Internet access with no sim and wifi turned off! - Galaxy Tab 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I picked up the Sprint version of the Samsung Galay Tab 3 7.0 (SM-T217S) on Craig's List for $90 (including a Moshi Versacover case). Not a bad deal. I reset everything to the factory defaults and started fresh. I'm running stock 4.4.2. (I'd love to root, but for some reason I can't. See a separate thread about that.)
Anyway, what's strange is that I have Internet access with the device, even though it has no sim card in it and even with wifi turned off. How can that be? Is this thing possessed, or am I missing something here? How can I have an Internet connection with wifi turned off and no sim card (and hence no data plan). I'm not a Sprint customer and have never signed up for anything.
Hey, I'll take it, but I'm curious how this is possible. (Chances are I'm overlooking something very obvious, but I thought I'd throw it out there.)
Thanks!
--Ron

dutch_in_seattle said:
I picked up the Sprint version of the Samsung Galay Tab 3 7.0 (SM-T217S) on Craig's List for $90 (including a Moshi Versacover case). Not a bad deal. I reset everything to the factory defaults and started fresh. I'm running stock 4.4.2. (I'd love to root, but for some reason I can't. See a separate thread about that.)
Anyway, what's strange is that I have Internet access with the device, even though it has no sim card in it and even with wifi turned off. How can that be? Is this thing possessed, or am I missing something here? How can I have an Internet connection with wifi turned off and no sim card (and hence no data plan). I'm not a Sprint customer and have never signed up for anything.
Hey, I'll take it, but I'm curious how this is possible. (Chances are I'm overlooking something very obvious, but I thought I'd throw it out there.)
Thanks!
--Ron
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Click to collapse
Dont forget that the SIM Slot on this version (SM-T217S) is only used by sprint for VALIDATION of the customer using LTE speeds, the tablet still works with CDMA (Needs to be flashed with CDMA Tools, PRLS, HEXMEID, all that stuff)
If you wish to know more about flashing a cdma phone please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDAs7D9CzWs
Thats why you got internet access, you are using someone elses account which was not properly deactivated before selling the tablet. (Taking the LTE validation sim out of a Sprint tablet does not deactivate it like a gsm tablet like ATT one would)
You can use it till the guy paying the bills notices it, and either reports it stolen or deactivates that data plan.
BTW if it gets blacklisted you wont be able to reflash it to another number (data plan) on any of the CDMA carriers in the us, in that case ill buy it from you, just let me know.
Greetings.

Thanks for the reply. That would explain everything. I've contacted the seller and let him know he should properly deactivate the tablet from his Sprint account.
I don't really care if the tablet is blacklisted, since I have no intention of using it with cellular data. This LTE-enabled Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 was available at the right price, and I'm finding that LTE-enabled tablets are just faster overall and have higher benchmark scores than their wifi-only counterparts. I saw the same thing with the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 LTE (SGH-i497) vs. the wifi-only one ( GT-P5113), which I could test side by side.
--Ron

Related

Q: No Data if Not Activated?

Hello. I am wondering if someone here might be able to clear something up for me. I bought a new EVO 4G off eBay a few days ago. I called Sprint to verify the ESN is clean.
The thing is, I don't have any intention to activate this phone, rather I bought it as a toy, and because upon coming back to the US for a vacation a few weeks ago, I finally saw what it looks like in person and I had to have it (Yes, I like smartphones). Of course ironically it FINALLY released in Japan just days after I left but that's besides the point.
Anyway, I have the WiFi turned on and the phone has found my location for the HTC Sense weather widget, however the internet won't load and when I try to connect to Google to use the Marketplace and such, it says there is an error communicating with the servers, and that my phone might not be set up for data provision.
Someone please tell me that Sprint hasn't locked down this such that you can't even use the Wi-Fi until it's activated. Though I suspect that is indeed the case...
...and IF that is so, then am I correct in the understanding that flashing it with some custom ROM would solve the problem? I have never rooted a phone before, though I do own a number of unlocked ones (Nexus S, Xperia Play, etc) and so I had intended to try it out with this, since I can never actually use this as a phone. But perhaps it might be more of a necessity than I had expected.
