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important notice for anyone looking to buy a sprint tri-band S4

I spent two days and $500 dollars on two brand new S4's only to realize that Sprint likes to be dishonest with their customers and not tell people that the SPH-L720T cannot be activated with anyone BUT Sprint regardless of ESN status until at the very earliest February 2015, according to the blacklist. I feel that everyone with the intention to purchase the newest model S4 for use with a different carrier should know this. Had I known I'd be $500 richer.
Thank you.

Really you bought a Sprint Galaxy S4 with the intention of using it on a different carrier. At that point you should have bought an unlocked GS4 and saved yourself a few hundred bucks. And it has been known that when you buy a Sprint phone on contract you need to have it on your Sprint account for at least 90 days with good standing before they unlock it for international use.

daniel4653 said:
Really you bought a Sprint Galaxy S4 with the intention of using it on a different carrier. At that point you should have bought an unlocked GS4 and saved yourself a few hundred bucks. And it has been known that when you buy a Sprint phone on contract you need to have it on your Sprint account for at least 90 days with good standing before they unlock it for international use.
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It's not on a contract, or even linked to an account. The SPH-L720, not the tri-band version, is able to be used with other carriers. I purchased a Sprint one for use with a CDMA Sprint-based carrier that uses Sprint phones, and was labelled as being able to use Sprint S4's. I've used a few Sprint GS3's with the carrier with no issues. The SPH-L720T cannot be used with any carriers other than Sprint until February 2015, but they won't tell you that. I wouldn't be able to use the unlocked GS4 with my carrier because it wouldn't be a Sprint device. It has nothing to do with being unlocked for international use.

masrad said:
It's not on a contract, or even linked to an account. The SPH-L720, not the tri-band version, is able to be used with other carriers. I purchased a Sprint one for use with a CDMA Sprint-based carrier that uses Sprint phones, and was labelled as being able to use Sprint S4's. I've used a few Sprint GS3's with the carrier with no issues. The SPH-L720T cannot be used with any carriers other than Sprint until February 2015, but they won't tell you that. I wouldn't be able to use the unlocked GS4 with my carrier because it wouldn't be a Sprint device. It has nothing to do with being unlocked for international use.
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In that case you should have dome some research between the two devices. As the SPH-L720 and the SPH-L720T are both called Sprint Galaxy S4. Who ever you got this information about being able to use GS4 on your network must not know the difference between the two devices. I know for a fact Ting or Sprint announce when you can use a Sprint labeled phone on Ting(Sprint MVDO), this normally is about a year after the phone is launched. The triband gs4 came out in December so I am NOT surprised you are not able to use it on a Sprint MNVO.

daniel4653 said:
In that case you should have dome some research between the two devices. As the SPH-L720 and the SPH-L720T are both called Sprint Galaxy S4. Who ever you got this information about being able to use GS4 on your network must not know the difference between the two devices. I know for a fact Ting or Sprint announce when you can use a Sprint labeled phone on Ting(Sprint MVDO), this normally is about a year after the phone is launched. The triband gs4 came out in December so I am NOT surprised you are not able to use it on a Sprint MNVO.
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I learned that after I had purchased the two devices, I wanted the tri-band version in the event that in the future I'd possibly be able to use the GSM antenna with a different provider if desired. The service provider did not differentiate between the Tri-band and regular version.

masrad said:
It's not on a contract, or even linked to an account. The SPH-L720, not the tri-band version, is able to be used with other carriers. I purchased a Sprint one for use with a CDMA Sprint-based carrier that uses Sprint phones, and was labelled as being able to use Sprint S4's. I've used a few Sprint GS3's with the carrier with no issues. The SPH-L720T cannot be used with any carriers other than Sprint until February 2015, but they won't tell you that. I wouldn't be able to use the unlocked GS4 with my carrier because it wouldn't be a Sprint device. It has nothing to do with being unlocked for international use.
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I have two SPH-L720. The reason that its locked until 2015 is due to the law that was recently passed. its not sprint fault. End of discussion.
Mod edit: there is no buying/sellng/trading on XDA. Post edited.

chico1983 said:
I have two SPH-L720. The reason that its locked until 2015 is due to the law that was recently passed. its not sprint fault. End of discussion.
Mod edit: there is no buying/sellng/trading on XDA. Post edited.
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I have been using a SPH-L720T flashed to Page Plus, a Verizon MNVO, for several months with 3G and no issues.

