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I'll try and keep this breif but getting pretty frustrated with this...
I bought this handset sim free from T-Mobile UK. It was brand new and sealed. When inserting my Three(3) sim it would say "invalid sim" - which was expected as it was locked to T-Mobile. I paid a third party UK company called mobileunlocked.co.uk who have a very good reputation and lots of good reviews for an unlock code so I could use it with a Three (3) UK 3G Sim card. I received the unlock code and an un-freeze code and used both several times, resulting in "unsuccessful". Thinking it was a bad code, I paid ANOTHER unlocking company off ebay (again, reputable) and was supplied with the same codes and the same results but a slightly different method which involved entering * and # keys before the codes in the code box. This resulted in a popup saying "Network control code is blocked".
Following this, I tried the *#197328640# method to access the hidden menus as detailed in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982 (this has been proven to work with Note II, Galaxy SIII and Galaxy SIII LTE).
I followed that guide to the letter and restarted the phone. At first, I had hope as there was no sim lock code entry box, however I waited and waited and waited and the phone did not pick up my Three (3) signal, despite it no longer saying "invalid sim".
Basically, it just shows several bars but does not pick a Three(3) signal or any date. I have tried manually selecting the network and manually entering APN settings, but I get the same result. When I try connecting manually it just says "Cannot register on network".
-I have tried using this sim card in other phones, it works OK!
-I have tried using other network sim cards (Orange, T-Mobile, EE, Vodafone) and they all work.
-I have tried using a different Three(3) sim in this phone and it still doesn't work.
I can't return it to the T-Mobile store as the warranty is invalid as I have unlocked it (or so I think!). Can anyone help? I know three(3) sims are compatible with this phone as others on this forum have stated they are using Three (3) sims in unlocked i9305s.
Any idea why my unlocking codes that were valid wouldn't work and why it said "Network control code is blocked"?
Any idea why my Three(3) micro sims won't work but other networks do despite this phone being compatible with three (3) sims?
Help!
It doesn't appear that 3 UK has any publicly available LTE network at this time, but that they are rolling one out. Perhaps it is physically available and being picked up by your phone, except 3 isn't allowing just any sim card to register on that network at this time? Try disabling LTE and attempting to connect again.
Rekoil said:
It doesn't appear that 3 UK has any publicly available LTE network at this time, but that they are rolling one out. Perhaps it is physically available and being picked up by your phone, except 3 isn't allowing just any sim card to register on that network at this time? Try disabling LTE and attempting to connect again.
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Click to collapse
I know I won't be able to get LTE as Three (3) aren't offering LTE until Q3. I am perfectly happy just using 3G. I have tried disabling LTE and using 3G only and the same things happen.
I have tried 2 different Three (3) micro sims in it and it still won't register on the network. I know Three(3) sims work in the i9305 as others have unlocked their's and used Three (3) sims.
It's either something wrong with the unlock, something wrong with the hardware or something isn't enabled/disabled. Like I said I've tried automatically connecting and manually entering APNs and still NOTHING.
Frustrating having spent over £450 on a brand new handset which I can't return as warranty is invalidated through "unlocking" (which hasn't unlocked it fully!)
bounce08 said:
I know I won't be able to get LTE as Three (3) aren't offering LTE until Q3. I am perfectly happy just using 3G. I have tried disabling LTE and using 3G only and the same things happen.
I have tried 2 different Three (3) micro sims in it and it still won't register on the network. I know Three(3) sims work in the i9305 as others have unlocked their's and used Three (3) sims.
It's either something wrong with the unlock, something wrong with the hardware or something isn't enabled/disabled. Like I said I've tried automatically connecting and manually entering APNs and still NOTHING.
Frustrating having spent over £450 on a brand new handset which I can't return as warranty is invalidated through "unlocking" (which hasn't unlocked it fully!)
