Silly Question About Unlocking GSM - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Um
I have the vanilla GSM Nexus from Google and currently use it on T-Mobile. Since I cannot find a direct answer to this question, even though I think I know the answer...I want to ask anyway, in case there are others like me.
If I unlock my GSM Nexus, does that mean I can put my Verizon sim card in my phone and have it work or is there a significant hardware difference between the Verizon version and the Google Nexus version?
Thanks -- Be gentle with your replies.
--
Jeff

gVibeR said:
Um
I have the vanilla GSM Nexus from Google and currently use it on T-Mobile. Since I cannot find a direct answer to this question, even though I think I know the answer...I want to ask anyway, in case there are others like me.
If I unlock my GSM Nexus, does that mean I can put my Verizon sim card in my phone and have it work or is there a significant hardware difference between the Verizon version and the Google Nexus version?
Thanks -- Be gentle with your replies.
--
Jeff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you cannot. The main reason is the fact that GSM version only has radio that is capable of GSM and HSPA+. Verizon radio is capable of CDMA and LTE. Whatever you do to the software, if the hardware isn't right, there's no way.
Also may I ask you what you mean by unlocking? Do you mean unlocking the bootloader? If so, that has nothing to do the radio.
Hope that answers your question

kyokeun1234 said:
No you cannot. The main reason is the fact that GSM version only has radio that is capable of GSM and HSPA+. Verizon radio is capable of CDMA and LTE. Whatever you do to the software, if the hardware isn't right, there's no way.
Also may I ask you what you mean by unlocking? Do you mean unlocking the bootloader? If so, that has nothing to do the radio.
Hope that answers your question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep...that nailed it. Thank-you!
I just want to make sure I am not crazy in how I interpret some of the posts I have read.
I am perfectly happy sticking with T-Mobile. I will just let my Verizon contract run out, then they can suck it.
--

The GSM Galaxy Nexus is SIM unlocked out of the box. It will work on any GSM network, but no, it will not work on Verizon because they are CDMA and LTE.
Remember that when people talk about "unlocking" here, they're usually referring to the bootloader, not the SIM card. Unlocking the bootloader has nothing to do with the network it runs on, but instead has to do with putting ROMs on your device.

Related

[Q] unlock verizon SCH-i515 for sprint????

Hey guys I have a question, is it possible to unlock the verizon GN SCH-i515 to work for sprint while sprint doesn't even offer it yet??? I really like the phone and want it.
lobej said:
Hey guys I have a question, is it possible to unlock the verizon GN SCH-i515 to work for sprint while sprint doesn't even offer it yet??? I really like the phone and want it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Not easily at least...
Moved to Q&A
any known link that i can use to at least try?
Nope. This has been discussed numerous times over the last 2 months the phone has been out. It just isn't possible especially with Sprint, as they are not very open to activating non-Sprint devices on their network. The ESN won't be in their database.
You have a slightly higher chance of getting it onto a Verizon MVNO, but even then that's kinda low.
i have the same question but i am from mexico and here exist a carrier with cdma network, i try a lot of times unlock my i515 but is the same answer... is not possible yet, my friend has an HTC EVO 3D CDMA and has the same network spesifications that my nexus and he can use normally in the same cdma carrier, i know the nexus has LTE/CDMA network, also i know in mexico doesnot exist yet LTE, my question is: can i unlock some day my nexus to use in CDMA?
hd5145 said:
i have the same question but i am from mexico and here exist a carrier with cdma network, i try a lot of times unlock my i515 but is the same answer... is not possible yet, my friend has an HTC EVO 3D CDMA and has the same network spesifications that my nexus and he can use normally in the same cdma carrier, i know the nexus has LTE/CDMA network, also i know in mexico doesnot exist yet LTE, my question is: can i unlock some day my nexus to use in CDMA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Still no, and always no. I highly doubt you'll ever see a reliable method of unlocking this (or any) CDMA device for use on other networks. Its extremely hit or miss when it comes to CDMA devices.
You aren't going to be able to unlock an LTE/CDMA phone for VZW to work on another carrier, and if someone did manage to do so, it is only going to work on the CDMA network and nothing else. If you wanted to flash it to another network, you would need to find a way to unlink the LTE and CDMA radios. People have been looking into this since the DROID Charge came out (almost a year) and still have not found any way of getting it onto another network.
martonikaj said:
No. Still no, and always no. I highly doubt you'll ever see a reliable method of unlocking this (or any) CDMA device for use on other networks. Its extremely hit or miss when it comes to CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CDMA Devices aren't that bad to flash to other carriers .. You do however need the SPC and/or 16 digit password to do so.. Some newer phones are locked down pretty tight .. Most older CDMA can be manually programmed and prl updated to preferred carrier

[Q] Verizon Nexus run on GSM network?

