I'm definitely a noob here, but I've been lurking for over a year, researching, and finally made an account.
I'm stuck with AT&T for awhile. Like most other sensible people on the planet, I want a Droid 3. I thought all hope was lost until I just recently heard that someone finally cracked (rooted) the thing and there are already several custom ROMs out, to my understanding..? Like the Steel Droid ROM at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1278056
Does the Steel ROM allow a Droid 3 to work on AT&T networks?
I also read that Negri Electronics is selling custom Droid 3's that work on AT&T's 3G networks, but it's $600.
Is there any hope of getting a D3 with AT&T, or do I have to stick with my beat-up (but still functional) old Tilt 2?
And Yes I searched, but the Droid 3 Root thing is so new there's not much info on it yet.
I have heard of people successfully using a D3 on AT&T, I think you need to unlock the SIM for US networks somehow. Loading a rom like Steel Droid won't make any changes that will allow you to use it on AT&T though.
Androidsims said:
I have heard of people successfully using a D3 on AT&T, I think you need to unlock the SIM for US networks somehow. Loading a rom like Steel Droid won't make any changes that will allow you to use it on AT&T though.
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Hrm... Crap. So currently the only way to get one for AT&T is via Negri Electronics? No one has heard of any other way? 0.o
I don't suppose there's any other phone that can compete with the D3 as far as specs and a full QWERTY keyboard, huh? Bummer, big time
I'm coming from a VZW TP2 and i know people used it on Tmobile and other GSM networks by unlocking the SIM. The way I did it was by calling Verizon and telling them I was going out of the country and they did it for free on the phone, I'm not sure how to do it if you're already on another network or don't activate it with Verizon first (For free). But that's definitely what you should look for, once the SIM is unlocked it should work anywhere as long as you enable roaming.
kern417 said:
I'm coming from a VZW TP2 and i know people used it on Tmobile and other GSM networks by unlocking the SIM. The way I did it was by calling Verizon and telling them I was going out of the country and they did it for free on the phone, I'm not sure how to do it if you're already on another network or don't activate it with Verizon first (For free). But that's definitely what you should look for, once the SIM is unlocked it should work anywhere as long as you enable roaming.
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Simlock or not you can use the droid 3 anywhere in the world but not in the us.
No matter if you use the verizon sim or any other sim.
To do it you need the so called band unlocking which is currently unavailable for the droid 3 and when and if will be, will require a good amount of money.
In short if you need the phone buy a milestone 3/Xt860
...but keep in mind, that while root and recovery are a go for the XT860, there's no custom ROMs working as of yet.
It'll come though.
The Solutor said:
Simlock or not you can use the droid 3 anywhere in the world but not in the us.
No matter if you use the verizon sim or any other sim.
To do it you need the so called band unlocking which is currently unavailable for the droid 3 and when and if will be, will require a good amount of money.
In short if you need the phone buy a milestone 3/Xt860
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Did a little research, but just to be clear, the Milestone 3 (aka the XT860) is the Canadian version of the D3, released by Bell, correct?
And since it already works in North America, could I simply buy one and use it on AT&T as-is? Or would it also need some sort of unlocking?
Correct
Given the price should be an unlocked phone, ready to be used anywhere in the world US included.
Thanks, I almost bought an XT883 a few days ago, that would have been terrible. Stupid Verizon and their locked-down phones.
[UPDATE]
Alright. Thanks to you guys' help and support, I averted a financial disaster and a raft of headaches/psychological meltdowns. I just ordered:
Brand new, unlocked with 2-year warranty:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180734574619?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Genuine Motorola 1930mAh Extended Battery w/Cover:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290617184513?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Can't wait to get my hands on a D3! My first truly new phone since I bought my Motorola SLVR 5 years ago, with its amazing, first-of-its-kind ability to play up to a whopping 100 iTunes songs on its giant 512mb MicroSD card.
I'm in Hawaii, waiting on a phone being shipped from Canada though, so it'll be a couple days
Thanks again for your patience guys, especially Solutor, your advice really made a difference. I clicked the Thanks button for you.
Savior
You are welcome.
Related
I am thinking about being a used Droid 4. Quick question. Am I able to unlock the GSM part of the phone so I can use it with any GSM SIM Card overseas when I travel? I don't want the Verizon option that is coming out since it will force you to use Verizons Global plan.
Also, does anybody know about Manufacturer's warranty with buying a used Verizon phone. If the phone needs to be replaced, do I have to contact the manufacturer or does Verizon accept it for return? Thanks
Last question. How is the reception on this phone? When I had the Bionic, it was awesome, the Galaxy Nexus is subpar.
