boost versions. It could also be possible to look at porting those too. It would be harder to port due to the T-Mobile and Metro versions being the only ones to have 16GB or Internal and 2GB of RAM, but it's possible. If there are any devs willing to do this then that would be great. This isn't just a solution for the LG Stylos but potentially for every other phone with this new unlocking function. Carriers are trying to control us again and it's time to fight for our rights to what WE OWN! Thanks
90 days doesn't seem to terribly long to wait.
Thediesel1972 said:
90 days doesn't seem to terribly long to wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right it isn't. But there are people that buy T-Mobile devices strictly for the Unlocked Bootlader and having to activate service with them for 90 days and dish out 3 months worth of money just to use it on their service provider is a bit far fetched. Like in my situation, I bought the Metro variant on CL because no one was selling the T-Mobile variant except the T-Mobile store which cost almost $100 more. I was told my T-Mobile sim would work in it since its the same network anyway. Well it was my fault for not researching and seeing that even though metro works on T-Mobile devices out of the box, T-Mobile does not work on metro devices unless it's unlocked. According to metro in order for me to unlock it I have to have service with them for 90 days. So now I'm forced to cancel my T-Mobile service and hop on Metro, when I don't won't to because of the crappy coverage, for 90 days just to use my main service provider afterwards. It's too much for one simple thing.
sirhc said:
You're right it isn't. But there are people that buy T-Mobile devices strictly for the Unlocked Bootlader and having to activate service with them for 90 days and dish out 3 months worth of money just to use it on their service provider is a bit far fetched. Like in my situation, I bought the Metro variant on CL because no one was selling the T-Mobile variant except the T-Mobile store which cost almost $100 more. I was told my T-Mobile sim would work in it since its the same network anyway. Well it was my fault for not researching and seeing that even though metro works on T-Mobile devices out of the box, T-Mobile does not work on metro devices unless it's unlocked. According to metro in order for me to unlock it I have to have service with them for 90 days. So now I'm forced to cancel my T-Mobile service and hop on Metro, when I don't won't to because of the crappy coverage, for 90 days just to use my main service provider afterwards. It's too much for one simple thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that metro ditched their cdma network i do believe they run on the same towers. You could also change the apn to t-mobile as well. And Metro is cheaper and doesn't throttle the data speeds on their unlimited plan.
I used around 50gb in two days with pretty fast speed.
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Thediesel1972 said:
Now that metro ditched their cdma network i do believe they run on the same towers. You could also change the apn to t-mobile as well. And Metro is cheaper and doesn't throttle the data speeds on their unlimited plan.
I used around 50gb in two days with pretty fast speed.
View attachment 3545095
View attachment 3545096
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing Apns wont work as the apn never sticks. T-Mobile rep confirmed that even though Metro runs on their network, they aren't allowed to utilize all of their towers which explains the crappy coverage with them. Based on what T-Mobile said, there could be 7 of their FULL LTE towers in an area but the Metro network could only use maybe 1-3 of them. Thats the price they pay for being an MVNO instead of an official carrier. That's great that you get good speeds with Metro, but unfortunately in my area i don't.
All in all, the new network lock seems to point out the actual locking/unlocking process is being done in the modem.
If using a new modem image (taken from an unlocked version) won't work by default (which I tend to think will be the case) then, the network lock validation process (based on the IMEI) must be done within the modem???
Anyway, I think this whole new locking process is kind of abusive. I read many forum threads about people complaining that they had to either address to FCC or try many times with the TMO support to get an unlock for their phones even though they should have been able to do it from the app because they met the conditions.
I think this new abusive unlock method will continue to plague many new phones in the future.
sirhc said:
Changing Apns wont work as the apn never sticks. T-Mobile rep confirmed that even though Metro runs on their network, they aren't allowed to utilize all of their towers which explains the crappy coverage with them. Based on what T-Mobile said, there could be 7 of their FULL LTE towers in an area but the Metro network could only use maybe 1-3 of them. Thats the price they pay for being an MVNO instead of an official carrier. That's great that you get good speeds with Metro, but unfortunately in my area i don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use this hidden menu by dialing 277634#*# you will be able to APNunlock which lets you deleted defult apn and make new Apn's and they will stick
P.S im assuming metro variant have the same dialing code for the hidden menu. Images below.
DrakenFX said:
If you use this hidden menu by dialing 277634#*# you will be able to APNunlock which lets you deleted defult apn and make new Apn's and they will stick
P.S im assuming metro variant have the same dialing code for the hidden menu. Images below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done the Apn Unlock already and even though i change the Apn settings, nothing changes. I still can't use my sim because i get presented with the Network Lock screen. I've used the dialer code and I've used an app called Shortcut Master and accessed hidden menus through there to see if i could find anything in the modem pointed to a Network Lock
sirhc said:
I've done the Apn Unlock already and even though i change the Apn settings, nothing changes. I still can't use my sim because i get presented with the Network Lock screen. I've used the dialer code and I've used an app called Shortcut Master and accessed hidden menus through there to see if i could find anything in the modem pointed to a Network Lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you rooted with twrp install i may have an idea...
feabhas said:
All in all, the new network lock seems to point out the actual locking/unlocking process is being done in the modem.
