Related
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.
I'm going to be switching over from T Mobile possibly next week. I'm curious if I need to flash an AT&T ROM or return it to a stock T Mobile ROM.
This is the 1st time that I'll be taking a phone from 1carrier to another. I even asked the rep from the AT&T store what I should do and of course he was clueless to what I was asking for. He just told me to get my phone unlocked from T Mobile and had no clue about rooting.
Any particular steps that I should take aside from unlock code to make sure my phone will work with AT&T?
Once your phone is sim unlocked it will work on at&t. Root access isn't needed. Once you insert the new sim apn data should install automatically. It's good to double check though.
Since you have a "tmobile" device this at&t forum won't be much help. The at&t note 3 has a locked bootloader and the tmobile one doesn't. That means the tmobile one has more capability. I bet in the tmobile threads you'll find others in the same situation as you. They can guide you to improve your at&t experience with a tmobile device.
440bro said:
Once your phone is sim unlocked it will work on at&t. Root access isn't needed. Once you insert the new sim apn data should install automatically. It's good to double check though.
Since you have a "tmobile" device this at&t forum won't be much help. The at&t note 3 has a locked bootloader and the tmobile one doesn't. That means the tmobile one has more capability. I bet in the tmobile threads you'll find others in the same situation as you. They can guide you to improve your at&t experience with a tmobile device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot.
Ok so in short I have a Chance to trade my GS6 for a N6 In preparations to get on Google Fi. Problem is the N6 is on Verizon and My Carrier is ATT. Until i get the invite in I will be using it on ATT, So I have read that the all in one will unlock the phone but I have questions.
Will the Unlock work for the latest 5.0.2 Update?
If i swap the sim will it be sim locked (similar to the ATT bought N6)?
And before I hear the "Search", I have searched all over the internet for a situation similar to mine. I cant seem to get some of the answers I am looking for.
I am somewhat experienced with ADB and have been rooting and modifying since the old HTC Evo days. So Unlocking it isn't a problem, just some simple questions.
The only device that is network locked is the one attained from AT&T directly. All you have to do pop he SIM in and possibly change APN settings if it doesn't pull them from the network/SIM card.
Other than that, unlocking the bootloaders is cake and installing custom firmware is just as easy.
graydiggy said:
The only device that is network locked is the one attained from AT&T directly. All you have to do pop he SIM in and possibly change APN settings if it doesn't pull them from the network/SIM card.
Other than that, unlocking the boot-loaders is cake and installing custom firmware is just as easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the N6 came Unlocked from factory? So I don't have to do any leg work, just pop the ATT sim in and go?
Thanks for the quick response
cpgifford said:
So the N6 came Unlocked from factory? So I don't have to do any leg work, just pop the ATT sim in and go?
Thanks for the quick response
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Nexus 6 (except AT&T version) are SIM unlocked. Just pop the AT&T SIM in.
All Nexus 6 are bootloader unlockable.
and just for the record, its is currently at 5.1.1 be sure to get it up to date.
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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)
Hi Guys,
I purchased a used Galaxy Note 9 that has the ATT startup and boot animation. I check the IMEI number and it's good, so I went ahead and unlocked the phone through a paid service. When I insert my Verizon sim card, it says that a "Network Locked" sim card has been inserted.
Do I need to load a different firmware to get this to work? I thought the Note 9 supported both GSM and CDMA with the same hardware, but maybe I'm wrong. I haven't posted in here in a while and if this is in the wrong spot, I apologize.
Thanks in advance!
-Ken
kkohlmann said:
Hi Guys,
I purchased a used Galaxy Note 9 that has the ATT startup and boot animation. I check the IMEI number and it's good, so I went ahead and unlocked the phone through a paid service. When I insert my Verizon sim card, it says that a "Network Locked" sim card has been inserted.
Do I need to load a different firmware to get this to work? I thought the Note 9 supported both GSM and CDMA with the same hardware, but maybe I'm wrong. I haven't posted in here in a while and if this is in the wrong spot, I apologize.
