Database Develop

Unlocked firmware to Verizon S8

Has anyone tested yet the SM-G950U1 firmware from Updato.com in your Verizon S8 yet? prior to the S8 i had the 7 Edge with unlocked firmware and worked just fine, just wondering if this is official build on the net.

It is and it works. I'm using it now. Gear VR supposed to work also but I don't have one to say for sure.

gqukyo said:
It is and it works. I'm using it now. Gear VR supposed to work also but I don't have one to say for sure.
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which version of Odin did you use?

Snakehn said:
which version of Odin did you use?
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Click to collapse
Honestly I can't remember but I'm pretty sure it was either modified .12 or the unmodified version. I did update to the Canadian firmware first though because the U1 want available at the time.

gqukyo said:
Honestly I can't remember but I'm pretty sure it was either modified .12 or the unmodified version. I did update to the Canadian firmware first though because the U1 want available at the time.
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Click to collapse
I thought all the US variants of SM-G950U were bootloader-locked and hence we couldn't root. Are you guys saying that with this U1 firmware, it's unlocked and hence we can root? Link? I'm very skeptical this works.

Nobody said it was bootloader unlocked. It's carrier unlocked without any carrier bloat.

davidisflash said:
I thought all the US variants of SM-G950U were bootloader-locked and hence we couldn't root. Are you guys saying that with this U1 firmware, it's unlocked and hence we can root? Link? I'm very skeptical this works.
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Click to collapse
No, the firmware comes from the unlocked S8, which means is bloat free, has nothing to do with root.

I've had the U firmware for a couple of weeks and it works great. Just that there's no video calling. Haven't tried wifi calling yet. Those are two features I've barely used. Battery life is great. I think sprint forums are close to root so I might root after they get everything worked out.

warriorpluto said:
I've had the U firmware for a couple of weeks and it works great. Just that there's no video calling. Haven't tried wifi calling yet. Those are two features I've barely used. Battery life is great. I think sprint forums are close to root so I might root after they get everything worked out.
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Click to collapse
Does Verizon's visual voice mail and HD Calling work?
Verion Video calling is no big deal for me, but I have used Wifi calling once or twice from a store that had no Verizon coverage, but had free wifi. I could live without it, but it would be a nice to have. Then again, no bloat, and some of the Samsung features like Cloud Backup would be cool.
Can this be flashed without tripping Knox/Safe flags? And/or is it easy to flash back to stock Verizon without tripping?

KidJoe said:
Does Verizon's visual voice mail and HD Calling work?
Verion Video calling is no big deal for me, but I have used Wifi calling once or twice from a store that had no Verizon coverage, but had free wifi. I could live without it, but it would be a nice to have. Then again, no bloat, and some of the Samsung features like Cloud Backup would be cool.
Can this be flashed without tripping Knox/Safe flags? And/or is it easy to flash back to stock Verizon without tripping?
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Click to collapse
Yes, the HD calling works. Calls are extremely crisp. It's as if you were making a Messenger call over Wi-Fi. It's night and day.
I have the Verizon G950U variant and I'm looking for root, sadly this model doesn't have the "OEM Unlock" option under Developer Settings so I can't flash it without tripping Knox or my phone locking up.

Does anyone know if it's possible to use the Tracfone S8, and flash the Verizon S8 firmware to it? I followed steps from another site and it gave me a firmware with Cricket, Metro pcs, and T-Mobile bloat on it and it was most definitely not Verizon. Anyone have any ideas what might have went wrong? Downloaded Verizon firmware direct from SamMobile but that was what I got. Any ideas or help will be greatly appreciated, hope I'm putting this in the right place rather than start a new thread. Any help, tips, guides, download links, etc. will be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

average_hacker said:
Yes, the HD calling works. Calls are extremely crisp. It's as if you were making a Messenger call over Wi-Fi. It's night and day.
I have the Verizon G950U variant and I'm looking for root, sadly this model doesn't have the "OEM Unlock" option under Developer Settings so I can't flash it without tripping Knox or my phone locking up.
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Click to collapse
Just to clarify, are you saying that flashing the G950U1 ROM to a Verizon G950U will trip Knox, or just that if you attempt to root it?
Thanks.

blahbleus said:
Just to clarify, are you saying that flashing the G950U1 ROM to a Verizon G950U will trip Knox, or just that if you attempt to root it?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that if you were to flash any rom or recovery other than the stock (and maybe even that, I'm not sure), it will trip Knox. Your phone might give you the whole "SEAndroid is not Enforcing" boot screen. This happened to me on my Galaxy Note 5, I even tried reflashing it's sitting in my drawer, lol.
I wouldn't take the risk unless you have been given a spare Galaxy S8 by Samsung to expirement with. It's a little too risky for me
I may be an idiot, but I do know that OEM unlocking isn't available in Dev options. I got my Galaxy S8 a few weeks ago and not quite ready to tamper with it.

KidJoe said:
Does Verizon's visual voice mail and HD Calling work?
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Click to collapse
I would like to reiterate this question for someone to answer please. I had the U on my S7 Edge and was missing VVM, only thing that was missing that I cared about.

Syn Ack said:
I would like to reiterate this question for someone to answer please. I had the U on my S7 Edge and was missing VVM, only thing that was missing that I cared about.
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I don't see any indication of HD calling anywhere, visual voice-mail is missing, but I use Google voice anyway.

average_hacker said:
I'm pretty sure that if you were to flash any rom or recovery other than the stock (and maybe even that, I'm not sure), it will trip Knox. Your phone might give you the whole "SEAndroid is not Enforcing" boot screen. This happened to me on my Galaxy Note 5, I even tried reflashing it's sitting in my drawer, lol.
I wouldn't take the risk unless you have been given a spare Galaxy S8 by Samsung to expirement with. It's a little too risky for me [emoji14]
I may be an idiot, but I do know that OEM unlocking isn't available in Dev options. I got my Galaxy S8 a few weeks ago and not quite ready to tamper with it.
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Click to collapse
People have been flashing all kinds of different carrier firmware as well as the unlocked firmware and nobody reported Knox bring tripped at all. Is fine to flash as much as you like.
Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk

gqukyo said:
People have been flashing all kinds of different carrier firmware as well as the unlocked firmware and nobody reported Knox bring tripped at all. Is fine to flash as much as you like.
Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk
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Wasn't aware of that, I haven't seen anything on xda about it. Will other carrier's SIM cards still work on different roms?