GermanGuy said:
I am thinking about being a used Droid 4. Quick question. Am I able to unlock the GSM part of the phone so I can use it with any GSM SIM Card overseas when I travel? I don't want the Verizon option that is coming out since it will force you to use Verizons Global plan.
Also, does anybody know about Manufacturer's warranty with buying a used Verizon phone. If the phone needs to be replaced, do I have to contact the manufacturer or does Verizon accept it for return? Thanks
Last question. How is the reception on this phone? When I had the Bionic, it was awesome, the Galaxy Nexus is subpar.
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From my understanding, if you check the development section there is a gsm unlock. I haven't tried it personally.
From my understanding, you're sol on the warranty issue but I could be wrong.
Reception has been great for me and the wife on our Droid4s
Just got my D4, which I bought on ebay, replaced by Verizon. Called in, told them the problem(wouldnt charge) and they sent me a refurb. I would try a few times to get the right person, because you may not be as lucky as I was the 1st time I called in. Pretty much replaced it without question. On a side note I did have my D4 deactivated as I was using my D3, so they may not have been able to look it up and tell I wasnt the original owner.
duffman452001 said:
Just got my D4, which I bought on ebay, replaced by Verizon. Called in, told them the problem(wouldnt charge) and they sent me a refurb. I would try a few times to get the right person, because you may not be as lucky as I was the 1st time I called in. Pretty much replaced it without question. On a side note I did have my D4 deactivated as I was using my D3, so they may not have been able to look it up and tell I wasnt the original owner.
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Ok. Just trying to understand. Once I receive the phone, I should or should not activate it on my line? I currently have a Galaxy Nexus. Can I just swap the LTE SIM card out? But how can I get it the D4 replaced through Verizon if I have problems?
I've read a few reports of the leaked official ICS builds supporting GSM natively. I'm not sure whether they are carrier locked but I'd assume they are. Verizon's official policy is that you can get a SIM unlock if you've been a VZW customer in good standing for at least 60 days and haven't unlocked another phone on your line within the past 10 months...but since the D4 doesn't officially have world phone capability yet, I'm not sure if VZW reps would even have the instructions on how to provide an unlock code at this point.
GermanGuy said:
Ok. Just trying to understand. Once I receive the phone, I should or should not activate it on my line? I currently have a Galaxy Nexus. Can I just swap the LTE SIM card out? But how can I get it the D4 replaced through Verizon if I have problems?
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Go ahead and activate it. I got my D4 from ebay, used it for about 3 weeks then suddenly it wouldnt charge. Swapped the D4 out for the D3 on my line because I needed a phone. I would just use the D4 like normal and if you have a problem that needs replacement just give calling verizon a shot. Not sure about the sim swap as this is my first LTE phone (I would assume though that u would be able to just swap the sim cards)
Hello Guys,
I used to be a milestone 2 user, coming from a milestone one here in the EU.
My milestone 2 gave out and I when it did I was forced to use another brand/phone.
However, I'm currently in the US and I was wondering whether there are any droid 4's I could buy over here that would work in Europe. Obviously this means the D4 would need to be free of sim lock and it would need to be able to take a sim card from europe.
Any advise? Workarounds? other places where one could get hold of a D4 able to work in the EU?
It goes without saying that I don't want to pick up a US prepped phone tied to a crazy expensive US operated dataplan in the EU.
TiA,
Cheers!
DrBytes said:
Hello Guys,
I used to be a milestone 2 user, coming from a milestone one here in the EU.
My milestone 2 gave out and I when it did I was forced to use another brand/phone.
However, I'm currently in the US and I was wondering whether there are any droid 4's I could buy over here that would work in Europe. Obviously this means the D4 would need to be free of sim lock and it would need to be able to take a sim card from europe.
Any advise? Workarounds? other places where one could get hold of a D4 able to work in the EU?
It goes without saying that I don't want to pick up a US prepped phone tied to a crazy expensive US operated dataplan in the EU.
TiA,
Cheers!
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Click to collapse
Most D4s come factory unlocked, you just have to make sure you carrier isn't on the bad list. Chances are if Verizon partners with your carrier at home, you may be out of luck. There is a UK thread going on here, take a look through the older threads. Keep in mind, LTE functionality isn't available on this phone outside of the USA.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I have a friend who's interested in buying my Droid 4. And he wanted me to unlock it for him, so I was looking around... pretty much everything out there looks like a scam (either it wants me to install software, and makes me take a survey to get a password, or they want $28 for a code, etc)
He lives in Italy, uses the Wind network, which he says uses 4G LTE. I've seen on other posts that it doesn't need to be unlocked to be used internationally... is that correct? Or would I have to do something in order for him to use it?
