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Hello,
I just retired my venerable Samsung T699 Relay 4G (RIP QWERTY Keyboard) and, just picked up an unlocked, "refurbished" AT&T Note 3 for pretty cheap (it was sold as an "International" model, so I didn't know it was an AT&T version until I got it). I've had T-Mobile service for the last couple of years, and the big draw, for me, is WiFi calling/SMS; I've installed SafeStrap and been trying some T-Mobile ROMs, but can't seem to get WiFi calling to work. Obviously I've got a T-Mobile SIM card, and I've tried changing/adding APNs, and installing different builds of KitKat (some of which won't even boot - NB4 and NF9 seem to work best), but I still can't get it to work properly. I've been racking my brain and searching the Interspace for the last two weeks with no luck... what am I missing? Is it even possible?
Thanks in advance!
Hello,
As a fellow N900A user on Tmobile, I have been trying to get wifi calling as well.
I tried using a tmobile stock rom with wifi calling baked in (tweaked), but that did not work. I was told that I need to add an emergency 911 address, but even doing this did not do it.
I would think that wifi calling is doable, but something tells me that tmobile might be doing something similar to Verizon. Rumor was that Verizon had a list of IMEIs, and if your IMEI was not on their list, you couldn't bring the phone over to Verizon, even if it were CDMA capable (once again, this is rumor as I cannot confirm this is true).
The closest I have been to getting wifi calling through tmobile was having the settings show on the stock tmobile rom, but that was about it. Maybe someone in the forums has an answer/got it working, but I have yet to see one. I'll keep you posted if I somehow get it to work, but something tells me this won't happen for a while.
AresRising said:
Hello,
I just retired my venerable Samsung T699 Relay 4G (RIP QWERTY Keyboard) and, just picked up an unlocked, "refurbished" AT&T Note 3 for pretty cheap (it was sold as an "International" model, so I didn't know it was an AT&T version until I got it). I've had T-Mobile service for the last couple of years, and the big draw, for me, is WiFi calling/SMS; I've installed SafeStrap and been trying some T-Mobile ROMs, but can't seem to get WiFi calling to work. Obviously I've got a T-Mobile SIM card, and I've tried changing/adding APNs, and installing different builds of KitKat (some of which won't even boot - NB4 and NF9 seem to work best), but I still can't get it to work properly. I've been racking my brain and searching the Interspace for the last two weeks with no luck... what am I missing? Is it even possible?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gangpe said:
Hello,
As a fellow N900A user on Tmobile, I have been trying to get wifi calling as well.
I tried using a tmobile stock rom with wifi calling baked in (tweaked), but that did not work. I was told that I need to add an emergency 911 address, but even doing this did not do it.
I would think that wifi calling is doable, but something tells me that tmobile might be doing something similar to Verizon. Rumor was that Verizon had a list of IMEIs, and if your IMEI was not on their list, you couldn't bring the phone over to Verizon, even if it were CDMA capable (once again, this is rumor as I cannot confirm this is true).
The closest I have been to getting wifi calling through tmobile was having the settings show on the stock tmobile rom, but that was about it. Maybe someone in the forums has an answer/got it working, but I have yet to see one. I'll keep you posted if I somehow get it to work, but something tells me this won't happen for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, considering I have zero service with any provider where I live (but 4G LTE 100 yards down the street), WiFi services were the single reason I went with T-Mobile. Considering the Unlocking Bill, one wouldn't think a carrier could block IMEIs from being used on another carrier... but I have a hard time reading the fine print, so there is that.
I've tried several of the stock T-Mobile ROMs, and while WiFi calling was there, it simply wouldn't enable; it would try to enable, but never would. Have you contacted T-Mobile and asked if there are any potential fixes? I'm considering doing that, but am worried that they'll say "Oh, that's your IMEI, looks like you can't use it on our network SORRYABOUTYOURLUCK!"
I have contacted tmobile about this before.
Their response was that they did not know why it did not work. They helped me set up the emergency 911 address, but they said when it comes to other hardware they couldn't give me a reason why it wouldn't work.
I remember dwetherill (sp?) mention that some n900a users were able to get wifi calling on their phones. I don't know if the modem can/will affect wifi calling, but at this point it's the easier thing to test.
I'm on the NJ5 modem - I might try testing out NC2.
Have you tried carl's TMB version of the norma stable rom? Check it out if you haven't. Wifi calling is supposed to connect automatically. I haven't seen it work yet, but I'll keep you posted if somehow I get it to work.
AresRising said:
Yeah, considering I have zero service with any provider where I live (but 4G LTE 100 yards down the street), WiFi services were the single reason I went with T-Mobile. Considering the Unlocking Bill, one wouldn't think a carrier could block IMEIs from being used on another carrier... but I have a hard time reading the fine print, so there is that.
I've tried several of the stock T-Mobile ROMs, and while WiFi calling was there, it simply wouldn't enable; it would try to enable, but never would. Have you contacted T-Mobile and asked if there are any potential fixes? I'm considering doing that, but am worried that they'll say "Oh, that's your IMEI, looks like you can't use it on our network SORRYABOUTYOURLUCK!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gangpe said:
I have contacted tmobile about this before.
Their response was that they did not know why it did not work. They helped me set up the emergency 911 address, but they said when it comes to other hardware they couldn't give me a reason why it wouldn't work.
I remember dwetherill (sp?) mention that some n900a users were able to get wifi calling on their phones. I don't know if the modem can/will affect wifi calling, but at this point it's the easier thing to test.
I'm on the NJ5 modem - I might try testing out NC2.
Have you tried carl's TMB version of the norma stable rom? Check it out if you haven't. Wifi calling is supposed to connect automatically. I haven't seen it work yet, but I'll keep you posted if somehow I get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on NC2, and haven't gotten anything to work as of yet... I've been looking for modem threads, but I guess I need to look a little harder. I'll search that ROM out and give it a shot, and let you know if it works with NC2. Thanks for the heads-up! :good:
So I tried NC2 modem, and it is not allowing for wifi calling.