You're kidding right? Those threads were one of the earliest ones posted since the phone was released. If you have an sim unlocked device, it'll work fine, its the same limitation as every other sim locked device. I converted my Vzw S8 to the US unlocked version since Vzw LTE phones come sim unlocked already. Using it on MintSim (Tmo) and it works perfectly fine. Have Wifi calling and VoLTE. If you have any other carrier phones, you'll need to have it sim unlocked to be able to use other providers even if you flash that carrier's rom.

gqukyo said:
You're kidding right? Those threads were one of the earliest ones posted since the phone was released. If you have an sim unlocked device, it'll work fine, its the same limitation as every other sim locked device. I converted my Vzw S8 to the US unlocked version since Vzw LTE phones come sim unlocked already. Using it on MintSim (Tmo) and it works perfectly fine. Have Wifi calling and VoLTE. If you have any other carrier phones, you'll need to have it sim unlocked to be able to use other providers even if you flash that carrier's rom.
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I want to flash my verizon s8 950U with an unlocked clean firmware. Where can I download it?

Search for carrier switch posts in the regular S8 forums for instructions with links

Sprint Calling Plus ???

I just noticed that neither one of my Note 8's does not have have an option for calling plus so I am unable to use data while on a call. Anybody know why this is?

seawolf823 said:
I just noticed that neither one of my Note 8's does not have have an option for calling plus so I am unable to use data while on a call. Anybody know why this is?
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Click to collapse
it will come out as a maintenance release here in the future. Its confirmed on some test builds we have played with.
Dont worry its coming.

seawolf823 said:
I just noticed that neither one of my Note 8's does not have have an option for calling plus so I am unable to use data while on a call. Anybody know why this is?
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Click to collapse
Team DevDigitel said:
it will come out as a maintenance release here in the future. Its confirmed on some test builds we have played with.
Dont worry its coming.
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Click to collapse
This is the EXACT main question in my thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/sprint-note-8-to-buy-root-please-help-t3671003
Please help me with this very question. I am wanting to purchase a Note 8 right now. I just don't know where I should purchase it. I hear the Sprint only version will have "Calling Plus" or special features while the UNLOCKED version will not. Neither can be rooted in any case.
I would like the HOT SPOT feature on the UNLOCKED version but I would rather have CALLING PLUS.
Summary
Unlocked = WiFi Tether/Hot Spot
Sprint/Locked = Possible Calling Plus
Can't have both. Is this correct?
Which Note 8 should I buy? One from Sprint or Samsung.com or Amazon.com?
Please Advise!

AtlantaBB said:
This is the EXACT main question in my thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/sprint-note-8-to-buy-root-please-help-t3671003
Please help me with this very question. I am wanting to purchase a Note 8 right now. I just don't know where I should purchase it. I hear the Sprint only version will have "Calling Plus" or special features while the UNLOCKED version will not. Neither can be rooted in any case.
I would like the HOT SPOT feature on the UNLOCKED version but I would rather have CALLING PLUS.
Summary
Unlocked = WiFi Tether/Hot Spot
Sprint/Locked = Possible Calling Plus
Can't have both. Is this correct?
Which Note 8 should I buy? One from Sprint or Samsung.com or Amazon.com?
Please Advise!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question 1: calling plus. This can be done on the unlocked version if you flash the unlocked sprint Odin softwear but will then hold you accountable for hotspot on your plan or it's locked.
Question 2: the sprint variant dosnt have calling plus yet either so back to question 1 neither have it on the shipped softwear but it'll be on next update. Be aware the unlocked version you'll need to find a sim card for it as it dosnt come with one to activate.
Follow up: I ordered from samsung and got the Sprint branded
Version. I can tell you this. Once it's paid off it's able to be unlocked and no dif then the one sold unlocked and in my experience the branded one seems to just work better for the network without any messing around as well as the og hotspot hack where you just turn it on as soon as the phone turns on circumvents the check and works just fine.
I don't know about buying on Amazon and unless you save money going 5o a Amazon seller id go through samsung or sprint

Team DevDigitel said:
Question 1: calling plus. This can be done on the unlocked version if you flash the unlocked sprint Odin softwear but will then hold you accountable for hotspot on your plan or it's locked.
Question 2: the sprint variant dosnt have calling plus yet either so back to question 1 neither have it on the shipped softwear but it'll be on next update. Be aware the unlocked version you'll need to find a sim card for it as it dosnt come with one to activate.
Follow up: I ordered from samsung and got the Sprint branded
Version. I can tell you this. Once it's paid off it's able to be unlocked and no dif then the one sold unlocked and in my experience the branded one seems to just work better for the network without any messing around as well as the og hotspot hack where you just turn it on as soon as the phone turns on circumvents the check and works just fine.
I don't know about buying on Amazon and unless you save money going 5o a Amazon seller id go through samsung or sprint
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Click to collapse
Should I get the S8 or S8 Plus to get "Calling Plus" for sure? Because the Note 8 doesn't have it yet? This is an extremely important feature to me. Or will the Note 8 get it for sure?
I see, so if I flash "Calling Plus" on my unlocked Note 8 it will then check on my Hot Spot and make it more difficult which is just like buying the Sprint Version.
How did you order from Samsung and get the Sprint Version, does it ask you? Should I order from Samsung and get the sprint version or should I order directly from Sprint?
Sounds to me the best thing to do is order from Sprint, get all of the updates faster than unlocked and get calling plus when it comes out.
Where do you find: "og hotspot hack" I would infidelity like that. Is this for hot spot turning it on for up to 8 devices wifi tether? Do you have to root or does with work with non-rooted phones because you can't root anymore.