MOD I was not planning to do it. I was just making a point.

If you bought a carrier-specific phone(whether it was a contract or not, you KNEW it was sprint) with the intention of using it on another carrier, then blame Sprint for the lack of ability to do that, you're gonna have a bad time.

Sprint Galaxy S4 SPH-L720T flashed to PagePlus 3G
shelnian said:
I have been using a SPH-L720T flashed to Page Plus, a Verizon MNVO, for several months with 3G and no issues.
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Hi, I've got the same phone @shelnian. Have you looked into the possibility of making it work with the new PagePlus 4G service? From all I've read, it's impossible because of the physical radio, but it would be nice to get LTE with a PagePlus sim card.

Will Sprint Note 5 work on AT&T?

May be a really dumb question.
Looking to get a Note 5 on AT&T but I need it rooted. I understand only Sprint and T-Mobile are rootable. Right now I have a unlocked Tmobile S6 Edge working on AT&T and am curious if a Note 5 from Sprint will also work.
I'm obviously buying the phone outright. I know it will work on Verizon too, but that also, to my understanding, can't be rooting.
Thanks in advance and sorry if it was a dumb question.

No for Sprint, yes for T-Mobile. Sprint runs their network on CDMA system, and AT&T runs their network on GSM. Even though the Sprint Version of the Note 5 technically has a sim card, its hardware is still based on a CDMA setup. The sprint version would not work. However, The T-Mobile version runs on a GSM Network, like AT&T. So providing that you are able to have Domestic SIM Unlock available to you, you would be able to put an AT&T Sim card in the phone and it would work.

I have the same question as you. I have a sprint note 5 and want to take it to at&t since I just got hired with them I get 50% off. I entered the serial number in on att website and its says it will work

actually i have read the new lte phones are dual radio whether they are gsm or cdma. out the box no it will not work on anything other than sprint. getting it unlocked may be a challenge. the sprint nexus 6 comes factory unlocked and is usable on ALL cdma AND gsm networks. now comes the tricky part even if u do have a unlocked phone. unlocked should work for all gsm like your needs. but u can not take a unlocked nexus from att and use it on sprint like you can the other way around. becuase of cdma networks activating off the esn and not the imei. or for that matter using a sprint phone on a verizon service, yes the phone is capable but cdma has to have the esn in the networks database for it to work. verizon and sprint control what devices can be activated since the activation is through the esn and not the sim card. in the old days the straight answer is no way. i would definitely look into it more before deciding on a answer.
its on the internet so it must be true! but seriously, i am not saying your answer is either yes or no, just saying its worth looking into. fwiw i would think its only a matter of time before the root is achieved on all of them.
http://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/Can-I-use-my-verizon-sprint-phone-on-a-different-network

Has anyone confirmed whether or not a Sprint Note 5 will or will not work on AT&T if it's unlocked?

If you get it unlocked for domestic, yes it will work.

Yes, you can get it unlocked for virtually any carrier. I'm using a Sprint Note 5 on AT&T right now. In fact I'm sending this reply on it. I had it software unlocked (Sprint's a real stickler with their unlocking policy, but even so it's still possible even through them. There are plenty of forums about it. Though there are certain bugs with using it that piss me off like not being able to send MMS while connected to wifi, but I get my full carrier speed. I tested it side by side with an AT&T iphone 6s. Note 5 won massively on the upload time.
I'm helping!

Where did you get it Unlocked!? Please help

Is anyone using an AT&T branded Note 8 on Sprint?

I've been through hell and high water trying to get this phone to function on Sprint but the guys at the local corporate store and technical team (via phone support) are telling me it cannot be done. Is anyone in the same predicament as me or has a functioning AT&T Note 8 activated on the Sprint network? I'm using a BYOD SIM and have also flashed my device with N950U1 unlocked firmware.