If using a new modem image (taken from an unlocked version) won't work by default (which I tend to think will be the case) then, the network lock validation process (based on the IMEI) must be done within the modem???
Anyway, I think this whole new locking process is kind of abusive. I read many forum threads about people complaining that they had to either address to FCC or try many times with the TMO support to get an unlock for their phones even though they should have been able to do it from the app because they met the conditions.
I think this new abusive unlock method will continue to plague many new phones in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! Even people who do meet the eligibility requirements still have issues using the app. When i use the app i cant even get to the permanent unlock option. It says "Device not recognized by your service provider, please call customer care". I looked up the error and Metro says it's due rooting. I've flashed the stock KDZ, removing root, several times and the message still comes up. My device actually does meet the eligibility requirements as it was active with Metro for well over 90 days but the app always throws an error. Metro has no clue how to help me and basically just says "Oh well". This new unlocking is just bs and they know it. They're trying way too hard to force people on their network. Thats bad business. The more people figure out about this stupid unlock system, the more customers they lose. I know for a fact it's modem related. Flashing the T-Mobile modem won't do anything because it's the exact same as Metros modem. The only other modem i can think that could unlock this device is Fidos Variant but i feel thats just gonna cause a brick. I remember flashing Fidos KDZ and i got a super hard brick, having to send the device to LG for repair. There is an international version of this phone but theres no way to get my hands on the modem.
DrakenFX said:
Are you rooted with twrp install i may have an idea...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i am
sirhc said:
Yes i am
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download my T-mobile Bootstack and flash it over TWRP... Do factory reset after that let us know what happen.....
No worries you can just reflash metro bootstack if that doesnt do what im thinking will do
DrakenFX said:
Download my T-mobile Bootstack and flash it over TWRP... Do factory reset after that let us know what happen.....
No worries you can just reflash metro bootstack if that doesnt do what im thinking will do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think i flashed your T-Mobile Bootstack when i was using the Katana rom and it still didnt work. Im back on stock now but I'll give it another try and post results
DrakenFX said:
Download my T-mobile Bootstack and flash it over TWRP... Do factory reset after that let us know what happen.....
No worries you can just reflash metro bootstack if that doesnt do what im thinking will do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashed your Bootstack and did a Factory Reset and still no dice. Im still greeted with the beautiful Network Lock screen
sirhc said:
Flashed your Bootstack and did a Factory Reset and still no dice. Im still greeted with the beautiful Network Lock screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have TWRP and flashed the Bootstack as well but no changes whatsoever. I still get the nasty Network Lock message ...
I seen on youtube where some guy unlocked an S6 and removed the Network Lock message via USB. He had the phone plugged into his computer and i could see ADB shell command notifications on the phone. He wouldnt show his method obviously because he was charging people for it. So there must be away to get rid of this if the guy did it himself
sirhc said:
I seen on youtube where some guy unlocked an S6 and removed the Network Lock message via USB. He had the phone plugged into his computer and i could see ADB shell command notifications on the phone. He wouldnt show his method obviously because he was charging people for it. So there must be away to get rid of this if the guy did it himself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post the video?
feabhas said:
Could you post the video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't find it. Just search on youtube galaxy s6 device unlock app solution or something
Could we extract the modem from one of the flashable zips to see if its possible to use it to simunlock
ipeedalil said:
Could we extract the modem from one of the flashable zips to see if its possible to use it to simunlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile and Metro have the same modem, so that won't work. I've already flashed the modem from the Fido Kdz and got a bootloop.

Can I use an ATT S8+ on Verizon's network?

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.

Getting AT&T features to work on unlocked S9+

Does anyone have a definite solution to this problem? I've read many opinions but haven't run across a solution. I have a Samsung unlocked S9+ running official AT&T firmware and userdata but the carrier specific apps and features still don't work. The best infomation I've found is that the IMEI numbers of the unlocked devices are not in AT&T system so the features/apps won't work.
If this is the case, has anyone had any luck getting AT&T to register their IMEI and get the features working?
What worked for me and others (see the at&t fw thread) is to call or chat with AT&T and give them a imei from a carrier branded phone(with your sim in, though this might not be required). Tell them you are trying to get wifi calling to activate and it is failing at the provisioning step and they will input your imei and it will reprovision. Then pull your sim and put it into your s9/+ running at&t fw and it will allow volte, wifi calling and call protect to work (these are the only ones I use).
Good luck
I talked with someone in AT&T technical support and they remoted directly into my phone, reset all app defaults and network settings.. This of course didn't fix anything so they opened a trouble ticket. They told me my IMEI was in their system and was OK. Haven't heard back yet.
why not just flash ATT U firmware?
I'm running AT&T official U firmware G965USQS2ARF4. What just occurred to me was that I didn't do a factory reset before or after applying it via ODIN.
