so, i recently bought this phone new in box. opened the box, inserted my sim and it does not recognize it. now i should mention that i use walmart family mobile as my carrier. could that be my problem? i'm told that t-mobile phones work since there a branch of t-mobile but so far no luck. im going from a captivate to this phone, so the sim was bigger. i used the template deal and cut it down to the micro sim size which i thought could be my problem but the sim happily works in the captivate. any help with this would be greatly appreciated. i will answer all questions to my greatest abilities and i apologize in advance if im the 18th person to ask this today like other questions
joehein said:
so, i recently bought this phone new in box. opened the box, inserted my sim and it does not recognize it. now i should mention that i use walmart family mobile as my carrier. could that be my problem? i'm told that t-mobile phones work since there a branch of t-mobile but so far no luck. im going from a captivate to this phone, so the sim was bigger. i used the template deal and cut it down to the micro sim size which i thought could be my problem but the sim happily works in the captivate. any help with this would be greatly appreciated. i will answer all questions to my greatest abilities and i apologize in advance if im the 18th person to ask this today like other questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can not swap SIM cards from one provider to another unless your phone is unlocked..
You need to purchase a T-Mobile SIM card kit...
Zaphodspeaks said:
You can not swap SIM cards from one provider to another unless your phone is unlocked..
You need to purchase a T-Mobile SIM card kit...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but this works with other t-mobile phones and i know this because i have done it without an unlock, but those were older older phones like the s1 and s2. does the t999l specifically pick a fight? maybe a quirk of 4.1.2?
joehein said:
but this works with other t-mobile phones and i know this because i have done it without an unlock, but those were older older phones like the s1 and s2. does the t999l specifically pick a fight? maybe a quirk of 4.1.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe in order for this to work on this device, you would need to unlock it..
I'm no expert, but this is my personal experience..
In order for me to test this, I would have to have both devices and YOUR sim card..
Zaphodspeaks said:
I believe in order for this to work on this device, you would need to unlock it..
I'm no expert, but this is my personal experience..
In order for me to test this, I would have to have both devices and YOUR sim card..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well a man can hope right? and from my extensive research i have found that because of the fancy L the only way to unlock this is via a dude on ebay, or a code directly from t-mobile. i doubt t-mobile would do this for a non-contract phone though. it certainly does suck to suck.
Esn?
~SanaDrate + LTE
"Doesn't recognize it" please explain what exactly what is happening. If it is still asking for a SIM to be inserted, you will need a new SIM, but if it is asking for a Unlock PIN Code or similar, then you will need to unlock the phone to use with a non-TMo provider. Personally, I think that since you cut the SIM and it is not lining up. You should get a new (factory made, not cut) Micro-SIM. Also, I believe that it should work with Simple, Straight Talk and Walmart Family on any TMo phone.
Related
Ok, this is probably a stupid question but I can't seem to find an answer anywhere I look.
I got a SIM Unlock code from TMobile and everywhere I read the only way of entering it is to insert a non-TMO SIM.
I can't find my old AT&T SIM card to do this... So is there any way to get to enter the unlock code either without a SIM card at all or with the current TMO SIM?
I don't want to have to pester my friends to use their SIM cards.
Any ideas?
lysergication said:
Ok, this is probably a stupid question but I can't seem to find an answer anywhere I look.
I got a SIM Unlock code from TMobile and everywhere I read the only way of entering it is to insert a non-TMO SIM.
I can't find my old AT&T SIM card to do this... So is there any way to get to enter the unlock code either without a SIM card at all or with the current TMO SIM?
I don't want to have to pester my friends to use their SIM cards.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has been a while since I did this, but I didn't have to change my SIM card to unlock my phone. It has been several years, and that was an HP phone...
However, maybe you could pick up a cheap one on ebay?
lysergication said:
I don't want to have to pester my friends to use their SIM cards.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bribe them maybe? LOL seriously though, you'll need to get your hands on a card from another carrier to make this happen in the TP2, just for a few seconds.
