Verizon and Factory Images - Nexus 6 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello All,
I'm considering getting a Nexus 6 on Verizon, as my company is moving away from ATT. My understanding is that the Nexus 6 in the Google Play Store and direct from Verizon are physically identical phones, since the GP version has worked with Verizon since launch (just Verizon wouldn't activate it). I know that Verizon has made several modifications to the Nexus 6 that they are shipping, like they usually do with Nexus phone (Thinking back to the Galaxy Nexus fiasco), but they were very minor. Specifically, they added in their changes to the build.prop for tethering to be blocked without a subscription.
Do any of you know, if I get one, if I can just flash the stock factory images from Google and get OTA updates from Google with all of the tethering functionality and such unlocked by default? Is the build.prop modification the only difference?

gamer.pro.2000 said:
Hello All,
I'm considering getting a Nexus 6 on Verizon, as my company is moving away from ATT. My understanding is that the Nexus 6 in the Google Play Store and direct from Verizon are physically identical phones, since the GP version has worked with Verizon since launch (just Verizon wouldn't activate it). I know that Verizon has made several modifications to the Nexus 6 that they are shipping, like they usually do with Nexus phone (Thinking back to the Galaxy Nexus fiasco), but they were very minor. Specifically, they added in their changes to the build.prop for tethering to be blocked without a subscription.
Do any of you know, if I get one, if I can just flash the stock factory images from Google and get OTA updates from Google with all of the tethering functionality and such unlocked by default? Is the build.prop modification the only difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build.prop isn't different. The devices are identical. The advantages/differences of the VZW N6 versus every other at two fold:
1) VZW device IMEI is "whitelisted" on Verizon. No others are. This means that if you buy from anywhere else, you are going to have to fool Verizon (several ways to do this). They won't give you a SIM. And this, in turn, means that you will not get your BYOD discount on EDGE.
2) VZW version ships with LMY47E (which includes 98R radio). There is no OTA for this. But the factory image can be downloaded from Google and fastboot flashed.

cam30era said:
Build.prop isn't different. The devices are identical. The advantages/differences of the VZW N6 versus every other at two fold:
1) VZW device IMEI is "whitelisted" on Verizon. No others are. This means that if you buy from anywhere else, you are going to have to fool Verizon (several ways to do this). They won't give you a SIM. And this, in turn, means that you will not get your BYOD discount on EDGE.
2) VZW version ships with LMY47M (which includes 98R radio). There is no OTA for this. But the factory image can be downloaded from Google and fastboot flashed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought VZW shipped with lmy47e, lmy47m was t-mobile

holeindalip said:
I thought VZW shipped with lmy47e, lmy47m was t-mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad. You are correct, it's E.

cam30era said:
Build.prop isn't different. The devices are identical. The advantages/differences of the VZW N6 versus every other at two fold:
1) VZW device IMEI is "whitelisted" on Verizon. No others are. This means that if you buy from anywhere else, you are going to have to fool Verizon (several ways to do this). They won't give you a SIM. And this, in turn, means that you will not get your BYOD discount on EDGE.
2) VZW version ships with LMY47E (which includes 98R radio). There is no OTA for this. But the factory image can be downloaded from Google and fastboot flashed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not asking whether I can use a Google Play phone on Verizon. I'm asking if I can take a Verizon Nexus 6 and flash it to the Google Play image and have it function the same as a GP phone on Verizon.

gamer.pro.2000 said:
I'm not asking whether I can use a Google Play phone on Verizon. I'm asking if I can take a Verizon Nexus 6 and flash it to the Google Play image and have it function the same as a GP phone on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "Google Play" edition phone. You can buy a Nexus 6 from the Google Play store, but it's not a special edition. It's the same phone you can buy from Motorola, Amazon, Best Buy, etc. Verizon whitelists their IMEI as I've noted above. There are four factory images for 5.1, LMY47D, LMY47E, LMY47M, and LMY47I. You can flash any on these on any Nexus 6.
And, you're welcome.

gamer.pro.2000 said:
I'm not asking whether I can use a Google Play phone on Verizon. I'm asking if I can take a Verizon Nexus 6 and flash it to the Google Play image and have it function the same as a GP phone on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its the same software. when you put in the verizon sim and boot the first time, is when it installs verizons apps. if you boot the first time without the sim catd, it wont install verizons apps.