As AT&T is a GSM network and Sprint is CDMA, I don't think this is possible...
EDIT
Sorry, I guess times have changed. It seems possible now, once the Note8 is unlocked from AT&T.
Sent from my SM-G935U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

gc86 said:
I've been through hell and high water trying to get this phone to function on Sprint but the guys at the local corporate store and technical team (via phone support) are telling me it cannot be done. Is anyone in the same predicament as me or has a functioning AT&T Note 8 activated on the Sprint network? I'm using a BYOD SIM and have also flashed my device with N950U1 unlocked firmware.
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Carrier switching is very much possible with the US variants, so if you flash the Sprint firmware (N950U, not U1) and the Sprint CSC as well, in theory it should work just fine. If there are IMEI complications about not being in 'Sprints system', that's another issue, but hardware wise it should be 100% compatible with Sprint's network.

murtaza02 said:
Carrier switching is very much possible with the US variants, so if you flash the Sprint firmware (N950U, not U1) and the Sprint CSC as well, in theory it should work just fine. If there are IMEI complications about not being in 'Sprints system', that's another issue, but hardware wise it should be 100% compatible with Sprint's network.
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This is precisely what I kept telling the guys at the store, that all of the USDM Note 8's are hardware identical. My only theory at this point is that the device isn't Sprint BYOD eligible because it has an outstanding balance on the AT&T side and therefore isn't "officially unlocked".

CDMA unlock Verizon Note 8 for Sprint?

Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks

f2000sa said:
Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks
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Verizon phones are all carrier unlocked. I'm using a Verizon Note 8 on T-Mobile right now.
Couple questions:
1. Have you double checked to make sure the IMEI is clean and clear? If its blacklisted on Verizon, it won't work on any US carrier.
2. Do you have a nano SIM from Sprint that's already activated?
3. Have you tried flashing either the unlocked firmwareor the Sprint firmware on it?

Thanks, Mr. Orange645
The phone was bought brand new a month ago from Best Buy , and used on Verizon for a month. Phone paid off and no contract. IMEI should be clean. I did a check on Ting with the IMEI , and it can be used for GSM.
I have two nano sims from Sprint, both activated and un-activated. The problem is that Sprint can not add the IMEI to their system. I called Samsung and gave the IMEI, and was told that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. I wonder whether there is way to do CDMA unlocking.
I did not try to flash unlocked ROM. I think that IMEI on sprint network is the first step.

So you have a nano SIM that's already activated with Sprint? It's in a Sprint phone right now and has service?
If So, put the activated SIM in your Note 8 and see if you have service.
Sprint shouldn't have to activate your phone, just the Sim. That's how you can buy the Unlocked version from Samsung.com and stick your Sprint SIM in it and have service.

Sprint uses CDMA, and have to add the IMEI to their system to make it work. Also tried the activated sim, with no luck.

There is no "CDMA unlocking," it's either carrier unlocked or it's not. And ALL Verizon LTE Devices are Carrier unlocked.

f2000sa said:
Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks
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Have you tried simply factory resetting the device first and then booting up for the first time with the activated Sprint sim in.

Maybe try flashing Sprint firmware?

IMEI is hard-coded. For CDMA, it must be added into Sprint systems. Unless GSM, only a SIM is necessary.

Did Sprint not provide some sort of reason/explanation as to why they are unable to add the IMEI? If they can't do it, surely they can tell you why.
CDMA networks are finicky -- Sprint's in particular -- when it comes to bringing over other carrier devices (even ones with compatible hardware). Some good info in here:
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhon...y-verizon-sprint-phone-on-a-different-network