AtlantaBB said:
Should I get the S8 or S8 Plus to get "Calling Plus" for sure? Because the Note 8 doesn't have it yet? This is an extremely important feature to me. Or will the Note 8 get it for sure?
I see, so if I flash "Calling Plus" on my unlocked Note 8 it will then check on my Hot Spot and make it more difficult which is just like buying the Sprint Version.
How did you order from Samsung and get the Sprint Version, does it ask you? Should I order from Samsung and get the sprint version or should I order directly from Sprint?
Sounds to me the best thing to do is order from Sprint, get all of the updates faster than unlocked and get calling plus when it comes out.
Where do you find: "og hotspot hack" I would infidelity like that. Is this for hot spot turning it on for up to 8 devices wifi tether? Do you have to root or does with work with non-rooted phones because you can't root anymore.
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Click to collapse
For the 1st question: yes it virtually makes the phone the sprint version with all the bloat etc. But also puts the sprint specifics on the device like wifi calling and other stuff..
I ordered from samsung because I had the offer and it brings you to a page to choose what version. All the carriers show up and you just choose what one you want.
If you have a upgrade then you should get through sprint and just put on your sprint bill.. if you buy from samsung you either buy fully out right at 960$ or you have to qualify for a loan with their partner TD Bank so you have to do a credit check etc. No 1 year upgrade option with samsung and it's 24mo Ownership vs sprint it's 18mo lease or keep 24mo to buy. As well they let you turn it in at 12 payments and upgrade if you wish. That's a bonus but I can't participate as I work for sprint and employee sales are kinda jacked.
The hotspot hack is literally reboot your phone and as soon as its on the home screen pull down your quick tiles and turn on the hotspot lol. You are just activating it before the system is fully loaded. But once you shut off the hotspot you'll have to reboot to turn it on or it knows you don't have it on your plan.
Edit:
N-950U - SPRINT
N-950U1 - UNLOCKED
if you go to Samsung mobile and go to their firmware page you can search either model number and see what softwear is avalible. For the N-950U they have unlocked , spr , vzw , Att , Tmob versions so you can jump from carrier to carrier and flash their softwear. I have not attempted to flash my N-950 with U version softwear and it probably won't work. Once it's off backorder I'll try and it possibly will brick or just won't work. Not worth being without my new phone until it's avalible to be replaced quickly lol

Team DevDigitel said:
For the 1st question: yes it virtually makes the phone the sprint version with all the bloat etc. But also puts the sprint specifics on the device like wifi calling and other stuff..
I ordered from samsung because I had the offer and it brings you to a page to choose what version. All the carriers show up and you just choose what one you want.
If you have a upgrade then you should get through sprint and just put on your sprint bill.. if you buy from samsung you either buy fully out right at 960$ or you have to qualify for a loan with their partner TD Bank so you have to do a credit check etc. No 1 year upgrade option with samsung and it's 24mo Ownership vs sprint it's 18mo lease or keep 24mo to buy. As well they let you turn it in at 12 payments and upgrade if you wish. That's a bonus but I can't participate as I work for sprint and employee sales are kinda jacked.
The hotspot hack is literally reboot your phone and as soon as its on the home screen pull down your quick tiles and turn on the hotspot lol. You are just activating it before the system is fully loaded. But once you shut off the hotspot you'll have to reboot to turn it on or it knows you don't have it on your plan.
N-950 - SPRINT
N-950U - UNLOCKED
if you go to Samsung mobile and go to their firmware page you can search either model number and see what softwear is avalible. For the N-950U they have unlocked , spr , vzw , Att , Tmob versions so you can jump from carrier to carrier and flash their softwear. I have not attempted to flash my N-950 with U version softwear and it probably won't work. Once it's off backorder I'll try and it possibly will brick or just won't work. Not worth being without my new phone until it's avalible to be replaced quickly lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice, thank you for this information.
So to be clear, it looks like I am ordering the Sprint Version Note 8 from Sprint. You are pretty certain that it will be getting the "Calling Plus" feature because that is what I want.
This is what I want:
Sprint Hot Spot Trick, turn on before phone completely boots. = Fine for me
Youtube Red, 10 bucks a month but worth zero commercials, I am use to Xposed and no commercials, but can't root anymore and no support = Fine for me
Calling Plus, this is a must, because I am on the road 24/7, always on the phone and using internet, hope this comes soon = Fine for me
Summary,
Do I have all this right? I am about to order (4) Note 8's via sprint upgrade plan! Please make sure!

AtlantaBB said:
Very nice, thank you for this information.
So to be clear, it looks like I am ordering the Sprint Version Note 8 from Sprint. You are pretty certain that it will be getting the "Calling Plus" feature because that is what I want.
This is what I want:
Sprint Hot Spot Trick, turn on before phone completely boots. = Fine for me
Youtube Red, 10 bucks a month but worth zero commercials, I am use to Xposed and no commercials, but can't root anymore and no support = Fine for me
Calling Plus, this is a must, because I am on the road 24/7, always on the phone and using internet, hope this comes soon = Fine for me
Summary,
Do I have all this right? I am about to order (4) Note 8's via sprint upgrade plan! Please make sure!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup you got it
And yeah sprint is just finnaly rolling calling plus out so it has some bugs they needed to resolve and started pushing it to the flagship over the last few months. It will be on all handsets shortly.
Don't count root out just yet. It's gonna take some time and there needs to be some big work done but @me2151 has already gotten permissive selinux and a few other things together. We just need some man power to look at Odin or the device and find out how to get the custom Odin.tar he built over to the device.
I miss youtube red also but those things we just extras for me. Blkd pandora and the SystemUI tuner are my main apps. Just want to tweak things here and there. As well substtatum is also a good tool for making adjustments. I had a centered clock sent to me to test that another user verified on his n8 so the majority of thing I like are done without root now.
Otherwise it's a damn good phone overall. I have a slight bug with my gallery app that causes the screen to jump but the other dev couldnt reproduce on his device. I'm gonna have to wipe and re test as its my ONLY complaint so far.