Right now I've got my Verizon SIM card in there, obviously I would remove that before selling it to him. Can it be used with the stock ROM and still work internationally?
Should be no problem. I have used my D4 in Germany. Just popped in a local SIM, got a text which provided the necessary changes for APNs, and was good to surf and call away. My Droid is stock rooted, but I don't think you need to have root.
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk now Free
So basically, any of those sites claiming to help you "unlock" the Droid 4 are scams?
Well, don't know what they claim to do. But you only need to unlock if you want to use a different provider within the US. Verizon locks you to their network within the US. Outside you can have any provider you like.
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk now Free
They claim to give you an "unlock code"... which as far as I know doesn't even exist or it would be common knowledge by now.
But that's nice to know, I've never traveled abroad with a cellphone (I didn't even own a phone back in 2006 when I went to England) so I thought "unlocking" a phone was a universal thing to remove carrier restrictions.
No unlock required
I just got back from Ireland. Per Verizon's instructions, I had originally called the International Customer Support number to have it unlocked for European GSM usage. Customer support informed me at the time, that the phone is unlocked for international GSM from the factory. Once I arrived, I just swapped out the Verizon SIM card for a local one. It took a little configuration to get the APN/MMS settings correct, but the local phone rep was able to fix all those basic settings.
Good Luck. I'm sure everything will go smoothly for you.
Hey! This is my first post in XDA (although a lurker for some time!).
A friend of mine living in the United States shipped me his old Droid 3, which has SIM card slot. I wanted to use it with my Spanish GSM network, and I've reading this post about it, and some other related posts, so I came to the conclusion that the phone needs to be unlocked with a purchased code always, but now I'm not sure what's next.
At first I don't plan to do anything, since I've read on some posts that you just need to purchase an unlock, others say you need to edit the build.prop to get proper signal indicators and the global mode enabled, others say you have to flash a stock radio firmware... so the only clear decision is that I have to buy an unlock code for the phone. So I'd like to know about the experiences of other European users using the Verizon branded Droid 3, if that's possible! Thanks!
Droid 3 unlocked in the Netherlands
krashprocess said:
Hey! This is my first post in XDA (although a lurker for some time!).
A friend of mine living in the United States shipped me his old Droid 3, which has SIM card slot. I wanted to use it with my Spanish GSM network, and I've reading this post about it, and some other related posts, so I came to the conclusion that the phone needs to be unlocked with a purchased code always, but now I'm not sure what's next.
At first I don't plan to do anything, since I've read on some posts that you just need to purchase an unlock, others say you need to edit the build.prop to get proper signal indicators and the global mode enabled, others say you have to flash a stock radio firmware... so the only clear decision is that I have to buy an unlock code for the phone. So I'd like to know about the experiences of other European users using the Verizon branded Droid 3, if that's possible! Thanks!
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Click to collapse
Hi there,
I live in the Netherlands and bought a Droid 3 xt862 Verizon branded a few months ago from a private person in the States. I bought an unlock code through the internet, a word of advise beware of buying from just anyone and look for lots of good feedback on the seller.
After inserting my Dutch SIM card the phone asked for the unlock code so I typed the unlock code into the Droid 3 tapped ok and my Droid was unlocked. The Droid 3 is in perfect working order ever since and I use it all the time. By the way I haven't gotten around to rooting the Droid 3, just to let you know .
I hope this reply helps out a bit, good luck and have fun with your Droid 3, it's a great phone.
unlock4moto worked for both my D3s. Good site!
I'm thinking about switching from T-Mobile to Verizon, but have zero experience with Verizon and would like to confirm that there won't be any problem using their network if the phone is rooted, modded, running a custom rom/kernal, etc. I can't get a straight answer from them.
Thanks
PhilipTD said:
I'm thinking about switching from T-Mobile to Verizon, but have zero experience with Verizon and would like to confirm that there won't be any problem using their network if the phone is rooted, modded, running a custom rom/kernal, etc. I can't get a straight answer from them.
Thanks
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Should be fine but think they lock the bootloader I'm from UK so may be wrong lol
jaythenut said:
Should be fine but think they lock the bootloader I'm from UK so may be wrong lol
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Thanks for your reply. Yes, I've always heard it's impossible to unlock the bootloader on Verizon's own branded phones. I won't be buying from them, however, but directly from Google. Being able to unlock the bootloader is imperative for me. I have rooted and modded every one of the phones I've owned, starting in 2010 with my Nexus One
HTC GOOGLE NEXUS ONE PB99100
HBOOT: BLACKROSE 7.35.5017
ROM: CM10.1-20130403-VJ-6.0
KERNEL: 2.6.38.8-MSKU-KERNEL-JB
BASEBAND: 32.50.00.32U_5.1.2.00.08
RECOVERY: 4EXT-1.0.0.5 RC9
(that's how we made our signatures back then) and I'm not going to stop now. I can't even imagine using a phone that I can't root, mod, tweak, and run custom roms and kernels on.