Stuart R said:
I'm running AT&T official U firmware G965USQS2ARF4. What just occurred to me was that I didn't do a factory reset before or after applying it via ODIN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just did that... Didn't help.
Stuart R said:
Does anyone have a definite solution to this problem? I've read many opinions but haven't run across a solution. I have a Samsung unlocked S9+ running official AT&T firmware and userdata but the carrier specific apps and features still don't work. The best infomation I've found is that the IMEI numbers of the unlocked devices are not in AT&T system so the features/apps won't work.
If this is the case, has anyone had any luck getting AT&T to register their IMEI and get the features working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stuart R said:
I talked with someone in AT&T technical support and they remoted directly into my phone, reset all app defaults and network settings.. This of course didn't fix anything so they opened a trouble ticket. They told me my IMEI was in their system and was OK. Haven't heard back yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes your IMEI is in their system. But it's not an IMEI from a branded ATT phone. You have to have the IMEI from an ATT phone like others have said, and like i had to do or you will not get the features, no matter what firmware you flash. This has been discussed in many threads. You have to have ATT change your IMEI in their system.
elliwigy said:
why not just flash ATT U firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wont help unless you have a 965U or the IMEI from an ATT phone . ATT Features will not work on 965U1 IMEI. AT&T told me theses features wouldn't work on an unlocked phone and asked if i had the unlocked version. I told them no, it was an ATT phone i bought from Best Buy and it has an ATT logo (not the truth, got it from Samsung) and that i read in the forums that there were some issues with the S9 and that changing the IMEI fixed everyone's problems. I said i had my s8 here that everything works on and she said it's worth a shot to try and she changed mine in their system to the IMEI from my AT&T Branded S8 that i provided them. 965U1 has worked flawless ever since. All features work.
nugzo said:
Yes your IMEI is in their system. But it's not an IMEI from a branded ATT phone. You have to have the IMEI from an ATT phone like others have said, and like i had to do or you will not get the features, no matter what firmware you flash. This has been discussed in many threads. You have to have ATT change your IMEI in their system.
Wont help unless you have a 965U or the IMEI from an ATT phone . ATT Features will not work on 965U1 IMEI. AT&T told me theses features wouldn't work on an unlocked phone and asked if i had the unlocked version. I told them no, it was an ATT phone i bought from Best Buy and it has an ATT logo (not the truth, got it from Samsung) and that i read in the forums that there were some issues with the S9 and that changing the IMEI fixed everyone's problems. I said i had my s8 here that everything works on and she said it's worth a shot to try and she changed mine in their system to the IMEI from my AT&T Branded S8 that i provided them. 965U1 has worked flawless ever since. All features work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds about right.. i mean you can switch csc while on U1 depending on the sim card inserted but U1 isnt meznt to have all the carrier crap they need for the special features to work so u get the bare minimum..
while on U firmware, it seems the csc doesnt fully switch like they did on the S8 devices.. i tested this on my sim unlocked vzw s9+ with an att sim and a sprint sim and although data and calls worked,it stsyed on verizon bootani and bloat etc etc no matter what i did.. before on s8 devices after a reset it would have changed the boot ani,bloat and woulda had all the carrier features..
im also surprised they changed your imei lol.. i thought that was illegal lol.. i guess if the carrier does it then its fine haha
nugzo said:
Yes your IMEI is in their system. But it's not an IMEI from a branded ATT phone. You have to have the IMEI from an ATT phone like others have said, and like i had to do or you will not get the features, no matter what firmware you flash. This has been discussed in many threads. You have to have ATT change your IMEI in their system.
Hard to believe that they would just accept another IMEI and register it to your phone. I thought these were all unique numbers that couldn't be used on more than one device. How did that change affect the phone that originally had the branded IMEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stuart R said:
nugzo said:
Yes your IMEI is in their system. But it's not an IMEI from a branded ATT phone. You have to have the IMEI from an ATT phone like others have said, and like i had to do or you will not get the features, no matter what firmware you flash. This has been discussed in many threads. You have to have ATT change your IMEI in their system.
Hard to believe that they would just accept another IMEI and register it to your phone. I thought these were all unique numbers that couldn't be used on more than one device. How did that change affect the phone that originally had the branded IMEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt affect original s8 i used at all. or the s9. I replaced the s8 with the s9 when it came out so i just used the sim out of the s8 when the s9 arrived. s8 is just a spare phone now. I asked the operator if this would disable the other phone that the IMEI came from and she said no. I put sim from s9 in s8 afterwards just to test and it worked fine. They arent changing the IMEI of your actual s9, it still shows your original IMEI in your phone settings. They are just using the IMEI you provided on their end. What is actually going on behind the scenes i dont know. Maybe somebody that works in carrier support or may just have knowledge on how this actually works could chime in. I'm guessing they just use the IMEI to activate the features, since the unlocked one isn't eligible. I saw a better explanation in one of the firmware threads, if i run across it i'll post the link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will reiterate what is said above and clarify my post. You aren't asking the support team to change your phones imei. I think as stated previously that is a forbidden/illegal maneuver. The support request is to change the imei which is active in the at&t system as only carrier branded phones are able to use certain at&t features.