I went to tmobile yesterday to get another line added. Rumor on the tmobile side is that AT&T is working to get wifi calling setup for the n900a's by around April. Take it as a rumor at this point, seeing how it came from tmobile, but the rep made a good point - AT&T tends to follow what tmobile is doing, so who knows.
Here's to hoping they're right.
BTW, I went to the note 4 tmobile forums, and I grabbed a deodexed stock rom. I noticed that there were a few files related to wifi calling (had WFC in the name). I tried playing around with it last night, and I managed to get the settings. It will even go so far as to turn the phone GSM radio off when you select wifi only. It's doing what Tweaked was doing for me (which was keeping the wifi calling option grayed out (enabling). I think I'm still missing a few files to get it to work, but I'll keep playing around with it later and let you know if I have any success.
AresRising said:
I'm on NC2, and haven't gotten anything to work as of yet... I've been looking for modem threads, but I guess I need to look a little harder. I'll search that ROM out and give it a shot, and let you know if it works with NC2. Thanks for the heads-up! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gangpe said:
So I tried NC2 modem, and it is not allowing for wifi calling.
I went to tmobile yesterday to get another line added. Rumor on the tmobile side is that AT&T is working to get wifi calling setup for the n900a's by around April. Take it as a rumor at this point, seeing how it came from tmobile, but the rep made a good point - AT&T tends to follow what tmobile is doing, so who knows.
Here's to hoping they're right.
BTW, I went to the note 4 tmobile forums, and I grabbed a deodexed stock rom. I noticed that there were a few files related to wifi calling (had WFC in the name). I tried playing around with it last night, and I managed to get the settings. It will even go so far as to turn the phone GSM radio off when you select wifi only. It's doing what Tweaked was doing for me (which was keeping the wifi calling option grayed out (enabling). I think I'm still missing a few files to get it to work, but I'll keep playing around with it later and let you know if I have any success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder how that would work regarding using a T-Mobile SIM in the AT&T phone, and if it could support cross-carrier features like that.
You're a braver soul than I, that's for sure. If I knew anything about what I was looking at/for, I'd be more than willing to help get this nut cracked... otherwise, I look forward to your findings!
Good Morning Group,
I have VZW service. The Nexus 6 is from TMobile. In my infinite wisdom or rather the lack their off. I decided that I was over not having data while talking. I downloaded the VZW LMY47E image and followed the instructions found in the Nexus 6 general sticky roll up. How to flash factory images.
The short method did not work but the long method did. I rooted it and added TWRP recovery. Apart from that I left it stock.
I dialed *#*#4636#*#*. and turned off VOLTE provisioning flag. Then I checked for enhanced 4G under phone settings and it was enabled.
Awesome right....Wrong. I decided to test it. All calls immediately end after starting them flashing 00:00 time stamp. I decided to pull my sim and put it back into my S4 and dial *228 option 1 and I can make calls using my sim. Something must have went wrong.
What that is I have no clue.
I was thinking of flashing the 5.1 TMobile image but everything that I have read suggest that if you are on VZW you should use LMY47E.
As you can imagine not having phone service kicks rocks. I figured Id ask before flashing and or making anything else worse.
Thanks in advance.
*228 should never be done on an lte device.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
PHP:
akellar said:
*228 should never be done on an lte device.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I know. Did I harm anything? I also booted into recovery and wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache partition. To no avail...
onyxbfly said:
PHP:
Now I know. Did I harm anything? I also booted into recovery and wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache partition. To no avail...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Typically provisions the sim to 3g prl. Likely need a new sim.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
onyxbfly said:
I was thinking of flashing the 5.1 TMobile image but everything that I have read suggest that if you are on VZW you should use LMY47E.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing another factory image will do nothing to help your problem.
I agree with the above suggestion of starting with a replacement SIM.
And whatever you do, DO NOT TRY RELOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER. It will not help, and you may brick your device, unless you follow @Evolution_Freak 's guide.
akellar said:
Typically provisions the sim to 3g prl. Likely need a new sim.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FML will they give me a new sim for a phone that did not come from them? Even if the sim was locked into 3g shouldn't I be able to make calls?
Edit: I put my sim back into my S4 and it displays 3G like you said. I can make calls on the S4 but no on my Nexus 6. I put the sim back into my nexus 6 and it displays LTE but I can not make calls
onyxbfly said:
FML will they give me a new sim for a phone that did not come from them? Even if the sim was locked into 3g shouldn't I be able to make calls?
Edit: I put my sim back into my S4 and it displays 3G like you said. I can make calls on the S4 but no on my Nexus 6. I put the sim back into my nexus 6 and it displays LTE but I can not make calls
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn off volte and try. Either way, get a new sim
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
onyxbfly said:
FML will they give me a new sim for a phone that did not come from them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they won't if you tell them it's for your N6. You'll have to tell them it's for a "legitimate" VZW phone.
akellar said:
Typically provisions the sim to 3g prl. Likely need a new sim.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cam30era said:
Flashing another factory image will do nothing to help your problem.
I agree with the above suggestion of starting with a replacement SIM.
And whatever you do, DO NOT TRY RELOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER. It will not help, and you may brick your device, unless you follow @Evolution_Freak 's guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put my sim back into my S4 and it displays 3G like you said. I can make calls on the S4 but no on my Nexus 6. I put the sim back into my nexus 6 and it displays LTE but I can not make calls .
So basically you are saying just go to a Verizon store and ask for a new nano sim and ask them to activate it? Or do you suggest asking for a sim for my S4 and cutting it down to size again?
akellar said:
Turn off volte and try. Either way, get a new sim
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I dial *#*#4636#*#* my phone looks at me like Essentially I cant access that menu any more since its not dialing. I have data and it just backed up my apps from the play store.
cam30era said:
No they won't if you tell them it's for your N6. You'll have to tell them it's for a "legitimate" VZW phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try to sort it out.