I'm getting ready to deploy, and I was curious if you can convert the Verizon Nexus to run on GSM/international networks. If yes, how?
sorry
there is no way my friend. i just got back from deployment. I was in the same boat as you. sell that g nex my friend, and get the gsm one. i found one by going on ebay, searching for guys selling one close to me and off to buy it locally so you're not waiting on shipping. or put on craigslists for a trade for the gsm version, u never know.
Yep, what he said was right - you can't convert it over. The Verizon one has a CDMA antenna and all the other networks require the GSM antenna (why couldn't they have both!! probably for this reason..). And even if the other networks used CDMA, they have to specifically accept your phone into their network (some kind of CDMA authentication thing, whereas GSM accepts everything it can talk to).
So flashing a GSM baseband to the CMDA phone will not work?
NO! Do not flash a GSM baseband on your nexus. The VZW nexus doesn't have any of the GSM radios or frequencies and wont work.
Unfortunately the GN only comes with either GSM or CMDA/LTE. It may be worth looking into getting a global phone that supports both CDMA and GSM.
Masoa said:
So flashing a GSM baseband to the CMDA phone will not work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As already stated, definitely never do this.

[CDMA] Question about GSM ROMs

I'm going to be upgrading my phone within a week or two. However, I plan on keeping my Play for gaming purposes. (Mostly emulators and a few other games.) Now my question is, since my Play won't be an active phone anymore, is it safe to flash GSM ROMs? Or will that affect other phone functionality? If data is the only thing that's lost with GSM ROMs then I should be fine right?
EDIT: Woops wrong section, meant to post this in Q and A. Sorry about that! "^_^
I'm about to buy a xperia play as a gaming device, and the cdma versions are much cheaper, so I have the same question. If it's unlocked for GSM, can we pop a sim and use it as a GSM phone with the GSM rom?
Actually, your question isn't the same as mine. And to answer your question, the answer is no. CDMA devices are built to work with CDMA frequencies. You cannot get a GSM SIM and place it in your CDMA device. It just won't function.
You can flash a GSM ROM on a CDMA Phone. You just can't use any phone functions. ie messaging, calling etc.
game_guy said:
Actually, your question isn't the same as mine. And to answer your question, the answer is no. CDMA devices are built to work with CDMA frequencies. You cannot get a GSM SIM and place it in your CDMA device. It just won't function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, then I had 2 questions. 1 was your question, and then there was the other question. I thought Verizon had gsm in some of there phones, and you could unlock it for world use. It has a sim slot for some reason... The GSM roms are much better, so can we flash them on the CDMA R800x?
DubleJayJ said:
You can flash a GSM ROM on a CDMA Phone. You just can't use any phone functions. ie messaging, calling etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright thanks, once I get my new phone, I won't be able to do any of those things anyways.
Pokestory1 said:
Well, then I had 2 questions. 1 was your question, and then there was the other question. I thought Verizon had gsm in some of there phones, and you could unlock it for world use. It has a sim slot for some reason... The GSM roms are much better, so can we flash them on the CDMA R800x?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just as JayJ said, you can flash a GSM ROM to a CDMA device, but you'll lose your data functionality. I'm pretty sure Verizon is a CDMA frequency company. Though I may be wrong.
game_guy said:
Alright thanks, once I get my new phone, I won't be able to do any of those things anyways.
Just as JayJ said, you can flash a GSM ROM to a CDMA device, but you'll lose your data functionality. I'm pretty sure Verizon is a CDMA frequency company. Though I may be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Checked GSM ARENA and your right. The xperia play CDMA is only a CDMA phone, unlike some phones(example htc trophy) I already have a phone, so this will be a nice wifi only device.
game_guy said:
Alright thanks, once I get my new phone, I won't be able to do any of those things anyways.
Just as JayJ said, you can flash a GSM ROM to a CDMA device, but you'll lose your data functionality. I'm pretty sure Verizon is a CDMA frequency company. Though I may be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is. Verizon, CDMA. AT&T Sprint and T-Mobile are GSM( not surre about Sprint. Something with an S is CDMA also.
DubleJayJ said:
It is. Verizon, CDMA. AT&T Sprint and T-Mobile are GSM( not surre about Sprint. Something with an S is CDMA also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint is also CDMA.
To clear some stuff up. Yes, the R800x does have a sim slot. BUT it is not hooked up & our phones are hard coded for CDMA.
PS. Thread moved to Q&A
Pax
Sent from my Xperia Play using xda app-developers app
Will wifi still work if you flash a gsm rom to a cdma phone? I assume it will since wifi seems to be a kernel issue and I'd keep the cdma kernel but I'm afraid.
I also don't use the phone on a carrier network.
Evo_Shift said:
Will wifi still work if you flash a gsm rom to a cdma phone? I assume it will since wifi seems to be a kernel issue and I'd keep the cdma kernel but I'm afraid.
I also don't use the phone on a carrier network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install a gsm kernel on a cdma rom you will get stuck in a bootloop. But if use a cdma kernel on a gsm rom you will get stuck with a blackscreen.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium

Can I use the H/K Sprint M8 on T-Mobile and get LTE?

Looked around and not sure if this is even possible. Could I get a H/K M8, unlock it and use on T-Mobile's network to receive LTE? Thanks!
Is there a reason why you are looking at the Sprint version?
Its been argued whether the CDMA versions of the M8 are any different in hardware, but I haven't seen anything definitive either way. I'd err on the side of caution, assume the CDMA version is different hardware, and stay away from it. Buy any GSM version and you can convert it to work on T-Mobile (after s-off, unlocking the bootloader, etc.), no question there.
quailallstar said:
Looked around and not sure if this is even possible. Could I get a H/K M8, unlock it and use on T-Mobile's network to receive LTE? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, Sprint version got some weird **** to it...
redpoint73 said:
Is there a reason why you are looking at the Sprint version?
Its been argued whether the CDMA versions of the M8 are any different in hardware, but I haven't seen anything definitive either way. I'd err on the side of caution, assume the CDMA version is different hardware, and stay away from it. Buy any GSM version and you can convert it to work on T-Mobile (after s-off, unlocking the bootloader, etc.), no question there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I'm looking for the Sprint version is because of the look. I like the dark back metal and gold upfront a lot. Sucks its an exclusive look only to Sprint. I read that you can flash the other non H/K models to have the same software so that is confirmed and all good.
Now I need to find someone who is using this Sprint model and can confirm it has the needed GSM radio(s) for TMO LTE.
quailallstar said:
The only reason I'm looking for the Sprint version is because of the look. I like the dark back metal and gold upfront a lot. Sucks its an exclusive look only to Sprint. I read that you can flash the other non H/K models to have the same software so that is confirmed and all good.
Now I need to find someone who is using this Sprint model and can confirm it has the needed GSM radio(s) for TMO LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that Sprint models are CDMA only. You can't use their phones on GSM networks. I don't think what you are trying to do will work. I may be wrong here, but I really doubt I am.
xunholyx said:
I'm pretty sure that Sprint models are CDMA only. You can't use their phones on GSM networks. I don't think what you are trying to do will work. I may be wrong here, but I really doubt I am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is incorrect (that the Sprint variant does not work on GSM). Both the Verizon and Sprint variants support GSM and CDMA. Folk on here (including myself) tend to refer to them as "CDMA" for simplicity; but they are in fact also compatible with GSM, as well as HSPA, LTE.
http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_(m8)_cdma-6233.php
Now the question is whether the difference between the GSM and "CDMA" variants are purely in software, or there is an actual hardware difference. Its been argued both way, and I haven't seen any proof either way (although my gut tells me the latter is the case). And the question relevant to the OP is whether the T-Mobile LTE bands can be "added" to the Sprint device by software.
I used a verizon LG g2 on T-mobile a few and the phone im writing on now is a verizon iPhone full lte but i dont know aboit the sprint versions