Could you maybe just provide the unlock code you have now to whoever will be using the phone with a different SIM, and let them handle that last step of unlocking?
sirphunkee said:
Could you maybe just provide the unlock code you have now to whoever will be using the phone with a different SIM, and let them handle that last step of unlocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That person would be me. I just like having it unlocked just in case. Even if I have no intention of switching providers yet.
But seriously, I don't understand why HTC did not implement an option to unlock a phone without physically switching SIM's. Oh well, I guess I will need to do that then.
lysergication said:
Ok, this is probably a stupid question but I can't seem to find an answer anywhere I look.
I got a SIM Unlock code from TMobile and everywhere I read the only way of entering it is to insert a non-TMO SIM.
I can't find my old AT&T SIM card to do this... So is there any way to get to enter the unlock code either without a SIM card at all or with the current TMO SIM?
I don't want to have to pester my friends to use their SIM cards.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats not possible it only shows for unlocking code when there is a sim card which is locked to network...
lysergication said:
Ok, this is probably a stupid question but I can't seem to find an answer anywhere I look.
I got a SIM Unlock code from TMobile and everywhere I read the only way of entering it is to insert a non-TMO SIM.
I can't find my old AT&T SIM card to do this... So is there any way to get to enter the unlock code either without a SIM card at all or with the current TMO SIM?
I don't want to have to pester my friends to use their SIM cards.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you go over this with T-Mobile customer service? When I got my HP unlocked, there was a sequence I went through that caused the phone to ask me for the unlock code.
I think I just came across it...onslaught86 just posted over in the HD2 forums about a SIMLock app in the windows folder...run that and you should get the same screen you get if you put a different carrier's card in and boot the phone. Full credit def to onslaught...I had no idea such a thing existed
sirphunkee said:
I think I just came across it...onslaught86 just posted over in the HD2 forums about a SIMLock app in the windows folder...run that and you should get the same screen you get if you put a different carrier's card in and boot the phone. Full credit def to onslaught...I had no idea such a thing existed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope this works, cause I'm in the exact same situation. I used to have an old T-Mobile prepaid SIM that I used just for this purpose, but apparently I've misplaced it. The Tilt 2 is at work, I'll try it first thing tomorrow.
I'm a new to ATT and was wondering if a lost phone can still be used inside/outside the US when inserted with a SIM card? Or is there something that blocks the phone?
You sound like the guy who "purchased" a GS3 on Craigslist which was sim locked by AT&T when it was reported stolen. Honestly, why would it matter if you're new to AT&T? If your phone is lost or stolen then report it and they'll in turn shut down that SIM. You can report it to Samsung as well who may track stolen devices no matter the SIM entered.
Won't give any other answer as I'm sure it's a violation of the rules to aid criminal like behavior.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Haha. if i had "purchased" such a phone why would i ask? couldnt i just see for myself..?
Why would it matter? cause i just switched from VW, which as you know doesnt use SIMS.. I also just came back from a trip overseas where everyone just switched their SIM cards on the plane.. so being a new ATT customer i was wondering how that thing works.. if phones can be locked despite putting a different SIM locally/internationally.. it's just good honest curiosity. ATT CS did tell me i can put any ineternational local SIM and it'll work as long as its a partner..
You kinda sat yourself up for those kind of comments. You didn't ask in the OP if a phone could be used in/out of country.... U clearly said "lost". This is they word that will probably lead everyone that reads this post to think that 1:its a stolen phone or 2:what the guy above me said. Just making an observation.... If this is not the case maybe you should edit your OP to read differently.
Again.. this is just curiosity.. i don't understand why we can't talk about this.. i asking in general how SIM technology works whether it's active or deactivated.
Since you guys like scenarios VS hypotheticals here's one -- Imagin i lost my phone and bought a new phone under the warranty.. then later found my old phone.. will it still work if i put my SIM in? will i need to report that i found my phone? Those are valid questions that should get valid answers...