I decided to try reflashing the LMY47E image again. After doing so I was able to get 3G and make and receive calls. I went to VZW and they gave me bloody hell about getting a replacement sim.
Essentially they were not having it. They wanted to see the physical phone that the card would be activated in. I went back to my car and gave them my S4. To make a long story short they gave me a VZW sim for my S4. Got back home and cut the micro down to nano. I now have LTE service.
But I do not have VOLTE. I dialed *#*#4636#*#* and turned off VOLTE provisioning flag. I have enhanced 4g calling under phone options. But I can not browse a web page or talk on the on the phone while using GPS etc. Is VOLTE supposed to be turned on or off.
With it off I do not get the enhanced 4g calling options. With it on I do get enhanced 4g. Either way it doesn't work lol. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I'm just happy to be up and running again.
Thanks once again for your time and patience with my N6!!!!!!!!
onyxbfly said:
I decided to try reflashing the LMY47E image again. After doing so I was able to get 3G and make and receive calls. I went to VZW and they gave me bloody hell about getting a replacement sim.
Essentially they were not having it. They wanted to see the physical phone that the card would be activated in. I went back to my car and gave them my S4. To make a long story short they gave me a VZW sim for my S4. Got back home and cut the micro down to nano. I now have LTE service.
But I do not have VOLTE. I dialed *#*#4636#*#* and turned off VOLTE provisioning flag. I have enhanced 4g calling under phone options. But I can not browse a web page or talk on the on the phone while using GPS etc. Is VOLTE supposed to be turned on or off.
With it off I do not get the enhanced 4g calling options. With it on I do get enhanced 4g. Either way it doesn't work lol. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I'm just happy to be up and running again.
Thanks once again for your time and patience with my N6!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have advanced calling activated on your account? I don't believe that the S4 has advanced calling. You may have to put your sim card into a VZW device that requires it and then have them activate the feature.
Yea.... Did you ever activate the service on your account. You need to login in the website or call and turn the feature on. Dialing weird numbers and turning flags on in your phone won't do jack until the service is turned on within verizon.
slimc84 said:
Do you have advanced calling activated on your account? I don't believe that the S4 has advanced calling. You may have to put your sim card into a VZW device that requires it and then have them activate the feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never had a problem with using data while talking on the phone with my S4. Regardless if it was the stock rom or not.
dansan382 said:
Yea.... Did you ever activate the service on your account. You need to login in the website or call and turn the feature on. Dialing weird numbers and turning flags on in your phone won't do jack until the service is turned on within verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I am a member of a family plan. I will speak to my cousin who is the account owner and ask him to double to check and see if it has been advanced calling and HD calling has been enabled on my account.
Thanks for the suggestions.
onyxbfly said:
Unfortunately I am a member of a family plan. I will speak to my cousin who is the account owner and ask him to double to check and see if it has been advanced calling and HD calling has been enabled on my account.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can pretty much say thats your problem. it isn't turned on by default so it needs to be turned on. no amount of flashing software or hitting buttons on your phone will help. I think you can even call the 611 number and when it gets to the voice prompts just say advanced calling one point zero. it should try to turn the feature on within that line.
onyxbfly said:
I never had a problem with using data while talking on the phone with my S4. Regardless if it was the stock rom or not.
Unfortunately I am a member of a family plan. I will speak to my cousin who is the account owner and ask him to double to check and see if it has been advanced calling and HD calling has been enabled on my account.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S4 had dual antennas so there was no need for the Advanced Calling feature. The Nexus only has a single antenna and requires Advanced Calling to be enabled on the account and the device in order for it to work.
dansan382 said:
i can pretty much say thats your problem. it isn't turned on by default so it needs to be turned on. no amount of flashing software or hitting buttons on your phone will help. I think you can even call the 611 number and when it gets to the voice prompts just say advanced calling one point zero. it should try to turn the feature on within that line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the number. The CS Rep said they can not make any change to the account because I dont have the password or pin.
Ironically one of the main reasons for getting a new phone was that my S4 wanted to power off randomly and it would be a chore just to get it to power back on and stay on. This time it would not turn at all so I was forced to call from my old thunderbolt.
I called the number you gave me while surfing the web on the phone. The CS Rep said that any 4G / LTE phone can use data over voice except for iphone due to their antenna construction. I guess its true I was just doing it.
But anyway it really shouldn't be a process just to get data while talking on the phone with the nexus.
The phone they have listed for my account is a S4. They said advanced calling and HD calling will be available for the S4 when they provide a software update. He had no clue to when the update would be released.
Just for Sh1t and giggles I inquired with the CS res in regards to purchasing a phone from google and using it. He said that I could go to a Verizon store and they would add it and give me a nano sim. I just thanked him for his time. I guess thats true right until you walk in their with it.
My nexus is from TMobile and from what I read people across various forums are having issues with getting their Nexus 6 added to their account regardless of where it came from.
Seems like verizon is really working hard to make the nexus 6 experience a pain in the ass. I dont need or want HD calling. Is asking to talk and look up something on the web or use gps to much to ask for....
onyxbfly said:
Thanks for the number. The CS Rep said they can not make any change to the account because I dont have the password or pin.
Ironically one of the main reasons for getting a new phone was that my S4 wanted to power off randomly and it would be a chore just to get it to power back on and stay on. This time it would not turn at all so I was forced to call from my old thunderbolt.
I called the number you gave me while surfing the web on the phone. The CS Rep said that any 4G / LTE phone can use data over voice except for iphone due to their antenna construction. I guess its true I was just doing it.
But anyway it really shouldn't be a process just to get data while talking on the phone with the nexus.
The phone they have listed for my account is a S4. They said advanced calling and HD calling will be available for the S4 when they provide a software update. He had no clue to when the update would be released.
Just for Sh1t and giggles I inquired with the CS res in regards to purchasing a phone from google and using it. He said that I could go to a Verizon store and they would add it and give me a nano sim. I just thanked him for his time. I guess thats true right until you walk in their with it.