This seems to be the root for S8+

Has anyone here tried the new root file for Verizon S8+
https://download.chainfire.eu/1080/...to-Root-dream2qltesq-dream2qltesq-smg955u.zip
It will only work with an unlocked bootloader. Since all US Snapdragon based S8's have a locked bootloader it useless.
So why has Chainfire made this at all if it does not work or will brick your phone? I should ask him but not sure he will answer.
photolarry said:
So why has Chainfire made this at all if it does not work or will brick your phone? I should ask him but not sure he will answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[emoji19] smh
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
photolarry said:
So why has Chainfire made this at all if it does not work or will brick your phone? I should ask him but not sure he will answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He clearly states that it only works with an unlocked bootloader. If the snapdragon versions of the S8/S8+ had an unlocked bootloader it would work. Not sure why you could have an issue with him.
nrage23 said:
He clearly states that it only works with an unlocked bootloader. If the snapdragon versions of the S8/S8+ had an unlocked bootloader it would work. Not sure why you could have an issue with him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The U version isn't ever unlocked. Not with him. I'm just confused why it seems this would work on that model but it doesn't
If the bootloader ever gets unlocked by any means, it will work.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
VoxBox101 said:
If the bootloader ever gets unlocked by any means, it will work.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You missed my point and question to him. Which is "U" model is LOCKED because it is all phones inside the USA that are distributed by all 4 major carriers. So there is no such thing as SM-G955U which is unlocked. Does not exist. Thus I wanna know why there is even a zip file which chainfire created since it cannot be used on any of these phones. And why would it "get unlocked"....it is done at the factory. Only way to "unlock" it is to use a root method like was done on S7, where it basically involves flashing an engineering boot image/kernel that has root. At some point, this probably will be made and then using same modified ODIN (PrinceComsy) would potentially be the solution.
photolarry said:
You missed my point and question to him. Which is "U" model is LOCKED because it is all phones inside the USA that are distributed by all 4 major carriers. So there is no such thing as SM-G955U which is unlocked. Does not exist. Thus I wanna know why there is even a zip file which chainfire created since it cannot be used on any of these phones. And why would it "get unlocked"....it is done at the factory. Only way to "unlock" it is to use a root method like was done on S7, where it basically involves flashing an engineering boot image/kernel that has root. At some point, this probably will be made and then using same modified ODIN (PrinceComsy) would potentially be the solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try and clear up some confusion. All US snapdragon versions of the S8+ have the same model number SM-G955U. There is an "unlocked" SM-G955U version of the S8+ in the US. It is carrier unlocked not bootloader unlocked. Apparently the CSC file carries the carrier information in the firmware. Also the S7 was rooted but never bootloader unlocked. So you could use most root apps but you could not modify any system files. The root was achieved with an engineering kernel and was not very useful.(ie bad battery life, phone getting hot and unstable). You could however flash any US S7 to any carrier or even the Unlocked firmware.
But if you cannot flash even the csc, how do you gain root access when Odin basically does nothing. That's my question and point. Seems that if I stick with Galaxy phones that I'm never going to attain root again. Probably because they don't want risks of pay apps being misused. I have one app that refuses to even run if I have usb debugging on. Vendors are getting smarter about locking things down.
It's not Samsung's fault...it is Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. I can't even take my Verizon phone and change it to T-Mobile. That's ridiculous!
If LG lets it's consumers unlock there bootloader then why don't samsung? I'm selling my ccarrier unlocked s8+ and buying a unlocked g6. Screw this crap. I hope samsung goes bankrupt! SAMSUNG ALLOW US TO UNLOCK OUR BOOTLOADERS.
I wish my S8+ was rooted?
kbatrph said:
It's not Samsung's fault...it is Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. I can't even take my Verizon phone and change it to T-Mobile. That's ridiculous!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason you can't do this is the bands are different (I believe). Or, at least Verizon is CDMA while T-Mobile is GSM. I don't know much about the differences between CDMA & GSM, but I know that CDMA phones won't work on GSM networks & vice versa. That's why Verizon phones won't work on T-Mobile. Hopefully that (kinda) cleared it up for you.
mybabyloves said:
The reason you can't do this is the bands are different (I believe). Or, at least Verizon is CDMA while T-Mobile is GSM. I don't know much about the differences between CDMA & GSM, but I know that CDMA phones won't work on GSM networks & vice versa. That's why Verizon phones won't work on T-Mobile. Hopefully that (kinda) cleared it up for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My goodness you could not be any more wrong..... That is no longer the case anymore. Verizon phones work on T-Mobile and all GSM carriers. I should know since I was with Verizon and I switched a while back but am now back on Verizon. Some phones from T-mobile won't work with Verizon but some do. It just depends on the phone and what bands it has. Like the S8 from T-Mobile will work on Verizon but an iPhone 7 from T-Mobile won't because it doesn't have CDMA bands. It's simple research
blackra1n said:
My goodness you could not be any more wrong..... That is no longer the case anymore. Verizon phones work on T-Mobile and all GSM carriers. I should know since I was with Verizon and I switched a while back but am now back on Verizon. Some phones from T-mobile won't work with Verizon but some do. It just depends on the phone and what bands it has. Like the S8 from T-Mobile will work on Verizon but an iPhone 7 from T-Mobile won't because it doesn't have CDMA bands. It's simple research
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?? Man, I feel so stupid about that, sorry =/ I've been researching it, but all of what I've read pointed to what I said... thank you very much for correcting me ? it'll def help me in my journey to become a phone repair specialist! ? sorry people I might've confused.... I'm just an idiot - don't listen to me
mybabyloves said:
Really?? Man, I feel so stupid about that, sorry =/ I've been researching it, but all of what I've read pointed to what I said... thank you very much for correcting me it'll def help me in my journey to become a phone repair specialist! sorry people I might've confused.... I'm just an idiot - don't listen to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CDMA is only for 3G. With 4G, Verizon is using LTE GSM (same with AT&T, T-Mobile).
Verizon LTE covers over 98% of their network, but there are still some remote places where there is only CDMA coverage.
Verizon is moving away from CDMA and it will be retired by 2018.
So as long as you don't mind not having CDMA in a few places, any LTE GSM phone with Band 13 would work with Verizon.
Look at HTC U11, it doesn't have CDMA, but it's still advertised as "Verizon certified".
Sadly, the Internationals versions of S8/S8+ don't have band 13. But fortunately, all US versions have both bands 13 and CDMA support. That's why you can switch to any carrier as long as it's a US version.
mybabyloves said:
Really?? Man, I feel so stupid about that, sorry =/ I've been researching it, but all of what I've read pointed to what I said... thank you very much for correcting me it'll def help me in my journey to become a phone repair specialist! sorry people I might've confused.... I'm just an idiot - don't listen to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries mate. Just wanted to put that out there in case anyone become confused. I meant no disrespect
---------- Post added at 06:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:25 PM ----------
neozen21 said:
CDMA is only for 3G. With 4G, Verizon is using LTE GSM (same with AT&T, T-Mobile).
Verizon LTE covers over 98% of their network, but there are still some remote places where there is only CDMA coverage.
Verizon is moving away from CDMA and it will be retired by 2018.
So as long as you don't mind not having CDMA in a few places, any LTE GSM phone with Band 13 would work with Verizon.
Look at HTC U11, it doesn't have CDMA, but it's still advertised as "Verizon certified".
Sadly, the Internationals versions of S8/S8+ don't have band 13. But fortunately, all US versions have both bands 13 and CDMA support. That's why you can switch to any carrier as long as it's a US version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point exactly about the S8's. US variants are all the same no matter what carrier. All Google phones after the Nexus 6 are the same way. The Nexus 6 worked on all US carriers no matter where you got it from and it's like that all the way to the new Pixel phones. Where as iPhone's, just as an example, have different bands when it comes to different carriers. Unlocked, Verizon, and Sprint iPhone's have all bands both CDMA and GSM where as the GSM ones like those bought straight from T-Mobile or AT&T only have the GSM bands.
mybabyloves said:
Really?? Man, I feel so stupid about that, sorry =/ I've been researching it, but all of what I've read pointed to what I said... thank you very much for correcting me ? it'll def help me in my journey to become a phone repair specialist! ? sorry people I might've confused.... I'm just an idiot - don't listen to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're NOT stupid! I had no idea either. I know that I tried to switch my Verizon S8+ to T-Mobile but it wouldn't recognize my IMEI so I just figured the two networks were different
I have a unlocked verizon(xfinity mobile) s8plus on tmobile right now.. The phone had no issues on setup to go on the tmobile network..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...root-g955u-g955u1-snapdragon-sampwnd-t3658911
So this has changed?

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