SIM cards will work in any phone. You not have to call AT&T to have them activate it. Although I don't know if the new lte SIM cards work in older 3g phones I'd assume they should. And you'd have to return one of the phones because AT&T will block the imei of the one reported lost or stolen. So you generally return the lost/stolen phone.
Edit: Also we should stop treating everyone like criminals because you find the post "suspicious".
Once reported lost or stolen...at&t will block that imei. So no, if you find that lost phone later...it won't work on at&t. Get it sim unlocked and sell it.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium
here is a set of answers that should help your curiosity, since you are new to GSM/WCDMA-based networks (aka most networks that aren't VZW or sprint):
1. SIM cards can be switched in phones very easily. AT&T's 4G LTE SIMs can still be inserted into previous non-LTE phones (i.e. an old Moto Atrix) and it will work fine as long as the SIM card is valid. Your phone account/line is tied to your SIM card, NOT your phone. this is useful for those who have 'beater' phones for clubbing/debauchery nights.
2. phones from providers such as AT&T are usually SIM-locked, meaning you can only use an AT&T SIM in them. You can use other AT&T SIMs (say, from another account/line) and it will still work fine.
2.a. If your phone is reported stolen to AT&T, they will blacklist the IMEI and it CANNOT be used on AT&T's network anymore, period. So if your phone is stolen, you can have it barred from AT&T. This is why people who buy phones off craigslist often run into issues - the phone is actually stolen. There are no workarounds.
2.b. If you need to use your phone with a different provider's SIM (i.e. another country carrier, or t-mobile) then you need to get it unlocked. this requires a code that you input when you insert a foreign SIM. you can buy this code or get it from AT&T for free, pending a few requirements.
3. Verizon, now that they have an LTE network, uses SIM cards as well now.
Per the insurance rules if you do find the "lost" phone you are supposed to send it to them. I know they black list stolen phones, but from my experience they do not black list lost phones.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
dLo GSR said:
here is a set of answers that should help your curiosity, since you are new to GSM/WCDMA-based networks (aka most networks that aren't VZW or sprint):
1. SIM cards can be switched in phones very easily. AT&T's 4G LTE SIMs can still be inserted into previous non-LTE phones (i.e. an old Moto Atrix) and it will work fine as long as the SIM card is valid. Your phone account/line is tied to your SIM card, NOT your phone. this is useful for those who have 'beater' phones for clubbing/debauchery nights.
2. phones from providers such as AT&T are usually SIM-locked, meaning you can only use an AT&T SIM in them. You can use other AT&T SIMs (say, from another account/line) and it will still work fine.
2.a. If your phone is reported stolen to AT&T, they will blacklist the IMEI and it CANNOT be used on AT&T's network anymore, period. So if your phone is stolen, you can have it barred from AT&T. This is why people who buy phones off craigslist often run into issues - the phone is actually stolen. There are no workarounds.
2.b. If you need to use your phone with a different provider's SIM (i.e. another country carrier, or t-mobile) then you need to get it unlocked. this requires a code that you input when you insert a foreign SIM. you can buy this code or get it from AT&T for free, pending a few requirements.
3. Verizon, now that they have an LTE network, uses SIM cards as well now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just upgraded an Atrix 2 to an Atrix HD; and after 3 weeks the Atrix HD for a GSIII (fix your software MOTO!). Well between those two phones they switched the SIM card form factor. The Atrix 2 had the ones they've been running since ATT bought Cingular; and the Atrix HD used this one about 2/3 the size called a micro Sim card.
My question is this; can I use my micro SIM in my Inspire 4g I have for a backup?
jeffdaman said:
I just upgraded an Atrix 2 to an Atrix HD; and after 3 weeks the Atrix HD for a GSIII (fix your software MOTO!). Well between those two phones they switched the SIM card form factor. The Atrix 2 had the ones they've been running since ATT bought Cingular; and the Atrix HD used this one about 2/3 the size called a micro Sim card.