My nexus is from TMobile and from what I read people across various forums are having issues with getting their Nexus 6 added to their account regardless of where it came from.
Seems like verizon is really working hard to make the nexus 6 experience a pain in the ass. I dont need or want HD calling. Is asking to talk and look up something on the web or use gps to much to ask for....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem. you dont even need to speak with anyone in order to activate. some people reported just using the prompts, speaking with a machine it was able to turn it on. either way, good luck and glad you got some info.
I literally just got back from best buy with my unbranded unlocked nexus 6. they didnt have any "verizon versions". I will be cutting my sim card thats in my GS4 and throwing it into the nexus so i wont have to deal with verizon. i already had them send me a nano sim so just in case i have a backup. if i completely mess it up, ill go back to verizon and get a new sim for my GS4 and start over again
slimc84 said:
The S4 had dual antennas so there was no need for the Advanced Calling feature. The Nexus only has a single antenna and requires Advanced Calling to be enabled on the account and the device in order for it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification. I did not know.
How should I go about this? I called and they said the phone that is listed is a S4. Currently advanced calling is not enabled for the S4. They said I would need to do a phone swap and or sim swap for a newer phone. If the phone is not listed on my account/ number what do I tell ask or tell them so they will enable it?
dansan382 said:
no problem. you dont even need to speak with anyone in order to activate. some people reported just using the prompts, speaking with a machine it was able to turn it on. either way, good luck and glad you got some info.
I literally just got back from best buy with my unbranded unlocked nexus 6. they didnt have any "verizon versions". I will be cutting my sim card thats in my GS4 and throwing it into the nexus so i wont have to deal with verizon. i already had them send me a nano sim so just in case i have a backup. if i completely mess it up, ill go back to verizon and get a new sim for my GS4 and start over again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works fresh out the box. Mine did and it was from TMobile. I didn't do factory resets or anything insert sim and load up my apps and enjoyed.
I used a sim card cutter that I got from Amazon. Cut it popped it in and everything was lovely. I didn't notice that I couldn't talk and use gps until i was actually driving. The sim cutter is a good investment because it comes with sim card adapters that will allow you to use your sim in any phone.
I wonder how the people got it activated using the prompts. Did they call from their nexus or their old verizon phone?
The only reason I decided to flash the LMY47E rom is to get data over voice. Hopefully I will get this sorted out sooner than later.
Both my dad and I picked up the Note 8 on launch day. I had zero issue enabling wifi calling out of the box, and in fact it seems to be working quite well for me. He's not had the same success. At first it said it would have to disable Google Voice. We uninstalled the app, and had Sprint de-integrate his number with Google Voice, so that the carrier stock voicemail could be configured. That didn't work initially either, and he spent some time at the store having their tech fix it. I wasn't there, so I'm not sure what they did, but eventually they got the voicemail working. So then he came around asking me to set up wifi calling. I attempted to, only this time the setup prompt insisted that it be allowed to disable Voicemail first. But since that's a system app, I'm not sure how that can be done. And given his problems with voicemail to date, I'm reticent to let it try and disable his voicemail again.
Anybody else run into this problem? Is there some sort of fix that doesn't involve another visit to Sprint?
beerindex said:
Both my dad and I picked up the Note 8 on launch day. I had zero issue enabling wifi calling out of the box, and in fact it seems to be working quite well for me. He's not had the same success. At first it said it would have to disable Google Voice. We uninstalled the app, and had Sprint de-integrate his number with Google Voice, so that the carrier stock voicemail could be configured. That didn't work initially either, and he spent some time at the store having their tech fix it. I wasn't there, so I'm not sure what they did, but eventually they got the voicemail working. So then he came around asking me to set up wifi calling. I attempted to, only this time the setup prompt insisted that it be allowed to disable Voicemail first. But since that's a system app, I'm not sure how that can be done. And given his problems with voicemail to date, I'm reticent to let it try and disable his voicemail again.
Anybody else run into this problem? Is there some sort of fix that doesn't involve another visit to Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are having issues with things not working on Sprint, I first had to factory reset...all was well afterwards...make sure you have a brand new SIM for the Note 8...is it a Sprint or Unlocked device (SM-N950U or SM-950U1)
BlueFox721 said:
If you are having issues with things not working on Sprint, I first had to factory reset...all was well afterwards...make sure you have a brand new SIM for the Note 8...is it a Sprint or Unlocked device (SM-N950U or SM-950U1)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a N950U from Sprint with carrier lock.
beerindex said:
It is a N950U from Sprint with carrier lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coolness, factory reset is probably the best...unless it is because of a previously used SIM
I have an unlocked note 8 (US) on Verizon, and no wifi calling at all.
WiFi Calling on Verizon?
bovineyard said:
I have an unlocked note 8 (US) on Verizon, and no wifi calling at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I bought mine directly from Samsung and just found out that the option to select WiFi calling is missing! I rely on this at home because we live in a valley with poor cell phone reception (I have to step to a front window to make/receive calls without WiFi calling).
jeffp25 said:
Same here. I bought mine directly from Samsung and just found out that the option to select WiFi calling is missing! I rely on this at home because we live in a valley with poor cell phone reception (I have to step to a front window to make/receive calls without WiFi calling).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash Verizon firmware if you want WiFi calling on Verizon...but some users have successfully had it added to the unlocked version by calling Verizon and adding their imei to Verizon database....search the threads if you need...
BlueFox721 said:
You can flash Verizon firmware if you want WiFi calling on Verizon...but some users have successfully had it added to the unlocked version by calling Verizon and adding their imei to Verizon database....search the threads if you need...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I tried searching the threads but didn't find much. Maybe I need to change how I'm searching. If I do need to "flash the Verizon firmware," where can I find instructions and will it add bloat or reduce the functionality in any way (I wanted non-Verizon because of the way Verizon changed features on my Note 5)? Will flashing the firmware interfere with the Samsung support?
jeffp25 said:
Thanks. I tried searching the threads but didn't find much. Maybe I need to change how I'm searching. If I do need to "flash the Verizon firmware," where can I find instructions and will it add bloat or reduce the functionality in any way (I wanted non-Verizon because of the way Verizon changed features on my Note 5)? Will flashing the firmware interfere with the Samsung support?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash Verizon firmware with Odin using this guide:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...k-recovery-odin-recovery-software-t3671615...