Team DevDigitel said:
Yup you got it
And yeah sprint is just finnaly rolling calling plus out so it has some bugs they needed to resolve and started pushing it to the flagship over the last few months. It will be on all handsets shortly.
Don't count root out just yet. It's gonna take some time and there needs to be some big work done but @me2151 has already gotten permissive selinux and a few other things together. We just need some man power to look at Odin or the device and find out how to get the custom Odin.tar he built over to the device.
I miss youtube red also but those things we just extras for me. Blkd pandora and the SystemUI tuner are my main apps. Just want to tweak things here and there. As well substtatum is also a good tool for making adjustments. I had a centered clock sent to me to test that another user verified on his n8 so the majority of thing I like are done without root now.
Otherwise it's a damn good phone overall. I have a slight bug with my gallery app that causes the screen to jump but the other dev couldnt reproduce on his device. I'm gonna have to wipe and re test as its my ONLY complaint so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for all of the information. You were a life savor. For the life of me I couldn't decide which one to get. I am really going to enjoy going from my Note 3 to Note 8. The picture quality and speed! LOL!
Thanks!

Team DevDigitel said:
Yup you got it
And yeah sprint is just finnaly rolling calling plus out so it has some bugs they needed to resolve and started pushing it to the flagship over the last few months. It will be on all handsets shortly.
Don't count root out just yet. It's gonna take some time and there needs to be some big work done but @me2151 has already gotten permissive selinux and a few other things together. We just need some man power to look at Odin or the device and find out how to get the custom Odin.tar he built over to the device.
I miss youtube red also but those things we just extras for me. Blkd pandora and the SystemUI tuner are my main apps. Just want to tweak things here and there. As well substtatum is also a good tool for making adjustments. I had a centered clock sent to me to test that another user verified on his n8 so the majority of thing I like are done without root now.
Otherwise it's a damn good phone overall. I have a slight bug with my gallery app that causes the screen to jump but the other dev couldnt reproduce on his device. I'm gonna have to wipe and re test as its my ONLY complaint so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out what this guy said. He said you don't have to flash and get everything blocked. Just flash what you need. please see below:
AtlantaBB said:
Check this thread out. This guy works for Sprint. If you do that you are flashing your phone to a Sprint phone. Mine as well just get a Sprint Phone. If you flash it, it will block you from wifi tethering and add the bloatware. So you mine as well just get the Sprint phone and get the updates with "Calling Plus"
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/sprint-calling-plus-t3670069
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BlueFox721 said:
Not if you just flash t he userdata file....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...note-8-to-buy-root-please-help-t3671003/page4

Team DevDigitel said:
Yup you got it
And yeah sprint is just finnaly rolling calling plus out so it has some bugs they needed to resolve and started pushing it to the flagship over the last few months. It will be on all handsets shortly.
Don't count root out just yet. It's gonna take some time and there needs to be some big work done but @me2151 has already gotten permissive selinux and a few other things together. We just need some man power to look at Odin or the device and find out how to get the custom Odin.tar he built over to the device.
I miss youtube red also but those things we just extras for me. Blkd pandora and the SystemUI tuner are my main apps. Just want to tweak things here and there. As well substtatum is also a good tool for making adjustments. I had a centered clock sent to me to test that another user verified on his n8 so the majority of thing I like are done without root now.
Otherwise it's a damn good phone overall. I have a slight bug with my gallery app that causes the screen to jump but the other dev couldnt reproduce on his device. I'm gonna have to wipe and re test as its my ONLY complaint so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought (4) Note 8's. The Mobile Hotspot Trick does not work and I do not have "Calling Plus" even after the latest update. I have had (1) update so far. I hope you didn't screw me over. =(

AtlantaBB said:
I bought (4) Note 8's. The Mobile Hotspot Trick does not work and I do not have "Calling Plus" even after the latest update. I have had (1) update so far. I hope you didn't screw me over. =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The update will come out...they are working bugs out before final roll out...

BlueFox721 said:
The update will come out...they are working bugs out before final roll out...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know how to overcome the hotspot issue? I really want that. Do you know of a program that will work without root?

AtlantaBB said:
Do you know how to overcome the hotspot issue? I really want that. Do you know of a program that will work without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/guide-enable-hotspot-t3675986
Or here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/themes/mod-hotspot-bypass-root-msl-required-t3671061

AtlantaBB said:
I bought (4) Note 8's. The Mobile Hotspot Trick does not work and I do not have "Calling Plus" even after the latest update. I have had (1) update so far. I hope you didn't screw me over. =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the hotspot hack

......

fatboypup said:
......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you get that?

AtlantaBB said:
Where do you get that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are neither hotspot options working for you on any of the 4 Notes?

BlueFox721 said:
Are neither hotspot options working for you on any of the 4 Notes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like a lot of work to side load an app or mod file settings. Would rather just install the app.
What do you think the best way is? Do you know where that app is?

AtlantaBB said:
Seems like a lot of work to side load an app or mod file settings. Would rather just install the app.
What do you think the best way is? Do you know where that app is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.shortcutmaster.lite
Step 1 - Download Shortcut Master Lite from the Play Store.
Step 2 - Open Shortcut Master Lite and select the Menu (three vertical dots in the upper right).
Step 3 - Select App Explorer, and then All Apps
Step 4 – Navigate (scroll down) to com.test.LTEfunctionality and select.
Step 5 – Select the first item labled "LTEFunctionalityTest" and select launch.
Step 6 – Scroll down to LTE APN Setting and select.
Step 10 –Select APN2 LTE internet (Sprint) or your carrier internet APN.
Step 11 - Scroll down to APN type and select.
Step 12 - Add "DUN" to the setting (it should read "default,mms,DUN") without quotations.
Step 13 - Select Menu and save your settings
Congratulations, your device now has Native Hotspot without having to toggle data!
You only do this one time and it works continually, making it not that much effort..uninstall shortcut master if you choose...hotspot still works

I have Sprint. Which Note 8 to buy? Root. Please Help!