Not sure if this will help you, but if you flash Warm Z, or any other of the froyo/sense 2.2 ROMs, during setup it will ask you if you want to use it on the data network or only on wifi.
Since you don't need 4g anyway, I would recommend checking it out. One of my favorite ROMs.
Rooting links:
This one is harder, but you will know more when you're done:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829045
Easier/know less:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=787304
TokyoGuy said:
Hello. I am wondering if someone here might be able to clear something up for me. I bought a new EVO 4G off eBay a few days ago. I called Sprint to verify the ESN is clean.
The thing is, I don't have any intention to activate this phone, rather I bought it as a toy, and because upon coming back to the US for a vacation a few weeks ago, I finally saw what it looks like in person and I had to have it (Yes, I like smartphones). Of course ironically it FINALLY released in Japan just days after I left but that's besides the point.
Anyway, I have the WiFi turned on and the phone has found my location for the HTC Sense weather widget, however the internet won't load and when I try to connect to Google to use the Marketplace and such, it says there is an error communicating with the servers, and that my phone might not be set up for data provision.
Someone please tell me that Sprint hasn't locked down this such that you can't even use the Wi-Fi until it's activated. Though I suspect that is indeed the case...
...and IF that is so, then am I correct in the understanding that flashing it with some custom ROM would solve the problem? I have never rooted a phone before, though I do own a number of unlocked ones (Nexus S, Xperia Play, etc) and so I had intended to try it out with this, since I can never actually use this as a phone. But perhaps it might be more of a necessity than I had expected.
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I can't say this with confidence, because my Evo hasn't been deactivated before, but as far as I understood it, you should be able to connec to WiFi, whether the phone is activated or not. You shouldn't need to be activated to use WiFi. When you connected to the WiFi network, did it connect successfully and show good signal strength?
How about formatting the phone and then turning on airplane mode and then wifi. It should work fine
A drop of Chuck Norris's semen was placed on Android OS. We now have CyanogenMod.
Yes, being a used phone, I would highly recommend do a factory reset on it first. That way it will be clear of anything the previous owner might have done to it.
And yes, the phone will work on wifi only without a data plan, just make sure the phone is in airplane mode all the time, then turn the wifi on.
I had that happen to me with a old android when I did a factory rest you should have wifi but you can't use the market or gmail without a data plan from sprint at least I could not but I had a Samsung moment and it was rooted with a costume ROM on it I've never had my evo turned of so IDK..... If thats the case you can use other ways to get apps like Amazon or applanet thats what I did anyway......
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Thanks to everyone who provided assistance. A few things:
1. The phone was actually still sealed. The security stickers were still on the phone and the manual, and even the battery was still unopened. Furthermore the phone itself still had the plastic sheet over the screen in perfect condition (something I've not even got from so-called new unlocked phones) so unless the seller went through really great loops to make it look new, it is apparently new. Though I will format the memory just incase.
2. I turned on Airplane mode as everyone suggested, and then when I turned on WiFi it let me connect to the Android Marketplace actually.
Actually, can I ask one more question, though unrelated. I want someone to confirm this:
I have two different contract carriers with me here roaming (Docomo and Softbank), both on Android Phones (the Xperia Play unlocked and Desire HD locked respectively). I have the mobile data transmission set to off (no roaming), however the actual phone service is on roaming. Every time I turn on the phones I receive messages from the carriers about roaming charges for data. I want to confirm that if the data roaming is OFF, and it is on Wi-Fi always, there are no charges for anything other than if I were to make a phone call, is this correct? I am 99.999% sure this is true, but part of me is really worried about returning and seeing a $10,000 bill.
but you can't use the market or gmail without a data plan from sprint
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Yes you absolutely can. To the phone, a wifi connection is the same as a 3g connection, its just a way to access the internet.
