Unlocked phone missing Verizon features? - Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers

Evening Folks! I've been doing a ton of searching and haven't found a solution yet, or anything specific to an unlocked Note 9 on the Verizon network.
I'm trying to figure out how I go about enabling (in some form or fashion) the Verizon video calling feature. I have two small girls at home, and travel often. I didn't realize when I purchased an unlocked phone, I would miss out on these features!
Anyone point me to a forum, or article that might shed a little light? I'm hoping for a workaround. Unfortunately the workaround for the Note 8 doesn't work for the Note 9.
Any help is extremely appreciated!!!!
Sincerely, Paul.

Pdub,
When you buy an unlocked phone on the Verizon network you loss WiFi calling, visual voicemail and network video calls. There is a forum were you can flash the Verizon version of Android 8.1. it's on XDA forum with instructions. That's how you can get it on an unlocked phone.
Also if you have Asurion for insurance with Brian, cancel it. They will not cover unlocked phone

Visual voicemail works (when you insert the Verizon SIM, the Voicemail app appears in Galaxy Apps).
Video calling was able to be enabled on Nougat phones, but has been blocked by Verizon. I've been using Duo instead which isn't ideal, but works well.
The Unlocked firmware has much less bloat, the Samsung Caller ID and Spam feature works (Verizon makes you pay extra), and I appreciate that there is no Verizon bootscreen, no annoying announcement when you're near a Verizon store, and seems to be less invasive.

Bxrider117 said:
Pdub,
When you buy an unlocked phone on the Verizon network you loss WiFi calling, visual voicemail and network video calls. There is a forum were you can flash the Verizon version of Android 8.1. it's on XDA forum with instructions. That's how you can get it on an unlocked phone.
Also if you have Asurion for insurance with Brian, cancel it. They will not cover unlocked phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I wish I would have known that. I didn't know Asurion didn't cover unlocked. Is there another insurance out there that does?
Also, if I were to flash the Verizon version of Android, would updates come through still?

Related

XT1058 Wifi Hotspot

Hello,
I have ordered an XT1058 for use by my wife on Straight Talk (ATT). She is currently using the service on a Samsung galaxy nexus (google play edition) . Occasionally when she is in a pinch she uses the wifi hotspot. I know this is not really permitted under straight talks terms but she keeps it very quick and only when necessary. It has not been a problem for the last two years. I am wondering she will be able to do the same thing on this new phone. Will the att rom allow for the hotspot or is this going to be an issue? Also while I'm at it, after looking things over I see some comments that the bootloader is unlockable and others saying that Motorola does not unlock the ATT phones other threads talk about some Chinese middleman that was doing it but it looks like the time has passed for that. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks
i have an unlocked xt1058, with ATT branding on the back and wifi tethering works for me right out of the box. phone not rooted or anything. i was pretty puzzled as to how, but im not complaining
NB- im not using it on AT&T ( i dont live in the US) .. so i dunno if its carrier related

