T-mobile 200MB? - Nexus 7 (2013) Q&A

Does anybody know how the T-mobile lifetime 200MB promotion will work?
Can the SIM card that they provide and activate in your Nexus 7 LTE be used in another device?
What happens if the Nexus 7 LTE needs warranty or replacement or if you just want to use the SIM in another device?
Will a trip to the T-mobile store be required each time you want to use a different tablet?

xdadevnube said:
Does anybody know how the T-mobile lifetime 200MB promotion will work?
Can the SIM card that they provide and activate in your Nexus 7 LTE be used in another device?
What happens if the Nexus 7 LTE needs warranty or replacement or if you just want to use the SIM in another device?
Will a trip to the T-mobile store be required each time you want to use a different tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering the same questions. I've been trying to log-in to my t-mobile account to try and see if the plan option can be added online but it tells me the "My-Tmobile" site is inaccessible. I'll prob stop by a store today and ask someone or maybe just call them. If I find out anything I'll post it here.

sola fide said:
I'm wondering the same questions. I've been trying to log-in to my t-mobile account to try and see if the plan option can be added online but it tells me the "My-Tmobile" site is inaccessible. I'll prob stop by a store today and ask someone or maybe just call them. If I find out anything I'll post it here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The store rep said it wouldn't work with a different device. However, it is generally no trouble to swap compatible devices with a SIM on most networks in general. I would think once the SIM itself is activated (needs to be activated with a device), then it should be good to go.
Store reps don't always know, I figure testing is the only way to find out.

xdadevnube said:
The store rep said it wouldn't work with a different device. However, it is generally no trouble to swap compatible devices with a SIM on most networks in general. I would think once the SIM itself is activated (needs to be activated with a device), then it should be good to go.
Store reps don't always know, I figure testing is the only way to find out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that rep doesn't know. The T-Mobile website specifically says the free data will work with any device that T-Mobile has sold or currently carries regardless if where you've bought it.
---------- Post added at 01:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:10 PM ----------
I talked to technical support and they said as long as I had an online account set up that I would have access to the free starter data. However, because the plan is so new they didn't have access in their system to add it. However, he was able to confirm that I had my account setup and active.
I was then transferred to Customer Support. Customer Support claims I need to purchase a prepaid block of data (any size or amount) before I can get the free 200MB plan. But that isn't how I'm interpreting the website. I'm going to try and visit a store now to see what they say.
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

sola fide said:
Yeah that rep doesn't know. The T-Mobile website specifically says the free data will work with any device that T-Mobile has sold or currently carries regardless if where you've bought it.
---------- Post added at 01:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:10 PM ----------
I talked to technical support and they said as long as I had an online account set up that I would have access to the free starter data. However, because the plan is so new they didn't have access in their system to add it. However, he was able to confirm that I had my account setup and active.
I was then transferred to Customer Support. Customer Support claims I need to purchase a prepaid block of data (any size or amount) before I can get the free 200MB plan. But that isn't how I'm interpreting the website. I'm going to try and visit a store now to see what they say.
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to hear about it. I was thinking one of the ways this can be put to the test is by activating the SIM into a Nexus 7 LTE at the T-Mobile store. Then, pop the SIM into one of their display tablets and see if it still works. Maybe even try another one for good measure. Then, pop it back into the Nexus 7 LTE to see if it still works. It would probably be a good idea to see if the SIM still works in the Nexus 7 LTE the following day. I don't see T-Mobile using some sort of IMEI filtering to restrict all but the original tablet from having network access.

xdadevnube said:
I'd like to hear about it. I was thinking one of the ways this can be put to the test is by activating the SIM into a Nexus 7 LTE at the T-Mobile store. Then, pop the SIM into one of their display tablets and see if it still works. Maybe even try another one for good measure. Then, pop it back into the Nexus 7 LTE to see if it still works. It would probably be a good idea to see if the SIM still works in the Nexus 7 LTE the following day. I don't see T-Mobile using some sort of IMEI filtering to restrict all but the original tablet from having network access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Success!! Went to a store and talked to the store manager. They were willing to figure everything out with me because they hadn't had anyone come in with a tablet yet but knew the plan existed. Thankfully the manager knew details of the plan and didn't put up with the BS the idiots on the phone tried to tell her.
At first their computer systems didn't have the codes. Then they called their customer support who told them the plan didn't exist. But after they pressed the issue of the giant ad image on the website they discovered this all has to do with the new data plan naming system. Because the accounts we (anyone before today) created with the T-Mobile Sim card included with with N7 FHD, the system doesn't know how to switch it over because now that mobile data plan doesn't exist.
The End Result:
Ask for a SIM swap and a new number. They will give you a new SIM and a new mobile "number" for your tablet. My store still had to call in and have someone set up the free data plan but it didn't take more than 5 minutes. Once complete turn on the tablet with the new Sim card and login to your account through the new mim.T-Mobile.com management site. You can either set up a new account or use the same email, password, and pin you had on your previous account.
I did learn that the plan is tied to your IMEI #. So if you change devices you might need to call in for the change. But I'm not entirely sure. You may be able to just log into your account through the browser on the new device to get it working.
If at first you only get 3G and HSPA+ just wait a couple minutes and reboot the device. It will take about 5 minutes for T-Mobile to recognize the device and allow LTE bands.
Good luck to everyone who is interested in free tablet data.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app (while riding passenger in my wife's car on my FREE T-Mobile data plan!)

This is good news. I have a spare unlocked Android phone I wouldn't mind using this on.
I asked T-Mobile about it over Twitter and was told this:
https://twitter.com/TMobileHelp/status/393159978565263360
The 200MB would be set up to provide data to a tablet. If the phone you're using would be compatible, then you could do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So ANY device can get 200MB a month. I have a spare AT&T Thrill 4G. Doesn't have LTE, but does have HSPA+.