If you plan on using VZW's Advanced Calling 1.0 you have to run version LMY47E.

Dusty Rhodes said:
If you plan on using VZW's Advanced Calling 1.0 you have to run version LMY47E.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that their XLTE based calling functionality they've been going on about?

cam30era said:
There is no "Google Play" edition phone. You can buy a Nexus 6 from the Google Play store, but it's not a special edition. It's the same phone you can buy from Motorola, Amazon, Best Buy, etc. Verizon whitelists their IMEI as I've noted above. There are four factory images for 5.1, LMY47D, LMY47E, LMY47M, and LMY47I. You can flash any on these on any Nexus 6.
And, you're welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. Do you know which image versions are for what? I appreciate all of the info.

gamer.pro.2000 said:
Is that their XLTE based calling functionality they've been going on about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is according to Verizon...
From the Verizon Website said:
Advanced Calling 1.0 is a first generation suite of services enabled by VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology.
VoLTE is a new technology platform that delivers voice calls over the 4G LTE network instead of the traditional voice network.
The benefits of Advanced Calling 1.0 include:
- HD Voice
- 1-way or 2-way video calls* (including support for video calls over Wi-Fi)
- 6-way conference calls
- Simultaneous voice and 4G LTE data**
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gamer.pro.2000 said:
Gotcha. Do you know which image versions are for what? I appreciate all of the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google has not provided any official definitions, but it's generally accepted here (Not hard and fast rules, though) that:
LMY47D is for AT&T and Sprint
LMY47E is for Verizon
LMY47M is for T-Mobile
LMY47I is for international (but a lot of US users use it, myself included).

cam30era said:
Google has not provided any official definitions, but it's generally accepted here (Not hard and fast rules, though) that:
LMY47D is for AT&T and Sprint
LMY47E is for Verizon
LMY47M is for T-Mobile
LMY47I is for international (but a lot of US users use it, myself included).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LMY47M is not on Factory Images for Nexus Devices but the other 3 are.

Knight-Rider said:
LMY47M is not on Factory Images for Nexus Devices but the other 3 are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While there is no factory image available, LMY47M was rolled out via OTA for T-Mobile users. Go here > http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/t-mobile-rolling-lmy47m-5-1-t3059371

Related

Google play VS. Carrier branded

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.

LMY47D to LMY47E?

Should I bother upgrading from LMY47D to LMY47E? Was anything important changed, or are there any problems with LMY47D? I'm stock rooted (and unlocked obviously).
Small camera change and the radio but no nothing major.
Sent from my Google N6 on VZ
@EvanVanVan,
Depends on what network you're on. If VZW then definitely yes. If TMO, you should be on "M". Anyone else, " D" appears to work as well as anything else.
cam30era said:
@EvanVanVan,
Depends on what network you're on. If VZW then definitely yes. If TMO, you should be on "M". Anyone else, " D" appears to work as well as anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, ok... I'm on VZW but bought it from Motorola...So that's still a yes? May I ask why "definitely"?
EvanVanVan said:
Hmm, ok... I'm on VZW but bought it from Motorola...So that's still a yes? May I ask why "definitely"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VZW branded phones are shipping with E. And several users have reported that VOLTE works for them on E, but not D or M.
cam30era said:
VZW branded phones are shipping with E. And several users have reported that VOLTE works for them on E, but not D or M.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, nice yeah I haven't been able to get VoLTE activated on my line. I will definitely try upgrading right now.
Thanks man
It would have helped if you said you were on Verizon first[emoji106]
Sent from my Google N6 on VZ
DebianDog said:
It would have helped if you said you were on Verizon first[emoji106]
Sent from my Google N6 on VZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, and I actually had it in there when I first wrote it, but I thought it got kinda confusing and wordy...and didn't honestly think it would matter since they're all the same phone (at least the non verizon ones).
Thanks for the help though.
cam30era said:
VZW branded phones are shipping with E. And several users have reported that VOLTE works for them on E, but not D or M.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE/Advanced Calling is working fine on my Nexus 6 running LMY47D with Verizon. I purchased my Nexus 6 from Motorola months ago and updated to 5.1 LMY47D as soon as it was available. I used the instructions found at Droid Life and activated Advanced Calling through my Verizon Wireless account on their website.
Didn't flash boot loader from 47D to 47E fats boot
I side loaded 47D then unlocked the boot loader and fastboot flashed everything but boot loader and user data, my question is should I go a head and flash the bootloader from 47E? Will it make any difference and if I do will it cause any problems like erase data or anything like that?
From my understanding if you are on any version 5 .1 bootloader you are fine there's no difference. but you can't go back to 5 .0 without loading a 5.0 bootloader
Sent from my Google N6 on VZ