f2000sa said:
IMEI is hard-coded. For CDMA, it must be added into Sprint systems. Unless GSM, only a SIM is necessary.
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I believe someone is giving you false information. You should be able to place an activated SIM card into the phone and start using it. That's how the unlocked Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Note 8 all work. You buy them unlocked and use them on whichever carrier you want, including Sprint. That's how my Nexus 6 worked on Verizon, before I switched to T-Mobile. Verizon also uses CDMA, and they didn't have to add any IMEI into their system. You just put the activated SIM into the phone.
I could take a Verizon SIM and put it into my T-Mobile S8+ right now, and it would activate and get service.
But to answer your original question again, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS CDMA UNLOCKING. The phone is either carrier unlocked, or its not. And the Verizon Note 8 is 100% carrier unlocked.
I beginning to suspect you bought a Note 8 with a bad IMEI, if you got it used.
EDIT: I MAY BE WRONG (don't tell my wife, she never hears me say that)
After doing some research on Reddit, it looks like others ran into the same issue as you. The unlocked version and the Sprint version will work, but none of the other carrier Note 8s are eligible for BYOD. Which is stupid, since they are all exactly the same hardware.
I'd try this:
Use ODIN to flash either the Unlocked 950U1 firmware, or the Sprint 950U firmware. Then place the Sprint SIM card in the phone to see if it activates upon start up. If it doesn't then you may be hosed. If that's the case, sign up for T-Mobile. LOL.

Thanks all for the useful information and help. The error they encountered is that they could not load the ESN to the Sprint PLBL database. They got error like incompatible, or unsupported device etc.

Sprint will not add other carries phone to their system. If IMEI is from Verizon it will never work with active or inactive SIM. Only way if it was factory unlocked phone bought from Samsung.

Did anyone find a solution to this? Moved to Sprint BYOD two days ago with my Verizon note8 and it won't work. The phone keeps asking for a Verizon since. I am at second Sprint repair center as I type this. Please tell me it can be fixed. Thanks.

I am in the same boat, Paid off my wife's Iphone7+ and my Note 8 with Verizon and then tried to BYOD with sprint and they are unable to activate. Verizon informed me that their devices are 100% not locked and Sprint has no clue.

You could try other carriers like straightalk or tmobile maybe even metro pcs but it will not work with sprint. They are a pain and don't allow other carrier phones on their network.

I purchased a Verizon Note 8 , which was paid off and unlocked. Successfully activated on Sprint using my existing Active Sprint sim card.
Everything looks good, just one major issue, I am stuck with 3G internet. Still not able to get 4G LTE on Sprint.

[/COLOR]
OriyaGuru said:
I purchased a Verizon Note 8 , which was paid off and unlocked. Successfully activated on Sprint using my existing Active Sprint sim card.
Everything looks good, just one major issue, I am stuck with 3G internet. Still not able to get 4G LTE on Sprint.
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Click to collapse
you need to enter sprints apn bro then you will have 4G.

I have the reverse issue. I have the opportunity to get a good deal on a Sprint Note 8, but I want to use it on Verizon. Assuming the device is not blacklisted, would there be any issue with this? Buying a sprint-branded phone and using it on Verizon's CDMA network? Are all the bands the same? I get 3 checkmarks on willmyphonework.com (but they didn't have the Note 8 yet, just the Note 7)

Verizon Note 9 on AT&T

If I get a Verizon note 9 can I just pop an Att sim into it and it will work. I know there may be differences between voice and data but Basically is the Verizon NOTE9 GSM unlocked like past Galaxy phones were?
I read a Verizon forum where the Verizon rep said that the note 9 is GSM unlocked but she said AFTER it has been activated on Verizon.
To make matters more confusing she linked to a Verizon page that basically said all Verizon's post pay phones are GSM 4G unlocked (nothing about activation first).
Anyone can help me here? Thinking of getting a cheap one of eBay to use mainly overseas and ATT or wherever else.

Yes. The Verizon models are unlocked. And it's the same exact hardware as the ATT version. My recommendation is to flash either the U1 or the ATT firmware though. Otherwise you'll get the Verizon boot animation and Verizon bloatware.
The ATT firmware will allow you to use WiFi calling and VOLTE.
The unlocked U1 firmware will be clean and have no carrier bloat.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yes. The Verizon models are unlocked. And it's the same exact hardware as the ATT version. My recommendation is to flash either the U1 or the ATT firmware though. Otherwise you'll get the Verizon boot animation and Verizon bloatware.
The ATT firmware will allow you to use WiFi calling and VOLTE.
The unlocked U1 firmware will be clean and have no carrier bloat.
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Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.

