I've got a grandfathered Unlimited Data Plan on Verizon (which they can pry from my cold dead hands!) but I also have a T-Mobile SIM I use for my overseas trips (love the free, but slow, 2G roaming!). My Project Fi invite should be arriving in 1-2 weeks, and my plan was to cancel my T-Mobile account and use the Fi SIM for overseas roaming. My question is, if I upgrade the phone to the Project Fi-only LVY48C build, will I be able to switch between my Fi and Verizon SIMs at will, without any loss of functionality? Has anyone on Verizon tried this yet?
Thanks for any help y'all can provide!
What are the benefits of the Project Fi build over the regular build?
I should be getting my Project Fi sim the next week or so also. I also plan on doing the same (US usage with VZ UDP, Int'l usage with Fi instead of T-Mo). I can attempt the LVY48C on my N6 as soon as VZ resolves some network issues associated with my line. I don't wont to complicate things right now...
Subscribed to this thread in case anyone can give a definitive answer in the mean-while.
@black7, what ROM did you settle on? Also, out of curiosity, do you have the Google Wi-Fi Assistant available to you? Check in "Google Settings" app-->Network-->"Use open Wi-Fi automatically".
I'm trying to figure out if this feature is triggered by the presence of a Fi SIM or specific Google accounts or the Fi ROM.
DA6030 said:
@black7, what ROM did you settle on? Also, out of curiosity, do you have the Google Wi-Fi Assistant available to you? Check in "Google Settings" app-->Network-->"Use open Wi-Fi automatically".
I'm trying to figure out if this feature is triggered by the presence of a Fi SIM or specific Google accounts or the Fi ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Fi sim specific
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
david279 said:
It's Fi sim specific
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Great! So, just to confirm, when you re-insert your non-Fi SIM from another carrier, you lose the Wi-Fi Assistant feature?
DA6030 said:
Great! So, just to confirm, when you re-insert your old SIM, you lose the feature, correct?
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Haven't gone back. But I was on the LMY47I build and it wasn't there then put in the fi sim and it was there.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
david279 said:
Haven't gone back. But I was on the LMY47I build and it wasn't there then put in the fi sim and it was there.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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OK, that's helpful. I think this is a really cool feature, that I'd love to find a way to enable for everyone, but right now there's so many places this access bit could be stored (server-side vs. client-side; triggered by a handset having ever seen a Fi SIM vs. Google account with an active Fi subscription vs. phone with a Fi SIM currently inserted) that anything would help narrow down at this point. At the very least, you've helped me rule out the ROM as a factor!
I got my invite yesterday, so after I ordered my SIM I chatted with Fi support and asked about switching between my Fi and Verizon SIMs once my phone is on the Fi-specific build. She told me that I would have issues trying to use a non-Fi SIM and that I should only use the Fi build for Fi. I'm still going to try both once my SIM arrives, but that was not promising news. Guess I'll have to get a Moto X Style Pure Edition to use with Verizon....or a new Nexus in a few months.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
MadManMoon said:
I got my invite yesterday, so after I ordered my SIM I chatted with Fi support and asked about switching between my Fi and Verizon SIMs once my phone is on the Fi-specific build. She told me that I would have issues trying to use a non-Fi SIM and that I should only use the Fi build for Fi. I'm still going to try both once my SIM arrives, but that was not promising news. Guess I'll have to get a Moto X Style Pure Edition to use with Verizon....or a new Nexus in a few months.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I've switched back and forth a bunch of times, even while hot (while powered on) and it works most of the time. Takes about a minute for the radio to do its thing and get synced up.
One time I lost the ability to dial out with my Verizon sim (lost all APNs), but reflashing the radio got it working again.
Definitely worth trying.
I probably won't keep FI. The reality is Verizon works great for me and the new pricing structure brings it a little closer to that of FI.
You certainly don't want to use the "Fi specific" build on Verizon. But you also don't need the "Fi specific" build to join Fi. Any current build will work. By design, says Google.
If your Nexus 6 is already on Verizon, update your it to the current stock build, which I believe is would be LMY48I. Then join Fi and follow the instructions for BYOD devices here.
If you have any problems swapping SIMs between Fi and Verizon, it likely will be from Verizon's business rules that have nothing to do with device or build compatibility. Reportedly they often don't play nice with using the same IMEI that has been used on other carriers. (I have no experience with this. Verizon has never had its hooks into me.) And it is not clear to me if you also would be porting your phone number back and forth.
Interesting info, thanks! I will not be swapping numbers - I'm keeping my Verizon number, and using my existing Google Voice number for Fi. I'll keep the latest Verizon build, download the Fi app, and see what happens.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
MadManMoon said:
Interesting info, thanks! I will not be swapping numbers - I'm keeping my Verizon number, and using my existing Google Voice number for Fi. I'll keep the latest Verizon build, download the Fi app, and see what happens.