My question is this; can I use my micro SIM in my Inspire 4g I have for a backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can, you'll just need an adapter like this one http://www.amazon.com/LE-Microsim-A...=UTF8&qid=1346276599&sr=8-1&keywords=microsim
jeffdaman said:
I just upgraded an Atrix 2 to an Atrix HD; and after 3 weeks the Atrix HD for a GSIII (fix your software MOTO!). Well between those two phones they switched the SIM card form factor. The Atrix 2 had the ones they've been running since ATT bought Cingular; and the Atrix HD used this one about 2/3 the size called a micro Sim card.
My question is this; can I use my micro SIM in my Inspire 4g I have for a backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can. if your slot is snug enough and not a push-slot you don't even need an adapter, just put it in so that the contacts are correctly aligned and it will be fine. did this all through europe when my SGS3 batt died.
I've wondered the same thing. Coming from sprint, I had to verify the ESN wasn't bad if buying used. This one done by calling sprint. I assume its the exact same thing but calling ATT with the imei number to see if its clean?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
AnyMal said:
Yes you can, you'll just need an adapter like this one http://www.amazon.com/LE-Microsim-A...=UTF8&qid=1346276599&sr=8-1&keywords=microsim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's too bad, it's $0.37. I would see paying $0.35 but $0.37 is completely unreasonable!!!
Hello all,
I have sprint samsung galaxy note 2. How can I unlock it to use with GSM carries like AT&T or straight talk?
Thanks you all in advance,
PD
invisible85 said:
Hello all,
I have sprint samsung galaxy note 2. How can I unlock it to use with GSM carries like AT&T or straight talk?
Thanks you all in advance,
PD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need to be able to hardware mod the phone to accept a GSM sim on top of the hardwired chip.
You'll also need balls of steel.
Hardware mod
cal3thousand said:
You will need to be able to hardware mod the phone to accept a GSM sim on top of the hardwired chip.
You'll also need balls of steel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol.
I have no Idea what "Hardware mod" is? Can you please explain or send me a link where I can get an idea how to do that?
Thanks.
invisible85 said:
lol.
I have no Idea what "Hardware mod" is? Can you please explain or send me a link where I can get an idea how to do that?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sprint note has no accessable sim slot. To "possibly" accomplish this one would need to modify the hardware by adding a sim slot and hack the software.
there is a thread about sone folks attempting this...i have not been following it.
link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1959005
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
in layman's terms, you can't. if you remove the back cover from your device there is no sim card slot on the sprint variant to insert a sim. the only current wait to use our phones abroad is to use the sprint international plan.
Got it
Thank you all for your help. I sold the phone. I had no choice...
invisible85 said:
Thank you all for your help. I sold the phone. I had no choice...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could buy an AT&T Note to use with Straight Talk. I have one for sale on eBay right now (Note 1, not 2) that I bought for that same reason, but don't have coverage where I live to make it happen. http://www.ebay.com/itm/290826024805?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
ebay search
note ii sim or search for this one 271090307387
$6.47 swap that plug and play component into place and BAM sim card slot.
either cut a hole in your middle cover OR buy a int middle cover.
also someone is working on a mod solution to keep the 4g AND add a sim card slot
we off course still need to unlock to work on US carriers but maybe its not locked to begin with since they would not have thought of someone swapping parts like this.
nerys71 said:
ebay search
note ii sim or search for this one 271090307387
$6.47 swap that plug and play component into place and BAM sim card slot.
either cut a hole in your middle cover OR buy a int middle cover.
also someone is working on a mod solution to keep the 4g AND add a sim card slot
we off course still need to unlock to work on US carriers but maybe its not locked to begin with since they would not have thought of someone swapping parts like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very cool. do you know if you can do a similar trick with the ebay sim card holders for the Galaxy S3 (i.e. L710) ? I'm really hoping to buy a sprint GS3, put it on ting, and be able to occasionally take it internationally.
I was about to buy a motorola photon, but the lack of updates is scaring me.
