Related
I've tried researching this but no where can I find information on if the Moto X has NFC secure element or even general information on how to check if any phone has it.
Does anybody know anything about this?
My main reason for checking (not that it matters) is I'm curious about future Google Wallet capabilities.
Pretty much any phone with NFC can use Google Wallet.
The "NFC Secure Element" is bull**** from Verizon so they have an excuse to use ISIS and block Google Wallet.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
jimmyco2008 said:
Pretty much any phone with NFC can use Google Wallet.
The "NFC Secure Element" is bull**** from Verizon so they have an excuse to use ISIS and block Google Wallet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is completely false. The secure element is a necessary component of the way Wallet currently works. If it were just a Verizon excuse, why does the Nexus 7 (which is sold directly by Google among other retailers, can be Wi-Fi only, and is available on carriers other than Verizon) lack the ability to use Wallet?
Well riddle me this- what is a "secure element"?
It is, namely, an SD Card or SIM card (http://www.smartcardalliance.org/pages/publications-nfc-frequently-asked-questions#7), or a chip built into a device.
Verizon does not allow Wallet on any of its phones because, according to them, they lack a "secure element" for NFC. With that in mind, virtually all their phones can get and use Wallet just fine. Therefore, it must be possible to use Wallet without the "secure element", you just wouldn't have the secure element (theoretically making it easier for credit card info and the like to be stolen...but...)... Or maybe Verizon is just bull****ting all of us and all our phones have Secure Elements.
So Verizon claims that bull**** to push ISIS, of whom they have an alliance with, and so it would be in their best interest to find a reason to block Wallet and force all their customers to use ISIS.
At the same time: http://www.talkandroid.com/169810-the-new-nexus-7-does-not-officially-support-google-wallet/ There are some instances in which a device genuinely lacks the "secure element", ie the new Nexus 7. But then again I said "pretty much any phone can use Google Wallet". From a practical viewpoint, why would you use a tablet with Google Wallet? It's like talking on a phone with a tablet, it looks stupid.
jimmyco2008 said:
Well riddle me this- what is a "secure element"?
It is, namely, an SD Card or SIM card (http://www.smartcardalliance.org/pages/publications-nfc-frequently-asked-questions#7), or a chip built into a device.
Verizon does not allow Wallet on any of its phones because, according to them, they lack a "secure element" for NFC. With that in mind, virtually all their phones can get and use Wallet just fine. Therefore, it must be possible to use Wallet without the "secure element", you just wouldn't have the secure element (theoretically making it easier for credit card info and the like to be stolen...but...)... Or maybe Verizon is just bull****ting all of us and all our phones have Secure Elements.
So Verizon claims that bull**** to push ISIS, of whom they have an alliance with, and so it would be in their best interest to find a reason to block Wallet and force all their customers to use ISIS.
At the same time: http://www.talkandroid.com/169810-the-new-nexus-7-does-not-officially-support-google-wallet/ There are some instances in which a device genuinely lacks the "secure element", ie the new Nexus 7. But then again I said "pretty much any phone can use Google Wallet". From a practical viewpoint, why would you use a tablet with Google Wallet? It's like talking on a phone with a tablet, it looks stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the Galaxy Nexus did have a "secure element" because sideloading Wallet on the Verizon version worked fine. So Verizon was completely bull****ting us on that one. I'd wager that all samsung devices that use the "nfc chip in the battery" have a secure element. Maybe even any device that has it built into the battery. Not sure which way the Moto X has it.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
blipp said:
I'd wager that all samsung devices that use the "nfc chip in the battery" have a secure element. Maybe even any device that has it built into the battery. Not sure which way the Moto X has it.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this teardown, it looks like our NFC antenna is separate from the battery (see steps 7 and 8)
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola+Moto+X+Teardown/16867/1?singlePage
So, it looks like Google has posted the list of Google Wallet eligible devices: https://support.google.com/wallet/answer/1347934?hl=en
They say that Wallet "requires one of the following NFC-enabled Android devices running 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher, with a Secure Element chip, on select carrier networks"
The Moto X is on the list, but only the Sprint variant.
rubiksmoose said:
So, it looks like Google has posted the list of Google Wallet eligible devices: https://support.google.com/wallet/answer/1347934?hl=en
They say that Wallet "requires one of the following NFC-enabled Android devices running 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher, with a Secure Element chip, on select carrier networks"
The Moto X is on the list, but only the Sprint variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then it should work fine for the other variants once you load the app (may need one of the modified APKs on XDA). Sprint is just the only one of the major carriers that doesn't block Wallet. The others are trying to push Isis instead.