If you have an old AT&T phone its imei can be used to "trick" at&t into activation/provisioning. Then you can put your sim into a U1 phone using at&t firmware and use carrier specific features.
Hopefully, this is easier to understand and clears up some of the confusion I may have introduced in my original reply.
jay2o01 said:
I will reiterate what is said above and clarify my post. You aren't asking the support team to change your phones imei. I think as stated previously that is a forbidden/illegal maneuver. The support request is to change the imei which is active in the at&t system as only carrier branded phones are able to use certain at&t features.
If you have an old AT&T phone its imei can be used to "trick" at&t into activation/provisioning. Then you can put your sim into a U1 phone using at&t firmware and use carrier specific features.
Hopefully, this is easier to understand and clears up some of the confusion I may have introduced in my original reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presume I can use the IMEI from another brand of working AT&T phone such as an iPhone 6S (in this case, my wife's)?
Stuart R said:
I presume I can use the IMEI from another brand of working AT&T phone such as an iPhone 6S (in this case, my wife's)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another thought... Say I get an old Galaxy S6 which uses the same size Nano SIM as my S9+. I move my S9+ SIM to the S6, update it to the latest AT&T firmware and enable WIFI calling. If I then move my SIM back to my S9+, will the carrier features now work?
Stuart R said:
Another thought... Say I get an old Galaxy S6 which uses the same size Nano SIM as my S9+. I move my S9+ SIM to the S6, update it to the latest AT&T firmware and enable WIFI calling. If I then move my SIM back to my S9+, will the carrier features now work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I'm doing. I use an older LG phone and the sim/IMEI then swap it to my u1 with AT&T fw after the device is provisioned.
jay2o01 said:
This is exactly what I'm doing. I use an older LG phone and the sim/IMEI then swap it to my u1 with AT&T fw after the device is provisioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to know that works. I can pick up an old AT&T S6 pretty cheaply on ebay. Guess I'll give that a try. Thanks
Download visual voicemail from apk mirrow
jay2o01 said:
This is exactly what I'm doing. I use an older LG phone and the sim/IMEI then swap it to my u1 with AT&T fw after the device is provisioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I previously had an AT&T branded S8+ with the same SIM that I'm using in the unbranded S9+ but I guess I never provisioned (enabled) WIFI calling. Dunno.
The "trick" of giving them an IMEI from an ATT branded phone doesn't usually work any more, maybe it used to, years ago.
This is why I won't buy OnePlus phones any more. I love their devices, best bang for the buck on the market, but no amount of my fiddling would get ATT to recognize it and provision VoLTE... so no wifi calling, no HD calling... when you make a call, your data drops to 3G, etc...
My Essential, somehow was on their "BYOD" plan and so it would give me VoLTE and HD calling, but no wifi calling. No wifi calling is stupid, because you aren't using their network at that point, so why should they even care?
SquireSCA said:
The "trick" of giving them an IMEI from an ATT branded phone doesn't usually work any more, maybe it used to, years ago.
This is why I won't buy OnePlus phones any more. I love their devices, best bang for the buck on the market, but no amount of my fiddling would get ATT to recognize it and provision VoLTE... so no wifi calling, no HD calling... when you make a call, your data drops to 3G, etc...
My Essential, somehow was on their "BYOD" plan and so it would give me VoLTE and HD calling, but no wifi calling. No wifi calling is stupid, because you aren't using their network at that point, so why should they even care?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"maybe it used to, years ago"... That doesn't apply in this context does it as carrier features VOLTE and Wi-Fi calling weren't even in existence years ago. And I'm not sure you have to give them anything. The claim by some is that just provisioning the features with your SIM on a branded device is enough.
Stuart R said:
"maybe it used to, years ago"... That doesn't apply in this context does it as carrier features VOLTE and Wi-Fi calling weren't even in existence years ago. And I'm not sure you have to give them anything. The claim by some is that just provisioning the features with your SIM on a branded device is enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And as someone who has repeatedly tried it, it doesn't seem to work. You can give them an IMEI from another phone, but it usually doesn't work. Either the IMEI is "on their list", or from a phone that is on the BYOD list, or it isn't. It's not the phone's fault, it is that AT&T is kinda being dicks about this... They want you to buy their phones, because most people sign a contract to get the cheaper price, or use their NEXT financing to spread the costs out. That creates a barrier to exit for most customers and protects AT&T's revenue stream from monthly invoices.
While bringing your own device makes them just as much money from the monthly bill, it doesn't help them "retain customers by locking them into a contract", so they usually don't give you full functionality...
I have had a working SIM from an ATT branded phone that was properly provisioned, popped it into my other device, and VoLTE went away. I would call them up and give them the IMEI from the phone, or one that I know worked, and still no go. The one exception was the Essential, and that was because for whatever reason, Essential went to the effort to get it on their BYOD list.