UPDATE: found this thread if you're more into the GS3 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2002515
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
maybe it's just me, but amazing that so many people still believe that phones are compatible with other carriers............if you have Tmobile, AT&T then you're GSM network, Verizon & Sprint are CDMA..............it just bugs me when people ask to get their Sprint phone activated on another carrier (only exception is Cricket). I had someone a couple of days ago who bought a Tmobile version of the Galaxy S3, and wanted to know how to jailbreak it to use on another carrier.
normally you would be absolutely right. but in this specific case and possible with the S3 as well your incorrect.
the Note II and possibly the S3 have full GSM capabilities. Sprint just "corrupted" them on purpose (and should be illegally as well)
with the gizmo from ebay we get a normal sim card slot. now we just need a good hacker/coder to unlock the intentional "block" put in place by sprint to prevent it from seeing US GSM signals from companies other than sprint.
once someone manages to do that we will literally have a phone that could in theory be used on "ANY" US provider and probably any world provider.
ycats said:
maybe it's just me, but amazing that so many people still believe that phones are compatible with other carriers............if you have Tmobile, AT&T then you're GSM network, Verizon & Sprint are CDMA..............it just bugs me when people ask to get their Sprint phone activated on another carrier (only exception is Cricket). I had someone a couple of days ago who bought a Tmobile version of the Galaxy S3, and wanted to know how to jailbreak it to use on another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol!
Sent from my [email protected]$$ Galaxy Note II using XDA-Developers App.
nerys71 said:
ebay search
note ii sim or search for this one 271090307387
$6.47 swap that plug and play component into place and BAM sim card slot.
either cut a hole in your middle cover OR buy a int middle cover.
also someone is working on a mod solution to keep the 4g AND add a sim card slot
we off course still need to unlock to work on US carriers but maybe its not locked to begin with since they would not have thought of someone swapping parts like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
based on a search of this and looking at pictures. why would you lose 4g? the lte chip is built on the processor board.
---------- Post added at 11:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:08 PM ----------
ycats said:
maybe it's just me, but amazing that so many people still believe that phones are compatible with other carriers............if you have Tmobile, AT&T then you're GSM network, Verizon & Sprint are CDMA..............it just bugs me when people ask to get their Sprint phone activated on another carrier (only exception is Cricket). I had someone a couple of days ago who bought a Tmobile version of the Galaxy S3, and wanted to know how to jailbreak it to use on another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the statement below is 100% correct. the hardware in this phone is fully capable of GSM service. the removed software controls are the problem.
nerys71 said:
.....the Note II and possibly the S3 have full GSM capabilities. Sprint just "corrupted" them on purpose (and should be illegally as well)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. Someone posted that the LTE SIM card (a chip on the board) is part of this board. so removing it would remove LTE (disable it)
but if your going SIM your going GSM so can't use sprint LTE anyway. so its not a "huge" deal.
Magic Sim?
I contacted Magic Sim and they said their Elite Micro Sim would work with Sprint. It did not show on the site so I emailed them and they said it would.
FWIW
http://www.magic-sim.com/product/id...TER_for_Samsung_Galaxy_Note_2_(SCH-I605).html
There's a guy out there that says he can put it on straight talk w/o sim. operates on verizon network. 231 something was the name of the outfit. google a bit and I'm sure you will find him. hope I helped
look on ebay at the people that do boost mobile flashes for the note 2. send them a message asking if they do the sprint note 2 to straight talk. most of them I talked to do this for like $50 if you have a new donor. If anyone needs more info pm me and I'll be glad to help
invisible85 said:
Hello all,
I have sprint samsung galaxy note 2. How can I unlock it to use with GSM carries like AT&T or straight talk?
Thanks you all in advance,
PD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually cheaper and way easier to sell your Sprint note 2 and buy one that works on att and straight talk.
Sent from my Amazing Galaxy Note 2!
Unlock Sprint Note II
invisible85 said:
Hello all,
I have sprint samsung galaxy note 2. How can I unlock it to use with GSM carries like AT&T or straight talk?