I want to confirm that if the data roaming is OFF, and it is on Wi-Fi always, there are no charges for anything other than if I were to make a phone call, is this correct?
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You could still get charged for any texts/picture mail you receive, as those still go through the regular phone radio, not the data radio.
sitlet said:
Yes you absolutely can. To the phone, a wifi connection is the same as a 3g connection, its just a way to access the internet.
You could still get charged for any texts/picture mail you receive, as those still go through the regular phone radio, not the data radio.
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Click to collapse
Drat...I've received a number of those actually, but all from the carriers themselves which I think might be free of charge.
Japan basically doesn't do SMS/MMS thus it's really not an issue. And while Softbank does to an extent, I can't seem to actually receive any while here, as it actually keeps saying I have undelivered mail.
But I am happy everyone here mentioned the Airplane Mode detail as I had no idea you could use Wi-Fi in it. I had been angry because there seemed like no way to shut off the cellular radio and that provided a solution.
Sorry if I seem paranoid, but I literally received a bill for $5400 last December due to a carrier mistake (and they actually had the nerve to accuse me of using an overseas phone when I CLEARLY was using a locked one) and ever since I have been scared about getting another. Currently Docomo is the only carrier in Japan that will allow unlocked phones to be used, though in doing so you are thus accepting that your data transmission charge will be capped at $120 a month instead of the normal $75 for its sanctioned (locked) products. But Japan is so far behind with smartphones I can't stand to use any of them.

Galaxy Nexus on Page Plus? I want that unlimited talk/sms/1GB data for $55

I'm a brand new Galaxy Nexus owner! Actually I bought it for my girlfriend; there's no way I could give up my Note. Anyone know how to get this thing set up on Page Plus? The first thing they asked for is an ESN or MEID #, so I pulled the battery and there's only an IMEI # listed. The customer service rep said they can't do anything without an ESN or MEID; but then how does it work on Verizon? If it works with Verizon, it should work with Page Plus.
I'm starting to worry now, because I also just found a thread here where they're trying the same thing but stuck because they can't find the diagnostic menu for manual programming. Anyone know anything about that? Now that I have it in my hands, I reallllly want to get it working!!!
I like how you bought the phone and then decided to do the research on it.
And why did you decide to go for the Verizon version and go with Page Plus? You'd be better off getting the GSM version anyway and using that. There are many many many more MVNO and prepaid options if you just bought GSM. Its not like you were going to get LTE on any prepaid network anyways. Buying a Galaxy Nexus and parking it on EVDO is kinda ****ty.
That being said, looks like you're gonna have to do some research on this one. My guess is theres an issue because Verizon activates and registers phones on their network using the LTE SIM, rather than traditional CDMA methods (afaik).
Err...Verizon uses the MicroSIM. It contains an MEID number, so it can easily be attached to the network when it's plugged in.
Also, the CDMA/LTE Nexus is carrier-locked, so even if you had an MEID number it wouldn't be allowed on Page Plus' network.
Did you seriously spend $650 without even doing a minute of research?
It was a great deal I couldn't pass up: $300! (though it does have a little road rash on the bottom edge.) That's why I bought it right away without first doing the research. I'm sure I can re-sell it if I have to, but I'd really rather not.
After posting I went to About in settings and found that it does have an MEID #, which happens to be the same as the IMEI, but missing the last digit.
So there's no unlock for it yet? I assumed that it being google's Android flagship would mean almost immediate root and unlock.
Yes, I know I still have some reading to do; I just got home and immediately posted because I couldn't wait!
maxh said:
So there's no unlock for it yet? I assumed that it being google's Android flagship would mean almost immediate root and unlock.
Click to expand...
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But its a CDMA phone... Just resell it and buy the GSM model. Save yourself the trouble.
Do you think it might help if I went by a Verizon store and got a SIM card?
martonikaj said:
But its a CDMA phone... Just resell it and buy the GSM model. Save yourself the trouble.
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I will if I have to, but I'm gonna try to make it work first. She's pretty happy with Page Plus (Verizon service) where she travels for work.
maxh said:
Do you think it might help if I went by a Verizon store and got a SIM card?