Hello,
Which Note 8 should I buy?
International Version
Unlocked Version
Sprint Version
I heard the processor for the International Version is best I think it stats with an E. Should I get that?
I would like to root.
Does it matter or should I just order one directly from Sprint?
Will this work with Sprint?
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Factory Unlocked Phone - 6.3" Screen - 64GB - Midnight Black (U.S. Warranty)
This one from Amazon?
Should I buy that one above from Amazon or buy it directly from Sprint?
Can I root both of them?
I would like to order one today, I just don't know if I should order from Sprint or Amazon.
P.S.
Also if this is not possible should I get a S8 or S8 Plus? However, reading over on their threads doesn't look like root is possible really there either, hit or miss. Is that true? Which S8 I should get? International or US?
I mainly want apps like:
Ad Block
YouTube Background Player
YouTube Ad Block
ETC...
Please Advise.

you said sprint, sprint is cmda... meaning, exynos WILL NOT WORK. no international phone, you must buy snapdragon. now you have two choices carrier locked, and carrier unlocked. both have a locked boot loader and are not currently capable of root. if you purchase the phone out right it does not really matter which version you get. if you buy sprint locked after 50 days on their network they will carrier unlock the phone. the only true difference is carrier bloatware/ software which I'm hearing can be flashed using odin

purchasedPhone said:
you said sprint, sprint is cmda... meaning, exynos WILL NOT WORK. no international phone, you must buy snapdragon. now you have two choices carrier locked, and carrier unlocked. both have a locked boot loader and are not currently capable of root. if you purchase the phone out right it does not really matter which version you get. if you buy sprint locked after 50 days on their network they will carrier unlock the phone. the only true difference is carrier bloatware/ software which I'm hearing can be flashed using odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are SOME radio differences but I agree it shouldn't matter.

purchasedPhone said:
you said sprint, sprint is cmda... meaning, exynos WILL NOT WORK. no international phone, you must buy snapdragon. now you have two choices carrier locked, and carrier unlocked. both have a locked boot loader and are not currently capable of root. if you purchase the phone out right it does not really matter which version you get. if you buy sprint locked after 50 days on their network they will carrier unlock the phone. the only true difference is carrier bloatware/ software which I'm hearing can be flashed using odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that is what I need to know. Now what about getting a S8 or S8 Plus instead? Are those rootable? I mean does it even matter any more? The only thing I really want root for is Youtube Ad Block, but what the crap, mine as well just pay 10 bucks a month and get Youtube Red and allow my phone to update it self all the time.
pcriz said:
There are SOME radio differences but I agree it shouldn't matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about S8 or S8 Plus? Root those or are people still having trouble? I think Samsung has finally figured out how to make it really difficult. Seems like it is not even worth it anymore.

AtlantaBB said:
Thank you, that is what I need to know. Now what about getting a S8 or S8 Plus instead? Are those rootable? I mean does it even matter any more? The only thing I really want root for is Youtube Ad Block, but what the crap, mine as well just pay 10 bucks a month and get Youtube Red and allow my phone to update it self all the time.
What about S8 or S8 Plus? Root those or are people still having trouble? I think Samsung has finally figured out how to make it really difficult. Seems like it is not even worth it anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from what I hear it is possible to root the s8, but it limits your max battery charge to 80%? kinda a **** trade off if you ask me.
so I'm like you I thought I must have root, my last android was a Nexus with a completely unlocked boot loader and I flashed custom roms when I tired of my current rom. that was four years ago and I've been jailbroke iOS since. do you still need root?
most people will say no. if they say absolutely the main arguments I've heard are for xposed(which doesn't even work on android 7) and viper4android (or some similar name, a sound tweak I think) besides those two, removing bloatware, and hosts file ad blocking.
my personal experience: I will be giving up an unlocked boot loader by purchasing the note 8. this mean no custom roms. I haven't given up hope for a future possible root method, but I am willing to accept that it may never come or when it does we can only charge to 80% or something else ridiculous. I don't need root, I would like it, but I will compromise.
tldr;probably not, especially if you are willing to sub to YouTube red for 10$ a month.

AtlantaBB said:
Thank you, that is what I need to know. Now what about getting a S8 or S8 Plus instead? Are those rootable?
What about S8 or S8 Plus? Root those or are people still having trouble? I think Samsung has finally figured out how to make it really difficult. Seems like it is not even worth it anymore.
I mean does it even matter any more? The only thing I really want root for is Youtube Ad Block, but what the crap, mine as well just pay 10 bucks a month and get Youtube Red and allow my phone to update it self all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is that the Snapdragons have locked bootloaders but you need a SD version to use the Sprint network. It doesn't matter if you buy a Note 8 or an S8, the issue with the locked bootloader is the same.
For me personally, I need root because a lot of the apps I have use root. If you only wanted to block ads on YouTube, it's probably unnecessary and far more hassle than it's worth.