Thanks you all in advance,
PD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
make sure that yo firmware is not later than 4.1.1 and use the 16 digit code to unlock. Samsung default (01F2030F5F678FF9)
So I'm trying to buy a note 2. I see lots of unlocked on Craigslist, so can those be used on Verizon.? Or do I have to but a special sim card... Just need some enlightenment please.
jewnersey said:
So I'm trying to buy a note 2. I see lots of unlocked on Craigslist, so can those be used on Verizon.? Or do I have to but a special sim card... Just need some enlightenment please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the phone is sim unlocked, then it should be fine to be used on any carrier. However, not all carrier allow sim unlocked devices to work with their sim cards as the have blocked sim cards. I am not familiar with Verizon, but at first sight it should work flawlessly. :good:
Okay. Thanks
If anyone else comes across this.. The final answer is that it cannot be activated on vzw
Hi I've been looking to xda for quite some time now for advice and help when I get stuck. First wanna say thank you! But I'm a new member so please correct me if I am posting in the wrong place or reposting. I'm aware that this is not a new problem, however, I have read till my eyes are bleeding and can't seem to find a fix. I have an sgh i747 AT&T gs3. I feel that this topic is unique in the fact that I have not rooted, flashed, altered or in any other way attempted to change this device. My fiance got the phone from her mom and I was going to try to use it with a straighttalk byop SIM kit. After activating the proper SIM with st the device would not recognize the SIM. I am now using that SIM in another phone. I get a constant ongoing notification in the notifications bar that says No SIM Insert SIM card. The device status is official and I have (as far as I know) stock ota updated 4.3 jellybean. When I insert a SIM into the device it doesn't prompt me to enter an unlock code. The only other SIM I tried to use is a sprint SIM card out of my freedompop lg volt. Don't know if that's compatible or not but I tried it and still the i747 acts as though it doesn't realize I've inserted a SIM. I called AT&T and emailed them. All I was able to give them was the imei as the phone number in my settings is unknown. The imei under my battery matches the imei in my device settings. They emailed me back within a few hours with my network unlock code and instructions for unlock. I haven't been able to use the code as my phone never prompts for the input of the code... I called them back later (this all happened earlier today) and spoke with a gentleman in tech support. I told him what was going on and asked him some questions. After doing a lot of research I started thinking that maybe my phone was already unlocked. Asked him to run the imei and said that it DID show unlocked on his end. That's one of my questions, if I still have an imei in my settings is this device still locked? The tech from AT&T told me it was probably the phone that was broke and I need a new SIM reader installed, to call Samsung. I tried to slide a little piece of paper in on top of the SIM that didn't work. I tried the dial code *#197328640# method, even though most posts say you must be 4.1.1 there are some who claim that it works on other versions. I tried a couple variations of this to no avail. I'm not sure what I'm overlooking here. If I'm leaving out any info that is needed to answer this post I'd be happy to include it just let me know. I need some fresh eyes on this thing it's driving me crazy I wanna get it fixed. I'm under the impression that I shouldn't attempt to downgrade this android version or I'll brick it... what the hecks goin on with this phone?! And again, sorry if I'm reposting but I can't find anyone who has posted yet that hasn't altered their device software in one way or another. I believe this s3 is completely official at this point. Thanks for any help you can offer
Is an sdcard recognized?
Was the phone ever used with a sim adapter? Sometimes, inserting and removing the sim adapter can damage the sim reader. Cheapest solution may be to purchase a new sim reader from eBay.
Sdcard works fine... and I'm pretty sure it's never been used with a SIM adapter
It's possible the sim reader has failed. Don't think you'll kn for sure until you are change the sim reader.
Yeeeah... I think I'm gonna attempt to change it right now and see what happens. I'll post back with the results. Thanks guys!
Fixed! Replaced sim port with spare one from an s3 sch I535 I had laying in the junk drawer with a broken LCD display. Posting this from my i747 on straight talk 4g. Sweet!
Glad it worked for you.
Yes and thank you again for responding to my post. This s3 is now rooted and titanium backed! Now excited to attempt to flash cyanogen mod later this evening. Thanks again and take care!