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How are you gonna convince them to do that when you have no indication whatsoever of signing a contract or using their service? lol.
And that still doesn't remove the fact that it registers on the network with the SIM, which Page Plus (in my reading) does not do, as they don't have LTE.
martonikaj said:
How are you gonna convince them to do that when you have no indication whatsoever of signing a contract or using their service? lol.
And that still doesn't remove the fact that it registers on the network with the SIM, which Page Plus (in my reading) does not do, as they don't have LTE.
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I figured I'd do some sweet talking... And maybe ask to get set up for Verizon prepaid.
So are you saying if you're in an area where Verizon hasn't yet rolled out LTE the GNexus won't fall back to CDMA or EV-DO, or whatever those non GSM people use?
maxh said:
I figured I'd do some sweet talking... And maybe ask to get set up for Verizon prepaid.
Click to expand...
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But their SIM is provisioned for their network. Not Page Plus' network. That's like saying you're going to walk into an AT&T store just to get a SIM, then try to go over to T-Mobile and use their network. That's not how it works.
So are you saying if you're in an area where Verizon hasn't yet rolled out LTE the GNexus won't fall back to CDMA or EV-DO, or whatever those non GSM people use?
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Of course it will. It does EVDO and LTE. Not everywhere has LTE yet. What I'm saying is why deal with EVDO (you'll never get LTE on Page Plus) when you could have HSPA+ with the GSM model.
martonikaj said:
But their SIM is provisioned for their network. Not Page Plus' network. That's like saying you're going to walk into an AT&T store just to get a SIM, then try to go over to T-Mobile and use their network. That's not how it works.
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Page Plus's network is Verizon's network. (though I don't think LTE is included. People on AT&T MVNOs (such as straight talk) regularly get SIM cards from AT&T stores to fix service issues...
I found these guys who claim to flash all sorts of devices including Android for Page Plus, and they have a huge Galaxy Nexus picture front and center; I contacted them and hope it's not false advertising.
maxh said:
Page Plus's network is Verizon's network. (though I don't think LTE is included. People on AT&T MVNOs (such as straight talk) regularly get SIM cards from AT&T stores to fix service issues...
I found these guys who claim to flash all sorts of devices including Android for Page Plus, and they have a huge Galaxy Nexus picture front and center; I contacted them and hope it's not false advertising.
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Yes its the same network, I'm aware of how an MVNO works... what I'm saying is Page Plus doesn't activate phones using SIM cards because it doesn't have LTE or that system in place, whereas Verizon does. Which leads to issues.
Just makes more hurdles. As I said, you're going through extra trouble to just get a EVDO-stuck Galaxy Nexus. But that's your choice...
And ouch, those guys charge $50 to flash your phone? Kinda lame...
Anyways, good luck to you.
maxh said:
It was a great deal I couldn't pass up: $300! (though it does have a little road rash on the bottom edge.) That's why I bought it right away without first doing the research.
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If you (really) ended up with a used, slightly damaged Verizon Galaxy Nexus for that price, and can't use it without signing a contract with Verizon. I say you're pretty much screwed since the price of Verizon's Galaxy Nexus just went down to $99 only.
http://wireless.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-Android-Wireless/dp/B0061R2A1S
martonikaj said:
Yes its the same network, I'm aware of how an MVNO works... what I'm saying is Page Plus doesn't activate phones using SIM cards because it doesn't have LTE or that system in place, whereas Verizon does. Which leads to issues.
Just makes more hurdles. As I said, you're going through extra trouble to just get a EVDO-stuck Galaxy Nexus. But that's your choice...
And ouch, those guys charge $50 to flash your phone? Kinda lame...
Anyways, good luck to you.
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Thank you for taking the time to comment in my thread. I started it with hopes of generating conversation that could lead to clues on overcoming the hurdles of putting the GNex on Page Plus. I don't need suggestions for other courses of action; my girlfriend is very happy with Page Plus (and the Verizon network) where she travels for work. I wanted to get her a new phone, the best one that'll work on Page Plus, and I found a smoking deal on it so I bought it.
