AT&T S3 on Tmobile - T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII

Hey guys I'm about to buy an at&t galaxy s3 but my service is under tmobile so I have a few questions. As for making it run all I need to do is unlock the phone and put my tmobile sim in right? I also have seen that the 3g won't work, does this mean I have no internet access (other than wifi)? Also is there any way around this?
And any other issues I should know about before buying the att version?
I realize some of these have been answered already, but I am very new to the smartphone game so a lot of the terms I see in other posts confuse me :silly:

You can run edge which is pretty slow internet.
You can unlock for free. Look into general section.
I guess you need to change apn but not sure on that
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

dsljk2009 said:
Hey guys I'm about to buy an at&t galaxy s3 but my service is under tmobile so I have a few questions. As for making it run all I need to do is unlock the phone and put my tmobile sim in right? I also have seen that the 3g won't work, does this mean I have no internet access (other than wifi)? Also is there any way around this?
And any other issues I should know about before buying the att version?
I realize some of these have been answered already, but I am very new to the smartphone game so a lot of the terms I see in other posts confuse me :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock the phone
You can get 2g/edge speeds whatever you want to call it, just in put the tmobile apn. If there is 1900 service on tmobile you would get the 4g. I'm using an iphone 5 on 2g speeds, it gets the job done for basic browsing and email.