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Click to collapse
Well you did purchase a phone which wasn't intended for use on your network, just saying
Rekoil said:
Well you did purchase a phone which wasn't intended for use on your network, just saying
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Click to collapse
Shouldn't be a problem to be honest. Have you tried calling three to say that you're using the i9305? I love three and their unlimited data plans I plan to do this once samsung/EE unlock my phone.
bounce08 said:
I'll try and keep this breif but getting pretty frustrated with this...
I bought this handset sim free from T-Mobile UK. It was brand new and sealed. When inserting my Three(3) sim it would say "invalid sim" - which was expected as it was locked to T-Mobile. I paid a third party UK company called mobileunlocked.co.uk who have a very good reputation and lots of good reviews for an unlock code so I could use it with a Three (3) UK 3G Sim card. I received the unlock code and an un-freeze code and used both several times, resulting in "unsuccessful". Thinking it was a bad code, I paid ANOTHER unlocking company off ebay (again, reputable) and was supplied with the same codes and the same results but a slightly different method which involved entering * and # keys before the codes in the code box. This resulted in a popup saying "Network control code is blocked".
Following this, I tried the *#197328640# method to access the hidden menus as detailed in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982 (this has been proven to work with Note II, Galaxy SIII and Galaxy SIII LTE).
I followed that guide to the letter and restarted the phone. At first, I had hope as there was no sim lock code entry box, however I waited and waited and waited and the phone did not pick up my Three (3) signal, despite it no longer saying "invalid sim".
Basically, it just shows several bars but does not pick a Three(3) signal or any date. I have tried manually selecting the network and manually entering APN settings, but I get the same result. When I try connecting manually it just says "Cannot register on network".
-I have tried using this sim card in other phones, it works OK!
-I have tried using other network sim cards (Orange, T-Mobile, EE, Vodafone) and they all work.
-I have tried using a different Three(3) sim in this phone and it still doesn't work.
I can't return it to the T-Mobile store as the warranty is invalid as I have unlocked it (or so I think!). Can anyone help? I know three(3) sims are compatible with this phone as others on this forum have stated they are using Three (3) sims in unlocked i9305s.
Any idea why my unlocking codes that were valid wouldn't work and why it said "Network control code is blocked"?
Any idea why my Three(3) micro sims won't work but other networks do despite this phone being compatible with three (3) sims?
Help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I am in the same boat, I actually got the S3 LTE from EE in December (GOT IT FOR 359).. Initially, it worked with three after unlocking via xda..*#197328640# method ..But it stopped working or it was working intermittently...
So tried rining three..they said..ohhh our network is best and our (three) sims will work only in three mobiles..
Anyway I tried all other methods..re-set..factory etc..
Finally sent the mobile to Samsung...
after 10days, I got it back...Now as soon as I insert three sim..it says invalid sim..So tried *#197328640# method again..unfortunately..i can't do that as (the last option INITIALIZE...) does not show up now..
Anyway managed to get unlock code from ebay...NO USE..it shows the same problem as yours.."network control is blocked"...
Donno what to do??? might ring samsung again tomorrow...
Have you tried speaking to T mobile about getting it unlocked????
If you find any answers..pls let me know
Thanks in advance
I'm having the same problem. Any updated on how things went with T-mobile or does anyone have a fix?
Should I cancel my order?!
I just bought the S3 LTE i9305. I purchased it as an upgrade and its arriving tomorrow. I wanted to give my sim to my mother and keep the phone to use with Three's DC-HSPA+ which will work on the S3 LTE. So can I unlock it or will it be facing the same problems as mentioned in the thread. Sorry for not helping out, ama noob and GOOD LUCK! :good:
I recently put in an unlocking request at EE. They get a samsung unlocking code directly from Samsung. So I'll give this method a go. I am getting my Sim Card in soon from three. Decided to jump the boat on to the one plan @ £25 a month. =) EE's london signal is pants. =(
Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk 2
bleepsake said:
I recently put in an unlocking request at EE. They get a samsung unlocking code directly from Samsung. So I'll give this method a go. I am getting my Sim Card in soon from three. Decided to jump the boat on to the one plan @ £25 a month. =) EE's london signal is pants. =(
Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
I tried to get an unlock code from T-mobile, they said that Samsung wouldn't release it for another six months, since it's a new phone. Even though we've been with them for donkeys years!