So what it won't achieve LTE speeds; there's still many other things to like about it, and nothing else will achieve LTE on Page Plus, either. It's a perfectly good plan; not everyone's willing to pay twice as much or more just for LTE, but may still want a top notch phone.
I'll give it a week or two then sell it if nobody can figure out diagnostics mode on it, but I have high hoped.
And if it took paying $50, it'd still be dirt cheap compared to going to Verizon! You'd make that money back and then some on the first month with Page Plus instead of Verizon!
CyberPunk7t9 said:
If you (really) ended up with a used, slightly damaged Verizon Galaxy Nexus for that price, and can't use it without signing a contract with Verizon. I say you're pretty much screwed since the price of Verizon's Galaxy Nexus just went down to $99 only.
http://wireless.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-Android-Wireless/dp/B0061R2A1S
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Oh, it'd move. Looking at completed listings on Ebay and craigslist offerings, I'm pretty sure it'd be snatched up rapidly at $300. $99 is with 2-year commitment and those subsidies tend to translate to street value around $350 (i.e. that's the discount you get for signing a contract.) Anyways, I have a habit of giving old devices to friends/family.
Edit: especially with the terms/conditions Amazon puts on top of Verizon's in the contracts...
Edit 2: of course neither I nor anyone else would have to sign a Verizon contract on this phone, since the original guy who got the subsidized price did it.
Anybody know anything more about this yet?
maxh said:
Anybody know anything more about this yet?
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I highly doubt anyone is doing much research on this, since it's such a rare request. Most people will just get the GSM model, if they do not want to use Verizon.
If you have a local shop willing to do this for you, I recommend contacting them - but I wouldn't pay a cent until you've verified functionality.
Cheers
Hi!
I am doing my own research too cause I too own a Verizon Galaxy nexus, and want to get it working with my local carrier in Mexico. Still looking to get it in diagnostic mode but wit no possitive results yet. As always, there will be a solution, but as things are going until now, it could take some time to appear.
And as yomuppet says, dont pay a cent until you see the thing workin!
I'd pay the 50 bucks to get it flash by that website or another site called beige something...
Otherwise you need CDMA workshop.
Look up HTC Thunderbolt on pageplus on these forums and you'll find a video on how to do it on that fone. I image it would be similar process for the sammy
did anyone ever get this working?
I totally understand original posters issue. I like the nexus and would like to get one but I too am a happy pageplus customer and would like to see if there's a way to make it work. Lame that people can't address the issue at hand but instead try to ridicule your decision. I tried setting up the droid charge (also a 4g lte phone) on pageplus but with no success - and ended up selling it. And yes, I walked into the verizon store and asked and they just gave me a sim card. but it still wouldn't register - and I also gave them the imei #minus the last digit. Too bad... I really like the new lte phones but I haven't seen many of then work on pageplus yet. If anyone figures it out, please post it here.

[Q] I Don't Want To Pay for a DATA PLAN!

So check this out.... I am an AT&T user and back when the HTC HD2 came out for T-Mobile I bought it from a friend when they signed up for a new contract. Got an unlock code from Ebay and have been using it for the past 2 years without having to have a data plan, never got added automatically to my plan like i have heard happen to others? And I'm wondering why? Is it possibly cuz its a T-Mobile phone? Or is it cuz I still have an old "Cingular" SIM card? I am curious about this because right now, Wally World has a special sale on the phone at $249, plus a $100 gift card, which will bring the phone down to $150 basically, so a pretty damn good deal for a phone just out on the market. And I'm plan on getting it this week, I was wondering if any of you would be able to tell me if at some point if i was able to get a T-Mobile version of the Samsung Note 2 if i could slip my SIM card into it and then be able to cancel my DATA plan, if i told them i went back to a Motorola Razr or something, which worked when i got my HD2? Or will AT&T be able to see that i have a smartphone? Is it the newer smaller SIM card, that will tell AT&T that I have a smartphone, or will the phone it self be what sends info to the servers or whatever that tells AT&T I have a smartphone? Or do you think this method of getting a T-Mobile phone and using an AT&T SIM card will work and I won't get stuck with a DATA plan? Everywhere I go has Wi-Fi so I have no need for the Data plan it will be going to waste.
