Develop Bugs

[Q] VZW Activation

I was wondering what ways there are of activating the phone. I live in an extended network area and the closest Verizon coverage area is a 20 minute drive away. There is a Verizon store in town and they might have a little network set up there to activate the phones but I don't feel like going there. My Galaxy Nexus is going to be an upgrade to an existing phone; is there a way to just copy over the existing phone's activation? I thought there was some way to do that but I'm upgrading from a phone without a SIM card and thought there might be something different I have to do because of the LTE SIM card.
So, any ideas so I can avoid going to the Verizon store or having to drive 40 minutes just to activate the phone? Thanks.

you have to go to the store to get a LTE sim card.
you might be able to call customer service and get one shipped however.

if they sent the phone to you they shouldnt sent a sim but yeah if they didnt than you gotta hit the store. only way i know of sorry
MWisBest said:
I was wondering what ways there are of activating the phone. I live in an extended network area and the closest Verizon coverage area is a 20 minute drive away. There is a Verizon store in town and they might have a little network set up there to activate the phones but I don't feel like going there. My Galaxy Nexus is going to be an upgrade to an existing phone; is there a way to just copy over the existing phone's activation? I thought there was some way to do that but I'm upgrading from a phone without a SIM card and thought there might be something different I have to do because of the LTE SIM card.
So, any ideas so I can avoid going to the Verizon store or having to drive 40 minutes just to activate the phone? Thanks.
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Click to collapse

The phone is being bought at WalMart ($50 cheaper than Verizon) and will come with a SIM card, but they tell you to drive out to the Verizon service area to activate the phone. I'd rather not do that.

MWisBest said:
The phone is being bought at WalMart ($50 cheaper than Verizon) and will come with a SIM card, but they tell you to drive out to the Verizon service area to activate the phone. I'd rather not do that.
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try doing it online??

Alpha_wolf said:
try doing it online??
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this. if you have a verizon account on their site, just goto update or switch devices, enter the imei and the number off the sim card, took me 5 mins and another 5 mins i had full voice and data. at first i didnt think it worked but just give it a few mins and a reboot doest hurt

Alpha_wolf said:
try doing it online??
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Click to collapse
username8611 said:
this. if you have a verizon account on their site, just goto update or switch devices, enter the imei and the number off the sim card, took me 5 mins and another 5 mins i had full voice and data. at first i didnt think it worked but just give it a few mins and a reboot doest hurt
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Click to collapse
Thank you very much!

Verizon compatibility/IMEI

Anyone have the IMEI, ESN, or MEID number for the Nexus 5X(or 6P)?
verizonwireless (dot) com /b2c/nso/enterDeviceId.do
Looking to enter it in there to check if its "officially" compatible, I know it has CDMA compatibility but want to be sure.

I don't, but FWIW I called them today and they indicated (i) they aren't selling it but (ii) it will work on their network.

What are the odds we can visit a store on day one and be given a sim?

kbbeer said:
What are the odds we can visit a store on day one and be given a sim?
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Click to collapse
Not very good imo. I would think that cutting your current Verizon sim would work the best.

kbbeer said:
What are the odds we can visit a store on day one and be given a sim?
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Click to collapse
A simple way to get a nano SIM would be simply say you bought your buddies old iPhone 6 or Nexus 6 (Since both use nano SIM) and ask for one in store or if you're doing it over the phone ask for a new one to be shipped after telling that story. If you just come out and say it's for the 5x they might not give you one since it's not directly a Verizon device. If you do need to cut the SIM card down this works well http://www.amazon.com/Noosy-generation-Cutter-iPhone-Phones/dp/B009QTVG4K?tag=androidcentralb-20&m1k=d_ac
If you have any other questions feel free to ask !