Related

Unlocking T-Mobile for AT&T service

hi everyone:
I have been looking via numerous thread online on many Android forums especially here and have been unsuccessful for the past 2 days now. So I figured I would need to create a thread and finally give in and ask for some help. I have a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy 3 phone and I need to unlock it so that it will work on my AT&T service. Now i understand about rooting the phone and being able to play with themes etc, but its not that great if I can't use the phone itself.
Now without coming up with some kind of answer I must have watched about 40 youtube video's hoping to find out some kind of information. Mostly what I got out of it was numerous website that offer unlocking for phones at a certain price.
unlockcodesource(.)com
unlock2go(.)com
mobileunlockcodes(.)co.uk
Has anyone ever used any of these website or can someone give me some good advise on how I can get this phone unlocked please/
~Aqua
I think the toolkit stickied in the development forum has an option to SIM unlock the GS3. I have not tried this, and do not know if it works, but if the option is there, you might want to give it a shot.
If you're on contract with t mobile and your account is in good standing with them. Call them tell them you're going over seas and need to unlock your phone so you can use it. They will send you unlock code ... then pop in an att sim card and it will prompt you to enter the unlock code t Mobil gave you. Done
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
thanks _
Crisisx1 said:
If you're on contract with t mobile and your account is in good standing with them. Call them tell them you're going over seas and need to unlock your phone so you can use it. They will send you unlock code ... then pop in an att sim card and it will prompt you to enter the unlock code t Mobil gave you. Done
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
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OK thank you. I followed your instructions and they said it would take up to maybe 24 hrs for the phone to be unlocked. If it isn't unlocked than she said to call back with the conformation number she gave me. If that doesn't work than they would have to give Samsung my info and could take up to 14 days. She said when you buy phones almost all stands and corp stores have already unlocked phones.
she also said it would be auto unlocked for good. Can they lock the phone back up once it is be unlocked?
~Aqua
edited: Once I have it unlocked ( if all goes good ) do i use the same APN settings that I needed to put into the phone in order for my phone to work on the AT&T network as I did with my S2 that I got unlocked ?
Don't they use different frequencies for HSPA+
You would be relegated to edge speeds, correct me if I'm wrong
speed issue
five40 said:
Don't they use different frequencies for HSPA+
You would be relegated to edge speeds, correct me if I'm wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't know. That would be a great question if someone would be nice enough to help me with this information? Again i have a T mobile S3 hopefully its unlocked would I be losing speeds by being on the AT&T network?
thanks
~Aqua
AquaWater said:
I really don't know. That would be a great question if someone would be nice enough to help me with this information? Again i have a T mobile S3 hopefully its unlocked would I be losing speeds by being on the AT&T network?
thanks
~Aqua
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile S3 has the 850/1900 3G bands so it will work on AT&T's 3G network. It will not get LTE though.
You can unlock either by paying for a code from the various resellers online or requesting an unlock code from T-Mobile if you have an account in good standing with them. If you can't get the code from T-Mobile I suggest searching 'T999 unlock' on eBay and you'll find some good options.
The tmobile galaxy s3 will work on the ATnT HSPA+21 frequency. Same frequency the International version runs on for that network.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Edge network and 3/4G Question
I found an excellent place so far on eBay for buying unlock codes. they have almost 3800 sells with a 99% positive feedback. Great customer service. The guy answered numerous questions of mine and made sure i did everything correctly. Payment was $24.95 US, so hopefullly everything will go good.
He was talking about being on something called an " Edge " network which is a little slower, but he said you won't notice a difference between your unlocked S2 and the unlocked S3 now. Right now my S2 says I have 3G service when I use it. I dont understand how i had a inspire4G, what is the 4G for if AT&T only gives you 3G service? And where I am in United States I should have 4G service no matter what. I'm confused on that.,
AquaWater said:
I found an excellent place so far on eBay for buying unlock codes. they have almost 3800 sells with a 99% positive feedback. Great customer service. The guy answered numerous questions of mine and made sure i did everything correctly. Payment was $24.95 US, so hopefullly everything will go good.
He was talking about being on something called an " Edge " network which is a little slower, but he said you won't notice a difference between your unlocked S2 and the unlocked S3 now. Right now my S2 says I have 3G service when I use it. I dont understand how i had a inspire4G, what is the 4G for if AT&T only gives you 3G service? And where I am in United States I should have 4G service no matter what. I'm confused on that.,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edge is 2G speeds, which are substantially slower than 3G speeds. IMHO, 3G speeds are livable, 2G/Edge is not.
Different phones have different radios which work on different frequencies. Some phones are not compatible with other services at all, and some will work on other carriers but often not at optimal speeds.
Darmokk said:
Edge is 2G speeds, which are substantially slower than 3G speeds. IMHO, 3G speeds are livable, 2G/Edge is not.
Different phones have different radios which work on different frequencies. Some phones are not compatible with other services at all, and some will work on other carriers but often not at optimal speeds.
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Click to collapse
So than why would someone suggest that I would get "edge" instead of what i have now? I'm getting 3G now with my T-Mobile S2 unlocked on AT&T, but now I'm going to have an unlocked S3, why wouldn't it be the same?
Because the radios in the devices are different.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
So than why would someone suggest that I would get "edge" instead of what i have now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because he/she doesn't know what he/she is talking about. You will be fine with a T-Mobile S3 on AT&T.
That's what I said earlier in not so many words.
Voice willl work fine you will not see HSPA+ speeds on At&t with a T-Mobile Galaxy SIII.
If the T-Mobile SIII has the hardware capability to support the At&t HSPA+ bands you would need modified radio software to unlock this ability.
I believe this was done on the Galaxy Note to tun on T-Mobile HSPA+ network before it was officially launched on T-Mobile.
kmdub I believe your the one that's wrong.
five40 said:
That's what I said earlier in not so many words.
Voice willl work fine you will not see HSPA+ speeds on At&t with a T-Mobile Galaxy SIII.
If the T-Mobile SIII has the hardware capability to support the At&t HSPA+ bands you would need modified radio software to unlock this ability.
I believe this was done on the Galaxy Note to tun on T-Mobile HSPA+ network before it was officially launched on T-Mobile.
kmdub I believe your the one that's wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my t999 and am using an att straight talk sim getting HSPA speeds. Going to switch back to tmobile prepay because it is way faster than att HSPA with better latency. Although coverage may be lacking, i may just switch to an att ST sim.
To answer your question, a Tmobile S3 will work on ATT HSPA+ network with the HSPA+ Speeds of up to 6-7mbps in NYC area. The average I've been getting is around 2-3.5 mbps. With the tmobile prepay sim I have, it's usually around 2-18mbps down in NYC area.
The T-mobile S3 will not work on the ATT LTE network because it lacks that radio (or so they say for now); there have been other threads suspecting it's just a matter of flashing the right radio to "turn on" the ATT LTE radio. However, if all you want is HSPA+ speeds, rest assured it will work fine.
The ATT S3 is lacking the AWS bands for TMobile so it will not get the HSPA+ on Tmobile.
Best regards.
radio issue
First off, I would like to thank everyone who has been helping me along with my issues with my phone. I appreciate it a lot and I'm picking up more knowledge more and more everyday from you guys and reading heavily on the forums.
if the hardware in the phone doesn't support HSPA+ 1) will i have to root the phone and 2) change the radio? And 3 ) if I change the radio does that mean I would need to install a custom ROM i order for it to work properly?
Also, from one of the post they said "The T-Mobile S3 has the 850/1900 3G bands " - of that is true will than I should be able to have the 3G speeds correct?
I really hope I am not making some people angry, I'm new to this and trying my hardest to understand everything so I don't make mistakes. Please bare with me. Again, thank you so much everyone who has contributed so far. I still have a lot to learn. The reason why is because I just don't want it to work ( I do, want it to work ) but I want to understand why everything is working they way it is and I've over the past almost month have been picking up a lot of knowledge. Can't wait to hear from you guys
kmdub I believe your the one that's wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, actually, you are wrong. The T-Mobile S3 does not need any modification to work properly on AT&T's HSPA network. Seems you are confusing something else with frequency. Quit spreading bad information.
OP: Don't worry about it. Some are making this way more complicated than it needs to be. As said before, if you have the T999, you will be fine on AT&T's HSPA network without any modifications (other than an account...lol). Just get the phone SIM-unlocked, pop in the right SIM, you are good to go. Seriously, it is that easy.
Well there it is, I stand corrected!
I had no idea the T-Mobile SIII supports At&t HSPA+ bands.
Is the same true to all T-Mobile HSPA+ phones?
Sorry for any issues, just learning
Hi everyone,
thanks so much for the info. Will the S2 I needed to put in certain APN settings inorder to receive MMS ( picture ) via texts. Do i use the same settings for the Samsung Galaxy 3?
kmdub said:
No, actually, you are wrong. The T-Mobile S3 does not need any modification to work properly on AT&T's HSPA network. Seems you are confusing something else with frequency. Quit spreading bad information.
OP: Don't worry about it. Some are making this way more complicated than it needs to be. As said before, if you have the T999, you will be fine on AT&T's HSPA network without any modifications (other than an account...lol). Just get the phone SIM-unlocked, pop in the right SIM, you are good to go. Seriously, it is that easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have learned from this thread