Right today, I recieved my sim. I'm glad to say everything works. I'm getting around 8mbps down and 1mbps up in West London.
If yours doesnt work then it probably is a damaged sim.
Tell T-Mobile you want to speak to someone that knows what they are talking about. It takes up to 60 days for direct Samsung unlock code. You might have to pay a tenner but worth it jn my perspective. I'm glad I have unlimited data again. It feels like freedom. No Joke. o2 Used to do an unlimited tariff and I loved it. There reasoning was to improve their network but instead it made it worse. I know Three arent known for their calls but they certainly know what customers want and thats data.
PS how do I know if im getting the optimum speed?
Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk 2
Try this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1335548
I think you have updated the software via OTA.. you need to downgrade to I9305XXALI5_I9305EVRALI5_I9305BVALI5 (this is for people who have got phone from T-mobile). Download from Sammobile.com, flash via odin (this wont affect ur warranty as this is stock firmware and doesnt increase the binary counter).
once you are sure that you have the above software, then follow the instructions on the below in first post in the mentioned link, again no rooting involved:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982
People have confirmed that after unlocking via this method if you go ahead with OTA, you will still have the phone unlocked.
I have followed the above procedure but havent updated the firware and have not used the phone yet. But its unlocked and I have tried using Three UK sim, it works,
Do let me know how it goes.
kams19 said:
I think you have updated the software via OTA.. you need to downgrade to I9305XXALI5_I9305EVRALI5_I9305BVALI5 (this is for people who have got phone from T-mobile). Download from Sammobile.com, flash via odin (this wont affect ur warranty as this is stock firmware and doesnt increase the binary counter).
once you are sure that you have the above software, then follow the instructions on the below in first post in the mentioned link, again no rooting involved:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982
People have confirmed that after unlocking via this method if you go ahead with OTA, you will still have the phone unlocked.
I have followed the above procedure but havent updated the firware and have not used the phone yet. But its unlocked and I have tried using Three UK sim, it works,
Do let me know how it goes.
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Click to collapse
On the site, it says it's for EE, is that still ok? I know T-mobile, Orange and EE, are all pretty much the same thing now, but I just want to be sure. I wouldn't want to put something that starts putting EE logos all over on boot up etc. The one that came with the phone doesn't mention anything about T-mobile on boot up.
It won't EE is unbranded
Thanks... I've zapped it with 4.1.1, used that trick, and then allowed the 4.1.2 update + plus another update of some sort through OTA, and I'm now using O2 happily! Cheers!
Phone arrived Friday on Orange EE with 4.1.2. wouldn't accept 3uk sim.
Tried the *#...640# trick but menu options not present.
Reverted firmware down to 4.1.1. Li5 Uk EE and voila menus present.
Tried 3uk sim and works fine.
Flashed latest Wanamlite rom and still unlocked on 3uk.
Getting a reliable 15.5 Mbs down on dc HSDPA at home despite only having 1 bar signal, on three One plan unlimited for £15/mth.
NGbod said:
Phone arrived Friday on Orange EE with 4.1.2. wouldn't accept 3uk sim.
Tried the *#...640# trick but menu options not present.
Reverted firmware down to 4.1.1. Li5 Uk EE and voila menus present.
Tried 3uk sim and works fine.
Flashed latest Wanamlite rom and still unlocked on 3uk.
Getting a reliable 15.5 Mbs down on dc HSDPA at home despite only having 1 bar signal, on three One plan unlimited for £15/mth.
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Click to collapse
Great news!
Short version: who can fix IMEI on my (legally bought) phone?