Thanks, if I call Verizon and mention the nexus 6, will I be required to provide any specific numbers from the phone?

kbbeer said:
What are the odds we can visit a store on day one and be given a sim?
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Click to collapse
I went into a corporate store last week, told them I was an existing customer and needed a nano sim for a phone that I bought through a private transaction.
They asked me if I had the phone with me, I said no. They asked me for my phone number, and if it was an android or apple phone (?), I gave them my number and told them android, and a few moments later I was leaving the store with a new nano sim. No hassle at all.

kbbeer said:
Thanks, if I call Verizon and mention the nexus 6, will I be required to provide any specific numbers from the phone?
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No shouldn't need to, as mentioned below just tell them you don't have the device with you and you need a new nano SIM give your Verizon number if they ask for it and you should be good to go!

Same thing here, I'm a VZW employee and plan to use the nano sim from my iphone (ugh, I know) and slot it right into the 5x

Finally called Verizon and they are going to mail the sim, but I need to call and provide the device info to activate. Guessing that will not work.

Or you can activate a nano sim using a adaptor off amazon. They are cheap, other option is to cut your current sim down to size.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

jaben2 said:
Or you can activate a nano sim using a adaptor off amazon. They are cheap, other option is to cut your current sim down to size.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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That's exactly what I did. I always get the smallest card available and use an adapter. Saves me the trouble going between sim sizes and activating.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Pretty sure its no big deal. As long as your a customer just walk in say you need a new sim and they will give you one..Im not even sure if they charge you for it.

The problem is activating the sim, they input details on the phone and it needs to be a Verizon approved device.

kbbeer said:
The problem is activating the sim, they input details on the phone and it needs to be a Verizon approved device.
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The usual work around from what I've seen in YouTube videos is they need to take a SIM from an device at the store that's already activated. Some stores know this and others don't.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S5.

EeZeEpEe said:
The usual work around from what I've seen in YouTube videos is they need to take a SIM from an device at the store that's already activated. Some stores know this and others don't.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S5.
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When I sold my Nexus 6 to a guy on swappa he used the imei from a display device to activate his sim card on verizon I think. I can't believe that works but apparently it does. I wish it was that easy to bring a phone to sprint. On Sprint the imei numbers have to actually be white listed in the system which always seems to lead to problems on launch day. Due to these phones being compatible with project fi I am hoping all of those numbers are already in the system since they need to be able to work on sprint's network for project fi I assume.

Day 1 - Verizon won't "Activate"
Hey guys,
Got my 5X yesterday and ran into a few problems. Still using the old phone for now, but I'm optimistic.
Nano SIM required:
Went to the Verizon store since my S5 uses a Micro SIM. They gave me a Nano but couldn't "Activate" it (see IMEI issue). They postulated if you pulled a Nano SIM from an already activated device (S6, iPhone 6, etc) on your account it may just plug and play, but this wasn't available to me. None the less they gave me the nano SIM and I proceeded to call the tech guys on the phone.
IMEI not in Verizon's Database:
After 3 transfers I finally got to a guy with his head on straight and he confirmed the IMEI isn't in Verizon's database (Deja vu anyone?). We spent a bit of time reviewing the 5X specs (bands) and he confirmed there is no reason why it shouldn't be allowed. Something tells me Big Red intentionally didn't import the device into their database in advance out of spite of the good ole Nexus history. Tech Support was very positive though and placed a request with the big wigs to add the device to the database and allow me to activate as a "new device". Hoping to get a response in the next 24-72 hours. Looks like my 18 years of loyal (Verizon) service is getting more pushing power than I did with the Nexus 5...
I'll keep you guys posted.