purchasedPhone said:
from what I hear it is possible to root the s8, but it limits your max battery charge to 80%? kinda a **** trade off if you ask me.
so I'm like you I thought I must have root, my last android was a Nexus with a completely unlocked boot loader and I flashed custom roms when I tired of my current rom. that was four years ago and I've been jailbroke iOS since. do you still need root?
most people will say no. if they say absolutely the main arguments I've heard are for xposed(which doesn't even work on android 7) and viper4android (or some similar name, a sound tweak I think) besides those two, removing bloatware, and hosts file ad blocking.
my personal experience: I will be giving up an unlocked boot loader by purchasing the note 8. this mean no custom roms. I haven't given up hope for a future possible root method, but I am willing to accept that it may never come or when it does we can only charge to 80% or something else ridiculous. I don't need root, I would like it, but I will compromise.
tldr;probably not, especially if you are willing to sub to YouTube red for 10$ a month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Torquemada288 said:
The issue is that the Snapdragons have locked bootloaders but you need a SD version to use the Sprint network. It doesn't matter if you buy a Note 8 or an S8, the issue with the locked bootloader is the same.
For me personally, I need root because a lot of the apps I have use root. If you only wanted to block ads on YouTube, it's probably unnecessary and far more hassle than it's worth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last question. I saw on another thread that this ... Is this true? Should I buy one that is unlocked from Amazon or the Samsung site and get hotspot or can I get hotspot on the Sprint one or do I need to search for the perfect app to do it? Which would be easier?
Unlocked version:
Hotspot - Awesome
Download Booster - Awesome
No Bloat - Awesome
Wi-Fi Calling - working awesomely
Sprint Version:
LTE Calling - I might miss, might be worth flashing Sprint mod when available...
Please Advise.

AtlantaBB said:
Last question. I saw on another thread that this ... Is this true? Should I buy one that is unlocked from Amazon or the Samsung site and get hotspot or can I get hotspot on the Sprint one or do I need to search for the perfect app to do it? Which would be easier?
Unlocked version:
Hotspot - Awesome
Download Booster - Awesome
No Bloat - Awesome
Wi-Fi Calling - working awesomely
Sprint Version:
LTE Calling - I might miss, might be worth flashing Sprint mod when available...
Please Advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I can't provide any guidance in this area. I'm in Australia and don't have experience with the inclusions/exclusions on specific American networks such as Sprint. I do know they use CDMA technology, which the Exynos SoC doesn't support.
Hopefully, one of the other enlightened souls on this forum can help you with this question.

AtlantaBB said:
Last question. I saw on another thread that this ... Is this true? Should I buy one that is unlocked from Amazon or the Samsung site and get hotspot or can I get hotspot on the Sprint one or do I need to search for the perfect app to do it? Which would be easier?
Unlocked version:
Hotspot - Awesome
Download Booster - Awesome
No Bloat - Awesome
Wi-Fi Calling - working awesomely
Sprint Version:
LTE Calling - I might miss, might be worth flashing Sprint mod when available...
Please Advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on Sprint and am currently utilizing what I posted above as working...I am still finding out other working options as well...ask me about an option and I'll tell you if it is working on the unlocked version.

BlueFox721 said:
I am on Sprint and am currently utilizing what I posted above as working...I am still finding out other working options as well...ask me about an option and I'll tell you if it is working on the unlocked version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My question is do I need to get the unlocked version for hot spot to work or will it work with the Sprint version?
Torquemada288 said:
Sorry, I can't provide any guidance in this area. I'm in Australia and don't have experience with the inclusions/exclusions on specific American networks such as Sprint. I do know they use CDMA technology, which the Exynos SoC doesn't support.
Hopefully, one of the other enlightened souls on this forum can help you with this question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I really appreciate it.

AtlantaBB said:
My question is do I need to get the unlocked version for hot spot to work or will it work with the Sprint version?
Thanks for the heads up. I really appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sprint Version will cut out the download booster and hot spot unless your plan includes it but include calling plus features which include their version of the Wi-Fi Calling and LTE Calling for surfing over calls....but we already have that with Wi-Fi calling...Sprint also has Bloat software such as VVM but I install Google Voice for voicmail...it is up to you...at this point I have found no function lost.
Oops...I forgot to mention that they may update more frequently or sooner

BlueFox721 said:
The Sprint Version will cut out the download booster and hot spot unless your plan includes it but include calling plus features which include their version of the Wi-Fi Calling and LTE Calling for surfing over calls....but we already have that with Wi-Fi calling...Sprint also has Bloat software such as VVM but I install Google Voice for voicmail...it is up to you...at this point I have found no function lost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is extremely important. Do I have this right? If I buy the unlocked version. Can I surf the internet while on the phone with the unlocked version from Amazon or Samsung or do I need to buy the Spring Version?
Am I understanding that right or did you mean something else?

AtlantaBB said:
That is extremely important. Do I have this right? If I buy the unlocked version. Can I surf the internet while on the phone with the unlocked version from Amazon or Samsung or do I need to buy the Spring Version?
Am I understanding that right or did you mean something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I called my wife on Wi-Fi Calling i was able to surf the web as well...I'll double check tomorrow when she is awake though

I have the unlocked version arriving soon and I will be using it with sprint. (With the free 1 year promo)
AFIK only the sprint and unlocked versions are whitelisted to work on sprint. Any other snapdragon models you will need to request a manual request to add your IMEI to the sprint database.
And I believe the Exynos models isn't compatible with CDMA at all, something with licensing or patent issues with Qualcomm.

BlueFox721 said:
When I called my wife on Wi-Fi Calling i was able to surf the web as well...I'll double check tomorrow when she is awake though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I mean not on wifi - calling I am just talking about 4G LTE. I mean I have the note 3 right now. LOL. I know super old. I can talk on the cell network 4G LTE and surf the internet at the same time. Can you do that with the Unlocked Version and the Sprint Version or one or the other?
Agenesis said:
I have the unlocked version arriving soon and I will be using it with sprint. (With the free 1 year promo)
AFIK only the sprint and unlocked versions are whitelisted to work on sprint. Any other snapdragon models you will need to request a manual request to add your IMEI to the sprint database.
And I believe the Exynos models isn't compatible with CDMA at all, something with licensing or patent issues with Qualcomm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the one from Amazon or Samsung, you should be fine, Yes the Exyons wont work. That is a bummer.