Long story: I bought a new G870A phone around XMAS from an ebay-like store (I live in Poland). It seems to be an American phone (I get an ATT logo). It worked fine in Poland for two weeks I was using it (Polish SIM, T-mobile operator), but then I left for my work in South Korea, where I have a Korean SIM (SKT op.) it had connectivity issues: phone/SMS/wifi work, but mobile data doesn't work if the phone displays LTE 4G on the top. If it shows just 4G it works. I took it too SKT shops (three), all swear it's not an operator problem. Took it to the Samsung service center, they couldn't figure things out, sent it to the factory. I got a call from them (well, I don't speak Korean, so it's handled by my Korean gf). She said: "the number of INEI on the phone does not match the manufacturer’s serial number on the phone. Based on my understanding from his explanations, the manufactures finds for the serial number with INEI numbers, two numbers need to be the same. If another person is using a phone with the same INEI numbers with yours, your phone might not work properly. Your phone is not in the process for A/S since ur phone itself has the problem. So, they suggested you to contact the distributor what happens." I did some research on IMEI, and I am confused. I am reasonably sure that the place I bought in Poland is legit (I got the box, warranty card, proof of purchase; the business has official government registration, and 99% satisfaction ratio for its ~2,000 sales). The mobile data worked in Poland, which would suggest IMEI was fine - until the flight/SIM change? What could have messed it up? And if it is, who can fix it for me? Seems like the Samsung rep wants me to take the phone halfway through the world and complain to the Polish seller? Should I try to get if fixed in Korea? Whose fault is it? It also seems like it is possible to get the IMEI changed without root, could it be that someone "stole" my IMEI number? Could IMEI numbers work in one country but not the other? Should I try to change the IMEI myself - and if so, are there any good guides for that? I also read that changing IMEI is not legal in many countries, but presumably the vendor/service center can do it? But who is the party that should fix my phone? The original vendor? Are IMEI problems covered through warranty?
So I bought a Sprint Note 8 (SM-N95OU) that was unlocked from eBay over a year ago. We use T-mobile for our service. Everything was going good until the phone would no longer boot up due to draining all the way to 0%. Called Samsung and they did a free replacement outside of warranty.
So now that it's been repaired it is UICC SIM carrier locked.
Under UICC unlock it says "your device is locked to Sprint SIMS only." A message pops up and says to contact sprint. I contact sprint and give the IMEI and they said I have to contact the owner. I assume they never unregistered it from their account.
Is there anyway we can go back to using the phone? I mean we paid for it and feel like we own it but according to the software it does not seem to be the case. Lol.
Will putting a Sprint SIM in unlock It? I notice it doesn't ask for a pin and I think I read they are unlocked via a signal. That signal would have to be resent or would communication on the Sprint network alone unlock it. Not sure If somehow it will know to unlock itself once it connects to sprints network?
Anyway any help or direction is appreciated. Not sure if I need to sell it to a Sprint user and get a different phone now.
Well I just paid somebody on eBay 10$ to unlock it. So far so good.
I had a very similar situation whichresulted in weeks of back-and-forth communication between Samsung and Sprint advanced technical support. Which that department is a joke in and of itself but the actual solution to my problem was just to insert an active Sprint SIM card into the device and then have them unlock it.
Hi. I just flashed a my Samsung SM-G973N (CSC: Korea SK Telecom; Exynos 9820). I am not in Korea. I inserted my local SIM card and the phone does not recognized it. It does not request for an 'unlock code' when I turn it on. Rest of the phone is fine.
The phone is not rooted. Can you help me fix it?
If I am reading the screen correctly, the last line says that the IMEI is "NG" which may mean "Not Good" or "No Good"... this would imply that the phone has been blacklisted or it's not unlocked.
I don't know Exynos phones that well, so it could be something else, but this is where I would start.
schwinn8 said:
If I am reading the screen correctly, the last line says that the IMEI is "NG" which may mean "Not Good" or "No Good"... this would imply that the phone has been blacklisted or it's not unlocked.
I don't know Exynos phones that well, so it could be something else, but this is where I would start.
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Click to collapse
Thank you. It's odd because the cell service was working before.
I know in the USA, carriers will sometimes lock the phone to their network, which means you cannot move to another network. So, if you just changed carriers, then that may be why the IMEI is "NG"... unless, of course, we're dealing with a language/translation issue, haha!