vjz224 said:
Hey guys,
Got my 5X yesterday and ran into a few problems. Still using the old phone for now, but I'm optimistic.
Nano SIM required:
Went to the Verizon store since my S5 uses a Micro SIM. They gave me a Nano but couldn't "Activate" it (see IMEI issue). They postulated if you pulled a Nano SIM from an already activated device (S6, iPhone 6, etc) on your account it may just plug and play, but this wasn't available to me. None the less they gave me the nano SIM and I proceeded to call the tech guys on the phone.
IMEI not in Verizon's Database:
After 3 transfers I finally got to a guy with his head on straight and he confirmed the IMEI isn't in Verizon's database (Deja vu anyone?). We spent a bit of time reviewing the 5X specs (bands) and he confirmed there is no reason why it shouldn't be allowed. Something tells me Big Red intentionally didn't import the device into their database in advance out of spite of the good ole Nexus history. Tech Support was very positive though and placed a request with the big wigs to add the device to the database and allow me to activate as a "new device". Hoping to get a response in the next 24-72 hours. Looks like my 18 years of loyal (Verizon) service is getting more pushing power than I did with the Nexus 5...
I'll keep you guys posted.
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Click to collapse
Hi man. Dude just find a phone that uses the nano sim. Activate your new sim and put it in the 5X.
I have Verizon and Had the Sony Z3V which uses a Nano sim. I simply pulled the sim out of my Z3v and put it in my 5X. Been using it since Tuesday perfectly. Love the phone on The best COVERAGE network

Pulled the nano Sim from my iPhone and plugged it into the Nexus with no issues. VZW seems to recognize it On my Verizon as an LG device as well

I'm a VZW customer and when the device arrived I called CS. They said the device is on their whitelist and he could send me a SIM. I said that I would drive over to the store and get one. I showed up at a corporate store and 5 minutes after being helped my phone has been on VZW without any issues.

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.
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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?
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.