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Be aware that there are issues porting your Google Voice number to Fi. As I understand it, you basically are abandoning it for Google Voice forever. See this Google Fi Help page.
All I want to keep doing with my existing Google Voice number is use it for my Verizon number's voicemail, and that will apparently still work. I don't use any of the Google Voice features that will be removed once I switch to Fi.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
boomerbubba said:
Be aware that there are issues porting your Google Voice number to Fi. As I understand it, you basically are abandoning it for Google Voice forever. See this Google Fi Help page.
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I ported my GV number over to Fi to give it a spin.
When I wasn't able to get the reception I needed I was able to port my GV number back to GV when I cancelled Fi.
Steve
@MadManMoon:
You might be interested in this thread at Reddit.
prbpci0 said:
I've switched back and forth a bunch of times, even while hot (while powered on) and it works most of the time. Takes about a minute for the radio to do its thing and get synced up.
One time I lost the ability to dial out with my Verizon sim (lost all APNs), but reflashing the radio got it working again.
Definitely worth trying.
I probably won't keep FI. The reality is Verizon works great for me and the new pricing structure brings it a little closer to that of FI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which Radio did you use? I never flashed mine, bought it unlocked from Google a little more than a year ago, but now, after using Fi for a couple of weeks, it looks like it might have updated the radio itself. Not sure how to force it back to the Verizon Radio...
prbpci0 said:
One time I lost the ability to dial out with my Verizon sim (lost all APNs), but reflashing the radio got it working again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The solution is to go into the calls section of the dialer and disable the call assistant settings.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ProjectFi/...ing_between_verizon_and_project_fi_sim_cards/
I purchased a Nexus 6 off eBay new in box and used it with T-mobile without a problem for a while with no issues. After I received the Project Fi invite I ported my number but the phone is always on T-mobile. I called Fi team and they say the phone is still being used on Sprint network and attached to another number, I called Sprint and they won't release the phone as it's attached to another account. I tried to force it to Sprint and says it can't be activated.
Just wondering if is there is a way around this, so phone gets fully activated to on Fi to use both networks.
Appreciate any help.
remo74tg said:
I purchased a Nexus 6 off eBay new in box and used it with T-mobile without a problem for a while with no issues. After I received the Project Fi invite I ported my number but the phone is always on T-mobile. I called Fi team and they say the phone is still being used on Sprint network and attached to another number, I called Sprint and they won't release the phone as it's attached to another account. I tried to force it to Sprint and says it can't be activated.
Just wondering if is there is a way around this, so phone gets fully activated to on Fi to use both networks.
Appreciate any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on your description, it sounds like it was under Sprint contract to the previous owner and he never paid off the device. I would suggest starting with the person you purchased it from, and ask him that question. If he doesn't respond, isn't helpful, or confirms that hypothesis, then file a claim with Paypal. Device "significantly not as described". You will get your money back, but it could take several weeks.
This would not have happened with a purchase from Swappa.com. They vet the IMEI number to verify that the phone is unencumbered with any carrier.
You are probably better off than if you could connect to Sprint. A lot of Fi users report that the N6 prefers a weak Sprint signal to a strong T-Mobile signal or even strong WiFi.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
Hi all,
My wife and I are thinking that project fi might be too expensive for us with the amount of data that we use. If we Port over to T-Mobile, will my wife's Moto X4 work and be full featured? I mean things like simultaneous talk/surf (very important) and wifi calling?
I have the Pixel 2 XL and I'm pretty sure that it would work on TMobile with all of the above mentioned features.
Thank you!
Yes, it will work. I used mine on TMO briefly. My wife used her Pixel 1 as well and all features work as expected.
Neither of your phones has the new Band 71 that TMO has started to roll out, but for the next couple of years you should be fine. I believe that there is only one phone available right now that will work on Band 71.
rmnelson97403 said:
Yes, it will work. I used mine on TMO briefly. My wife used her Pixel 1 as well and all features work as expected.
Neither of your phones has the new Band 71 that TMO has started to roll out, but for the next couple of years you should be fine. I believe that there is only one phone available right now that will work on Band 71.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! What carrier did you end up with?
Also, when you tried the Moto X4, was that the Android One version?
26kick said:
Great! What carrier did you end up with?
Also, when you tried the Moto X4, was that the Android One version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got an Xfinity Mobile (Verizon) SIM in it right now. I purchased the phone from FI, so it is the Android One version. Fi trained me to minimize data usage, and I'm able to stay within the 100MB free allowance at XM. Total cost per month is $2.39 taxes/fees. Yes, I am a skinflint.
rmnelson97403 said:
I've got an Xfinity Mobile (Verizon) SIM in it right now. I purchased the phone from FI, so it is the Android One version. Fi trained me to minimize data usage, and I'm able to stay within the 100MB free allowance at XM. Total cost per month is $2.39 taxes/fees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, how did you get an XM sim without buying one of their phones? If I can bring my A1 MotoX4 to XM, I'm switching.