AtlantaBB said:
Oh I mean not on wifi - calling I am just talking about 4G LTE. I mean I have the note 3 right now. LOL. I know super old. I can talk on the cell network 4G LTE and surf the internet at the same time. Can you do that with the Unlocked Version and the Sprint Version or one or the other?
So the one from Amazon or Samsung, you should be fine, Yes the Exyons wont work. That is a bummer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the Note 3 call over data was lost...so they have been trying to implement it in New technologies
https://www.androidcentral.com/volte

BlueFox721 said:
Since the Note 3 call over data was lost...so they have been trying to implement it in New technologies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you serious. I will be giving up call over data? WHY? Is this like that for Verizon and AT&T? Have they all lost call over data or do they just not want you to be able to do it?
Should I keep my Note 3 for that very reason?
Does any phone like the S8 or S8 Plus have call over data?

AtlantaBB said:
Are you serious. I will be giving up call over data? WHY? Is this like that for Verizon and AT&T? Have they all lost call over data or do they just not want you to be able to do it?
Should I keep my Note 3 for that very reason?
Does any phone like the S8 or S8 Plus have call over data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.androidcentral.com/volte
I am coming from Note 3 as well

BlueFox721 said:
Since the Note 3 call over data was lost...so they have been trying to implement it in New technologies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my goodness, looks like my note 3 has two antennas and the newer phones have only 1. that is why i can do both. Why would they make the service worse?
https://community.sprint.com/t5/Buz...e-same-time-with-Sprint-s-Calling/ba-p/961338

The Note 8 wipes the Note 3 out

Getting a Note 8 today and wanted to ask something

Which would you guys say is better, tmob will still do the bogo today if I get it or I can just go to best buy and get the unlocked one? So two notes or one note that I can properly root.

RiffyDivine said:
Which would you guys say is better, tmob will still do the bogo today if I get it or I can just go to best buy and get the unlocked one? So two notes or one note that I can properly root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i might be wrong as i live in the UK, but an unlocked one from best buy will be no better off to root than the tmobile one?
the "unlocked" does not mean the bootloader is unlocked
both are snapdragon correct? There is a root available but i would recommend you buy an N950F or FD (Exynos) if your main focus is root and custom roms.

Lucky you! I would get just one

Mr.Ash.Man said:
i might be wrong as i live in the UK, but an unlocked one from best buy will be no better off to root than the tmobile one?
the "unlocked" does not mean the bootloader is unlocked
both are snapdragon correct? There is a root available but i would recommend you buy an N950F or FD (Exynos) if your main focus is root and custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's listed with the exynos but that maybe an error on their site.

First of all BOGO deal has some restrictions, not every plan qualifies, you should really read fine print, or head to Tmo forum and look there for details. I also don't think BB would be selling phone that doesn't work on half of US networks, so make sure you make your decisions based on correct info.

T mobile has a lot of stipulations with the BOGO. I purchased a t mobile variant directly from Samsung. They have a finance program 0% for 24 months. I also had a note 7 so I was able to get a nice discount as well. I almost went with an unlocked from Samsung(same as best buy) but I wanted all my carrier features. Plus since I bought the phone from Samsung, I was able to SIM unlock my t mobile note 8 within days of receiving it. Plus if I really wanted, I could always flash the unlocked firmware on to this device if I wanted it De bloated which I might end up doing. I use video calling a lot with my family and it doesn't worked on the Unlocked firmware but I recently started using google DUO which is way better video calling quality anyway. I know using t mobile on the unlocked firmware, WI fi calling, VOLTE hd voice does work which is the most important to me. I'm pretty sure mobile hotspot works as well but not sure.

RiffyDivine said:
Which would you guys say is better, tmob will still do the bogo today if I get it or I can just go to best buy and get the unlocked one? So two notes or one note that I can properly root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to jump through hoops for T-Mobile's BOGO, if you can wait Samsung will have a BOGO for the Note 8 just like they did for the S8+ and you won't have to add a line like the T-Mobile.

Multi-line settings in Unlocked s10

Does anybody know if the unlocked s10 will have access to Multi-line settings or has had experience with previous unlocked variants having access?
On T-Mobile this setting is specifically used for native "Digits" functionality without having to use an app. It's the only concern I have purchasing the unlocked variant.

I can't speak for the S10. The Note 9 however has built in Digits support in the TMobile variant, but requires downloading the app for the US unlocked variant. Chances are the S10 is also like this.

mosi76 said:
Does anybody know if the unlocked s10 will have access to Multi-line settings or has had experience with previous unlocked variants having access?
On T-Mobile this setting is specifically used for native "Digits" functionality without having to use an app. It's the only concern I have purchasing the unlocked variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I had Unlocked S8 on T-Mobile and I believe S9 and S10 might have the same thing. Basically unlocked version only had: WiFi Calling, Band 12 and VoLTE and there was no Milti-Line setting, unless if you get T-Mobile branded phone. What I have done to my S8, is I flashed it with T-Mo firmware and got all the features without bloatware
This time I ordered S10e unlocked and upon getting it, will inspect and see which features unlocked model will offer and if need be, will flash to T-Mobile firmware

Charkatak said:
So I had Unlocked S8 on T-Mobile and I believe S9 and S10 might have the same thing. Basically unlocked version only had: WiFi Calling, Band 12 and VoLTE and there was no Milti-Line setting, unless if you get T-Mobile branded phone. What I have done to my S8, is I flashed it with T-Mo firmware and got all the features without bloatware
This time I ordered S10e unlocked and upon getting it, will inspect and see which features unlocked model will offer and if need be, will flash to T-Mobile firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say that you didn't have any TMobile bloatware when you flashed the TMobile firmware, are you referring to the general TMobile apps (like TMobile account app, VVM, etc)? or are you referring to some other 3rd party apps that TMobile puts on post-firmware. I always thought the TMobile apps would be there if flashing TMobile firmware, but I could be wrong.