Difficulty of getting the LS998 to work with Verizon or ATT

This is very long and I was going to reply to the thread "Unlocked V30 & Verizon... all bands?" but I figured some people would get upset so I gave this it's own thread. If you're trying to bring an LS998 to a non-Sprint carrier this story may be of interest to you.
As expected, despite the previous Verizon agent telling me they have no problem offering me service and sending me a SIM card, I called Verizon (800 225 5499) today and they said won't do it, based on the IMEI of the LS998.
Last time I called ATT prepaid support (800 901 9878) they told me I needed to call regular sales support (888 333 6651) to get a SIM card for prepaid service, which I thought was weird. This time I called the regular number and was told they aren't allowed to send out SIM cards anymore. They said that maybe the prepaid support could do it but regular sales cannot.
So I called ATT prepaid support today and now they've suddenly changed their story too. After waiting 18 minutes to speak to someone, I was told once again that the regular sales department support is the only one who can give me help. I explained that they told me this less than a week ago and just now before I called the prepaid support and now he's telling me prepaid support can't send out SIMs. Why does it even matter by the way? Why can't they all just do it? What a ridiculous and inefficient setup. He told me he's giving me the "online support phone number" instead, since they "told me the wrong information".
As instructed by prepaid support, I called the "online support" number (866 267 4510) and the horrible voice detection failed miserably then hung up on me (I'm actually calling from the internet using a high quality mic so it's even better than what would usually come through a phone line..it even failed several times to understand the word "yes" when given the options of "yes" and "no"). I called it again and wasn't able to speak to anyone because it kept asking for all this nonsense and wouldn't actually let me speak to a real person in any way.. so yeah, that outsourced moron who could barely speak English gave me a useless number, as I expected.
So instead of calling Sales for the 2nd time today and 3rd time this week, I decided to call regular ATT wireless support (800 331 0500). I waited on hold for 17.5 minutes until I was finally able to speak to a person, who I explained to that I just want a nano SIM card. I found out she's from the prepaid support.. so despite calling the regular support number I was sent to the prepaid support, which was probably the reason I was on hold for so long once again. Anyways she told me she could send me a card and when I gave her my number and 4 digit ATT code/password she said I have to go pick it up at a store LOL.
She said I have to go to a "big" store and I asked her to explain herself because that's a subjective term and she asked for my ZIP code. I don't understand this because in 2013 when I first became their customer they were fine sending SIM cards for two phones in the mail and about 2 months ago they were fine sending one out in the mail for someone else (though this was never gone through with) and less than a week ago they told me it was fine too. All of the sudden, it's a big deal and they just can't send SIM cards in the mail? what??
I had already planned to call my local Verizon store and ATT store to see if they could handle this simple task but once she told me that I decided to just accept the SIM she wants to give me. She never asked me for the phone's IMEI but due to the course of the conversation I eventually explained the situation with the phone.
She told me to call Sprint and make sure it's unlocked, which I already planned to do actually. After suggesting I try putting my old SIM in my new phone I explained the old one is a micro and new one is a nano so I told her I might cut it if I can't get them to give me one. She actually said she had done that once; pretty funny.
I called Sprint (888 211 4727) to ask about the phone and make sure it's unlocked. They asked for my number in the automated thing but I pressed "#" as instructed since I don't have one. After speaking to someone finally, they asked for my full name and I only gave my first name and explained that I'm not a customer. I was then asked for my phone number and once again explained I'm not a customer. They asked why I was calling and I explained and after a brief moment on hold was told it's already unlocked. They didn't bother trying to keep me on their network AT ALL, which I was very surprised about. It was the fastest of any call, totaling under 5 minutes where all the others so far have taken me over an hour (mostly due to waiting on hold).
So I called Verizon again (800 922 0204) [wow they have too many support numbers at these places] to ask WHY they won't give me a sim since Sprint says it's unlocked. The sassy black lady had a terrible attitude when she realized I wasn't going to accept "the system says it won't work" because "it isn't compatible with Verizon network" as an answer...after having already explained that it's unlocked by Sprint and it supports the Verizon network. All I did was say "well there has to be a reason it isn't compatible, do you have any information?" and she got an attitude with me. Eventually she told me she'd get me over to tech support so they can look into it if I'd like and I accepted (anything to get away from her + they're probably more knowledgeable about this than the ordinary, lowest tier customer support representative). I was instead sent to an automated system asking for a phone number and got past it eventually and was put on hold once again while I await a new CSR from tech support.
Line quality was horrible and was asked for my first and last name and I explained I'm not a customer and gave my first name. I asked if it's tech support and was told it's new line support.... so that rude lady didn't even transfer me properly. What a surprise. I was given the number to their tech support (866 271 7585, option 2) and then transferred to it by the lady with the poor line quality.
At this point I've been talking with the carriers and waiting on hold for at least 2 hours and on this call with Verizon for 28 minutes... most of it on hold. I heard random voices come through the hold music a few times and just now it happened again and the call was disconnected. Thanks for hanging up on me again, Verizon.
So now I'm calling the Verizon tech support number I was given (866 271 7585) by the last person I spoke with, since I was hung up on. Option 2, which I was told to press is for SPANISH, not anything related to my call... so I pressed 1 (also it makes no sense for an American company to do that. We speak English here). The automated system asked for a phone number and I didn't have one so I just waited and they said the usual about call being monitored/recorded and I'm once again on hold...
This lady was VERY friendly (she sounded a little older) but this was NOT tech support. I explained the entire ordeal to her after she asked what problem I'm experiencing. After I got to the part about why I was trying to reach tech support (their agent told me to) she told me she would actually get me there. So I'm on hold again...
...She came back and asked which phone it is then told me she'd get me straight over to tech support and put me back on hold. She came back once again and asked me for clarification or something and I explained the situation with the LS998 and that it DOES work on the network and Sprint says it IS unlocked so there's no reason for it not to work. It's a matter of it being cheaper than the unlocked one and me choosing to put software on that allows it to take advantage of the available hardware in the phone. She said she was thinking of transferring me to tele-sales but she will bring me to tech support (what? she already said at least two times she would transfer me to tech support... if I ask for tech support - give me tech support. I didn't ask for her opinion on where to transfer me). She's very nice but not very good at transferring customers to where they try to go, it seems.
So I actually got tech support this time. I explained the situation. He seemed from the start like he did have more of an idea what he's talking about. He seemed like he was capable of following along with what I was saying. His initial suggestion was to have a friend or family member on Verizon let me try their SIM in the phone to make sure it works. I explained that's not an option and we had a bit more of a discussion about the topic.
I asked about a real tech support number because the one I was given didn't get me to tech support and he told me it's a queue system and that's why I got customer service instead of real tech support. He said they can only send me a SIM if I have a live account but at the store they can sell one for $10-15 (like Walmart or Sam's Club). A corporate/official store would give it for free. This must be what the ATT lady was referring to earlier...
He said the store would setup the SIM with a dummy phone number to make sure it works then I can port my ATT number over later.
I asked him to check the IMEI to make sure there are no other issues with it (since he may have some kind of superior access or information compared to a tier 1 CSR) and he was checking on it and kept coming back to let me know he's still there and it's taking a moment. Very professional... very satisfied with his attitude.
He said it didn't come up in the system but it should work since the V30 (non-plus) does and reiterated his statement about going to the store and making sure the employee doesn't test it while WiFi is enabled.
It was so refreshing to speak to someone with a powerful enough mind and who was well-spoken and polite.. didn't waste any time and helped me out. It's always better talking to tier 2 and above support with these phone and internet companies...
To sum up these companies:
I don't like T-Mobile and Sprint is merging with them (Sprint wasn't too great for me in the past either). However, when calling to ask about unlock status of the device it was the call with the best line quality and quickest resolution.
ATT's regular numbers have decent line quality usually, but the prepaid line quality is always bad.
Verizon's support often has bad line quality.
The outsourced people who barely speak English at ATT are either useless wastes of my time or incredibly friendly and somewhat helpful.
Verizon has a mixed bag when it comes to politeness of agents.
All of the above companies seem to be convoluted when it comes to giving out SIM cards as well as the system they've setup for contacting them via phone. There's no reason for this to be so complicated.
As expected, Verizon and ATT assured me there'd be no issue with this and there are issues with it.
So far, this entire thing has taken me at least 3 hours of speaking on the phone with mostly ATT and Verizon and I haven't even gone to a store to pick up a SIM yet... more as the story develops...
So now I need to go to my local "big store" (ATT) to get an ATT sim OR just cut my old sim and take the risk of something going wrong. I really want to switch to Verizon but I just paid for ATT a few days ago so I have a month left of that.
For now, I'm waiting on the phone to arrive so I can convert it to a US998. Also considering staying on ATT and just knowing that I can use Verizon later if something goes wrong.
If it doesn't work out I either have to argue with the carriers until they give me what I want, or use an unlocking service (though I'm not sure those are legit/worth it)... or return the phone, which I really don't want to do.