I'm using the t mobile variant and can confirm google wallet does not give me the tap to pay options in the app
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk 4
Well, the Rogers Moto X doesn't seem to work either.
Things I have tried:
Download directly from Google Play
BUILD.PROP modifications
Editing etc/nfcee_access.xml
Adding /framework/com.android.nfc_extras.jar
Using a hacked version from XDA
Using the xposed module "Xposed Wallet Patcher"
I did all of those things as well as combinations of them together and none of them worked. Sometimes they just set up with Tap-to-pay disabled. Sometimes it just stays on the "Setting some things up" screen for 5+ minutes and then crashes. The crash seems to be caused by a non-existent or malfunctioning secure element. But, all the signs point to non-sprint devices not having a secure element. I hope that thats not true and someone smarter than I can get Google Wallet up and running.
Secure element can be part of the SIM card. That's how ISIS does it. It's possible Sprint versions have the secure element on the Sprint SIM. I believe Sprint generally makes their SIM cards nonremovable, but if a Sprint Moto X owner could get access to their SIM card, then put it in a Moto X from a different carrier and see if Wallet enables the tap to pay function (assuming you're using the xposed module, etc. so everything should function correctly and keeping in mind you'd have to test over wi-fi since the Sprint SIM wouldn't activate the phone on whatever network the other Moto X is, obviously.)
It does appear it needs the secure element to be part of the sim card. Telus in Canada just announced an updated sim with a secure element built in for NFC purchases.
jimmyco2008 said:
Well riddle me this- what is a "secure element"?
It is, namely, an SD Card or SIM card (http://www.smartcardalliance.org/pages/publications-nfc-frequently-asked-questions#7), or a chip built into a device.
Verizon does not allow Wallet on any of its phones because, according to them, they lack a "secure element" for NFC. With that in mind, virtually all their phones can get and use Wallet just fine. Therefore, it must be possible to use Wallet without the "secure element", you just wouldn't have the secure element (theoretically making it easier for credit card info and the like to be stolen...but...)... Or maybe Verizon is just bull****ting all of us and all our phones have Secure Elements.
So Verizon claims that bull**** to push ISIS, of whom they have an alliance with, and so it would be in their best interest to find a reason to block Wallet and force all their customers to use ISIS.
At the same time: http://www.talkandroid.com/169810-the-new-nexus-7-does-not-officially-support-google-wallet/ There are some instances in which a device genuinely lacks the "secure element", ie the new Nexus 7. But then again I said "pretty much any phone can use Google Wallet". From a practical viewpoint, why would you use a tablet with Google Wallet? It's like talking on a phone with a tablet, it looks stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon never said they lack a SE they said requiring access to it is why g wallet is not allowed. That being said is it still a bull excuse, you betcha. Verizon is stupid thou Being the biggest carrier and not allowing gwalet isn't helping Isis its killing mobile pmts all together now instead of having a minimal ske in NFC payments the entire system will get flushed right down the old crapper.
Somebody with a Verizon dev edition needs to flash the boot and system image from the Sprint build and see if wallet works. I haven't unlocked my dev edition yet bc it's just so nice as is but I'm willing to try it
Google wallet
I have the GSM Dev Edition of the Moto X and even on this unbranded phone the tap to pay element of Google Wallet is not available. I have asked Moto directly why it isn't allowed on a device that has no carrier and as of yet still have not gotten a response. It is the only thing I miss about my Nexus 4 after switching to the Moto X. I hope someone figures out a way for us to all enjoy Google Wallet on our Moto X's.
HID Proximity
I've been looking into using the NFC on my LG V10 to copy my work badge so I can get in the building with my phone. I 100% KNOW it is possible, because a co-worker of mine has the app on his phone, and on his freaking smart watch! He uses it every day, and referred me to this website to get it, and I can't find anything like that anywhere. All the posts regarding RFID and NFC card emulation are from 2011. Does anybody know where I can find the app, so I don't have to bang on the door when I forget my card? It's very annoying...