Note 8 unlocked

If I buy the unlocked version from Samsung will I be able to use it on ATT and Verizon networks? Will there be a limitations on what LTE bands that the phone can use? Just trying to avoid the bloatware that carriers have on their phones. I have both before mentioned carriers. I really want the note 8 but if I can't use the unlocked version to its full potential. Then I guess I. Will go with the Verizon version. I have been waiting since they took back my note 7 and now I can hardly wait to fill the void lol.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk
Dark Jedi said:
If I buy the unlocked version from Samsung will I be able to use it on ATT and Verizon networks? Will there be a limitations on what LTE bands that the phone can use? Just trying to avoid the bloatware that carriers have on their phones. I have both before mentioned carriers. I really want the note 8 but if I can't use the unlocked version to its full potential. Then I guess I. Will go with the Verizon version. I have been waiting since they took back my note 7 and now I can hardly wait to fill the void lol.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently chatted with a Verizon representative regarding this very question. I asked two key questions.
"Does an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 8 work on Verizon networks?"
Essentially the person told me they needed the phone to determine weather or not it would work on the Verizon network; either the MSIN or IMSI number. My belief is there is, most likely, a better answer elsewhere.
"Does Verizon restrict any features on unlocked phone?"
The Verizon representative told me they don't restrict any features for unlocked phones.
I know this still doesn't answer the question you have. Just know that I, and others, also have the same question(s).
mrjmrogers said:
I recently chatted with a Verizon representative regarding this very question. I asked two key questions.
"Does an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 8 work on Verizon networks?"
Essentially the person told me they needed the phone to determine weather or not it would work on the Verizon network; either the MSIN or IMSI number. My belief is there is, most likely, a better answer elsewhere.
"Does Verizon restrict any features on unlocked phone?"
The Verizon representative told me they don't restrict any features for unlocked phones.
I know this still doesn't answer the question you have. Just know that I, and others, also have the same question(s).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply on your conversation with a Verizon rep on this issue. I will keep my ears open and hope we all can find that answer.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk
Dark Jedi said:
Thanks for the reply on your conversation with a Verizon rep on this issue. I will keep my ears open and hope we all can find that answer.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is from my chat transcript with Samsung technical support. Yes, an unlocked Note 8 will work with Verizon's network.
...
Amit H: Hi, thank you for reaching out to Samsung Technical Support. How may I assist you?
Amit H: Please excuse us for the long hold. We have had an unusually high volume of chats coming in. I would be happy to assist you with any questions you have about our products.
You: If I order an unlocked Galaxy Note 8 phone, will it work on the Verizon network in North America?
You: no worries. I don't mind the wait.
Amit H: Yes, the Unlocked version of Note 8 phone will work with the Verizon.
You: perfect. Thank you!
Amit H: You are welcome.
...
on AT&T , from experience, you lose wifi calling. thats about it.
I am interested to know if the unlocked is a DUAL SIM
ekerbuddyeker said:
on AT&T , from experience, you lose wifi calling. thats about it.
I am interested to know if the unlocked is a DUAL SIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From all the spec pages i've looked at, YES the unlocked version has DUAL SIM.
where did you see the SPEC pages. does anyone know where the bands are listed - want to compare what the unlocked and AT&T versions have (or miss)
ekerbuddyeker said:
on AT&T , from experience, you lose wifi calling. thats about it.
I am interested to know if the unlocked is a DUAL SIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also been told that you lose WiFi Calling with unlocked phones on Verizon's network as well. Can anyone confirm this? I know for a lot of people Wifi Calling doesn't matter much, but when cell service is spotty my LG V20 often switches over to WiFi for the duration of the call.
I don't think there are any other Verizon features I use other than WiFi Calling, and I'd hate to lose it. But I also hate all the Verizon bloatware.
Only lose wifi calling and any bloatware that the provider puts on them. That’s all. All the bands are there.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
i was not able to use video calling on my unlocked s7 edge on t mobile. i was able to use wifi calling though
ekerbuddyeker said:
where did you see the SPEC pages. does anyone know where the bands are listed - want to compare what the unlocked and AT&T versions have (or miss)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is one example from the BestBuy website.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-note8-64gb-unlocked-orchid-gray/6002607.p?skuId=6002607
Click on Specifications, then look under Compatibility.
Does the unlocked note 8 come with a unlockable bootloader?
Be interesting if you could actually get wifi calling to work. I definetly need it as service is spotty in certain places of my house. Have Verizon but I'm paying outright regardless so it'd be the same price.
What about updates? I know for the unlocked S7, the updates were actually slower than the carrier branded, which is actually kinda crazy.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
I jumped on the unlocked version; on T-Mobile. Now I'm wondering if I made the right decision.
I just pre-ordered the unlocked version through samsung's website. I will be using it with AT&T. I was going to order it through best buy but when i visited the samsung site they had the freebies ready to ship with the order as well.
treoreloaded said:
I just pre-ordered the unlocked version through samsung's website. I will be using it with AT&T. I was going to order it through best buy but when i visited the samsung site they had the freebies ready to ship with the order as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
I'm thinking of doing same. Do you have exact model #? Also, when you say "unlocked" do you mean SIM unlocked or is it also "BOOTLOADER" unlocked, or both?
If you don't know, can you send link ?
TIA for your response.
LouK said:
Hi!
I'm thinking of doing same. Do you have exact model #? Also, when you say "unlocked" do you mean SIM unlocked or is it also "BOOTLOADER" unlocked, or both?
If you don't know, can you send link ?
TIA for your response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just preordered the unlocked version from Samsung.com as well. http://www.samsung.com/us/galaxy/note8/buy/ It was $960.00 for the Sprint version or $929.99 for Unlocked. I chatted online with customer service and they said the only difference with the Unlocked version was the lack of carrier apps (carrier bloat). Unlocked means Carrier/SIM Unlocked. Unless Samsung had a miraculous change of heart, the bootloader will be locked just like the Snapdragon Note 7, S7, & S8.
LouK said:
Hi!
I'm thinking of doing same. Do you have exact model #? Also, when you say "unlocked" do you mean SIM unlocked or is it also "BOOTLOADER" unlocked, or both?
If you don't know, can you send link ?
TIA for your response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He means sim unlocked.
There is no bootloader unlocked NA device.
sent from my Note FE, S8 plus, or S6
When I saw that the unlocked version worked on Verizon, I was surprised until I saw that the processor on the unlocked Note 8 is Qualcomm Snapdragon and not Exynos.