Fingers crossed for 2gb?
So i got 10 sim cards with the 200mb free data plan ( i had some difficulty so they waived the activation fees and got them all for free over the phone). I did this because i know this is a limited time offer. However i want to know if each sim is locked to the imei of a device... or could i theoretically swap out my different sims whenever eachone goes over 200mb... bc if that will work then i have 2gb total of free data... which would make me very happy

sockaplaya22 said:
So i got 10 sim cards with the 200mb free data plan ( i had some difficulty so they waived the activation fees and got them all for free over the phone). I did this because i know this is a limited time offer. However i want to know if each sim is locked to the imei of a device... or could i theoretically swap out my different sims whenever eachone goes over 200mb... bc if that will work then i have 2gb total of free data... which would make me very happy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think they're locked to the device, if they're anything like my Verizon sim. I can take it from my mobile and put it in my N7 for LTE access.
---------- Post added at 03:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:46 PM ----------
Are there any fees associated with this (activation, etc.)?

I went to Tmo website and clicked on the link for the free 200 mb data. I just ordered the micro SIM card. It's free.
Will update when I got it and how it works with my N7

I got the SIM card, but I CANNOT activate the SIM card online!
The ONLY "Activate" link from their website is for phone, not tablet. I got this error:
"Sorry, this page is for Prepaid phone activation.
To learn how to activate your T-Mobile Prepaid Mobile Broadband device, please visit the Prepaid Mobile Broadband activation instructions page."
How did you guys activate the SIM card to get the 200mb for free?
T-Mobile support page stated the following:
If I am a new customer coming to T-Mobile how can I get my free 200MB of data and pay nothing more?
We would love for you to join T-Mobile! You can get a 200MB Starter data pass for free every month when you activate a Pay in Advance Mobile Internet line. You won't pay anything extra to receive your 200MB and you get the option to buy additional data when you need it.
And.. that's it.. nothing else... no link..

*Just tried, no problem to activate the Sim card came with the tablet..
T-Mobile Confirmation: Promotional Pass
Dear Customer,
Your new Mobile Internet Starter Data pass is now active on device # xxxxxxxxxx, and you can enjoy 200 MB of high speed data for use until 12/07/2013. To manage your account or purchase additional high speed data. visit mim.t-mobile.com.
*
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

gemstocks said:
*Just tried, no problem to activate the Sim card came with the tablet..
T-Mobile Confirmation: Promotional Pass
Dear Customer,
Your new Mobile Internet Starter Data pass is now active on device # xxxxxxxxxx, and you can enjoy 200 MB of high speed data for use until 12/07/2013. To manage your account or purchase additional high speed data. visit mim.t-mobile.com.
*
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found out I have to activate from the tablet itself and not my PC. Now it's working!

200mb on non-tablets?
M3wThr33 said:
This is good news. I have a spare unlocked Android phone I wouldn't mind using this on.
I asked T-Mobile about it over Twitter and was told this:
https://twitter.com/TMobileHelp/status/393159978565263360
So ANY device can get 200MB a month. I have a spare AT&T Thrill 4G. Doesn't have LTE, but does have HSPA+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has there anyone been able to confirm this working on a phone / alternative device ? I am hoping this will work with my new smartwatch that has a sim card slot ( the omate truesmart from kickstarter)

i think the device has to be unlocked. I tried on an ATT iphone 4s, but it would allow the sim.
---------- Post added at 11:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:11 PM ----------
does tmobile allow tethering off the tablet? thx

From other forums it was said this only works with tablets and that Tmo will see you IMEI and see if you are using a phone and stop service.
I personally don't know, I only activated my N7.

No joy for me.
I called T-Mobile (no luck on the web site, kept saying it was temporarily down) and Josh tells me that because this offer was effective Oct 30, and I activated before that, that I'm not elligible.

dannyboy22 said:
No joy for me.
I called T-Mobile (no luck on the web site, kept saying it was temporarily down) and Josh tells me that because this offer was effective Oct 30, and I activated before that, that I'm not elligible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you try to buy just a SIM card? It's only $10 (0.99 if there is promo). That's what most people did to get it to work with the N7, because prior to November, the N7 was NOT directly from T-Mobile.
Worth a try and cheap enough, no?

So how does the activation work? BTW If you go to a store they may give the sim cards to you for free... I got 2 micro-sims for free to test out with my phone/friends ipad2. Don't pay for it if you don't have to.
Judging by earlier posts I can't activate from my computer? Does something come up on the device when the sim is inserted?

Stephen304 said:
So how does the activation work? BTW If you go to a store they may give the sim cards to you for free... I got 2 micro-sims for free to test out with my phone/friends ipad2. Don't pay for it if you don't have to.
Judging by earlier posts I can't activate from my computer? Does something come up on the device when the sim is inserted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just put sim in iPad, turn off Wifi connection and enable Cellular connection and then open a webpage (like google.com) and it should redirect you to T-Mobile's activation page. If u have a bad signal (very slow to load page), you can now enable Wifi to finish activation.

Related

How can I cancel my data plan? ATT won't let me.