Thanks in advance!
-Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not unlocked
suzook said:
It's not unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
Indeed.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn...thank you guys...apparently, the online service said their servers are down and they can't access their database now.
I tried two others so I hope one of them comes up with a successful unlock code. I rechecked the IMEI number and that still comes back good, so I guess it's a waiting game. Thank you for the advice!
kkohlmann said:
Damn...thank you guys...apparently, the online service said their servers are down and they can't access their database now.
I tried two others so I hope one of them comes up with a successful unlock code. I rechecked the IMEI number and that still comes back good, so I guess it's a waiting game. Thank you for the advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did u try cellunlocker.net ? I used him in the past .
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
Did u try cellunlocker.net ? I used him in the past .
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, just signed up for his service...I will let you know how it pans out. Thank again!
So I was able to get a Note 9 phone I purchased used sim / network unlocked. It was previously on ATT and I'd like to use it on Verizon now. Is it possible to do this? It shows my number, but any other sim information says unknown.
I'm guessing I have to load some kind of Verizon tower info (terminology might be wrong). I thought that stuff is in a CSC file or something. Not sure if I need to flash a whole new ROM, but any guidance would be appreciated.
kkohlmann said:
Hi Guys,
I purchased a used Galaxy Note 9 that has the ATT startup and boot animation. I check the IMEI number and it's good, so I went ahead and unlocked the phone through a paid service. When I insert my Verizon sim card, it says that a "Network Locked" sim card has been inserted.
Do I need to load a different firmware to get this to work? I thought the Note 9 supported both GSM and CDMA with the same hardware, but maybe I'm wrong. I haven't posted in here in a while and if this is in the wrong spot, I apologize.
Thanks in advance!
-Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you unlock the phone it will work with Verizon and will configure all the settings as soon as you insert the aim
That's what I thought, but this isn't working. It keeps bringing up the ATT boot animation. I did confirm again that the IMEI is successfully unlocked, but when I login to Verizonwireless on my PC and enter the IMEI it says it's not compatible with Verizon's network.
Is there a database somewhere that has this as a GSM only Note 9. This phone came from an ATT customer...who got the buy one get one free. I sim unlocked it with a third party service.
I'm just wondering if I'm under the false pretense it can handle both GSM and CDMA networks and maybe I'm locked to GSM only...
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
kkohlmann said:
That's what I thought, but this isn't working. It keeps bringing up the ATT boot animation. I did confirm again that the IMEI is successfully unlocked, but when I login to Verizonwireless on my PC and enter the IMEI it says it's not compatible with Verizon's network.
Is there a database somewhere that has this as a GSM only Note 9. This phone came from an ATT customer...who got the buy one get one free. I sim unlocked it with a third party service.
I'm just wondering if I'm under the false pretense it can handle both GSM and CDMA networks and maybe I'm locked to GSM only...
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to flash it to Verizon firmware . Unlike the note 8 carrier versions , the note 9 doesn't rebrand to what sim card is installed currently.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Hi I successfully flashed Verizon firmware and it still doesn't work.it still has att splash screen and won't connect to Verizon. Please help
Just to make sure that the phone is actually unlocked try T-mobile Sim see if it works.
And if T-mobile sim works then Try N960U1 (XAA) Firmware which is USA unlocked firmware for Unlocked Samsung Note 9 that works with all carriers. so once you insert Verizon sim, it should reboot and set it up for Verizon network.
I did it with T-Mobile Note 8 and was able to use it on Verizon network. Right now I have a Factory unlocked note 9. N960U1 can't really test it because it works with all carriers out of the box.
greekgod1021 said:
Hi I successfully flashed Verizon firmware and it still doesn't work.it still has att splash screen and won't connect to Verizon. Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kkohlmann said:
Damn...thank you guys...apparently, the online service said their servers are down and they can't access their database now.