Verizon Unlocked N9 on T-Mobile

Hello guys,
I am getting a really good deal on a Verizon version (Unlocked) on Craigslist. I am on T-mobile.
I do not intend to unlock bootloader or root etc.
Have a few questions:
1. Will I be able to use all functionalities on the Verizon phone (like I would get on a T-mobile version)?
2. Do these Verizon versions come with removable Verzion apps?
3. Is there a way to flash T-Mobile firmware on the phone? Will this process make the Verizon version "like" T-Mobile version?
4. Anything else I should be aware of (like Volte/Wifi Calling/HD voice etc.).
Thanks a lot!
Did you ever find answers to some of your questions?
It is obvious he did absolutely no research. Are you waiting for somebody to do all the reading for you?
yourmumsbootloader said:
It is obvious he did absolutely no research. Are you waiting for somebody to do all the reading for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just noticed that searching on XDA has "search all post text" disabled by default which yields no results. Turning that on brings in a bunch of relevant posts. XDA should look into that.
i have a verizon n9 , i put my Tmobile sim card, got 4G, however, if you make a phone call, all the 4g functions shut off , even the browser.
any solutions
Gadgets Repair Tampa said:
i have a verizon n9 , i put my Tmobile sim card, got 4G, however, if you make a phone call, all the 4g functions shut off , even the browser.
any solutions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your plan is to use it on T-Mobile, flash T-Mobile firmware.

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?

Pixel 5 sold by 'Visible'