I bought a new AT&T factory unlocked G4 Active off eBay. It is running Gingerbread and has not been rooted.I then bought a StraightTalk sim card and everything works fine except two things,
I have used Applications Manager and discovered (I will confess I have learned a lot from this forum AFTER I tried that) it will not allow me to move the useless(????) AT&T apps to the SD card. Is there any way to do that since I don't think I am using them since I have a StraightTalk sim installed? And #2, since I get lousy service on the GSM network (AT&T), is it possible to convert this phone so it runs on VZ?
Thanks
The Galaxy S4 Active is barely 4 months old and shipped with Android 4.2.2 aka Jellybean - if yours has Gingerbread on it (Android 2.3) something is very wrong.
And GS4A's are not sold unlocked, even from AT&T. You have to buy one that's carrier locked, then contact their support to get the unlock code (as I understand it). Even paying full price for the phone off-contract in an AT&T corporate store means you still end up having to contact their support by phone, providing the necessary info, and they'll provide the unlock code as required - the store personnel just don't do that or even have access to those codes even if you pay full price on the spot for one "unlocked."
As for moving the apps to the microSD card, I don't think that's a possibility with the stock apps; your best bet to get rid of them is with Titanium Backup (the paid version) and freeze 'em all out. I could be wrong on that so someone else can answer it perhaps.
The LTE capability of the GS4A won't work with Verizon's CMDA network that I'm aware of, and obviously Verizon isn't a GSM carrier at all so there goes that idea too.
Are you 100% confident of what you actually bought?
Moving AT&T apps to sd card
br0adband said:
The Galaxy S4 Active is barely 4 months old and shipped with Android 4.2.2 aka Jellybean - if yours has Gingerbread on it (Android 2.3) something is very wrong.
And GS4A's are not sold unlocked, even from AT&T. You have to buy one that's carrier locked, then contact their support to get the unlock code (as I understand it). Even paying full price for the phone off-contract in an AT&T corporate store means you still end up having to contact their support by phone, providing the necessary info, and they'll provide the unlock code as required - the store personnel just don't do that or even have access to those codes even if you pay full price on the spot for one "unlocked."
As for moving the apps to the microSD card, I don't think that's a possibility with the stock apps; your best bet to get rid of them is with Titanium Backup (the paid version) and freeze 'em all out. I could be wrong on that so someone else can answer it perhaps.
The LTE capability of the GS4A won't work with Verizon's CMDA network that I'm aware of, and obviously Verizon isn't a GSM carrier at all so there goes that idea too.
Are you 100% confident of what you actually bought?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I am sure it is unlocked. I bought it advertised as unlocked and activated it on StraightTalk. It came with an AT&T sim card (unused) and I bought a StraightTalk sim card for it and have been using it for about a month. My only "gripe" is one AT&T app (My AT&T) is still in the App menu and I recently downloaded and launched GPS/Mapquest. AT&T came on in the middle of my drive with their AT&T travel app and I could not get back to my original course. Not to be argumentative but is there any way I can tell for sure I am unlocked given the info above? I have 4.2.2. Guess I'll have to give up on deleting the AT&T apps. PS I have disabled all AT&T apps, except the one above, in my phone App Mgr Haven't checked the Mapquest routing since I did that so don't know if that very big problem went away.
Thanks for the help
The StraightTalk SIM card will be using AT&T's cellular network so that's why it won't complain with it in there - stick a SIM card from T-Mobile or some other network provider and you'll find out instantly if it's carrier locked or not as soon as you turn it on because it'll ask for the unlock code if it is.
AT&T doesn't sell the GS4A unlocked - it is sold locked to their network and if you pay the full price for the phone (meaning you own it at that point) you will be given a number to call (an AT&T support rep) where you have to provide the IMEI of the phone and the transaction number from the purchase receipt; they will provide you with the carrier unlock code which is entered when you put in SIM card from another carrier and turn on the phone.
While I got mine unlocked using an official AT&T unlock code from an eBay reseller, before I got this one off craigslist I had considered buying it brand new back in June from AT&T at the full retail price so I asked how the carrier unlock would be accomplished and was told by the AT&T corporate store employee here in Las Vegas exactly what I just said above: the boxed phones at the stores are locked to AT&T and must be unlocked with the carrier unlock code.
Since I'm not the original owner I couldn't just call in and ask for it myself so that's why I used a person off eBay and haven't had any issues so far, it was worth the $9 to get it unlocked.
Whoever owned that phone you have may have already unlocked it, but AT&T doesn't sell them that way...