Some Samsung features are blocked by carriers...I do not know what Verizon blocks...search is better from pc
BlueFox721 said:
You can flash Verizon firmware with Odin using this guide:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...k-recovery-odin-recovery-software-t3671615...
Some Samsung features are blocked by carriers...I do not know what Verizon blocks...search is better from pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called Samsung tech support and they confirmed that this feature is not in the based version of Android but the ones distributed by the carriers. The tech suggested calling Verizon and asking them to install the firmware. Anyone know if (assuming they agree) this will be the full package, including all the bloatware, and if this will remove any features from the phone? Would the "upgrade" wipe out the phone so that I have to set everything up again?
When I bought my Note 5 from Verizon two years ago I was upset to find that they had removed the PDF signing capability that was a big feature of the Note 5. I'd really hate to lose any features on my new Note 8, after all that's why I bought directly from Samsung.
jeffp25 said:
I called Samsung tech support and they confirmed that this feature is not in the based version of Android but the ones distributed by the carriers. The tech suggested calling Verizon and asking them to install the firmware. Anyone know if (assuming they agree) this will be the full package, including all the bloatware, and if this will remove any features from the phone? Would the "upgrade" wipe out the phone so that I have to set everything up again?
When I bought my Note 5 from Verizon two years ago I was upset to find that they had removed the PDF signing capability that was a big feature of the Note 5. I'd really hate to lose any features on my new Note 8, after all that's why I bought directly from Samsung.
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Click to collapse
In order for you to remain on unlocked firmware to avoid bloat and keep Samsung goodies you must call Verizon to have the imei # to their whitelist and reprovisioned...I did this for Sprint to enable VoLTE when available...others with Verizon have done the same...call Verizon cs and tell them you bought from Samsung and need to have your imei # whitelisted and reprovisioned to improve network connection...if one rep will not do it, call another...do not mention that it is unlocked version...just state that you got from Samsung on a Note 7 deal...afterwards, all Verizon features will work on unlocked except vvm...Google voice is better anyways
BlueFox721 said:
In order for you to remain on unlocked firmware to avoid bloat and keep Samsung goodies you must call Verizon to have the imei # to their whitelist and reprovisioned...I did this for Sprint to enable VoLTE when available...others with Verizon have done the same...call Verizon cs and tell them you bought from Samsung and need to have your imei # whitelisted and reprovisioned to improve network connection...if one rep will not do it, call another...do not mention that it is unlocked version...just state that you got from Samsung on a Note 7 deal...afterwards, all Verizon features will work on unlocked except vvm...Google voice is better anyways
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Click to collapse
If I get them to add my imei to the whitelist and "reprovision" the phone, when they do that the option for WiFi calling will appear?
I'm slightly puzzled by your vvm comment: will all Verizon voicemail be non-functional or only Visual Voicemail? I have Google Voice set up to provide a second number on my phone. How do I use it to set up voice mail on my phone with my Verizon number?
jeffp25 said:
If I get them to add my imei to the whitelist and "reprovision" the phone, when they do that the option for WiFi calling will appear?
I'm slightly puzzled by your vvm comment: will all Verizon voicemail be non-functional or only Visual Voicemail? I have Google Voice set up to provide a second number on my phone. How do I use it to set up voice mail on my phone with my Verizon number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VVM is only on carrier Firmware...it is baked in...some have gotten it to work on unlocked but I do not know how...regular voicemail works fine...especially with Google voice...to set it up you forward to Google voice...for Sprint it is dialing *73mygooglevoicenumber...I do not know the forward shortcut for verizon but it used to be *71yourgooglevoicenumber...
Your Google voice number is shown in the settings of Google voice.
Yes WiFi calling and VoLTE will work once imei is added...look for WiFi calling in the phone settings...
BlueFox721 said:
VVM is only on carrier Firmware...it is baked in...some have gotten it to work on unlocked but I do not know how...regular voicemail works fine...especially with Google voice...to set it up you forward to Google voice...for Sprint it is dialing *73mygooglevoicenumber...I do not know the forward shortcut for verizon but it used to be *71yourgooglevoicenumber...
Your Google voice number is shown in the settings of Google voice.
Yes WiFi calling and VoLTE will work once imei is added...look for WiFi calling in the phone settings...
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Click to collapse
OK, I'll have to try and reach them. I'll follow up with my results later.
No luck with today's call
BlueFox721 said:
VVM is only on carrier Firmware...it is baked in...some have gotten it to work on unlocked but I do not know how...regular voicemail works fine...especially with Google voice...to set it up you forward to Google voice...for Sprint it is dialing *73mygooglevoicenumber...I do not know the forward shortcut for verizon but it used to be *71yourgooglevoicenumber...
Your Google voice number is shown in the settings of Google voice.
Yes WiFi calling and VoLTE will work once imei is added...look for WiFi calling in the phone settings...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, I found the Google Voice shortcut for Verizon is what you thought: *71yourgooglevoicenumber
Now for my bad news. I spent nearly an hour on the phone with Verizon tech support. After being bounced around a little, I spoke with a woman who kept contacting their "Network Team" for more details, and who tried to be very helpful, but in the end I am no further ahead. In the end, they said that adding my phone to the Whitelist was "Out of Scope" because the phone was already unlocked and functioning on Verizon. She said that all she could suggest was to contact Samsung, and that Verizon tech support would be happy to have a three-way conference call with Samsung tech support (they would call) to see what could be done, and that she'd put a note in my account about this issue.