I've called and they tell me that I have to have it or the phone won't work or I have to cancel the entire service ...I've tried the website and it doesn't have that option.
Any help?
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using XDA HD
VeryCoolAlan said:
I've called and they tell me that I have to have it or the phone won't work or I have to cancel the entire service ...I've tried the website and it doesn't have that option.
Any help?
Sent from my Galaxy S3 using XDA HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you REALLY want to get rid of the data plan, (and your not in contract), then get an OLD flip phone and drop your sim in it. Wait a couple hours after making a few calls & texts with it so that it updates in their system.
Then call AT&T support and tell them that you have this old flip phone and you no longer need a data plan. They should at that time cancel the data plan from your account. Once done, take your sim and put it back into the S III.
NOTE : If you are on contract they won't acknowledge the phone change out and will continue with the data plan, as that was part of the contract that you signed up for when you subsidized the phone. ALSO TO NOTE, if your not on contract and they "see" that you are using the S III, they can at will reinstate the data plan, as it is a "requirement" for devices of this type.
I think a data plan is required on any smartphone. One option is to cancel with AT&T and then sign up on an AT&T prepay plan. The prepay plan doesn't seem to require a data plan, or else they don't seem to be as vigilant at enforcing it. One of my daughters has been using an iPhone and the other has been using a Moto Atrix on an AT&T prepay plan for over a year now without a data plan and no issues.
You can call and demand they take out off. They can't tell you no as long as you have minutes on your plan they can't charge you anything. Just keep demanding they take it off
Samsung Galaxy S3
I know a data plan is required. If you read your contract, it is most likely stated there also. And online. Any official new phone retailer. In the store. Just about everywhere you may have looked at this phone, with the exception of a current s3 users left or right hand, states you have to have a qualifying data plan with all post paid accounts. Pre paid is different.
I'm an AT&T employee. As stated, you can request the plan be removed only if you're switching to a non-smartphone. You can't just go back to using the smartphone, though. If the billing system sees a smartphone in use (your device broadcasts its IMEI on every call) without an appropriate data plan, one will get automatically added to the account, and contract status doesn't matter. An SMS will be sent notifying of the change.
aricept said:
I'm an AT&T employee. As stated, you can request the plan be removed only if you're switching to a non-smartphone. You can't just go back to using the smartphone, though. If the billing system sees a smartphone in use (your device broadcasts its IMEI on every call) without an appropriate data plan, one will get automatically added to the account, and contract status doesn't matter. An SMS will be sent notifying of the change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only workaround that I've found that works is to stick your sim in another phone (basic) use that and go to a store and have them update that. turn on your smartphone without sim in it and then go to mobile section and turn off data or remove APN altogether. Once that is done, put sim card back in and just never turn that back on. Did a test with a personal phone and it never registered with the system, ran it for like 4 months that way (on a personal plan) before I decided being restricted to Wi-Fi was easier said than done. Don't know if they've patched that or not, this was about a year ago, but hopefully it helps
DISTRAUGHTKLOWNZ said:
also an employee, the only workaround that I've found that works is to stick your sim in another phone (basic) use that and go to a store and have them update that. turn on your smartphone without sim in it and then go to mobile section and turn off data or remove APN altogether. Once that is done, put sim card back in and just never turn that back on. Did a test with a personal phone and it never registered with the system, ran it for like 4 months that way (on a personal plan) before I decided being restricted to Wi-Fi was easier said than done. Don't know if they've patched that or not, this was about a year ago, but hopefully it helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello fellow employee!
That's an interesting trick, but I don't think it would work anymore. I've seen the system add packages to suspended lines, which clearly aren't accessing data, just based on the last phone in use.
Thanks! Had to switch sim to a small flip phone...now I use my gs3 as a "tablet"
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium HD app
aricept said:
I'm an AT&T employee. As stated, you can request the plan be removed only if you're switching to a non-smartphone. You can't just go back to using the smartphone, though. If the billing system sees a smartphone in use (your device broadcasts its IMEI on every call) without an appropriate data plan, one will get automatically added to the account, and contract status doesn't matter. An SMS will be sent notifying of the change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember I did it on my old g1 on tmobile...but that was years ago
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium HD app

[Q] Nexus 7 LTE - which US carrier do you recommend?