I would suggest putting the other SIM back in, and seeing if the "NG" changes. Ideally, if you can use the other carrier for a month, you may try that to see that it works, which would imply that the new SIM is physically bad/defective, or that the phone may be carrier-locked. If it's carrier locked, you may need to contact the "old" company to have them unlock it, so you can move to a different carrier. This is not something the user can do here in the US... the carrier has to do this.
I recently bought an unlocked Galaxy S10 SM-G973U on Amazon. Got new SIM card from a Verizon MVNO and activated phone. The phone downloaded Android 12, One UI version 4.0. Firmware Build number SP1A210812.016.G973USQS6HVA1. Service provide Software version SAOMC_SM-G973U_OYN_SPR_12_0007 SPR/XAA/VZW. The problem is there is no menu option to activate/switch on VoLTE which means when I'm on a call there is no internet. I've talked to the MVNO tech support multiple times and was told they couldn't see any problems on their side, or that the SM-G973U does not support VoLTE which is not true. I found on one of AT&T's sites that the SM-G973U needs a software patch to enable VoLTE. I also found a couple of USSD codes but they either didn't work or didn't get me to the right setup screen to turn on VoLTE. I even stopped by a Samsung store and they weren't any help either. They said they could re-flash a stock firmware but it would revert to being locked to a carrier which is apparently also not true based on what I've read on this forum. Anyone know how I can turn on VoLTE or know of an apk file or software patch to enable VoLTE?? Does one of the firmware versions posted online have the patch to turn on VoLTE??
I think the issue is that your phone is showing SPR/XAA/VZW. You say you're on a verizon MVNO (who, by the way?)... but your phone isn't seeing that. It's actually saying it's active for SPRint. The second one, XAA, means it's not able to detect the SIM type... and the third was that it was originally VZW, which you can't change and isn't really relevant. (That's just what the phone was "born" as).
Bottom line, your phone isn't seeing VZW or an MVNO as the active CSC nor the SIM card. In the past, the easy thing was to change the CSC to what you need, but I haven't found a way to do that actively. What's supposed to happen is that the CSC should update based on the SIM card and cell signal you're getting... but this doesn't always happen. I bought two phones - one switched with no issues, the other I could not get it to change no matter what I tried.
That said, the easiest thing is to clean flash the phone with ODIN to a VZW or your MVNO's ROM, so that (hopefully) the CSC updates automatically. You could also consider flashing a U1 (unlocked) ROM, as yours is not technically an unlocked ROM (U means it's a carrier ROM... which may be why it's not switching over?)
Again, I tried all of these on the second phone I bought, and nothing would switch it (my carrier is Total Wireless, which is a VZ MVNO, and actually shows up as Tracfone (TFN). I had to return that second phone and get another with TFN already activated, and that worked fine... so be sure you do this before you drop out of your return period.
Bottom line, you should be able to get this all working... my VOLTE/VOWIFI works fine... just a matter of getting you there.
Thanks. My carrier is Straight Talk which is now VZ. The SIM card they sent me has the wording "Verizon Compatible" written on it. I finally found a document that explains how to interpret the CSC codes and your explanation clarifies my understanding of it. Sound like I'll have to re-flash it. Since it was originally a VZW phone I'm thinking I should flash it back to VZW to see if that works before trying U1.
Dumb question as this is my first time flashing a phone. (I've flashed quite a few other things but never had to worry about CSC codes and bootloader versions, etc.) I don't see VZW firmware on samfirms or sammobile. I see Sprint, T-Mobile, and one listed as USA without carrier info but I don't see one for VZW. Can someone point me to the correct location to download SM-g973U and U1 firmware for VZW? Greatly appreciated and thanks for putting up with my lack of knowledge!
Edited: Found the files on sammobile. Will try the U1 (VZW) first. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
schwinn8 said:
I think the issue is that your phone is showing SPR/XAA/VZW. You say you're on a verizon MVNO (who, by the way?)... but your phone isn't seeing that. It's actually saying it's active for SPRint. The second one, XAA, means it's not able to detect the SIM type... and the third was that it was originally VZW, which you can't change and isn't really relevant. (That's just what the phone was "born" as).