Henhen59 said:
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also looking for that definitive answer as I want to get the Verizon Note 9 for overseas use. I read that it will be unlocked after activation as they were having armed robberies at stores and other inventory locations. I was going to buy the Sprint model but it cost almost $150 to unlock.

Henhen59 said:
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
djohne said:
I'm also looking for that definitive answer as I want to get the Verizon Note 9 for overseas use. I read that it will be unlocked after activation as they were having armed robberies at stores and other inventory locations. I was going to buy the Sprint model but it cost almost $150 to unlock.
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Verizon started that with the Pixel 3, after the Note 9. The Note 9's from Verizon are unlocked. Even with the Pixel 3, once it was activated with a Verizon SIM, it was then automatically carrier unlocked. So if you buy a used VZW Note 9 from eBay, its already been activated on Verizon, so no worries.
Just be careful buying off eBay. If its still under contract and the seller stops making payments, it will be blacklisted.

Why buy a Verizon version to use on AT&T?
What is the advantage over getting an AT&T or carrier unlocked version?

pizza_pablo said:
Why buy a Verizon version to use on AT&T?
What is the advantage over getting an AT&T or carrier unlocked version?
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They buy on Verizon because Verizon offers better deals. Then they want to use the devices on other networks. But since Note only has A firmware, not B, it's an annoying process for those who haven't flashed before.
AS to your second question: ATT doesn't allow Wi-Fi Calling nor voice over LTE on unlocked devices. So many ending putting up with their bloat in order to get those features.

CrazyApe18 said:
They buy on Verizon because Verizon offers better deals. Then they want to use the devices on other networks. But since Note only has A firmware, not B, it's an annoying process for those who haven't flashed before.
AS to your second question: ATT doesn't allow Wi-Fi Calling nor voice over LTE on unlocked devices. So many ending putting up with their bloat in order to get those features.
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Huh, I would think any Verizon deal would require using Verizon service.
Thanks!

pizza_pablo said:
Huh, I would think any Verizon deal would require using Verizon service.
Thanks!
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Oh, they do require service. But people either don't read or think they've found some way around it.

CrazyApe18 said:
Oh, they do require service. But people either don't read or think they've found some way around it.
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oh ha! Hard to outsmart big red.

pizza_pablo said:
oh ha! Hard to outsmart big red.
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It used to be easier. Verizon would often offer buy one get one free on Samsung and LG devices. You had to sign up for new service and put the phones on a payment plan. But the second phone uses to actually be free, not just bill credits. And you could pay off the first one and cancel your service.
I one time bought four Galaxy S7s when they were brand new, started four lines of service with Verizon, then paid off the phones and cancelled the service. Then I sold all four phones and netted about a thousand dollar profit off the deal.
Did the same thing with the LG G4 with Verizon when they offered $600 prepaid gift cards for each phone you bought.
Now Verizon, like all other carriers, lock you in with bill credits.

As they say, all good things must come to an end.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Verizon started that with the Pixel 3, after the Note 9. The Note 9's from Verizon are unlocked. Even with the Pixel 3, once it was activated with a Verizon SIM, it was then automatically carrier unlocked. So if you buy a used VZW Note 9 from eBay, its already been activated on Verizon, so no worries.
Just be careful buying off eBay. If its still under contract and the seller stops making payments, it will be blacklisted.
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I wanted them for overseas use, actually ended up getting a great deal on 2 ATT note 9s, under $500 each n paid $18 to unlock

Verizon note 9 on AT&T
I'm using an unlocked Verizon note 9 512gb 8gb ram on AT&T and amazingly everything works. Wifi calling, video calling, volte. Even went to UbreakIfix and they installed Android 10 onto the phone. When I put the Sim card into the phone it loaded all the AT&T software on the phone and I was good. The great thing about Verizon unlocked phones are that they have the full CDMA and GSM capabilities so you can use them on any carrier. It wasn't a hassle at all to do.