Question about factory ROMs

Everything I read says that there are only 2 variants of the Nexus 6 - US and international, but then why do I see different ROMs per carrier? Can any update (not ROM) be flashed to an existing ROM ( I doubt this) - for example:
5.1.1 is rolling out. The TMO update that is available takes LMY47M to LYZ28E . LMY47M is not listed on the Google Dev site. Also, android sites show LMY47Z will bring 5.1.1 to Sprint (in a few days) - again no 5.1.1 variants are listed on Google dev site yet.
I have a Verizon branded 6 (dont ask why, but that is what i have) and it shipped with LMY47I.
So will all these 5.1.1 variants be posted? I would have thought that the latest version (highest number) would be best, but the Sprint line seems to be taking a different path.
Can anyone with more Nexus knowledge enlighten a Nexus noob? I am using this device on AT&T - if I put a Tmo SIM in, will i be on the TMO update train? Currently I am running without a SIM and using the Moto MAXX as my daily driver... I love the Moto Display better then the Google ambient display.
There are only 2 hardware versions, however some carriers are approving their own updates.. They actually seem to be based on what sim card you have in.
However, like you mentioned, updates look for a specific version to be installed on top of.
The carrier versions don't seem to come as factory images
you dont see any roms, per carrier, on any nexus device. open your eyes, read the rom ops.
also, this first update is only for the M 5.1 build to update to the new E build. other otas will f
follow in the coming weeks. and google will eventually post it to their factory image site.
rootSU said:
There are only 2 hardware versions, however some carriers are approving their own updates.. They actually seem to be based on what sim card you have in.
However, like you mentioned, updates look for a specific version to be installed on top of.
The carrier versions don't seem to come as factory images
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So LMY47I isn`t a carrier specific build but for all unbranded devices?
rootSU said:
There are only 2 hardware versions, however some carriers are approving their own updates.. They actually seem to be based on what sim card you have in.
However, like you mentioned, updates look for a specific version to be installed on top of.
The carrier versions don't seem to come as factory images
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder how the phone would behave for users switching between a traditional CDMA and GSM carrier then... If you pull out your T-mo SIM and put in a Sprint SIM?
Looking forward to the day when there is a common technology like LTE...... in the US at least. when software specific to a carrier is not needed or wanted.
Thanks all for the replies.
gee2012 said:
So LMY47I isn`t a carrier specific build but for all unbranded devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the "I" and "D" builds were both universal. "E" was the version that shipped on Verizon bought models and "M" (no factory image) was a T-Mobile OTA. But all builds and radios will work on any N6. I was running "I" on Sprint with 95r radio in the USA.
gee2012 said:
So LMY47I isn`t a carrier specific build but for all unbranded devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know which builds are carrier specific.. But the original TMO update applied to unbranded stock if you had a TMO connection.
alphadog00 said:
I wonder how the phone would behave for users switching between a traditional CDMA and GSM carrier then... If you pull out your T-mo SIM and put in a Sprint SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA looks for a specific build to update on top of.. If you update to TMO build, no unbranded OTA or other carrier OTA will be looking for your build because its TMO specific.
alphadog00 said:
Looking forward to the day when there is a common technology like LTE...... in the US at least. when software specific to a carrier is not needed or wanted.
Thanks all for the replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original TMO build didn't have anything specific in it.. The latest ones I think may allow wifi calling.. Verizon I think needed something to allow VoLTE with data simultaneously.
Ultimately, you can flash any stock image on any nexus 6 and it will work. With those 2 carriers, you may miss some functionality though.