I tried two others so I hope one of them comes up with a successful unlock code. I rechecked the IMEI number and that still comes back good, so I guess it's a waiting game. Thank you for the advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just used cellunlocker to unlock my at&t Note 9. Cost me 52$, but none of the free services or the 20$ ones would work. Im using mine on straighttalk with the t-mobile sim.
aarontmartin1994 said:
I just used cellunlocker to unlock my at&t Note 9. Cost me 52$, but none of the free services or the 20$ ones would work. Im using mine on straighttalk with the t-mobile sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever got your AT&T note 9 working on verizon?
I haven't had access to any active Verizon sim cards so I could test them. I just got my note 9 512gbyesterday so I'm gonna give it a go. I'm sure it can happen. Where there's a will there's a way. My only issue is paying 53$ for unlocking. I know there are way cheaper services, I just want to be sure its credible
I have an ATT note 9 unlocked the sim, installed Stock SM-N960U1 USA Unlocked Firmware Odin "N960U1UEU1ARH2" and everything is working like a charm with my Verizon sim card.
How do you find this software?
---------- Post added at 07:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:46 PM ----------
xxjrsmith3xx said:
I have an ATT note 9 unlocked the sim, installed Stock SM-N960U1 USA Unlocked Firmware Odin "N960U1UEU1ARH2" and everything is working like a charm with my Verizon sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get this software? I’m in the exact same situation. I got the unlock code and it said it was successful but Verizon sim still won’t work.
SamsungNote4lyfe said:
How do you find this software?
---------- Post added at 07:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:46 PM ----------
How do I get this software? I’m in the exact same situation. I got the unlock code and it said it was successful but Verizon sim still won’t work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start here:
https://www.verizonwireless.com/bring-your-own-device/#checkDevice
I'm not w/VZW,but,I believe if your VZW SIM was activated in another phone,you should be able to drop the SIM Card in (& possibly setting up the APN) & that's it.
However,if you're starting new service w/VZW & the SIM Card hasn't been activated in another phone yet,a call to VZW's customer care is likely in order to get things rollin'.
Again,I'm not w/VZW,just going off memory of what I've read around various sites,so,if your still having issues,contact VZW.
FWIW,it's not the hardware,all US Note 9's are identical on the inside (less storage & RAM options).
Also,some have wrongly stated that flashing firmware will somehow magically SIM Unlock a phone,this is the furthest thing from the truth.
I already had the phone unlocked through a service. I got the code put it in and it said unlock successful. But when you start it up Att logo still shows up and the Verizon Sim does nothing. Other forums say you must upload the unlocked software from the unlocked version of the phone??
SamsungNote4lyfe said:
I already had the phone unlocked through a service. I got the code put it in and it said unlock successful. But when you start it up Att logo still shows up and the Verizon Sim does nothing. Other forums say you must upload the unlocked software from the unlocked version of the phone??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a few things that could be going on:
1) Even though you checked the IMEI to be clear,that is not a 100% full-proof guarantee of anything,less some proof the phone was paid off in full before you bought it.
Also,the phone might have been reported lost or stolen after you purchased it,but,before you actually took delivery of it (A scam artist coulda sold you the phone).
2) Not knowing which exact unlocking service you purchased,whatever you paid for may not have been what you needed for an actual SIM Unlock.
3) If the phone indeed was/is originally an AT&T Model,I'd guess you'd need to be running that firmware to ensure a proper SIM Unlock,but,don't quote me on that,for now.
I'm guessing you're gonna need to contact AT&T customer care regarding the SIM Status of your phone.................
Once that's resolved/SIM Unlocked,if you want to move to VZW firmware,yes,flash the unlocked (SM-N960U1) firmware 1st,then the VZW firmware afterwards,to ensure full functionality for VVM/Wi-Fi Calling/etc.......
You might be able to somehow get all of that working on unlocked firmware,but,I'm not up on all-things-VZW & the Note 9.
But,1st things 1st,get w/AT&T & see if there's anything going on preventing the phone from being SIM Unlocked before you waste any more money on SIM Unlocking services.
As far as paid services,I've used Masterunlockcode & UnlockBase w/a 100% success rate,there's others out there,some mentioned in this very section/thread..............