Now, if I call back and try to speak to anyone else they will see this note that that will be it. So, I'm back to not being able to make phone calls at home.
jeffp25 said:
First, I found the Google Voice shortcut for Verizon is what you thought: *71yourgooglevoicenumber
Now for my bad news. I spent nearly an hour on the phone with Verizon tech support. After being bounced around a little, I spoke with a woman who kept contacting their "Network Team" for more details, and who tried to be very helpful, but in the end I am no further ahead. In the end, they said that adding my phone to the Whitelist was "Out of Scope" because the phone was already unlocked and functioning on Verizon. She said that all she could suggest was to contact Samsung, and that Verizon tech support would be happy to have a three-way conference call with Samsung tech support (they would call) to see what could be done, and that she'd put a note in my account about this issue.
Now, if I call back and try to speak to anyone else they will see this note that that will be it. So, I'm back to not being able to make phone calls at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may be stuck with flashing complete firmware...you can always root the complete firmware and debloat...sorry it's not working for you
BlueFox721 said:
You may be stuck with flashing complete firmware...you can always root the complete firmware and debloat...sorry it's not working for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now, I have a partial solution for the poor phone connection at home: years ago, after we had complained a lot about a poor signal at home, Verizon gave us a free "Network extender," which acts as a mini tower in our house (connected through the house Internet). It is only 3G, so I disconnected it when we had WiFi calling on our phones. Now, I'll reconnect it. The only problem is that is won't connect to a phone with VoLTE calling enabled, so I have to remember to turn off VoLTE calling when I get home, and turn it back on when I leave so that I can keep my Internet access on a phone call.
Hello,
Does anyone know if there are versions of the Google Pixel 5 that have locked bootloaders? For example on the Galaxy S10e Snapdragon model you can't enable OEM unlocking with a certain bootloader version, however on the Exynos version this isn't as much of an issue. Are there specific updates on the Google Pixel that may prevent you from using GrapheneOS? If I get a Google Pixel I want to ensure it will be compatible with GrapheneOS.
Thanks!
Verizon is locked. Keep away from Verizon variants for basically any device if you want it to have bootloader unlocking. AT&T also I believe. Unlocked variant is usually the way to go.
andybones said:
Verizon is locked. Keep away from Verizon variants for basically any device if you want it to have bootloader unlocking. AT&T also I believe. Unlocked variant is usually the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming you're American? I don't live in the USA so that shouldn't be a problem. If I go to a carrier in my country I'll see if they will let me handle the phone before buying it. I'd check to see if the OEM can be unlocked. Is there anything I should test or look at on the phone to determine compatibility?
Skyty said:
I'm assuming you're American? I don't live in the USA so that shouldn't be a problem. If I go to a carrier in my country I'll see if they will let me handle the phone before buying it. I'd check to see if the OEM can be unlocked. Is there anything I should test or look at on the phone to determine compatibility?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am, sadly.
May I ask why not just buy the unlocked variant? I use it here in the US, and it seems to not be hardware specific. When I bought the Pixel 5 I was on Verizon, and switched recently to AT&T, and all it took was swapping of the sim card and all is working fine.
Are other carriers cheaper?
And If I am understanding correctly, as long as you can get into those dev settings and verify "OEM unlocking" is there and working, you are set. But, don't fall back on just my limited knowledge, as I don't really know outside the US, and as far as Pixels are concerned, once its bootloader is unlocked, nothing will be locking it down, like on Samsung. Sans strange cases like paying to unlock the bootloader of a locked down carrier variant, which I haven't come across on the Pixel 5.
andybones said:
I am, sadly.
May I ask why not just buy the unlocked variant? I use it here in the US, and it seems to not be hardware specific. When I bought the Pixel 5 I was on Verizon, and switched recently to AT&T, and all it took was swapping of the sim card and all is working fine.
Are other carriers cheaper?
And If I am understanding correctly, as long as you can get into those dev settings and verify "OEM unlocking" is there and working, you are set. But, don't fall back on just my limited knowledge, as I don't really know outside the US, and as far as Pixels are concerned, once its bootloader is unlocked, nothing will be locking it down, like on Samsung. Sans strange cases like paying to unlock the bootloader of a locked down carrier variant, which I haven't come across on the Pixel 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And here we come full circle once again. The problem is that unlocked does not mean bootloader unlockable which I know you know but others might not. GrapheneOS needs to have an unlocked bootloader or it will not install. I don't know how a buyer can get a business to boot into the OS in order to see if the OEM switch is active. But as you state that is really the only way to tell. @Skyty which carrier are you using? I don't know how you will get that guarantee that you can unlock the bootloader but that is really what you need to do if you can't handle the phone.
In the case of Pixels, the unlocked version has the added bonus of having an unlockable bootloader, Google doesn't seem to play the games that Samsung does. They're both carrier unlocked and don't have the bootloader super locked down.
andybones said:
Verizon is locked. Keep away from Verizon variants for basically any device if you want it to have bootloader unlocking. AT&T also I believe. Unlocked variant is usually the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People that say "don't buy the Verizon model" never tell you that the unlocked Google version of the pixels brought to the Verizon network will NOT be VoLTE and preferred/default wifi calling options. There is NO root solution to this limitation that works.
Schroeder09 said:
People that say "don't buy the Verizon model" never tell you that the unlocked Google version of the pixels brought to the Verizon network will NOT be VoLTE and preferred/default wifi calling options. There is NO root solution to this limitation that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong but in my post I did say "usually" the way to go.
And, just to state, I had no issues with VoLTE on my rooted, unlocked variant P5 on Verizon, nor At&T, VoWIFI works also.. what am I doing special? Just curious. Here I am on a call using VoLTE.
Also, if they are creating VoLTE Magisk modules for China and more. This is the first complaint I've read about this issue. My HTC 10 was also an unlocked variant on Verizon with VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling and preferred options were the same as my brother stock un-rooted Verizon variant. So, I'm lost. Sorry.