What to expect when using Nexus 6 from Google on Verizon

I'm not concerned about getting a sim or the not getting credit on my account, because its not a vzw device.
My question is, is there anything else that would be different if i got the vzw version over the Google play version ? Like will my lte be the same speed/coverage? Will i get more reliability with the vzw version?
I plan to use completely stock since i got rid of my pc.
J.Guido85 said:
I'm not concerned about getting a sim or the not getting credit on my account, because its not a vzw device.
My question is, is there anything else that would be different if i got the vzw version over the Google play version ? Like will my lte be the same speed/coverage? Will i get more reliability with the vzw version?
I plan to use completely stock since i got rid of my pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they are exactly the same device. the ONLY difference is the Verizon logo on the Verizon bought one. and thats all that you should expect.
J.Guido85 said:
I'm not concerned about getting a sim or the not getting credit on my account, because its not a vzw device.
My question is, is there anything else that would be different if i got the vzw version over the Google play version ? Like will my lte be the same speed/coverage? Will i get more reliability with the vzw version?
I plan to use completely stock since i got rid of my pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No difference, I have vzw version. One difference, vzw stamp on back cover $%&$
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
VZ on none VZ phone. Absolutely nothing different except no VZ logo which I don't miss one bit
Well, there's still a bit of difference - how Verizon treats your phone under the account .
I don't know if applying discounts to the account when trying to change plan characteristics are still a problem for non-Verizon Nexus 6 phones.
- wader
ooofest said:
Well, there's still a bit of difference - how Verizon treats your phone under the account .
I don't know if applying discounts to the account when trying to change plan characteristics are still a problem for non-Verizon Nexus 6 phones.
- wader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but the device itself is what he asked about, Verizon support varies. I have a G Pad from VZW and bought a Nexus 7 2013 LTE. Swapped sim cards and went by Verizon store, they added it to my account with no questions. They were quite friendly about it.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Verizon Nexus 6 Without Apps

Tried searching but didn't find what I'm specifically looking for; if there is a thread about this already please post a link!
I'm considering buying a N6 and I am currently on Verizon. I'd like to avoid all the Verizon app junk that usually comes on phones. Could I buy a "Verizon" N6 and flash it with the Google factory image to get rid of the Verizon junk? Or If I buy it directly from Google or Motorola and pop my Verizon nano-sim in, will lollipop start installing all the Verizon apps? Will I still be able to use Advanced Calling 1.0 features if I don't have the Verizon stuff installed?
iissmart said:
Tried searching but didn't find what I'm specifically looking for; if there is a thread about this already please post a link!
I'm considering buying a N6 and I am currently on Verizon. I'd like to avoid all the Verizon app junk that usually comes on phones. Could I buy a "Verizon" N6 and flash it with the Google factory image to get rid of the Verizon junk? Or If I buy it directly from Google or Motorola and pop my Verizon nano-sim in, will lollipop start installing all the Verizon apps? Will I still be able to use Advanced Calling 1.0 features if I don't have the Verizon stuff installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either way will work to get you a VZW app free N6. I also belive that if you just exit the setup wizard on initial setup of the VZW model then it won't install the apps either. Advanced calling works regardless, as long as it is enabled for that line.
iissmart said:
Tried searching but didn't find what I'm specifically looking for; if there is a thread about this already please post a link!
I'm considering buying a N6 and I am currently on Verizon. I'd like to avoid all the Verizon app junk that usually comes on phones. Could I buy a "Verizon" N6 and flash it with the Google factory image to get rid of the Verizon junk? Or If I buy it directly from Google or Motorola and pop my Verizon nano-sim in, will lollipop start installing all the Verizon apps? Will I still be able to use Advanced Calling 1.0 features if I don't have the Verizon stuff installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Verizon bought N6. And I have to say, there isn't really any Verizon ”junk" on it. Only 2 apps. Verizon Visual Voicemail, (which you may want), and My Verizon Mobile Nexus (for managing your Verizon account). That's it. If you really don't want those two apps, you could flash a custom ROM or a factory image from Google, but I know I always use the Visual Voice Mail app no matter what I'm running on my Nexus.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
There isn't anything from Verizon preloaded on the phone. If you do get Verizon apps, they'll install from the Play Store because of your SIM and you can just uninstall them and be on your way.
Sent from my Nexus 6
imnuts said:
There isn't anything from Verizon preloaded on the phone. If you do get Verizon apps, they'll install from the Play Store because of your SIM and you can just uninstall them and be on your way.
Sent from my Nexus 6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct information right here.
I was worried about this as well as i purchased mine at a verizon store, but it had exactly zero verizon apps on it.
needless to say, i was extremely pleased by this.
And you can disable apps too. Like I use hangouts for my messenger so I was able to disable the stock messenger. Not rooted or anything. Yet.

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