They had the LG Charge phone on sale for $1 in August so I bought one. The ultimate cheapskate deal! The LG is surprisingly good with tremendous battery life, but I use Android Pay and the LG doesn't do NFC. I use the LG now as a remote control for video, and also keep it around in case I have trouble with the SIM since XM will not deal with BYOD at all.
The X4 works fine with the Verizon SIM that XM uses although I've heard of trouble with visual VM. That isn't a problem for me since I use a Google Voice number for everything and never use the XM number. XM doesn't support wifi calling either, but since I'm using GV that isn't a problem for me either. My use case may be atypical, but for me XM and X4 work fine together.
Is anyone using a Moto X4 on Project Fi on one SIM (or eSIM), but can switch to another carrier on their second SIM (or eSIM).
I'm considering options for my next phone and need to have Verizon, ATT & Sprint's networks available. I know that the Pixel 2 XL can work like this. I don't want/need another bad experience with Pixel hardware after having my 2016 Pixel XL randomly die from the infamous defective motherboard after 16 months.
I've read a lot about the X4 and there are enough variants that I'm unsure which answers I can really trust.
I've read that there is a genuine dual physical SIM variant is only sold in Europe, but that European devices won't work on American CDMA networks. I've also read that the European variant has published support for the same bands as the US versions though, so I'm not sure what to think.
I've also read that Fi won't work on the eSIM of the Android One (assuming all US X4 too), so Fi must run on the physical SIM. Could Verizon work on the eSIM in this case?
I can't seem to find any conclusive answers, so I figure I'd ask here.
I'm especially interested in, and would be grateful for, feedback from those who have actually tried this.
Thanks!!!!
AFAIK the X4 doesn't have an esim.
For multiple sim this model supports the bands for all the networks you need except one of AT&Ts LTE bands which really wouldn't matter. I would make sure it's unlockable so it can't be software locked to country.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...ual-sim-td-lte-am-32gb-xt1900-7/united-states
I bought a Project Fi Moto X4 and live in a remote coverage area. A local carrier US Cellular, is for this example =100% coverage. =Sprint 35% and =T-Mobile 20%.
So when I use a APP that can switch with Dialer Codes the three carriers Project Fi ON THE MOTO is odd in that automatic switching will only work once coverage is lost for
in my case...a undetermined time. No rhyme or reason for switching with loss of coverage or loss of data connection.
Now in a comparison of Receivers that work on a Project Fi SIM....carrier switching my Pixel 2 is twice as good in Receiver capture and hold in marginal coverage areas. Moto better that a Nexus 5x on 8.1 though. If you have excellent coverage then not as much of a concern.
On the eSIM it's not the best way to go, for the Pixel 2 my eSIM for project Fi was great, but if you have a SIM and a eSIM. The eSIM is priority on Boot start and can't be locked out. One or the other in fact if the eSIM is used, and a Project Fi SIM is installed too, the SIM is locked and nothing can be done but a Factory Network Reset and skip eSIM setup steps before SIM is enabled or locked. Oddly Pixel 2's are not all eSIM factory enabled. I have from a different problem..... had in total 4 Pixel 2's and 2 were eSIM factory enabled, 2 not.
My Moto is odd in that if a T-Mobile or Sprint carrier SIM is installed I have to have better that ~=20% and enough coverage capture time to configure that SIM's carrier provisioning. A SIM change means provisioning must happen again before data connection....remember my weak coverage area. PIA
Got a the new P5 and figured I would try out Google Fi for the first time. I know I have good Sprint coverage in most of my area and really good T-Mobile coverage in limited areas. At my home, I get no T-Mobile, but there is good Sprint coverage. The phone refuses to switch to Sprint, even when using the dial codes that is supposed to force it to Sprint (I get an error) I have been working with Google Fi support on this issue since 10/29 and they are now going to file "a ticket with our carrier partner to know the root cause of the services issue". I connected my Pixel 4xl to Fi and it worked as advertised, good LTE coverage at my house on using the Sprint network. Anyone else having that issue?
After two weeks of going back and forth with Google Fi support, the truth comes out. This it the quote from the email that they sent to me.
"I checked with our resources and I am afraid that Pixel 5 does not support Sprint network for talk and texts as of now however, the engineering team is working to fix it.
We do not have any ETA about when this will get fixed but you will be informed when Pixel 5 will support Sprint network. We understand that this is not the resolution you were hoping for, and while we strive to provide an exceptional support experience for all of our customers. You may consider dropping feedback from the Fi app. To do so, follow these steps:"