sneak310 said:
A corporate/official store would give it for free. This must be what the ATT lady was referring to earlier...
He said the store would setup the SIM with a dummy phone number to make sure it works then I can port my ATT number over later.
If it doesn't work out I either have to argue with the carriers until they give me what I want, or use an unlocking service (though I'm not sure those are legit/worth it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to unlock. When you convert LS998 to US998 firmware the phone is carrier unlocked, even if Sprint never unlocked it.
You just need a SIM card.
The only problem you would have is if the IMEI is blacklisted for some reason.
____
I warned you about Verizon -- that you would need something like an original US998, original VS996, or an already-activated Verizon SIM card. . They are very finnicky about phones with Sprint IMEI.
By the way, all AT&T SIM cards are the same. The only difference is internal accounting, whether it's Prepaid or Postpaid. Even with a Prepaid logo on it, it's STILL just a regular AT&T SIM card. You can switch from one to the other without actually changing SIM cards.
Had a friend who bought new Samsung Galaxy phone and they made him sign up with AT&T Postpaid to buy the phone. They wouldn't let him pay in full upfront. Once he signed the contract, he pulled out his credit card, made the full payment to pay off the phone -- then IMMEDIATELY switched to AT&T Prepaid (which is what he really wanted). They never touched his SIM card when they switched him over from Postpaid to Prepaid. And this was back when Prepaid division was confusingly called "GoPhone". STILL the same SIM card.
I have AT&T Prepaid, as do several friends, family members.