You bought it off eBay, not directly from AT$T. Many eBay sellers unlock phones to make them easier to sell, but no carrier sells phones already unlocked. And 4.2.2 is definitely not Gingerbread. All S4 Actives came with Jellybean. As was said, you will not get this phone to work on Verizon's 4G network.
As many of you might have read, the latest leak of the OTA removes the host card emulation feature which was part of the core of the 4.4 OS.
Which means you can't use Google wallets much loved Tap and pay feature which was disabled on pre 4.4 devices for lack of secure element.
ATT stripping HCE and shoving isis wallet down our throats (Isis comes installed as a part of the OTA).
What do you guys think of this? Will there ever be a way to get Google wallet on our note 3's through a future update or any custom rom...?
andersonpaac said:
As many of you might have read, the latest leak of the OTA removes the host card emulation feature which was part of the core of the 4.4 OS.
Which means you can't use Google wallets much loved Tap and pay feature which was disabled on pre 4.4 devices for lack of secure element.
ATT stripping HCE and shoving isis wallet down our throats (Isis comes installed as a part of the OTA).
What do you guys think of this? Will there ever be a way to get Google wallet on our note 3's through a future update or any custom rom...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Secure Element (Enhanced SIM) in my Note 3 .. Isis Wallet does NOT work in the leaked 4.4.2 either. And so we also clear this up further .. AT&T did nothing in regards to "shoving isis wallet down our throats" .. Verizon and T-Mobile also have Isis Wallet !!! The only one that stuck with Google Wallet is Sprint.
T-Mobile - http://www.t-mobile.com/isis-mobile-wallet.html
Verizon - http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/products/isis.html
LordGeek said:
I have a Secure Element (Enhanced SIM) in my Note 3 .. Isis Wallet does NOT work in the leaked 4.4.2 either. And so we also clear this up further .. AT&T did nothing in regards to "shoving isis wallet down our throats" .. Verizon and T-Mobile also have Isis Wallet !!! The only one that stuck with Google Wallet is Sprint.
T-Mobile - http://www.t-mobile.com/isis-mobile-wallet.html
Verizon - http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/products/isis.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There would be no reason to disable HCE which was in the 4.4 source and have isis as a part of the OTA. Also , isis may not work just YET. An application update can fix isis, but google wallet will not work until an OTA is done. Verizon and T-mobile have not yet removed HEC from the source (yet). If they did , that doesn't exonerate ATT or them. Customers shouldn't have features stripped out of android source.
LordGeek said:
Isis Wallet does NOT work in the leaked 4.4.2 either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you missed my post or what??
ISIS **DOES WORK** on leaked 4.4.2 leak!
when you upgrade to 4.4.2, just dont wipe your phone, just do the update WITHOUT wipe, and isis will work on 4.4.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2634249
Interestingly enough in the formal AT&T response to my FCC complaint about stripping out Wallet functionality, they specifically say it will be a non issue with the release of 4.4. Guess I'll be reopening my FCC complaint when the official 4.4 hits.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Woah, you actually filed an FCC complaint? I cannot tell you how happy I was when I read the message. Stripping out wallet functionality from core android is gross incompetence and also tries to gain monopoly by forcing us to use isis for the nfc payments.
Earlier, the problem they quoted was the lack of secure element, which made little but some sense. But now, this is just Bull****
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
andersonpaac said:
Woah, you actually filed an FCC complaint? I cannot tell you how happy I was when I read the message. Stripping out wallet functionality from core android is gross incompetence and also tries to gain monopoly by forcing us to use isis for the nfc payments.
Earlier, the problem they quoted was the lack of secure element, which made little but some sense. But now, this is just Bull****
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did. I've read for years the whole "just file a FCC complaint" line on XDA and a few other places... so I finally did one. Its actually remarkably easy to file. AT&T's "Office of the President" called me and reviewed the complaint with me before they filed their formal response then called me a second time to let me know their formal response. I'm pretty sure I received a letter too with the final formal response.
If you file one these are my recommendations:
Brief is better
Don't go on a technical rant
If you feel its specifically an anti competition or collusion issue only allowing ISIS and not Google Wallet, say it briefly and with professional language
Pay attention to grammar
Be professional on the phone when they call you back
Know that your case worker in the "Office of the President" isn't technical and if you start talking tech you'll talk right over their heads
And ultimately your single complaint won't do a lot but if everyone puts one in it might help
http://www.fcc.gov/complaints
Select:
Wireless Telephone > then choose either "Billing, Service, Privacy, Number Portability, Unlocking Devices and other issues" or "Deceptive or unlawful advertising or marketing by a communications company (does NOT include Telemarketing)"
Awesome
Thanks ,I'll do it as soon as 4.4.2 comes out
Gwallet ROM
Also , do you know of any ROM that supports google wallet Tap and Pay
So I have never purchased a Google play version of a phone before so I am wondering something.