Trust me, if it was easy, I would be doing it and buying OnePlus phones exclusively every 6 months and that would be the end of it. LOL

T-Mobile Note 10 Plus 5G

I unlocked my note 10+ 5g from t-mobile, but it won't get service with verizon.
When I install a non-tmobile sim, the software does not switch from tmobile for some reason.
Also Sam Mobile only has t-mobile and metro pcs firmware availible for the sm-n976u
Does anyone know if there is a way to get the phone working with verizon? Thanks.
-God Bless
Try clearing Sim card tool kit data.
Network reset.
Clear system cache.
Edit Access point names to correct values.
That's all I got but sure there's more. Never had use more than the above but never changed carriers. Verizon advanced tech support should be able to help... AT&T would.
The Verizon Note 10+ 5G has a different model number. So they probably won't allow the T-Mobile/Metro/AT&T version on their network
iBowToAndroid said:
The Verizon Note 10+ 5G has a different model number. So they probably won't allow the T-Mobile/Metro/AT&T version on their network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're correct. AT&T is compatible with Tmobile but not Verizon according to B&H Photo compatibility charts.
So it look like AT&T is in your future. AT&T is easier to deal with anyway. Do not use a corporate store though, use over the phone or online AT&T.
It may be possible to change out the C port PCB for the Verizon variant. Yes that PCB controls internet access. I can't confirm this is the only difference though! That PCB is only $20 and relatively easy to change out.
blackhawk said:
I think you're correct. AT&T is compatible with Tmobile but not Verizon according to B&H Photo compatibility charts.
So it look like AT&T is in your future. AT&T is easier to deal with anyway. Do not use a corporate store though, use over the phone or online AT&T.
It may be possible to change out the C port PCB for the Verizon variant. Yes that PCB controls internet access. I can't confirm this is the only difference though! That PCB is only $20 and relatively easy to change out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's gets service with att, but it still has the tmobile boot logo. I flashed the att rom, but it didn't help. The carrier is supposed to automatically switch when you insert a different sim card right?
I also tried *#272*imei# but it says "unable to process the request"
CPR.OP546 said:
It's gets service with att, but it still has the tmobile boot logo. I flashed the att rom, but it didn't help. The carrier is supposed to automatically switch when you insert a different sim card right?
I also tried *#272*imei# but it says "unable to process the request"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it on Verizon or AT&T???
My 60 second attention span is kicking in... now.
As for switching sims I never had to.
The boot logo is the least of worries.
Be glad you didn't brick it.
blackhawk said:
Be glad you didn't brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually super difficult to hard brick a Qualcomm device, and even if it is hard bricked and only enters EDL mode, it can be fixed as long as you have the correct files.
There are too many safeguards in place between Qualcomm and Samsung - the average user will always be blocked from doing anything that would brick a device. There's really no danger in flashing firmware whatsoever
blackhawk said:
Is it on Verizon or AT&T???
My 60 second attention span is kicking in... now.
As for switching sims I never had to.
The boot logo is the least of worries.
Be glad you didn't brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to use it with att because it won't get service with verizon at all.
It's very annoying having the tmobile bloatware. Also it should be compatible with att's 5g, but it only gets lte.
CPR.OP546 said:
I'm trying to use it with att because it won't get service with verizon at all.
It's very annoying having the tmobile bloatware. Also it should be compatible with att's 5g, but it only gets lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then I'm assuming that it did not automatically change over to the AT&T splash screen and bloatware when you inserted an AT&T SIM?
iBowToAndroid said:
So then I'm assuming that it did not automatically change over to the AT&T splash screen and bloatware when you inserted an AT&T SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. It does not have a multi-csc mode for some reason. I thought all samsung phones had that by default.
CPR.OP546 said:
Right. It does not have a multi-csc mode for some reason. I thought all samsung phones had that by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all, no. But all U models should have it.
Have you tried doing a full Odin firmware flash including an AT&T USERDATA file?
iBowToAndroid said:
Not all, no. But all U models should have it.
Have you tried doing a full Odin firmware flash including an AT&T USERDATA file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That is what I meant by flashing the att rom. It does not seem to make a difference.
CPR.OP546 said:
Yes. That is what I meant by flashing the att rom. It does not seem to make a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may have a way to do it. No guarantees though
iBowToAndroid said:
I may have a way to do it. No guarantees though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing the only option left is to root the phone, and then start manually removing things.
CPR.OP546 said:
I'm guessing the only option left is to root the phone, and then start manually removing things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My method doesn't involve root, no. You can't root if you've taken an OTA update in March of this year or later
I hope I can be of some help.
I recently ordered a Note 10+ 5G - Locked Verizon from a popular online re-seller. When I turned it on, I was greeted with an AT&T boot logo. I was pretty upset, but I though I'd try to get it up and running on Verizon before spending a couple weeks sending it back and getting a replacement. I tried Verizon's online software and I couldn't get beyond the IMEI change. It kept telling me that the Note's IMEI was what I was already using with my Droid, which was obviously not the case. So, I headed into my local Verizon store.