hmm... Galaxy siii for tmobile cheap, but im AT&T?

i was wondering, i know T-Mobile used to use sim cards (Unknowledged Now) and i had a couple of androids from T-Mobile back in 2008-2009 and modded them all to work with AT&T but i could only use edge network (only 3g out at that time). Has this changed any? Reason I am asking is I've been searching for so long in my area on local sites like craigslist for a good price on an AT&T i747 but just cant find one. Yet I have found some good deals on some T-mobile galaxy sIII phones. So I guess the questions I'm trying to ask are:
1. Does T-Mobile still use sim cards?
2. Can i use a T-Mobile GS3's with AT&T and have 4g LTE functions?
3. If it were you would you save $100 and go with the equivelant Gs3 T-Mobile, compared to paying $100 more for the AT&T version? (my situation)
I have more time than money, but I love not being limited, thats why im buying one in the first place. love my infuse 4g (4.2.2) but man... dat gsIII
and if i can just drop Clockwork on it and root it up and go on my marry way, heck yea
this seems primarily about the t999, so you should head over to that forum for better answers from people who use their t999 on att. tmobile is still a gsm carrier and uses sim cards. I would buy the t999 as I'm pretty sure you can use 3g/4g (not really 4g though as I consider lte to be 4g) with it on att. but again, head over to the tmobile forums for better answers.
sent from my i747 with xda-premium
cehf said:
this seems primarily about the t999, so you should head over to that forum for better answers from people who use their t999 on att. tmobile is still a gsm carrier and uses sim cards. I would buy the t999 as I'm pretty sure you can use 3g/4g (not really 4g though as I consider lte to be 4g) with it on att. but again, head over to the tmobile forums for better answers.
sent from my i747 with xda-premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you ill report back here with some cool information to share for others who might be curious
dahrat said:
thank you ill report back here with some cool information to share for others who might be curious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, the tmo forum may be able to help more, however to answer some of it:
1. Yes, tmo still uses SIMs
2. Most users can only get HSPA+ due to the different frequencies. So, while data will be much better than edge, it won't be as fast as LTE.
3. I would not. Due to the potential problems of not getting LTE, the 100.00 is worth it to me.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
If you do not care about LTE then go for it. That really should be your only concern.
Definitely go talk with the people over in the tmo forums. Theyd probably be of better assistance.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

Please help with straight talk.

I've been searching for videos and guides but ijust can't seem to find anything but I know it's possible to go from Sprint to straight talk, so I was wondering if someone could be generous and help me with this, I knew I'm suppose to flash it than go buy cheap phones for cloning than update stuff, and I also saw certain roms can actually give you Verizon Lte with certain straight talk 4g stuff. I would really apperciate the help.
Newby_Leader said:
I've been searching for videos and guides but ijust can't seem to find anything but I know it's possible to go from Sprint to straight talk, so I was wondering if someone could be generous and help me with this, I knew I'm suppose to flash it than go buy cheap phones for cloning than update stuff, and I also saw certain roms can actually give you Verizon Lte with certain straight talk 4g stuff. I would really apperciate the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cant use sprint (CDMA) phone on ST only GSM phones (TMobile or ATT or International versions)
You can flash to Page Plus that's what I did with our Sprint GS3. Very good service
sent from my HTC Evo LTE cm10.2
I never seen no Verizon lte phone that was flashed to straight talk get them speeds just because the lte on Verizon phones use the sim cards to geth there data
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Newby_Leader said:
I've been searching for videos and guides but ijust can't seem to find anything but I know it's possible to go from Sprint to straight talk, so I was wondering if someone could be generous and help me with this, I knew I'm suppose to flash it than go buy cheap phones for cloning than update stuff, and I also saw certain roms can actually give you Verizon Lte with certain straight talk 4g stuff. I would really apperciate the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know I'm very late but Straight Talk supports byod even cdma LTE should work too. Check this out http://stbyop.com/straighttalk/ or you could buy the kit at walmart for $65 but if you buy it no money back guarantee. I put in my MEID number and it's compatible.
Mistaken
polska2180o said:
you cant use sprint (CDMA) phone on ST only GSM phones (TMobile or ATT or International versions)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you are mistaken. I have a Verizon Tbolt flashed to StraightTalk. http://snyderswireless.com/ said they could flash my Sprint GSIII to Verizon or StraightTalk if I wanted, just no LTE. The guy is cool and did my last flash remotely, very informative.
(Sorry if this is an old issue and has since been addressed.)
foos