I am debating between the N7 Wifi or N7 LTE. I had the N7 2012 and although I can tether to my phone, it was not very convenience to use it because:
1). Affect my phone battery tremendously
2). In my S4 Active, activating tethering through ES Explorer cause "Unfortunately, setting has stopped", which add about 1 minute total before I can browse the net. It's not that long, but imagine you need to check something quickly on your tablet and you have to:
- Open ES Explorer
- Start tethering
- Wait for the error to pops up
- Click "Home" on the S4 Active
- Start browsing.
This starts getting too old for me... and no, I can't leave tethering ON on my phone all the time because the battery will be dead in just 3 hours.
However, I am looking for a PAY-AS-YOU-GO tablet data plan. AT&T requires a contract and/or buying a device from them. Tried it on AT&T website AND visited 2 different AT&T store.
T-Mobile seems to have it, but when I try to order just the SIM card, I don't see anything for tablet, only for phones. I believe I cannot use phone SIM card in the Nexus 7 since the IMEI is blacklisted.
Anyone use N7 LTE version?
T-Mobile should allow you to use pay-as-you-go on a tablet. You may need to go into the store if you're having trouble purchasing it online.. However, they did just announce 200MB of data monthly for free:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/23/4947704/t-mobile-makes-free-ipad-data-offer-official
If you buy it from the Play Store you can select to receive a T-Mobile SIM and that should get you the free 200MB of data.
Edit: I also wanted to mention that your tethering problems may be related to trying to use ES File Explorer to tether your phone. Try using FoxFi, it's much more reliable.
raptir said:
T-Mobile should allow you to use pay-as-you-go on a tablet. You may need to go into the store if you're having trouble purchasing it online.. However, they did just announce 200MB of data monthly for free:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/23/4947704/t-mobile-makes-free-ipad-data-offer-official
If you buy it from the Play Store you can select to receive a T-Mobile SIM and that should get you the free 200MB of data.
Edit: I also wanted to mention that your tethering problems may be related to trying to use ES File Explorer to tether your phone. Try using FoxFi, it's much more reliable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!
I am buying from Best Buy because I have a $50 coupon and also it's easier to return the tablet if there is issue (multitouch, etc.).
I did try to go to T-Mobile website to buy just the SIM card but it force me to select a device, which I don't want to. I stopped by the T-Mobile store and they said the SIM card is only for smartphone, not tablet. But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though). I want pay-as-you go, meaning: January - use it, February and March: don't use it, etc.
On the tethering, I had issue with FoxFi and based on the S4 Active forums, the best solution seems to be with ES File Explorer. It's probably have to do with the ROM in S4 Active, which is different than the regular S4.
lanwarrior said:
But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I had replied to this, so sorry if it becomes a double post.
How is T-Mobile going to make you "consistently pay for the service every month" when it's offered for free? You don't have to be a T-Mobile customer to take advantage of that, just have a tablet with a T-Mobile SIM.
lanwarrior said:
Thanks for the info!
I am buying from Best Buy because I have a $50 coupon and also it's easier to return the tablet if there is issue (multitouch, etc.).
I did try to go to T-Mobile website to buy just the SIM card but it force me to select a device, which I don't want to. I stopped by the T-Mobile store and they said the SIM card is only for smartphone, not tablet. But the bigger problem is that the 200Mb of free data is only when you consistently pay for the service every month (no contract though). I want pay-as-you go, meaning: January - use it, February and March: don't use it, etc.
On the tethering, I had issue with FoxFi and based on the S4 Active forums, the best solution seems to be with ES File Explorer. It's probably have to do with the ROM in S4 Active, which is different than the regular S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered the T-mobile Sim for my LTE Nexus 7. I just skipped over the device selection. I think the primary purpose of that step was to make sure you ordered the correct sim card size. I can't remember the screen exactly as I did this a couple days ago. I happened to catch the free sim card.
If you type in "Sim Card" in the search box, you'll pull up several options. I think the one you want is Mobile Broadband Only Micro Sim. If you select it you should be able to add it to the cart and check out.
As far as other options go, AIO wireless has tablet plans starting at $15 with $10 for 1Gb more. I don't know if Verizon is allowing activations yet. I don't think you'll be able to access 3G with their sim. They have a $20 2Gb plan. I was able to use the Verizon sim from my GS3 phone to access their LTE network.
raptir said:
I thought I had replied to this, so sorry if it becomes a double post.
How is T-Mobile going to make you "consistently pay for the service every month" when it's offered for free? You don't have to be a T-Mobile customer to take advantage of that, just have a tablet with a T-Mobile SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought in order to get the 200mb free, you have to pay for the pre-paid plan on monthly basis? I think I am just curious how will T-Mobile KNOW and TRACK who will get the 200Mb free on monthly basis and how much left on a given date.
... or I just plug in the SIM card..don't pay anything (other than the SIM card) and...that's it?
Wrngway said:
I ordered the T-mobile Sim for my LTE Nexus 7. I just skipped over the device selection. I think the primary purpose of that step was to make sure you ordered the correct sim card size. I can't remember the screen exactly as I did this a couple days ago. I happened to catch the free sim card.
If you type in "Sim Card" in the search box, you'll pull up several options. I think the one you want is Mobile Broadband Only Micro Sim. If you select it you should be able to add it to the cart and check out.
As far as other options go, AIO wireless has tablet plans starting at $15 with $10 for 1Gb more. I don't know if Verizon is allowing activations yet. I don't think you'll be able to access 3G with their sim. They have a $20 2Gb plan. I was able to use the Verizon sim from my GS3 phone to access their LTE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. interesting. This is what I found out after reading various sites on T-Mobile prepaid plan:
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" ($0.99 or $1.99 depending on promotions) works with iPads, with T-Mobile Monthly4G No Annual Contract (prepaid) cellphone plans. I have heard that T-Mobile check the IMEI and if it is a tablet, it won't work.