I've just submitted an order to buy Pixel 5 from 'Visible' (a US carrier, Verizon based MVNO), and now i am kinda thinking... i should have asked about it here first. Visible's rep has promised (on chat) their phones are unlocked, so this shouldn't be an issue, but are they carrier-customized in any way or form? Anyone here got any experience? I am sure there is still some time window i can cancel this.
The reason i went on it is because of their "buy it, and get a free wireless charger at activation and a $200 gift card after 2 month of service" (Google it for more details), with a rather attractive plan (in US terms).
It's hard to know for sure. Some of the MVNO's have customized firmware on their phones and some don't. From what I've seen their phones are supposed to be unlocked. The only negative I've seen on them is than any streaming you do is only 480P.
Tel864 said:
It's hard to know for sure. Some of the MVNO's have customized firmware on their phones and some don't. From what I've seen their phones are supposed to be unlocked. The only negative I've seen on them is than any streaming you do is only 480P.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't care all that much about streaming, also, if i really, REALLY want to stream something in high res, i can probably VPN from the phone into my home network (or into a commercial VPN server). Anyway, my current check list when the phone arrives is currently - check for SIM lock on both physical SIM and eSIM, check if OEM unlock available and not grayed out (unrelated to SIM locking, but there are some rare reports on this), check if the "gap" isn't too bad, test the proximity sensor, check if there is any carrier bloatware on it. Did i miss any important points/popular issues?
Sounds like a good deal.
Visible is NOT technically an MVNO. It is completely owned and operated by Verizon. I've heard good things from people that use it.
I would guess the phone you receive would be the Verizon variant, but that's completely a guess.
jsbeagle said:
Visible is NOT technically an MVNO. It is completely owned and operated by Verizon. I've heard good things from people that use it.
I would guess the phone you receive would be the Verizon variant, but that's completely a guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope not, and the order confirmation does explicitly mentions "GA01316-US", which is an unlocked, non-Verizon model.
Is Visible an MVNO? I suppose, despite being owned by Verizon, its still a separate company, which doesn't operate its own mobile towers, so i guess it technically is an MVNO after all.
Anyway, will post here after i receive the device. Would be kinda disappointing if its a Verizon model (i may want to root at some point, not exactly a nice thing to have a bootloader you can't unlock). Would be a showstopper if its SIM-locked or even just eSIM locked, i am going to verify that by putting my old Cricket SIM in before activating theirs, and also loading a Ubigi profile onto an eSIM, and if its locked, and they can't unlock it for me, the device is going back. I've EXPLICITLY asked a rep about this after all.
BTW, judging by a Google search that produces mostly Reddit results, Visible sells mostly unlocked devices (seemingly all of them except Visible-exclusives).
It should not be a Verizon varient, it should be unlocked.
Tel864 said:
It should not be a Verizon varient, it should be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already got it, see above. Its not a Verizon variant indeed, and it is unlocked.^H^H^H^H....
I was sure i've posted it here, i've got a device, its a unlocked variant, not Verizon, its fully unlocked (tested on physical SIM and eSIM), and got no carrier bloatware on it.
InfX said:
I've already got it, see above. Its not a Verizon variant indeed, and it is unlocked.^H^H^H^H....
I was sure i've posted it here, i've got a device, its a unlocked variant, not Verizon, its fully unlocked (tested on physical SIM and eSIM), and got no carrier bloatware on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm shortly switching to Verizon and I'm taking a look at Visible and Verizon prepaid after seeing your post and talking to my son who's a Verizon engineer, I haven't decided on which though.
InfX said:
I've just submitted an order to buy Pixel 5 from 'Visible' (a US carrier, Verizon based MVNO), and now i am kinda thinking... i should have asked about it here first. Visible's rep has promised (on chat) their phones are unlocked, so this shouldn't be an issue, but are they carrier-customized in any way or form? Anyone here got any experience? I am sure there is still some time window i can cancel this.
The reason i went on it is because of their "buy it, and get a free wireless charger at activation and a $200 gift card after 2 month of service" (Google it for more details), with a rather attractive plan (in US terms).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually just registered an account to answer your question. Got a pixel 5 from the "Visible" deal by porting a number in. The model number is identical to the the unlocked one sold from Google store. It bootloader unlockable, so already unlocked and put in magisk and stuff. (It is carrier unlocked as well) Enjoy the deal!
Mint says they only stream 480p too but I can simply select 720p on up on my Pixel 2 and I get a bump, no VPN required.
Visible has good offers but the service is no good. At least in my area. I cannot wait to go back to AT&T. Verizon has fast coverage but AT&T is more consistent. I tried it for the $100 promotional credit but I will be going back to my original provider.

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