Nothing they did would get my 4G SIM to work, so they swapped out for a 5G SIM for free, then switched my hardware IMEI numbers and proceeded to have a some difficulty getting on the network. After doing a network reset, it seemingly worked. More on that below. I was getting both data and voice over network. I was able to transfer my setting, apps, etc from my Motorola Droid with Samsung Switch. The phone indicates both 3G and 4G signals as I travel around town. 5G is not available in my immediate area, though it is in some cities I occasionally travel to, but I'm unable to test that just yet. I become aware that there are differences between Verizon's 5G and other networks and it seems the non-Verizon phone I have is probably for the best in terms of compatibility.
Unfortunately, texts frequently take 10-30 seconds to send. Images, gifs and other non-text MMS can take multiple minutes to send and sometimes just fail. Other times the recipient will receive them twice. I feel like this may be due to the poor coverage at my residence. Further testing in areas of good to excellent coverage are necessary. I tried changing the network settings from Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode, but anything other than the default "GLOBAL" would result in a disconnect of data and voice services. The only way to fix it was Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This would restore the Mode to GLOBAL and bring back data and voice services.
In an effort to remove the AT&T branding, I learned how to trigger a carrier switch, dialed the code and changed it from AT&T to XAA. That got rid of the AT&T boot animation and I was able to remove all but 2 stubborn AT&T apps. I noticed that my android version was 10 and UI was 2.5, so I set out to update.
This is where things got frustrating. Every attempt to update through the settings > software update was met with failure. Try again in 24 hours, it would say. I assumed this was because I was now using a Verizon sim on an AT&T firmware, but I wasn't sure. I thought I might be able to flash to a Verizon firmware, but after several versions and some more research, I learned that going from 976U to 976V was not possible.
So, over the course of several days, I learned a lot. I looked up the firmware releases on AT&T's website for the 976U and saw that they matched the T-Mobile and MetroPCS versions. So, I settled on a T-Mobile version of Android 11 / UI 3.1. It updated without any issues and even remained in XAA mode. No bloatware, no loading images, all settings and apps the same.
So, even though I have an unlocked AT&T Note 10+ 5G 256GB and you have a T-Mobile, the fact that we both have a 976U model, I think there is hope for you to get up and running on Verizon.
Hope this has helped.

Data but No Phone?

I have a brand-new rooted and LineageOS modded Motorola One 5G Ace. Ever since the 3G shutoff, most of my family has been having problems with their phones - except for my son and his old Moto G4+ - his phone works perfectly. I expected the purchase of this phone, which was on the AT&T whitelist would solve the issues that I was having but that was not the case - this phone is still having the same problems. I even tried switching carriers (it would probably work if I went with AT&T directly but they're WAY too expensive) but it seems that no matter what I do, I can't call.
Now here is the interesting bit.
My carrier's access point gives me data but no phone.
Switching to any AT&T access point with the MMSC set to http://mmsc.mobile.att.net gives me phone, but no data. SMS is still available.
My carrier's tech support and I tried a lot of different things without success
Has anyone overcome this issue?
Sidenote - switching the MMSC to https://mmsc.mobile.att.net and the MMS port to 8080 works but data seems slower.
Shadeclan said:
I have a brand-new rooted and LineageOS modded Motorola One 5G Ace. Ever since the 3G shutoff, most of my family has been having problems with their phones - except for my son and his old Moto G4+ - his phone works perfectly. I expected the purchase of this phone, which was on the AT&T whitelist would solve the issues that I was having but that was not the case - this phone is still having the same problems. I even tried switching carriers (it would probably work if I went with AT&T directly but they're WAY too expensive) but it seems that no matter what I do, I can't call.
Now here is the interesting bit.
My carrier's access point gives me data but no phone.
Switching to any AT&T access point with the MMSC set to http://mmsc.mobile.att.net gives me phone, but no data. SMS is still available.
My carrier's tech support and I tried a lot of different things without success
Has anyone overcome this issue?
Sidenote - switching the MMSC to https://mmsc.mobile.att.net and the MMS port to 8080 works but data seems slower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so the answer seems to be the auto (PRL) selection in the "Set Preferred Network Type" list - except, on my phone, auto (PRL) doesn't show up for any entries other than GSM/WCDMA (dial *#*#4636#*#* and go to Phone Info). My son has LTE in his list. There must be a file somewhere on the phone with the preferred network types ...
you never mentioned where you got the phone (direct from att or 3rd party) or the precise model number.
was pondering getting this phone to help parents having to turn off LTE after the att 3g fiasco started, because att is their only coverage option
(stupid att refuses to enable VoLTE for many devices including their moto x4 devices, which would work fine on tmo if they had coverage, and running current LOS)
jmichael2497 said:
you never mentioned where you got the phone (direct from att or 3rd party) or the precise model number.
was pondering getting this phone to help parents having to turn off LTE after the att 3g fiasco started, because att is their only coverage option
(stupid att refuses to enable VoLTE for many devices including their moto x4 devices, which would work fine on tmo if they had coverage, and running current LOS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry. Phone is an XT2113-2 purchased directly from Motorola. Also, I was mistaken - the preferred network type needs to be set to "GSM/WCDMA preferred". I set the phone to what I listed above but the phone reset itself to that setting and it works. I suspect that once AT&T straightens everything out, you'll need to switch it to something else if it's not done automatically.