Because I've been on T-Mobile since before it was even called T-Mobile (when there were only dumb phones), the only knowledge I have about Verizon is based on what I've read here over the years, mainly complaints that if you buy a phone from Verizon, it will be locked down, completely and forever, even once it's been paid off, and even if you buy it outright. Buying a Verizon-branded phone, therefore, is out of the question. But I do, unfortunately, need to switch to Verizon's network because T-Mobile's coverage is unacceptably spotty outside of urban areas. Yes, they are always building out their infrastructure and buying spectrum, and now they have acquired Sprint's, but I need reliable service, right now, in the suburbs of New York, where I visit my parents regularly now that they are getting on in years.
So, to make a long story short I am buying an unlocked Pixel 5 from Google and would like to make sure that it will work on Verizon's network once it's been rooted, modded, etc. If anyone recently has used an unlocked, rooted phone on Verizon, I'd greatly appreciate your advice.
Thanks
PhilipTD said:
So, to make a long story short I am buying an unlocked Pixel 5 from Google and would like to make sure that it will work on Verizon's network once it's been rooted, modded, etc. If anyone recently has used an unlocked, rooted phone on Verizon, I'd greatly appreciate your advice.
Thanks
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There are a bunch of rooted phones on VZW network with the P4 line so I can't see why the P5 would be any different. Personally, I'd unlock it and leave it not rooted, then test it out. Then root it and test it. If any test fail then you still have a window to return it. And if it doesn't work (which I highly doubt) then it's a matter of priorities, coverage vs rooting. Dollars to doughnuts it will work rooted. G Pay might be another story but I presume you don't really care about that.
PhilipTD said:
Thanks for your reply. Yes, I've always heard it's impossible to unlock the bootloader on Verizon's own branded phones. I won't be buying from them, however, but directly from Google. Being able to unlock the bootloader is imperative for me. I have rooted and modded every one of the phones I've owned, starting in 2010 with my Nexus One
HTC GOOGLE NEXUS ONE PB99100
HBOOT: BLACKROSE 7.35.5017
ROM: CM10.1-20130403-VJ-6.0
KERNEL: 2.6.38.8-MSKU-KERNEL-JB
BASEBAND: 32.50.00.32U_5.1.2.00.08
RECOVERY: 4EXT-1.0.0.5 RC9
(that's how we made our signatures back then) and I'm not going to stop now. I can't even imagine using a phone that I can't root, mod, tweak, and run custom roms and kernels on.
Because I've been on T-Mobile since before it was even called T-Mobile (when there were only dumb phones), the only knowledge I have about Verizon is based on what I've read here over the years, mainly complaints that if you buy a phone from Verizon, it will be locked down, completely and forever, even once it's been paid off, and even if you buy it outright. Buying a Verizon-branded phone, therefore, is out of the question. But I do, unfortunately, need to switch to Verizon's network because T-Mobile's coverage is unacceptably spotty outside of urban areas. Yes, they are always building out their infrastructure and buying spectrum, and now they have acquired Sprint's, but I need reliable service, right now, in the suburbs of New York, where I visit my parents regularly now that they are getting on in years.
So, to make a long story short I am buying an unlocked Pixel 5 from Google and would like to make sure that it will work on Verizon's network once it's been rooted, modded, etc. If anyone recently has used an unlocked, rooted phone on Verizon, I'd greatly appreciate your advice.
Thanks
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Root will not make any difference at all only gpay maybe but like you I've rooted all my phone's on lots of networks in UK and all been fine so will be fine for you I'm sure
bobby janow said:
There are a bunch of rooted phones on VZW network with the P4 line so I can't see why the P5 would be any different. Personally, I'd unlock it and leave it not rooted, then test it out. Then root it and test it. If any test fail then you still have a window to return it. And if it doesn't work (which I highly doubt) then it's a matter of priorities, coverage vs rooting. Dollars to doughnuts it will work rooted. G Pay might be another story but I presume you don't really care about that.
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Thanks for the encouraging info and the great idea of testing it out, which made me realize that I can get a prepaid sim from verizon and see if they can activate the Pixel 5 after I unlock and root it. Thanks
jaythenut said:
Root will not make any difference at all only gpay maybe but like you I've rooted all my phone's on lots of networks in UK and all been fine so will be fine for you I'm sure
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Awesome, I really hope that's the case