The newer phones, including this one, use a micro-SIM.
I think it is because you have a phone that is not sold by AT&T that they can't tell what it is, so you would probably be forced to get a data plan if you get the AT&T Note II. I would think that regardless of the sim card you have it would still report your phone model to the network, but I really don't know anything about that, so hopefully others can chime in.
I have been using an unlocked Xperia Pro on AT&T and they don't seem to have a clue what it is or even that it is a smartphone, so I could probably do whatever I want with the data plan.
If you got the international version of the Note perhaps you would not have to have a data plan.
acey_zero said:
I think it is because you have a phone that is not sold by AT&T that they can't tell what it is, so you would probably be forced to get a data plan if you get the AT&T Note II. I would think that regardless of the sim card you have it would still report your phone model to the network, but I really don't know anything about that, so hopefully others can chime in.
I have been using an unlocked Xperia Pro on AT&T and they don't seem to have a clue what it is or even that it is a smartphone, so I could probably do whatever I want with the data plan.
If you got the international version of the Note perhaps you would not have to have a data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering if it has something to do with the IMEI? If it isn't listed in there network or something? Maybe I will be alright? I don't know... But back when I got the Tmobile HD2 I went from a Motorola Razr to the HD2 just fine and wasn't automatically enrolled into a data plan, like some others people on at&t were that got the same phone. I don't know how I wasn't, but I'm happy I wasn't and was hoping to find out how to avoid it again. Everywhere I go has Wi-Fi, I don't need to throw away, $15 to $30 extra a month when I'm not even going to use the Data network very often. I have been going just fine with my HD2 with no data plan, just using Wi-Fi.
P1 Wookie said:
The newer phones, including this one, use a micro-SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I know I'll have to get a new SIM card and that is what kinda worries me, I don't know anything about the SIM cards. I was just curious if my older "Cingular" SIM card is what was helping keep me stay under the radar of them not knowing I have a smartphone, or if its because, the HD2 phone I have is from Tmobile and not in their system, so it can't recognize it? I went from a Razr to the HD2 and it still shows as a Razr in my account. An when I get the Note 2 phone, hopefully from Tmobile sometime, I was hoping I can still get away with not having to add a Data plan if i can find out how to avoid it...
Its all in the IMIE ... I was using a Galaxy Nexus overseas on a dumb phone plan because they didnt have the IMIE in system they couldnt tell it was a smartphone but they have cracked down on it now. Only phone that seem to be making it through the loop hole is overseas ones that are not very popular. If you switch to the AT&T version you will 100% be put on data plan if you choose a note 2 from say Rogers there is a slight chance you could sneak under the radar and not need it but for how long no one really knows.
I've seen people come in with T-Mobile phones or international phones and they don't register as a smartphone with the IMEI. So no data is required with unlocked phones.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
hiii_imkris said:
I've seen people come in with T-Mobile phones or international phones and they don't register as a smartphone with the IMEI. So no data is required with unlocked phones.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Do you work at an AT&T store or something? Just curious, cuz it kinda sounds like it from the way you worded that reply. I've read on other threads that AT&T does checks or sweeps every now and then, that might detect a smartphone? Have you heard about that before, not sure what they meant by that?

[Q] Where do I even begin...

So my gf has a Galaxy SIII from sprint, w no sim card. I have an at&t contract with two lines. I called AT&T and they replaced the IMEI for my 2nd line, to the IMEI of her SIII. Well obviously it's not that easy bc the **** don't work lol. I don't even know where to start, and don't bother telling me to "read the forums" bc I did and it's all gibberish to me anyway. Long story short I don't have any sim cards, never did. Not for my two htc one mini's through AT&T nor her SIII. Her SIII is running 4.1.2, which if i read some of the other posts right, it means it's impossible to transfer her phone to AT&T? I guess for starters is it even possible to bring a 4.1.2 SIII onto AT&T service? AT&T already changed the IMEI to her SIII, for whatever that's worth....