I always root and install ROMs on my phones and I have only had non-nexus devices and know that installing a sprint ROM on a Verizon phone makes it not work correctly... So if I buy a Google play version can I install Verizon ROMs since I'm on the Verizon network?
Both are the same. Roms work on all networks.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
So the only difference is that I will have different firmware files to use if I bootloop and such?
Nickchapstick said:
So the only difference is that I will have different firmware files to use if I bootloop and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No difference. All Google nexus 6 factory images can be flashed on any nexus 6. They are all identical.
Only thing with Verizon is that they will not add any other nexus 6 to their system. It will work, but you will see that you are using a non vzw device when you log into your account
Nickchapstick said:
So I have never purchased a Google play version of a phone before so I am wondering something.
I always root and install ROMs on my phones and I have only had non-nexus devices and know that installing a sprint ROM on a Verizon phone makes it not work correctly... So if I buy a Google play version can I install Verizon ROMs since I'm on the Verizon network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine from Motorola so that I could get the Motocare policy. The issues with buying a non-Verizon branded N6 are the following:
1) Verizon reps won't be able to activate a Verizon nano SIM in the device - so you would need to use an already activated SIM card to get the device active on your line - this can be done by activating a nano SIM in a Verizon branded phone that uses a nano SIM or by cutting down an existing micro SIM card;
2) If you deal with Verizon instead of Google or Motorola for warranty issues, you are going to get a Verizon branded 32GB Midnight Blue N6 as a replacement regardless of whether or not you have the light grey or the 64GB N6 - so IMO, dealing with Verizon is not an option;
3) Asurion insurance likely won't replace your device with a non-Verizon branded N6 should you need to use insurance coverage so again, you would be getting a 32GB Midnight Blue Verizon N6 as a replacement regardless of what device you actually have on the line if you pay for Asurion insurance;
4) Asurion insurance may not cover your device at all since your line will just show Non-Verizon Device on it - hence another the reason I bought from Motorola directly and bought the MotoCare policy;
5) To get HD Voice/Advance Calling/VoLTE active on your line, you would need to first put a Verizon branded device that is VoLTE eligible on your line to add it as a feature or search the forum for other ideas on how to do it; and
6) People with More Everything plans and the month-to-month or Edge discount on their lines are having trouble getting the discount to stick even after the reps add it to their lines.
I had a Moto X on my line, which uses a nano SIM card so I had no issues with #1. I bought the MotoCare policy so I have eliminated issues #2-#4 for myself. I used an iP6 to get VoLTE added to my line and have a legacy nationwide plan so issues #5 and #6 aren't problems for me.
I haven't yet flashed to 5.1 so I can't test the VoLTE yet but others say it works and I will do that soon and report back my results.
Nickchapstick said:
So I have never purchased a Google play version of a phone before so I am wondering something.
I always root and install ROMs on my phones and I have only had non-nexus devices and know that installing a sprint ROM on a Verizon phone makes it not work correctly... So if I buy a Google play version can I install Verizon ROMs since I'm on the Verizon network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no "carrier" version, there's a nexus 6 made by motorola, endorsed by Google, that's it, your particular carrier may sell said device on their network, but it's not their device or their variant, there are two variants, a US model and an international model and even then, there's literally only a band availability difference. All nexi are the same phone not matter who's providing the service for it
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Awesome I appreciate all the replies and I have the info I needed. Thanks for being educational.
I intend to purchase the Nexus 6, Midnight Blue, 32 GB at full retail price and maintain my unlimited data plan on Verizon. Does it matter where I purchase the phone? What should I keep in mind?
Google Store
Motorola.com
Verizon Wireless
Best Buy
Amazon
You will be able to keep your unlimited data, and since the nexus only comes in two models (international and US) any one you purchase from a us seller will work. I'm even rocking an AT&T nexus on Verizon as we speak.