[Q] Unlocked TMO N2 on AT&T data/gps issues

Hey guys, i recently purchased a used TMO Note 2 to replace my wife's AT&T N2 after she dropped it off the roof of her car. It came unlocked and works for the most part, but recently she's been complaining of slow or non-existent data and GPS taking forever to locate(If at all).
My initial plan was to root the phone and install new radios specific to AT&T. After reading through various postings, it looks like a lot of you have unlocked the TMO N2 for AT&T use and are having great success. Is rooting the best plan to improve the data connection? Are there other solutions I might try? What have you guys done to improve data on your unlocked N2?
SilverStone641 said:
Hey guys, i recently purchased a used TMO Note 2 to replace my wife's AT&T N2 after she dropped it off the roof of her car. It came unlocked and works for the most part, but recently she's been complaining of slow or non-existent data and GPS taking forever to locate(If at all).
My initial plan was to root the phone and install new radios specific to AT&T. After reading through various postings, it looks like a lot of you have unlocked the TMO N2 for AT&T use and are having great success. Is rooting the best plan to improve the data connection? Are there other solutions I might try? What have you guys done to improve data on your unlocked N2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im using tmobile note 2 on att network without any issue and lte works..do not flash att modem.it will not work,might even brick ur phone.only thing u need to do is to add lte apn.
go to mobile network setting and add apn.search online for att lte apn setting and just add that.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
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mintu123 said:
im using tmobile note 2 on att network without any issue and lte works..do not flash att modem.it will not work,might even brick ur phone.only thing u need to do is to add lte apn.
go to mobile network setting and add apn.search online for att lte apn setting and just add that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
howd u get lte to work ?are u actually att sim or straight talk on att?
bigfdaddy2 said:
howd u get lte to work ?are u actually att sim or straight talk on att?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually bought it off Craigslist unlocked, so I'm not sure what method was used to make it work. I'm using the same ATT sim that we used in her previous phone.
I ended up going into the APN settings and restoring defaults. That seemed to improve her connection immediately. not sure if it'll stick, but time will tell.
Thanks for all the help guys!

Can i unlock for sprint?

Please help guys. And im sorry if this will lose some's paitence. Ive googled and searched everywhere but ive seen so many answers im now confused.
My gf has a tmobile S4 obviously. I want to make it work for sprint. What exactly do i have to do? I prefer to not spend money but i will if i have to. Please help. Thank u.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Free mobile app
bpsears90 said:
Please help guys. And im sorry if this will lose some's paitence. Ive googled and searched everywhere but ive seen so many answers im now confused.
My gf has a tmobile S4 obviously. I want to make it work for sprint. What exactly do i have to do? I prefer to not spend money but i will if i have to. Please help. Thank u.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Normally? No. Not a chance since one is a gsm carrier and the other is a CDMA carrier. But its completely possible considering the fact people are unlocking Sprint s4's to use on straight talk, att, tmo etc. It actually has the gsm technology. Band wise tho, you should be okay but you might want to look into what bands the tmo uses and what bands Sprint uses. First you need to unlock the device, theres a few guides in general section for free unlock, but your biggest problem may be Sprint its self and getting them to add it to their service. Might want to start there first
ShinySide said:
Normally? No. Not a chance since one is a gsm carrier and the other is a CDMA carrier. But its completely possible considering the fact people are unlocking Sprint s4's to use on straight talk, att, tmo etc. It actually has the gsm technology. Band wise tho, you should be okay but you might want to look into what bands the tmo uses and what bands Sprint uses. First you need to unlock the device, theres a few guides in general section for free unlock, but your biggest problem may be Sprint its self and getting them to add it to their service. Might want to start there first
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Very knowledgeable answer.
Good.
Pp. :thumbup:

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