Kjn246 said:
When you say that you didn't have any TMobile bloatware when you flashed the TMobile firmware, are you referring to the general TMobile apps (like TMobile account app, VVM, etc)? or are you referring to some other 3rd party apps that TMobile puts on post-firmware. I always thought the TMobile apps would be there if flashing TMobile firmware, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3rd party apps, for example "Lookout" antivirus app wasn't there and other that T-Mobile might put there. These apps need to be disabled and can't be uninstalled. I am fine with T-Mobile account app and VVM. When flashing, just need to flash main firmware files(4 of them) and the 5th one was userdata, which has all the unneeded stuff

When you do this, don't you void something that doesn't let you use samsung pay, etc?
Charkatak said:
So I had Unlocked S8 on T-Mobile and I believe S9 and S10 might have the same thing. Basically unlocked version only had: WiFi Calling, Band 12 and VoLTE and there was no Milti-Line setting, unless if you get T-Mobile branded phone. What I have done to my S8, is I flashed it with T-Mo firmware and got all the features without bloatware
This time I ordered S10e unlocked and upon getting it, will inspect and see which features unlocked model will offer and if need be, will flash to T-Mobile firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gotnoypi said:
When you do this, don't you void something that doesn't let you use samsung pay, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, because I flashed my phone with an official Samsung firmware

Should have known so I could have purchased the unlocked version. Thanks for the info.
Charkatak said:
No, because I flashed my phone with an official Samsung firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gotnoypi said:
Should have known so I could have purchased the unlocked version. Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a big deal as there were times when T-Mobile for example would release monthly security patches couple of weeks earlier and possibly the Android upgrade version early too(not always though). As I understand that Samsung is obligated to release an update for carrier branded phones and then can released for their unlocked units. If you would want to flash your phone down the road, you could. It is just the process may not be as straight forward as flashing unlocked model

Ok one thing I learned today as I was setting up my s10+. The Multi-line feature is still not activated in S10+ (most likely in other s10 variant as well). I spoke with Tmobile Digits team and it was just confirm to them yesterday that S10 doesn't support multi-line yet. The only way to use DIGITS is trough the digits app. It's definitely a bummer.
I was also told that the same situation applies to the previous phones during launch (S9 or Note9) where it wasn't initially activated. It was delivered through a software upgrade afterwards. So I'm hoping this software update arrives sooner than later.
Hope this helps other member's using DIGITS.

gotnoypi said:
Ok one thing I learned today as I was setting up my s10+. The Multi-line feature is still not activated in S10+ (most likely in other s10 variant as well). I spoke with Tmobile Digits team and it was just confirm to them yesterday that S10 doesn't support multi-line yet. The only way to use DIGITS is trough the digits app. It's definitely a bummer.
I was also told that the same situation applies to the previous phones during launch (S9 or Note9) where it wasn't initially activated. It was delivered through a software upgrade afterwards. So I'm hoping this software update arrives sooner than later.
Hope this helps other member's using DIGITS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckily you got to speak to someone who actually knows or at least should know. I have messaged them through the app and through Twitter and got the same basic kinda answer but no specifics and that's if they even knew what I was talking about. Hopefully it happens soon. Thanks for the update

mosi76 said:
Luckily you got to speak to someone who actually knows or at least should know. I have messaged them through the app and through Twitter and got the same basic kinda answer but no specifics and that's if they even knew what I was talking about. Hopefully it happens soon. Thanks for the update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took multiple tries on chat and call. Luckily I got forwarded to DIGITS team and the person knows exactly the issue and is not reading off knowledge base or written instructions.
Hopefully it arrives soon as I don't want to use the DIGITS app for it.

T-Mobile DIGITS team has actually been telling customers that the native multiline feature will not be coming to the S10 or supported on other devices anymore because they destaffed that dev team. They are phasing out the feature. Absolutely horrible decision. The DIGITS app is hot trash. They have a **** load of customer pissed about it. Especially in the business segment like me. There's a scathing thread over on the T-Mobile's forums about it.

So, now T-Mobile DIGITS experts are telling people that they are waiting on an update from Samsung to make the feature possible again.
So, I don't what the **** is going on. It's ****ery.

Unless we hear something directly from Samsung, everything is now just hear say. I'm still hoping for a software update to push out the feature.

Actually, the multi-line setting was garbage. Even on my previous Note 8 and current unlocked Huawei P20 Pro, I use the DIGITS app. Luckily, with previous T-Mobile lines, got DIGITS for free. For new customers and new lines, I think it costs some monthly fees.

Thank you!
gotnoypi said:
Ok one thing I learned today as I was setting up my s10+. The Multi-line feature is still not activated in S10+ (most likely in other s10 variant as well). I spoke with Tmobile Digits team and it was just confirm to them yesterday that S10 doesn't support multi-line yet. The only way to use DIGITS is trough the digits app. It's definitely a bummer.
I was also told that the same situation applies to the previous phones during launch (S9 or Note9) where it wasn't initially activated. It was delivered through a software upgrade afterwards. So I'm hoping this software update arrives sooner than later.
Hope this helps other member's using DIGITS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thank you so much for posting this. I tried to contact thru customer support, Twitter, calls, walk-ins.. Seems like T-Mobile employees aren't aware not only of this issue, but of the option at all..

don't mean to resurrect this old thread, but i got my S10 a few days ago and just got off the phone with the DIGITS support, after being transferred numerous times by people that didn't know what i was even talking about. the guy said that samsung told them (tmobile) a few months ago that they are removing multi-line settings from all new devices and that users need to start using the DIGITS app instead. he even said that with any further updates on the phones that currently have multi-line settings, the updates will actually remove those settings from the phones. pretty crappy if you ask me.

I'm still using a Samsung S7 with multi-line set to On, with T-Mobile. I didn't like their Digits app, much prefer the phone's native multi-line ability. However, as others above have said, T-Moble Digits support told me that Samsung was going to remove that ability. For now, it still works albeit buggy. I have to turn the phone off then on multiple times a day to keep the second line working properly. Does anyone know another Android phone that supports multi-line with T-Mobile, but correctly?