Be careful...
http://www.reddit.com/r/nexus6/comments/34gglr/filed_my_fcc_complaint_against_verizon/
http://www.reddit.com/r/nexus6/comments/34au1x/psa_verizon_has_changed_the_way_they_deal_with/
sdz2 said:
I intend to purchase the Nexus 6, Midnight Blue, 32 GB at full retail price and maintain my unlimited data plan on Verizon. Does it matter where I purchase the phone? What should I keep in mind?
Google Store
Motorola.com
Verizon Wireless
Best Buy
Amazon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3069915
Noted. Verizon dislikes non-VZW devices. The phone will work, but they may choose not to honor any discounts.
Are there any drawbacks to purchasing from Verizon?
sdz2 said:
Are there any drawbacks to purchasing from Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it has a verizon logo on it
simms22 said:
it has a verizon logo on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its anything like the att one easy fix I scrapped the att death star logo off with a credit card
Sent from my Nexus 6
simms22 said:
it has a verizon logo on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And there's only one color and storage size.
Ryjabo said:
Be careful...
http://www.reddit.com/r/nexus6/comments/34gglr/filed_my_fcc_complaint_against_verizon/
http://www.reddit.com/r/nexus6/comments/34au1x/psa_verizon_has_changed_the_way_they_deal_with/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When this is true I would never choose Verizon as provider.
sdz2 said:
I intend to purchase the Nexus 6, Midnight Blue, 32 GB at full retail price and maintain my unlimited data plan on Verizon. Does it matter where I purchase the phone? What should I keep in mind?
Google Store
Motorola.com
Verizon Wireless
Best Buy
Amazon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased my white 64gb Nexus 6 through Google to be able to keep my unlimited plan as well. The device does show up as a non vzw device though. It's easy to make changes to the plan if you're adding (meaning more money for them) but to removing options (less money for them) is where it gets tricky. Really in my opinion it just depends on the rep you talk to. Long story short, about two weeks ago I called to add international calling to my plan, the rep offered me a plan they no longer have. When I realized she added the wrong plan I called back and the guy said he couldn't remove the options that were added and needed to submit a ticket and I would receive a call back when it's all taken care of. After a week of hearing nothing I called back and was talking to a guy who was really helpful. He removed and changes that were made to my account, but did say that having the Nexus 6 come up as a non vzw device made it a little tricky to remove the options but nothing that couldn't be done.
I have unlimited data on VZW, and I bought 64gb blue off Play Store. I didn't want any tie to VZW because when my invite for Google FI comes, I just may go that route.
I went into company-owned store (not a retailer) for new SIM card. Was a bit of a "hassle" insofar as all the reps were all clueless as to how to give me a SIM card when the device ID was not in their database. They tried to shuffle me off to customer service, but I made them call customer service with me in the store. The tech support rep went into the same bootloop (can't give you a card and get the device registered if the device id is not in the database) but eventually, they figured out they just needed to insert SIM card and it would activate itself. I found I had to be pleasant but assertive to get it done, as they seemed to be unwilling to just hand over a SIM card, which is all they needed to do.
gr8scott_o said:
I have unlimited data on VZW, and I bought 64gb blue off Play Store. I didn't want any tie to VZW because when my invite for Google FI comes, I just may go that route.
I went into company-owned store (not a retailer) for new SIM card. Was a bit of a "hassle" insofar as all the reps were all clueless as to how to give me a SIM card when the device ID was not in their database. They tried to shuffle me off to customer service, but I made them call customer service with me in the store. The tech support rep went into the same bootloop (can't give you a card and get the device registered if the device id is not in the database) but eventually, they figured out they just needed to insert SIM card and it would activate itself. I found I had to be pleasant but assertive to get it done, as they seemed to be unwilling to just hand over a SIM card, which is all they needed to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were lucky that you found some reasonable reps to deal with. Many VZW representatives will flat out refuse to give you a SIM if the IMEI is not in their system.
cam30era said:
You were lucky that you found some reasonable reps to deal with. Many VZW representatives will flat out refuse to give you a SIM if the IMEI is not in their system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looked like it was heading that way, but I was assertive in saying that I know it could be done and that is when we got the phone to tech support. I suggested we use the SIM card they had in front of me and ask tech support to get it going while I was in the store, and eventually it all worked out after the tier 1 tech support guy took the initiative to look some things up.
Point is, be polite but firm, don't take "no" for an answer. There is a difference in software (although what, I don't know, but I didn't want anything other than pure google on my phone), so it was worth the minor hassle to me.