"T-Mobile Mobile Broadband SIM ONLY KIT" ($6.99) can not be activated without T-Mobile-branded mobile data devices.
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" ($0.99 or $1.99) can not be used with T-Mobile-branded mobile data devices. (I believe this is what you have)
"T-Mobile (Micro) SIM Card Activation kit" and "T-Mobile Mobile Broadband SIM ONLY KIT" have different SKUs and possibly different IMSI codes.
I bought the Unlocked Nexus 7 LTE from Best Buy last week. I then stopped by my local T-mobile store and had them put a Data Only micro SIM in it for me. I already had a data only plan for my mobile hot spot that this tablet is being used with, so my replacement SIM was free. You should be able to pick a micro SIM up for use with the free 200mb plan for less then $10.
Paten said:
I bought the Unlocked Nexus 7 LTE from Best Buy last week. I then stopped by my local T-mobile store and had them put a Data Only micro SIM in it for me. I already had a data only plan for my mobile hot spot that this tablet is being used with, so my replacement SIM was free. You should be able to pick a micro SIM up for use with the free 200mb plan for less then $10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's interesting! I also have a T-Mobile branded Mobile Hotspot with full-size SIM card.
So did you just ask for a swap to Micro SIM card? Beside the cost of the SIM card, I take it you do NOT have to pay the monthly plan but will automatically receive 200mb?
EDIT: Shot! I don't know what happen but I can't no longer access my.tmobile.com. Keep getting pop-up about updating the security profile but it won't go away!
lanwarrior said:
Oh, that's interesting! I also have a T-Mobile branded Mobile Hotspot with full-size SIM card.
So did you just ask for a swap to Micro SIM card? Beside the cost of the SIM card, I take it you do NOT have to pay the monthly plan but will automatically receive 200mb?
EDIT: Shot! I don't know what happen but I can't no longer access my.tmobile.com. Keep getting pop-up about updating the security profile but it won't go away!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507266
I just switched to the 200MB free plan on T-mobile and in my last post I explain how and why. You won't be able to access the my.tmobile.com site at this time. They are switching over to a new system which causes some confusion on their end and online.
Hope it helps.
200MB free on T-Mobile works. You get set up for monthly billing and the charges are then credited so get billed $0 each month.
They ran a credit check in order to get set up, if not already a T-Mobile customer.
Interestingly, the built-in Mobile Hotspot on totally stock ROM works. It didn't say anything about signing up for hotspot or anything of that nature.
I wonder if that will turn on hotspot feature and try to bill at the end of the month?
If it works without issues that would be pretty slick.
xdadevnube said:
200MB free on T-Mobile works. You get set up for monthly billing and the charges are then credited so get billed $0 each month.
They ran a credit check in order to get set up, if not already a T-Mobile customer.
Interestingly, the built-in Mobile Hotspot on totally stock ROM works. It didn't say anything about signing up for hotspot or anything of that nature.
I wonder if that will turn on hotspot feature and try to bill at the end of the month?
If it works without issues that would be pretty slick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What would they need to run a credit check for pre-paid plan?
lanwarrior said:
What would they need to run a credit check for pre-paid plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your drivers license and maybe your social security number would be enough.
I tried it in store like 2 months ago and I don't remember bringing anything special
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
moeinyoho said:
I think your drivers license and maybe your social security number would be enough.
I tried it in store like 2 months ago and I don't remember bringing anything special
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mins showing these to confirm my identity, but don't want a credit inquiry in my report.
I ordered the Sim card. Will let you know if they'll run credit when I activate it.
lanwarrior said:
I don't mins showing these to confirm my identity, but don't want a credit inquiry in my report.
I ordered the Sim card. Will let you know if they'll run credit when I activate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that I think about it, I don't think a credit check would be necessary at all for the free data. Since you don't need any existing plans you should be fine.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
moeinyoho said:
Now that I think about it, I don't think a credit check would be necessary at all for the free data. Since you don't need any existing plans you should be fine.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They did a credit check. Dude one tried to the tell dude two it wasn't necessary when dude two started doing credit check. Then dude three told dude one and dude two that it was absolutely necessary, and that he just got out of meeting regarding this information. Then dude three busted out his notes. Dude two tried to set up account without it, then realized that the option wasn't in his system.
In the end, they did it.
xdadevnube said:
They did a credit check. Dude one tried to the tell dude two it wasn't necessary when dude two started doing credit check. Then dude three told dude one and dude two that it was absolutely necessary, and that he just got out of meeting regarding this information. Then dude three busted out his notes. Dude two tried to set up account without it, then realized that the option wasn't in his system.
In the end, they did it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this is all for the SIM card, no device purchased from T-Mobile with the payment plan?
I understand if one purchase the device from T-mobile, since they want to make sure the customer can pay the 24 months payment plan, but I am still confused the purpose of checking credit for just the SIM card with no contract.
For those who actually ordered the SIM card, when you activate it from the website, did it ask for your SSN?
lanwarrior said:
And this is all for the SIM card, no device purchased from T-Mobile with the payment plan?
I understand if one purchase the device from T-mobile, since they want to make sure the customer can pay the 24 months payment plan, but I am still confused the purpose of checking credit for just the SIM card with no contract.
For those who actually ordered the SIM card, when you activate it from the website, did it ask for your SSN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it was only for SIM, brought own device. I thought it was obnoxious, but it I did it anyway. I later verified the credit inquiry actually occurred with transunion.
T mobile
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk

Using a free data sim from t-mobile for calls

I had a t-mobile 200 mb free data plan activated on a kindle hdx7 about a year ago. 2 months later I got an IpadAir2 and gave the kindle to my daughter and took out the t-mobile free data sim and she put in an att sim to use the data share family plan for $10. She is using most of the 20 gb bucket we have per month between her phone and tablet.
I activated a free sim from t-mobile for my ipad air2 and put the original free sim from the kindle on ice for a while. Tonite I found it and for the heck of it put it in the fire phone to see if the data plan would work in the phone. And it did! I chose the t-mo lte apn and rebooted the phone. And data started flowing. I was able to sign into Ooma mobile and make a successful call over data. The same with Time Warner's Phone2Go app. Was also able to make a successful call over data with this one. The only thing not working is using text messaging. It just won't work with the phone number assigned to the data sim Google voice worked too. Texting works thru google but mms does not work. The clarity of voice was best with Phone2Go, followed by Google, then Ooma. I heard well on all three, but was fuzzy and staticy to the receiver.
So if any of you have those free data sims from t-mo laying around, they will work on the fire phone for app calling. And anything else you want to use the data on.
[Disregard this post -- in post #3 I answer my own question]
Thanks, sashusmom. I tried this but I can't get it working. I can get to the TMO page where it tells me how much data I have remaining but when I try to browse anywhere else it takes me to the "upsell" URL to activate my device, get more data etc. I tried both unrooted and rooted and neither works. Another thought: I have a pre-paid TMO account that is tied to my unlimited 200MB SIM; is your unlimited TMO on a post-paid account, maybe?
I did some further research to see how this works and here is what I found:
Yes, you do need a post-paid T-Mobile account in order to have a SIM card that you can move from one device to another. Prepaid accounts with the 200 MB data plan, those SIM cards are married to the tablet they are activated on. Furthermore, if you do go the post-paid route in order to get this working, please note that you'll need a voice line on your post-paid account in order to get the 200 MB truly free; they give you a $10 bill credit every month as long as you have at least one voice line on the account. If you only have a data device, you will be charged $10 per month and you will not be eligible for the bill credit.
dustbinge said:
I did some further research to see how this works and here is what I found:
Yes, you do need a post-paid T-Mobile account in order to have a SIM card that you can move from one device to another. Prepaid accounts with the 200 MB data plan, those SIM cards are married to the tablet they are activated on. Furthermore, if you do go the post-paid route in order to get this working, please note that you'll need a voice line on your post-paid account in order to get the 200 MB truly free; they give you a $10 bill credit every month as long as you have at least one voice line on the account. If you only have a data device, you will be charged $10 per month and you will not be eligible for the bill credit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything I wrote in the opening post is true for me. Please note that the apn needs to be T-Mobile US LTE/fast.t-mobile.com I just checked and data is still flowing. It is a prepaid data sim also.
Thanks for your research, but apparently it doesn't apply to me. I don't have a post paid account. That sim that was initially activated on my kindle fire hdx7 for the free data for tablets with 200mb and is working on my fire phone- I know it is the same sim cause I marked it with an F designating free. So it is not married to the tablet. It is working on my firephone. It is a data only sim so voice and texting does not work.
Also it probably does not work in a tmobile device. My kindle was not a tmobile device and initially was not even officially supported for the free data for life plan. But it worked. The firephone is also not a tmobile device.
Another thought for you Dustbinge- does your free data sim- 200 mb for life- have any of the 200mb left on it? If not it will send you to the upsell page. On prepaid you can add more data when you use up the 200 free mb.
ok--thanks for the update. I envy that yours is working because I want the flexibility to use Waze in either the Fire Phone or my Samsung Tablet. In any case, yes, I just started a new monthly cycle and I have about 163MB left. I tried one more time and verified that I'm using the correct APN but I still get the same result. My prepaid SIM was indeed activated in a T-Mobile tablet so there's that. And mine was only done about a month ago so maybe something has changed over the last year.
Sorry to hear it I must be flying under their radar with 2 non t-mo devices. Maybe other peeps could try it and post. It would make it clear then that my case is different. It will be really nice since my main sim is att in an iphone.
If you're adventurous, ebay is selling simple mobile preloaded sims for about $5 each. It has 1 or 2 gigs of data and unl. talk and text. I got 6 of them when they were
$1/each and I have 1 left. They were all activated without a hitch following the directions enclosed with the sims. I would buy more but am too cheap to pay the going rate for them. Maybe $5/month would be worth it to you. You can always buy 1 just to see if it will be good for you. Simple runs on t-mobile.
Sashusmom, thanks for the tip on simple mobile--will def look into that. Another thought on the prepaid TMO SIM working on your Fire phone and not mine: could it be related to our ROM setups? I am stock rooted. What ROM if any are you running and are you using any special build prop strings?
dustbinge said:
Sashusmom, thanks for the tip on simple mobile--will def look into that. Another thought on the prepaid TMO SIM working on your Fire phone and not mine: could it be related to our ROM setups? I am stock rooted. What ROM if any are you running and are you using any special build prop strings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running CM-11 for safestrap by ggow. Rooted, no build prop changes. I never used safestrap before but it was very easy. I tend to re-read stuff 3-4 times before I attempt new things and read every post before making any rom changes. Maybe overly cautious, but I never bricked.
I installed safestrap and flashed CM11 for safestrap to try to match your environment. I also never used safestrap before and the good news is that it was surprisingly easy. The bad news is that it had no impact on my TMO prepaid card working. Thanks again for your suggestions.
dustbinge said:
I installed safestrap and flashed CM11 for safestrap to try to match your environment. I also never used safestrap before and the good news is that it was surprisingly easy. The bad news is that it had no impact on my TMO prepaid card working. Thanks again for your suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your very welcome and I'm sorry it was a bust for you Let me know how you like CM11.
I am about to do similar task. I have an old Verizon RazrHD with sim slot. Ordered a TMO phone sim (not tablet). It will arrive this Thrusday. I hope it will work. I don't think build prop will help because TMO has a thread about adding new devices to TMO DB, they use IMEI.

Switching to AT&T with a Oneplus3.