And on a side note, the SIII is completely stock from the manufacturer, aside from having the most current updates (Firmware etc). And I would like to emphasize that I have no access to any kind of "sim" card, nor will I ever. If there is a way to connect a Sprint SIII to the AT&T network, the method absolutely can not involve sim cards, and must be able to be done on a completely updated S3.
The last time I ever messed with the internals of a phone was back when the LG Ally was first released, and I did a one touch root, so I could use Verizons data through a WiFi hotspot, and not have to pay for a hotspot data package. So other than that I have not one pinch of knowledge or experience in this, as I've never had the need for it until now. I can follow instructions, but every single thread I've found on this site is so mind numbingly vague, it may as well read "insurt teh usb, do teh magix stuff, unplugs teh usb, ta-da!" And I'm not trying to start anything, I'm just trying to put into perspective how absolutely lost i am.
I tried the *# code in the dialer, and nothing. (probably bc i have NO sim cards)
I called AT&T and had them change the IMEI on my second line to the Sprint SIII
I read countless novel length threads on here, all of them seemingly useless.
I went to the sprint store to have them unlock it, they refused, naturally.
There is not an AT&T retail location for MANY miles, not like they'd be helpful anyway I assume...
I'm just stuck, all these threads do not apply to me, but I'm sure there's a way... There has to be.
To be able to connect the phone to the AT&T network you have to have a SIM card, without SIM you will never get to connect to the AT&T network. Your best bet would be to check here or craigslist to see if someone might be willing to exchange phones. or to purchase or upgrade to a phone with a SIM card slot, no sim card slot no service with AT&T.
I'm not a dev but I can tell you this.
1. Please do not insult one of the best source for Android development because you refuse to read the stickies and tutorials.
2. I'm sorry but a CDMA only Sprint Galaxy S3 does not have the necessary hardware to use AT&T's network. Though you state there must be a way you are unfortunately wrong in this case.
3. Prepare to get flamed and possibly have this thread closed.
4. You should try a Sprint MVNO or other CDMA based phone company like Boost, Virgin Mobile, etc.
5. I feel sorry if by girlfriend's phone you mean you bought a hot phone off someone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
We're not here to flame, he has a legitimate question and simply needs an answer. Bit1 is right it's a CDMA phone and won't work with AT&T. It's very unfortunate but you won't get it to work. Your best bet now is to resell it as a CDMA phone and purchase the AT&T version.
Well, I guess that solves that, lol. Yeah I did some foot work around the city, talked to several retailers and a couple techs, learned a lot more a lot quicker. So yeah it basically comes down to the radio being in a completely different band/freq wtfe than AT&T uses. (The whole CDMA and the other deal). I mean the IMEI isn't locked, the phone isn't "hot". She's behind $250 on her sprint bill and now has a $300 paperweight, so I was trying to add the phone to my AT&T plan. Anywho, thanks for clearing this up. As far as trying to sell the thing, I saw a kiosk with a used S3 for $280? Is there even a market for S3's? They don't exactly seem like the "in" thing anymore if you catch my drift. My next question would be, if I sold the phone to someone who wanted to use it on the Sprint network, can they use it? More specifically I know they lock IMEI's if they're reported stolen/lost, but would they do it for not making a bill payment? (She hasn't used the thing/had service in over a month now...) My goal really is to figure out what to do with the thing. Best Buy offered $150 for an S3, but I don't know if the IMEI is good or not : / The screen is cracked so i was going to get a $15 one off EBay, fix it, and sell it. My concern is on selling the thing, should I make the $15 investment and chance not being able to sell the thing? I'm broke as all get out, so I'd rather have the 3 packs of cig's than a wasted investment lol.
Anybody need an SIII?