Schroeder09 said:
People that say "don't buy the Verizon model" never tell you that the unlocked Google version of the pixels brought to the Verizon network will NOT be VoLTE and preferred/default wifi calling options. There is NO root solution to this limitation that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain this statement? I don't use wifi calling but I'm willing to test out your theories. I have an unlocked Google P5 and I'm on the Verizon network.
bobby janow said:
Can you please explain this statement? I don't use wifi calling but I'm willing to test out your theories. I have an unlocked Google P5 and I'm on the Verizon network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you buy the Google bootloader unlocked phones and being them to Verizon they do NOT have all the locked down Verizon version phone capabilities. On a pixel with a locked bootloader purchased from vzw you will have options in your settings to enable VoLTE services AND to enable Wi-Fi calling by default meaning whenever you're on wifi the phone will default to making calls over wifi as opposed to a network. This is useful of you have poor reception in your house or place of work.
Without it the phone will only use wifi to make calls when the network is very, very poor, and it still will only use wifi sporadically. It will switch to the wifi network AFTER the call starts sometimes. This will cause momentary dead air where you miss words and may think you dropped the call. It's a total PITA. There are supposed fixes and options you can toggle in the phone app by dialing some crazy number which is actually a code to access options and settings in the phone app. None of these options work. There are 3 guys in the world who have had success with these options and work arounds, and I'm sure they'll chime in here to encourage you to spend $1200 on a p6 or $600+ on a p5 because you'll **probably** be able to get these functions working. If you need or greatly prefer VoLTE and/or wifi calling know that you probably will NOT be the 4th guy in history to have success with these work arounds.
I do not care about VoLTE at all. I have never had it, but I guess it's super clear voice AND it's only available in a (growing) list of big cities. Who cares about SUPER clear voice? How often do you even actually use your phone anyway? I DO care about preferred wifi calling as this has a definable, useful function, and I was and still am (4 years later) ticked about not having the ability to have my phone preferably select a wifi network regardless of the signal coming from the cell network.
Schroeder09 said:
When you buy the Google bootloader unlocked phones and being them to Verizon they do NOT have all the locked down Verizon version phone capabilities. On a pixel with a locked bootloader purchased from vzw you will have options in your settings to enable VoLTE services AND to enable Wi-Fi calling by default meaning whenever you're on wifi the phone will default to making calls over wifi as opposed to a network. This is useful of you have poor reception in your house or place of work.
Without it the phone will only use wifi to make calls when the network is very, very poor, and it still will only use wifi sporadically. It will switch to the wifi network AFTER the call starts sometimes. This will cause momentary dead air where you miss words and may think you dropped the call. It's a total PITA. There are supposed fixes and options you can toggle in the phone app by dialing some crazy number which is actually a code to access options and settings in the phone app. None of these options work. There are 3 guys in the world who have had success with these options and work arounds, and I'm sure they'll chime in here to encourage you to spend $1200 on a p6 or $600+ on a p5 because you'll **probably** be able to get these functions working. If you need or greatly prefer VoLTE and/or wifi calling know that you probably will NOT be the 4th guy in history to have success with these work arounds.
I do not care about VoLTE at all. I have never had it, but I guess it's super clear voice AND it's only available in a (growing) list of big cities. Who cares about SUPER clear voice? How often do you even actually use your phone anyway? I DO care about preferred wifi calling as this has a definable, useful function, and I was and still am (4 years later) ticked about not having the ability to have my phone preferably select a wifi network regardless of the signal coming from the cell network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read this about 5 times already and I still have no idea what you are talking about. I don't really use wifi calling but I'd be willing to test your theory. Walk me through the steps and tell me what I'm looking for. Wait maybe the 6th time is the charm. So if I turn on wifi calling on my phone now in a very good network setting you are saying that it will not use wifi until the network drops out right? How can I test that?
bobby janow said:
I've read this about 5 times already and I still have no idea what you are talking about. I don't really use wifi calling but I'd be willing to test your theory. Walk me through the steps and tell me what I'm looking for. Wait maybe the 6th time is the charm. So if I turn on wifi calling on my phone now in a very good network setting you are saying that it will not use wifi until the network drops out right? How can I test that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother man, I give ample proof.
The "dialing some crazy number which is actually a code to access options and settings in the phone app" is *#*#4636#*#* FWIW. That's where my 3-4 pictures come from.
He doesn't even use his phone as a phone, but is upset about WIFI calling, so once again, I'm lost, but I won't be replying to anything he has to say. and let's just leave it alone because I don't make fake posts, and don't want to keep going off-topic, for IMO, no reason.
Schroeder09 said:
When you buy the Google bootloader unlocked phones and being them to Verizon they do NOT have all the locked down Verizon version phone capabilities. On a pixel with a locked bootloader purchased from vzw you will have options in your settings to enable VoLTE services AND to enable Wi-Fi calling by default meaning whenever you're on wifi the phone will default to making calls over wifi as opposed to a network. This is useful of you have poor reception in your house or place of work.
Without it the phone will only use wifi to make calls when the network is very, very poor, and it still will only use wifi sporadically. It will switch to the wifi network AFTER the call starts sometimes. This will cause momentary dead air where you miss words and may think you dropped the call. It's a total PITA. There are supposed fixes and options you can toggle in the phone app by dialing some crazy number which is actually a code to access options and settings in the phone app. None of these options work. There are 3 guys in the world who have had success with these options and work arounds, and I'm sure they'll chime in here to encourage you to spend $1200 on a p6 or $600+ on a p5 because you'll **probably** be able to get these functions working. If you need or greatly prefer VoLTE and/or wifi calling know that you probably will NOT be the 4th guy in history to have success with these work arounds.
I do not care about VoLTE at all. I have never had it, but I guess it's super clear voice AND it's only available in a (growing) list of big cities. Who cares about SUPER clear voice? How often do you even actually use your phone anyway? I DO care about preferred wifi calling as this has a definable, useful function, and I was and still am (4 years later) ticked about not having the ability to have my phone preferably select a wifi network regardless of the signal coming from the cell network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about you, but I USE my phone primarily as a phone., this is why own a tablet and a small 13" laptop.