I found this phone at the top of the AT&T Whitelist for Motorola phones, which is one of the reasons I bought it. I refuse to get a Samsung or any other phone where the company goes out of its way to prevent people from unlocking the bootloader.
Well, I came across this little tidbit on the AT&T Community Forums.
The pertinent post is this one by Centarus3200:
Type this code into your keypad.
*#*#4636#*#*
If under "phone information", VOLTE is grayed out and you can't turn it on, ATT has blocked your phone's IMEI from being provisioned for 4G voice calls.
You can try to convince advanced tech support to provision your phone for VOLTE, but they'll either stall you out on an endless circle (Edited per community guidelines) or basically tell you to go (Edited per community guidelines) an egg (meaning buy a new phone from them).
Unnoficially, ATT will NOT provision any unlocked phone for VOLTE. Period.
Yes, even if it's on their whitelist. They just wanted to screw you into a corner first with that lie.
There are several vendors selling unlocked phones for use with their networks. If these phones are able to achieve LTE / 5G coverage, it must be due to one of the following reasons:
Best case (and unlikeliest scenario) - the IMEI of all phones sold by the carrier has been registered with AT&T and will be allowed on their network - that would allow modding of the phone since the IMEI is not changed during modding.
The "unlocked" phone has been modified somehow to AT&T specs so that it will be allowed on the network. This would mean modding the phone would get rid of the modification so a modded phone would lose coverage.
Worst case - AT&T can detect the OS fingerprint of the phone. If this changes when the bootloader is unlocked, that would mean that AT&T can detect phones with unlocked bootloaders.
Sadly, I am returning my brand new phone to Motorola - I don't have the technical savvy to deal with this. It would require some wizard over at LineageOS to overcome this hurdle.
Shadeclan said:
Phone is an XT2113-2 purchased directly from Motorola. Also, I was mistaken - the preferred network type needs to be set to "GSM/WCDMA preferred".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for confirming.
i suspected that ATT would continue being excessively fascist, capitalist pigs, with their whitelist extortion racket of VoLTE certification fees from manufacturers...
no point in getting this 2021 bootloader unlockable device to use with LOS (since moto hasn't upgraded os from 10 for most variants) if my parents are stuck on 3.5G H+ mode anyway.
please file both an FCC and FTC complaint against ATT for their anti-consumer, anti-competitive, and anti-environment VoLTE whitelist policy hidden under the claims of "3g shutdown".
jmichael2497 said:
thanks for confirming.
i suspected that ATT would continue being excessively fascist, capitalist pigs, with their whitelist extortion racket of VoLTE certification fees from manufacturers...
no point in getting this 2021 bootloader unlockable device to use with LOS (since moto hasn't upgraded os from 10 for most variants) if my parents are stuck on 3.5G H+ mode anyway.
please file both an FCC and FTC complaint against ATT for their anti-consumer, anti-competitive, and anti-environment VoLTE whitelist policy hidden under the claims of "3g shutdown".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I wouldn't say capitalist. Capitalists would be interested in maximizing their profits and would avoid restrictions. Monopolists and mercantilists, certainly but capitalists get a bad rap.
I won't be filing a complaint. AT&T is a merchantilist concern in cahoots with the government agencies mentioned. Anything I do will be flatly ignored. The best approach is the market approach - circumvent their restrictions and make them look foolish.
ATT is apparently doing just fine on the capitalist front, my parents are pretty ready to just give up on android and keep saying let's just buy an iphone because never had calling problems with them, so... i'm sure plenty other folks stuck with ATT are just buying off their whitelist from ATT, more profit from lack of choices.
Here is the story so far ...
3G Shutdown - Consumer Cellular is bought out by AT&T so all their phones are locked now.
Purchased a Motorola One 5G Ace from Motorola, unlocked the bootloader and installed LineageOS.
Moved my service to Pure Talk - no 4G.
Tried to go to Mint Mobile but there is no real T-Mobile coverage in my town.
Gave up and sent back the Ace to Motorola. Decided to purchase a phone directly from the provider.
Did some research and found that the only company offering Motorola phones on the AT&T network is Patriot Mobile - Purchased a Moto G Play from them. Decided not to unlock the bootloader quite yet but got the unlock key from Motorola.
There was some issues with activating the phone so I put my Pure Talk SIM in the phone and was able to access the 4G network.
Made myself a developer on the phone and tried to turn on OEM Unlocking - not able to do it.
Today, I ironed out the issues with Patriot Mobile activated the service and put my Patriot Mobile SIM card in. Now I can turn on OEM Unlocking.