Bottom line, your phone isn't seeing VZW or an MVNO as the active CSC nor the SIM card. In the past, the easy thing was to change the CSC to what you need, but I haven't found a way to do that actively. What's supposed to happen is that the CSC should update based on the SIM card and cell signal you're getting... but this doesn't always happen. I bought two phones - one switched with no issues, the other I could not get it to change no matter what I tried.
That said, the easiest thing is to clean flash the phone with ODIN to a VZW or your MVNO's ROM, so that (hopefully) the CSC updates automatically. You could also consider flashing a U1 (unlocked) ROM, as yours is not technically an unlocked ROM (U means it's a carrier ROM... which may be why it's not switching over?)
Again, I tried all of these on the second phone I bought, and nothing would switch it (my carrier is Total Wireless, which is a VZ MVNO, and actually shows up as Tracfone (TFN). I had to return that second phone and get another with TFN already activated, and that worked fine... so be sure you do this before you drop out of your return period.
Bottom line, you should be able to get this all working... my VOLTE/VOWIFI works fine... just a matter of getting you there.
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Click to collapse
Success! Was able to flash U1. VoLTE is now working. The CSC now shows TFN/TFN/VZW. Much appreciated!!!
Awesome, glad to hear that fixed it easily!
And TFN... I'm a fan there, too!
Hi! I'm having a similar issue with the same model and happy to see someone was able to enable VoLTE. However, most of what you said above is a foreign language to me. Would one of you be willing to give me a crash course in what you did?
Here's my specific situation. Last week (~1/4/23) Tracfone shutdown 3G. My Samsung Galaxy S10 (SM-G973U) says my network is set to LTE/3G/2G. I've read LTE is 4G, but still can't make or receive calls/texts, but data and 911 calls still work. Their tech support is no help.
From reading online it sounds like I may need VoLTE, not just LTE. Hence finding this thread. If one of you would be willing to spare some time to walk me through what you did I'd really appreciate it. In the mean time I'll try to figure out what "flashing" mean in a context that doesn't involve showing body parts
Thank you in advance!!
I'm on Tracfone (they were bought out by Verizon, BTW) - I was on Total Wireless before, which is now Total by Verizon. You might try contacting support again, as they are now VZ, and may have more help to offer.
My S10+ is running 975U1 now, and it works for VOLTE/VOWIFI properly. You may consider getting a U1 ROM installed, and maybe even the VZW (or TFN) version if available - that may get you working.
Did VOLTE ever work for you before on this or any other carrier? What is your CSC right now?
schwinn8 said:
I'm on Tracfone (they were bought out by Verizon, BTW) - I was on Total Wireless before, which is now Total by Verizon. You might try contacting support again, as they are now VZ, and may have more help to offer.
My S10+ is running 975U1 now, and it works for VOLTE/VOWIFI properly. You may consider getting a U1 ROM installed, and maybe even the VZW (or TFN) version if available - that may get you working.
Did VOLTE ever work for you before on this or any other carrier? What is your CSC right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying! I'm not entirely sure if VoLTE has worked previously. I bought this phone 6/2021 and have only haver had tracfone service for it. I did find in my setting that VoLTE calling is set to on so it seems like it should work. Of note, the 4Glte in my status bar has always been grayed out (I went back and looked at some old screenshots).
My current CSC is VZW/XAA/ATT.
I spoke with tracfone customer service yesterday and they had me reset my network setting and now I don't even have data and the 4Glte in my status bar that was previously gray has now completely disappeared.
Their customer service refuses to talk to me now (literally no one answers when it transfers to an agent) or they hang up on me, and no I haven't been rude, but I have told them I'm recording the call.
I bought a mint mobile package last night because I'm beyond frustrated with Tracfone. I'm worried I'll have the same problems with Mint. I'm not sure if my settings are screwed up or if it's just Tracfone. In any case things are worse now after talking to customer service yesterday.
I also notice there was no APN setting on my phone so I updated it today and restarted but no difference.