Hey y'all quick question. I am currently on sprint with a Nexus 6. I have been wanting to switch to AT&T and was hoping to buy a OP3 and use that. My question is will I be able to do that? Also how easy is it.
Shouldn't be that difficult.
You can probably go to a store and just ask for a nano sim card and can get it free. Then call or go online and activate the sim with whatever plan you want when the phone arrives.
You can also get just a sim and plan online, but you'll need to give a bogus imie number if you want to do it before your phone arrives. This is probably what I would do as I just don't care to go to the stores. If you don't have an imei handy, you pobably could find one easily in some photos on eBay. Doesnt matter if your imei is same as anothers, and eventually the system will automatically update to the actual phone's imei anyways.
i have been AT&T customer long time and i have the OP3.
they never said anything to me but in the account online. i see the device stated as "unknown" lol.
i am okay with, i dont want them knowing what phone i use anyway.
i work for att, we don't care if u use an unlocked phone, i have a OP3 and work there, u just need a sim, u can see if ur sim from ur nexus 6 will fit, if so no need to go to store, att will automatically know what phone u have
---------- Post added at 08:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
flexforall1 said:
i have been AT&T customer long time and i have the OP3.
they never said anything to me but in the account online. i see the device stated as "unknown" lol.
i am okay with, i dont want them knowing what phone i use anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they will know, imei will be updated, i have seen accounts where it shows A0001 which is the OPO, but again att does not care, especially since they don't do upgrades anymore, they don't make money off of devices
Why at&t instead of T-Mobile? Just curious, thought everyone who was doing the switching was going to T-Mobile since it is cheaper with more benefits and great reception (most) places nowadays
2x4 said:
Why at&t instead of T-Mobile? Just curious, thought everyone who was doing the switching was going to T-Mobile since it is cheaper with more benefits and great reception (most) places nowadays
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally - I have an Unlimited plan with at&t that only costs me $10 more than the new unlimited T-Mobile plans, but I have no tether speed throttle, until I hit the general 22gb for all my data. I believe T-Mobile's new plans will throttle all tethering regardless of data used, and will throttle general usage after 26gb.
That being said I do have a Ting sim as well (runs off T-Mobile) and is generally faster than At&t in my area, sometimes over 2x. BUT some key areas that I use my phone and where I mainly use tethering, I don't get T-Mobile coverage.
If I could get T-Mobile coverage where I generally tether and if they didnt throttle all tethering without hitting a cap I would switch.
AT&T unlimited plan doesnt allow you to tether unless you have an unlocked phone tho
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
I've been on AT&T with a OP3 for 3 months now and it works like a charm. Just sign up and throw the sim card in the phone. 100℅ compatible.
ikaraca said:
AT&T unlimited plan doesnt allow you to tether unless you have an unlocked phone tho
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Such as OP3?
But good to know, I wasn't aware, thanks.
give att your N6 imei or you won't get LTE and your phone will be detected as a feature phone :/
Like mentioned earlier, just use your Nexus 6 to get your AT&T service activated, and then swap out the sims.

any sprint users able to activate yet?