LMAO

carrier unlocking AT&T from KitKat

Haaa, AT&T! So my AT&T Note II has been off contract since I got the Nexus 6 back in November on launch day (perfect timing, eh?) Anyhow, since it was off contract, I asked the death star for the unlock code through their web page specifically for that, and they gave it to me. In the instructions included with the code, they gave a very terse warning that after five tries it would be permanently locked to AT&T. Why? Pretty crappy if you ask me. Further, what they didn't tell me was that if the phone is on KitKat, the unlock code won't work unless you do some very specific things in some hidden menus. So I burned up my five tries and failed. Then I found the page that listed the specific steps, did them, and voila... unlocked. Tried and tested using the Tmobile sim from my wife's iphone 6. Freaking AT&T.
Rant alert:
I commonly switch my old grandfathered AT&T unlimited iphone data sim back and forth between old phones just for fun. But come to find out, if I put the same sim into my cellular 2014 ipad air, it will not work. But if i put my wife's Tmobile sim into my 2014 ipad air, it works great. AT&T blocking tablet data with a phone sim. Tmobile doesn't. Freaking AT&T. They suck. If I didn't have the grandfathered unlimited data plan from back in 2007, i'd dump them like a bucket of pig slop.
pcrussell50 said:
Haaa, AT&T! So my AT&T Note II has been off contract since I got the Nexus 6 back in November on launch day (perfect timing, eh?) Anyhow, since it was off contract, I asked the death star for the unlock code through their web page specifically for that, and they gave it to me. In the instructions included with the code, they gave a very terse warning that after five tries it would be permanently locked to AT&T. Why? Pretty crappy if you ask me. Further, what they didn't tell me was that if the phone is on KitKat, the unlock code won't work unless you do some very specific things in some hidden menus. So I burned up my five tries and failed. Then I found the page that listed the specific steps, did them, and voila... unlocked. Tried and tested using the Tmobile sim from my wife's iphone 6. Freaking AT&T.
Rant alert:
I commonly switch my old grandfathered AT&T unlimited iphone data sim back and forth between old phones just for fun. But come to find out, if I put the same sim into my cellular 2014 ipad air, it will not work. But if i put my wife's Tmobile sim into my 2014 ipad air, it works great. AT&T blocking tablet data with a phone sim. Tmobile doesn't. Freaking AT&T. They suck. If I didn't have the grandfathered unlimited data plan from back in 2007, i'd dump them like a bucket of pig slop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so what are you trying to do, carrier unlock your note 2 which is currently on kitkat, to use any sim?
unfortunetly, the only way you can do this is to flash, using odin and in download mode, the stock 4.1.1 rom of your carrier (or any which has 4.1.1) from here and then doing the following steps from here.
Only thing is, that it will cause you to trip the counter.... and doesn't seem to want to go back to 0 (due to some hardware thingy)... but since you're already out of warranty, shouldn't really matter.
Anyways, once you have completed that, and tested with a different sim and confirmed it working, you can then go ahead and flash back the kitkat rom (4.4.2) of your carrier (or any other you want) using odin again and that's it. your phone will be back to its official state minus the knox warranty counter still at 1.
edit: Unfortunately.... the speed of the downloads of the images SUCK for the rom images... stupid hosting site.... anyways i had to leave it overnight... which i'd recommend you doing if you cant find any other location with those images...
No mate, my note 2, IS carrier unlocked. Att gave me the unlock code after my contract ended. Their instructions for using it were incomplete if you had ungraded to KitKat which I had, but I figured it out and now I have full carrier unlock.
What I have not solved is being able to put my att phone sim into my att iPad and have it work. If I put my wife's T-Mobile phone sim into my iPad, it works fine. So it is att that doesn't let us swap our sim back and forth between phone and tablet. T-Mobile doesn't do this. Not sure if Sprint and Verizon have the same hostile altitude.
I have grandfathered att unlimited data form the original iPhone. But their douchey attitude about swapping the sim between phone and tablet may be enough to drop them altogether if project fi works out for me.
-Peter

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