Thanks for any input!! Much appreciated. Sorry for the novel.
Ok, so based on your CSC, the phone is not seeing the SIM's carrier - it's showing XAA which means it's using the default settings, which is probably why your not getting VOLTE. The active CSC of "VZW" may be ok... depends on which carrier you're on with Tracfone. I think they're VZW only, but I'm not completely sure.
You may want to just get a new SIM card and get that activated. HOWEVER, the problem you'll likely face is that the phone was born ATT (last CSC). This means the IMEI won't match a "compatible" phone to Verizon, and they will flat out refuse to activate it (even though WE al know it will work fine). If you still want to do that, you will have to activate the new SIM on a VZ "compatible" phone, then you can swap it to the S10. Note that VZ complains about this when you talk to them... so don't tell them you're doing this... but I've done it many times and it works fine.
If your actual behind-the-scenes carrier is ATT, then you can do the activation with your phone without issue.
If none of this works for you, you can switch carriers to an ATT MVNO and you should be good to go.
schwinn8 said:
Ok, so based on your CSC, the phone is not seeing the SIM's carrier - it's showing XAA which means it's using the default settings, which is probably why your not getting VOLTE. The active CSC of "VZW" may be ok... depends on which carrier you're on with Tracfone. I think they're VZW only, but I'm not completely sure.
You may want to just get a new SIM card and get that activated. HOWEVER, the problem you'll likely face is that the phone was born ATT (last CSC). This means the IMEI won't match a "compatible" phone to Verizon, and they will flat out refuse to activate it (even though WE al know it will work fine). If you still want to do that, you will have to activate the new SIM on a VZ "compatible" phone, then you can swap it to the S10. Note that VZ complains about this when you talk to them... so don't tell them you're doing this... but I've done it many times and it works fine.
If your actual behind-the-scenes carrier is ATT, then you can do the activation with your phone without issue.
If none of this works for you, you can switch carriers to an ATT MVNO and you should be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK some of that was still over my head. I'll see what happens with the Mint Sim... one f/u question now though. You said the ATT means my phone was "born" ATT. I bought my phone off backmarket and it was sold as "unlocked". Was that not true? How can I be sure in the future if I buy a used phone that's not from my carrier that it will actually be compatible?
Unlocked just means it's not locked to a carrier. That is true in your case, otherwise you wouldn't have been able to install ANY non-ATT SIM. So, you did the right thing to get an unlocked phone, and that is what you got.
The issue with compatibility is just the asshole carriers spreading lies. They do this to try to get people to buy THEIR phones, for no reason other than to make money and confuse consumers. The "born" CSC has no bearing on anything, really... neither does the carrier-specified IMEI. In your case, the XAA is good, which means it's a multi-carrier ROM, which works with all USA carriers.
Mint is a good idea - being an ATT carrier (IIRC), that should work and they should help you get it up and running even if they have to activate it. Good luck!
Awesome! Fingers crossed!! Thank you for your time and all the info❣
I'll try to remember to give an update in a few weeks for future readers
Goldie8709 said:
Awesome! Fingers crossed!! Thank you for your time and all the info❣
I'll try to remember to give an update in a few weeks for future readers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE: Switching to Mint worked like a charm! Once my number ported and I put the new SIM card in, service was instantaneous! I've had Mint for 3 weeks now and the service is so much better than with Tracfone! My calls go through nearly as soon as I hit call, the internet is faster.
I didn't need to do a thing either. No making APN settings, etc. I'm betting it has to do with what you said about my phone being born ATT. So funny because the software(?) is Verizon - shows the Verizon when I restart/power up. I still love my bastard phone
So thankful I didn't buy a different phone!!! Again thanks for all your help @schwinn8
Thanks for reporting back and letting us all know, and I'm glad it worked out well!
Yeah, the carriers pull this nonsense all the time... it's BS. The phones are all the same, only the ROM changes. If we can change ROMs (which we can) then there should be no reason to force users to specific IMEIs. But we know why they do this - follow the money. I encourage people to write to the FTC and FCC about this (I have).