I have never done BYOD, can someone give me a rundown of how to proceed, and how its worked for you on the pixel (not yet showing as a viable device on their BYOD page!)
i would love to be able to activate without dealing with a store (from my account page) is that possible?
I did a chat with Sprint rep. You need a SIM card that you can either order and self-activate, or go in-store. I was told no charge for the SIM card in-store but $30 activation fee. The UPC for the SIM you need is: 019962040146
Personally, I'm considering moving to Fi since my Sprint service has been poor last 4-5 months due to alleged "tower improvements", just not sure if I want to give up $60 unlimited everything. ?
Sent from my LGLS990 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I was about to say "if you already have a nano SIM, you should be able to just swap it out into your new phone"
But did a search on sprint's site and came across this - https://www.sprint.com/landings/howtoactivate/index.html?id16=swap |All&question_box=swap |All
My SIM is sitting and waiting for my darn phone to ship!! I don't think it will be a problem. I would move to Fi, but I just couldn't afford it at this time.
nightmare with Sprint. Got my phone this afternoon and have been to 3 Sprint stores, a Best Buy, and a Best Buy Mobile.......CANNOT ACTIVATE ON SPRINT!! I purchased the correct SIM Card, but when the Rep goes to activate it, I get 2 answers as to why I cannot activate it: #1 (from the less informed) the device is not compatible with Sprint. I was given this answer at 2 sprint stores, and over the phone when I called to activate the device & SIM Card. #2 (at a Corporate Sprint Store) They have an email that walks them through how to activate the Pixel. FOllowing the steps, he got an error stating that the SKU is assigned to a PREPAID phone and it needs to be reassigned to POSTPAY before it can activate. He called some number, on the phone for about 20 minutes and handed my the phone and said the ladt was no help, try calling Customer Care. So, 3.5 hours into my trying to activate I call customer care who does nothing, transfer to tech support - NOTHING and says its not a compatible device. I asked to speak to supervisor who then basically told me to go to the store and they can fix it. when I explained I have been to 3 stores and they cannot fix it, he says sorry, I cant do anything over the phone.
bretweb24 said:
nightmare with Sprint. Got my phone this afternoon and have been to 3 Sprint stores, a Best Buy, and a Best Buy Mobile.......CANNOT ACTIVATE ON SPRINT!! I purchased the correct SIM Card, but when the Rep goes to activate it, I get 2 answers as to why I cannot activate it: #1 (from the less informed) the device is not compatible with Sprint. I was given this answer at 2 sprint stores, and over the phone when I called to activate the device & SIM Card. #2 (at a Corporate Sprint Store) They have an email that walks them through how to activate the Pixel. FOllowing the steps, he got an error stating that the SKU is assigned to a PREPAID phone and it needs to be reassigned to POSTPAY before it can activate. He called some number, on the phone for about 20 minutes and handed my the phone and said the ladt was no help, try calling Customer Care. So, 3.5 hours into my trying to activate I call customer care who does nothing, transfer to tech support - NOTHING and says its not a compatible device. I asked to speak to supervisor who then basically told me to go to the store and they can fix it. when I explained I have been to 3 stores and they cannot fix it, he says sorry, I cant do anything over the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you were the individual they were talking about when I walked in with my Pixel in hand. I told them I needed a sim and to have it activated. 3 guys were telling me about someone that had just left, who had been there for over an hour, with a SIM they bought at Best Buy, while they were on the phone, talking about it registering as a prepaid phone. I said, "well, just let me buy a sim kit for the nexus 6". They brought it out, said, "we'll give it a shot". They pulled up my account, scanned the SKU on the box, scanned the sim, put it in, and I was out with an activated Pixel within 10 minutes.
I'm not sure what they did wrong with you or the other guy. Did you have your box with you or just the phone?
lgldrgdlr said:
Sounds like you were the individual they were talking about when I walked in with my Pixel in hand. I told them I needed a sim and to have it activated. 3 guys were telling me about someone that had just left, who had been there for over an hour, with a SIM they bought at Best Buy, while they were on the phone, talking about it registering as a prepaid phone. I said, "well, just let me buy a sim kit for the nexus 6". They brought it out, said, "we'll give it a shot". They pulled up my account, scanned the SKU on the box, scanned the sim, put it in, and I was out with an activated Pixel within 10 minutes.
I'm not sure what they did wrong with you or the other guy. Did you have your box with you or just the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the phone....I wonder what was different. I just got off the phone with Tech support AGAIN! and they confirmed the device is not registered with Sprint yet. NO issue with the Sim. Nice job getting it to work though!! Maybe I can try again tomorrow :crying:
bretweb24 said:
Just the phone....I wonder what was different. I just got off the phone with Tech support AGAIN! and they confirmed the device is not registered with Sprint yet. NO issue with the Sim. Nice job getting it to work though!! Maybe I can try again tomorrow :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take your box with you. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it but at least they'll have it to scan. I know it shouldn't matter but, you never know.
using a sprint mnvo had my own sim activated just fine
I found several pixels in stock at Verizon stores. Will my sprint sim work with it if I bought it for the retail price?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Went to a sprint store where the guy told me I need to order a special SIM for the Pixel, and they expected them later this week. I asked him to try it with the SIM in my LG G5 which he was nice enough to do but he couldn't get it to work, claiming each device maker has it's own SIM (...ok...).
At any rate, when I got back home I went to the site that jj14 posted - sprint.com/landings/howt...=swap%20%7CAll - and tried first with the SIM that was in my old Nexus 6 (didn't work) then again with the one in my LG G5, and that worked! Up and running, making calls, etc. No issues!
Has anyone tried putting a sprint sim in a Verizon pixel?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
bretweb24 said:
I was told no charge for the SIM card in-store but $30 activation fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No activation fee for BYOD.
Sprint does adtivated
bretweb24 said:
Just the phone....I wonder what was different. I just got off the phone with Tech support AGAIN! and they confirmed the device is not registered with Sprint yet. NO issue with the Sim. Nice job getting it to work though!! Maybe I can try again tomorrow :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is listed on spring page as a bring your one phone
It does
lgldrgdlr said:
Take your box with you. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it but at least they'll have it to scan. I know it shouldn't matter but, you never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thr box has a number not the imei another number is a heckh or somethis that is what they scan
---------- Post added at 06:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:52 PM ----------
Androidnj said:
The phone is listed on spring page as a bring your one phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That the number sprint needs is on the box and about my phone on your setting
Got my pixel xl from the Google store, ordered the card from Sprint and activated thru Sprint support chat.
Everything is working great! Best Android phone out there!
I don't know how I missed this thread. I was super curious about why I was experiencing so much trouble getting proper activation.
I activated mine the day I got it, online, with the sim card from my HTC 10. It went through but have me an error after it was activated. So I'm currently using that sim and it works with the exception of minor issues like unable to send SMS over 160 characters and MMS not always behaving. Other than that it works.
I went to 3 stores local and while I'm Richmond VA, I checked a corporate store. No one has the damn sim needed! It completely baffles me. Phone rep is having one mailed to me.. how nice of them
got my phone from the google store, trid switching sims but it didnt work. went to a sprint store and told them i need the "3 in 1" simcard to activate an unlocked phone and a guys which actually knew what he was doing swapped the phones for me. there is no activation fees because you are swapping phones, not activating. its working great so far, however sometimes i have some weird signal drops which happens randomly. anyone experiencing the same?
Went to the store and they did it for me
---------- Post added at 08:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:57 PM ----------
southernstyle said:
I don't know how I missed this thread. I was super curious about why I was experiencing so much trouble getting proper activation.
I activated mine the day I got it, online, with the sim card from my HTC 10. It went through but have me an error after it was activated. So I'm currently using that sim and it works with the exception of minor issues like unable to send SMS over 160 characters and MMS not always behaving. Other than that it works.
I went to 3 stores local and while I'm Richmond VA, I checked a corporate store. No one has the damn sim needed! It completely baffles me. Phone rep is having one mailed to me.. how nice of them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint has em. They just dont wanna give em out
bretweb24 said:
nightmare with Sprint. Got my phone this afternoon and have been to 3 Sprint stores, a Best Buy, and a Best Buy Mobile.......CANNOT ACTIVATE ON SPRINT!! I purchased the correct SIM Card, but when the Rep goes to activate it, I get 2 answers as to why I cannot activate it: #1 (from the less informed) the device is not compatible with Sprint. I was given this answer at 2 sprint stores, and over the phone when I called to activate the device & SIM Card. #2 (at a Corporate Sprint Store) They have an email that walks them through how to activate the Pixel. FOllowing the steps, he got an error stating that the SKU is assigned to a PREPAID phone and it needs to be reassigned to POSTPAY before it can activate. He called some number, on the phone for about 20 minutes and handed my the phone and said the ladt was no help, try calling Customer Care. So, 3.5 hours into my trying to activate I call customer care who does nothing, transfer to tech support - NOTHING and says its not a compatible device. I asked to speak to supervisor who then basically told me to go to the store and they can fix it. when I explained I have been to 3 stores and they cannot fix it, he says sorry, I cant do anything over the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I activated my pixel XL within 10 minutes as well lol idk why they're giving u the runaround. U just need to go to a corporate store and ask them for the sim card with the last 3 numbers ending in 146 or tell them u need a simple card used for the htc M8 it's the same card that ends in 146.

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