And just because I do use my phone and you don't doesn't mean anything, as far as what others use theirs for, you're not to say and neither am I.
I'm up here in the boondocks with hardly ANY service on the weekends, and get crystal clear calling when I am connected to and with Wi-Fi Calling on.
No work-arounds for me, just an unlocked variant P5, rooted and on the stock ROM, now on AT&T, switched the other week.. And all I had to do was swap the SIM cards..
The only thing I suppose I can't fully check (that I'm aware of) is the "SUPER clear voice" preferred calling as IDK if it has a setting to turn on/off such as VoLTE/VoWIFI.
And even so, it's subjective to the person using and listening to the phone.
And I've been using an unlocked variant device on Verizon with "IMS, advanced calling, Wi-Fi calling and all other Verizon features" since the HTC 10!
So, just saying, this isn't exactly new. And I'm certainly not telling anyone to go out and buy anything just because I get these features.
And Bravo to these "3" people. IF they have it working and you don't, it is what it is, I guess, I don't know what to say, other than they aren't breaking any rules by posting about it.
Also, anyone who spends $600-1200 based off someone's single post.. That's on them, bro. You can't control how people spend their $$
And I'm certainly not making this post to try and shill anyone to buy an unlocked variant. Like you don't care about VoLTE, I don't care what phone someone buys.
I think these screenshots speak for themselves.
andybones said:
Don't bother man, I give ample proof.
The "dialing some crazy number which is actually a code to access options and settings in the phone app" is *#*#4636#*#* FWIW. That's where my 3-4 pictures come from.
He doesn't even use his phone as a phone, but is upset about WIFI calling, so once again, I'm lost, but I won't be replying to anything he has to say. and let's just leave it alone because I don't make fake posts, and don't want to keep going off-topic, for IMO, no reason.
I don't know about you, but I USE my phone primarily as a phone., this is why own a tablet and a small 13" laptop.
And just because I do use my phone and you don't doesn't mean anything, as far as what others use theirs for, you're not to say and neither am I.
I'm up here in the boondocks with hardly ANY service on the weekends, and get crystal clear calling when I am connected to and with Wi-Fi Calling on.
No work-arounds for me, just an unlocked variant P5, rooted and on the stock ROM, now on AT&T, switched the other week.. And all I had to do was swap the SIM cards..
The only thing I suppose I can't fully check (that I'm aware of) is the "SUPER clear voice" preferred calling as IDK if it has a setting to turn on/off such as VoLTE/VoWIFI.
And even so, it's subjective to the person using and listening to the phone.
And I've been using an unlocked variant device on Verizon with "IMS, advanced calling, Wi-Fi calling and all other Verizon features" since the HTC 10!
So, just saying, this isn't exactly new. And I'm certainly not telling anyone to go out and buy anything just because I get these features.
And Bravo to these "3" people. IF they have it working and you don't, it is what it is, I guess, I don't know what to say, other than they aren't breaking any rules by posting about it.
Also, anyone who spends $600-1200 based off someone's single post.. That's on them, bro. You can't control how people spend their $$
And I'm certainly not making this post to try and shill anyone to buy an unlocked variant. Like you don't care about VoLTE, I don't care what phone someone buys.
I think these screenshots speak for themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^ one of the 3 people who gets this stuff to work.
My point to the question was that this stuff seldom works. No one knows why. It worked for you. Cool. You got lucky. There are plenty of us who never get it work with alllll the root options and magisk modules put there.
Schroeder09 said:
^^^ one of the 3 people who gets this stuff to work.
My point to the question was that this stuff seldom works. No one knows why. It worked for you. Cool. You got lucky. There are plenty of us who never get it work with alllll the root options and magisk modules put there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm not that lucky, believe you me.
And I've let this go on long enough.
Anymore OT on this subject gets deleted.
Thank you.
I sell pixel devices basically for a living that have Graphene/Calyx on them. If its a carrier device and sitll locked to that carrier, the bootloader OEM Unlock option will be forever grayed out until the device is SIM Unlocked.
The Pixel 5 can be Unlocked, Verizon or ATT. ATT and VZW will be locked until sim unlocked
KaptinBoxxi said:
I sell pixel devices basically for a living that have Graphene/Calyx on them. If its a carrier device and sitll locked to that carrier, the bootloader OEM Unlock option will be forever grayed out until the device is SIM Unlocked.
The Pixel 5 can be Unlocked, Verizon or ATT. ATT and VZW will be locked until sim unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw those phones being sold for double the list price of a P5. Is that true? So basically charging a few hundred dollars to install a rom / os that anyone with a semblance of knowledge can do themselves. I'm not sure I have the details correctly so let me know if I'm wrong.
As for the second part of your statement, the VZW P5 cannot be bl unlocked no matter what you do, sim lock or not. I'm not sure about ATT.
bobby janow said:
I saw those phones being sold for double the list price of a P5. Is that true? So basically charging a few hundred dollars to install a rom / os that anyone with a semblance of knowledge can do themselves. I'm not sure I have the details correctly so let me know if I'm wrong.
As for the second part of your statement, the VZW P5 cannot be bl unlocked no matter what you do, sim lock or not. I'm not sure about ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually add +40 to +75, unless I have original boxes and accessories. They really do sell for more, and people pay it.
As for the VZW P5, I have a few in my shop office right now that cannot be unlocked and their IMEI reads back as a Verizon phone, double checked by inserting another SIM and comes up locked. VZW Statement on unlocking is "if the phone was paid off (6 months of payments), it will auto unlock" .. so you probably have one that's paid off.
No, I bought the Google version. Even paid up you can't unlock the Verizon version. It's just the way they operate.
Seems like a fair price. This is the article I was talking about. https://9to5google.com/2021/09/05/n...-focused-grapheneos-that-costs-twice-as-much/
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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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?
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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.
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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
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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).