Observations: It appears that the provider SIM card is able to control whether or not OEM Unlocking can be turned on. It also appears that the provider SIM card can detect if OEM Unlocking is on or off and either send that info to the provider, limit band access or, possibly, penalize the user in other ways.
What to Do: I plan on leaving the OEM Unlocking switch in the ON position for a week and monitor for 4G coverage. If everything looks good, I will then unlock the bootloader and wait for another week. If that goes well, I will purchase another 5G Ace and see how that goes.
Shadeclan said:
Here is the story so far ...
3G Shutdown - Consumer Cellular is bought out by AT&T so all their phones are locked now.
Purchased a Motorola One 5G Ace from Motorola, unlocked the bootloader and installed LineageOS.
Moved my service to Pure Talk - no 4G.
Tried to go to Mint Mobile but there is no real T-Mobile coverage in my town.
Gave up and sent back the Ace to Motorola. Decided to purchase a phone directly from the provider.
Did some research and found that the only company offering Motorola phones on the AT&T network is Patriot Mobile - Purchased a Moto G Play from them. Decided not to unlock the bootloader quite yet but got the unlock key from Motorola.
There was some issues with activating the phone so I put my Pure Talk SIM in the phone and was able to access the 4G network.
Made myself a developer on the phone and tried to turn on OEM Unlocking - not able to do it.
Today, I ironed out the issues with Patriot Mobile activated the service and put my Patriot Mobile SIM card in. Now I can turn on OEM Unlocking.
Observations: It appears that the provider SIM card is able to control whether or not OEM Unlocking can be turned on. It also appears that the provider SIM card can detect if OEM Unlocking is on or off and either send that info to the provider, limit band access or, possibly, penalize the user in other ways.
What to Do: I plan on leaving the OEM Unlocking switch in the ON position for a week and monitor for 4G coverage. If everything looks good, I will then unlock the bootloader and wait for another week. If that goes well, I will purchase another 5G Ace and see how that goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked the bootloader without loss of service today. I'll be reordering my Moto One 5G Ace today along with a phone for my daughter. Looks like Patriot Mobile is going to let people on the AT&T network with unlocked phones. I sent an email to the company CEO and thanked him.
Shadeclan said:
I unlocked the bootloader without loss of service today. I'll be reordering my Moto One 5G Ace today along with a phone for my daughter. Looks like Patriot Mobile is going to let people on the AT&T network with unlocked phones. I sent an email to the company CEO and thanked him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded the recovery files today with the Motorola recovery tool and tried using Magisk to modify the boot image - it failed. I may try to load Magisk from recovery. There is no "official" TWRP recovery but both /e/ foundation and LineageOS have their own recoveries that can be flashed or run from fastboot.
Update 20220614 15:01 EST: I successfully rooted the phone through /e/ foundation recovery using Magisk 25.0. TopJohnWu has rewritten the whole thing V25 is currently in beta but I read through the notes and I felt more confident with this version. After root, I was able to get 5G data and send and receive phone calls just fine. Next step is to load /e/ ROM onto the phone. I am confident that I can recover using the Motorola recovery tool if things go south.
The TWRP on the Telegram channel works. I am using it.
RETIEF said:
The TWRP on the Telegram channel works. I am using it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to load it under a custom ROM? That was my issue - couldn't get TWRP to load regardless of whether I had flashed it to recovery or booted into it via fastboot.
Shadeclan said:
Were you able to load it under a custom ROM? That was my issue - couldn't get TWRP to load regardless of whether I had flashed it to recovery or booted into it via fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed it with fastboot to recovery_a and recovery_b. I then rebooted to system, then turned the phone off, rebooted to fastboot, selected recovery and it booted.
RETIEF said:
I flashed it with fastboot to recovery_a and recovery_b. I then rebooted to system, then turned the phone off, rebooted to fastboot, selected recovery and it booted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this the syntax? fastboot flash recovery_a twrp.img ?
Shadeclan said:
Is this the syntax? fastboot flash recovery_a twrp.img ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Assuming you have renamed the downloaded file "twrp.img".
RETIEF said:
Yes. Assuming you have renamed the downloaded file "twrp.img".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A link to the TWRP you are using? I do believe there's a beta version somewhere here on the forum ... Aaah. It's for the kiev -3. I have a XT2113-2 - probably explains why it won't work on my phone.
Shadeclan said:
A link to the TWRP you are using? I do believe there's a beta version somewhere here on the forum ... Aaah. It's for the kiev -3. I have a XT2113-2 - probably explains why it won't work on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kiev-twrp-3.6.0_11.0_RC-1.4.img | by SyberHexen for Moto One 5g Ace
Download GApps, Roms, Kernels, Themes, Firmware, and more. Free file hosting for all Android developers.
androidfilehost.com
I have the Xt2113-2.
I have successfully installed /e/ foundation ROM on my Moto
RETIEF said:
I have the Xt2113-2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will grab it right away - many thanks.

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