ChazzMatt said:
Nothing to unlock. When you convert to US998 firmware the phone is carrier unlocked, even if Sprint never unlocked it.
You just need a SIM card.
The only problem you would have is if the IMEI is blacklisted for some reason.
____
I warned you about Verizon.
By the way, all AT&T SIM cards are the same. The difference is internal accounting, whether it's Prepaid or Postpaid. You can switch from one to the other without changing SIM cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I only asked him to check the IMEI for that reason you stated.. the blacklisting. They won't just send me a SIM... I have to go physically to a store for some reason instead of having them just mail me one like how I got my SIM from ATT in 2013.
Both Verizon and ATT are giving me identical trouble. They both require me to go to a store to get a SIM card and won't just send me a SIM card and give me service.
Due to the "if it ain't broke" thing, I'll probably just stick with ATT for now so I don't have to end up trying Verizon and liking it less than I used to/less than ATT then ultimately switching back to ATT... plus it should be easier to just get a new SIM instead of having to setup a whole new line of service with a new company... and finally I'm already pretty familiar with how ATT does things.
Phone should arrive on Thursday but Type C cable on Friday so I can probably go to an ATT store over the weekend.
PS - $238 is an amazing price ;D

sneak310 said:
Yeah I only asked him to check the IMEI for that reason you stated.. the blacklisting. They won't just send me a SIM... I have to go physically to a store for some reason instead of having them just mail me one like how I got my SIM from ATT in 2013.
Both Verizon and ATT are giving me identical trouble. They both require me to go to a store to get a SIM card and won't just send me a SIM card and give me service.
Due to the "if it ain't broke" thing, I'll probably just stick with ATT for now so I don't have to end up trying Verizon and liking it less than I used to/less than ATT then ultimately switching back to ATT... plus it should be easier to just get a new SIM instead of having to setup a whole new line of service with a new company... and finally I'm already pretty familiar with how ATT does things.
Phone should arrive on Thursday but Type C cable on Friday so I can probably go to an ATT store over the weekend.
PS - $238 is an amazing price ;D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wal-Mart also has AT&T Prepaid SIMs.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/AT-T-PREPAID-SIM-Starter-Kit/44938608
https://www.walmart.com/ip/AT-T-PREPAID-SIM-Kit/129539926
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+

ChazzMatt said:
Wal-Mart also has AT&T Prepaid SIMs.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/us998-lg-v30-us998-us99820a040330-kdz-t3786337
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
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Click to collapse
Yeah and according to these carriers they charge you for it. I'd also rather deal directly with the carrier than some random person at Walmart AND get it for free.

sneak310 said:
Yeah and according to these carriers they charge you for it. I'd also rather deal directly with the carrier than some random person at Walmart AND get it for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I understand. I also edited to put in the correct link.
You need to go to "corporate" owned AT&T store to get free SIM card. "Franchise" stores, which look almost identical, will charge you.

ChazzMatt said:
Sure, I understand. I also edited to put in the correct link.
You need to go to "corporate" owned AT &T store to get free SIM card. "Franchise" stores, which look almost identical, will charge you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hah, yea.. I was wondering why you sent me that original link. And yeah, they told me specifically which store is corporate.

So I'm curious to see if you switch to Verizon and your results. I'm currently on Verizon and I'm trying to get a V30+ so if you go with them I'd like to know how it worked out.

Hyperbomb64 said:
So I'm curious to see if you switch to Verizon and your results. I'm currently on Verizon and I'm trying to get a V30+ so if you go with them I'd like to know how it worked out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have no issues since you have an already-activated Verizon SIM card. Just take your SIM card out, put it in new phone.

ChazzMatt said:
You will have no issues since you have an already-activated Verizon SIM card. Just take your SIM card out, put it in new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Now I just have to actually get the phone and I should be good to go.

ChazzMatt said:
You will have no issues since you have an already-activated Verizon SIM card. Just take your SIM card out, put it in new phone.
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Click to collapse
im also on verizon and just got this model online brand new it says its unlocked. do i need to avoid updating it when i get it?

Bamaboi89 said:
im also on verizon and just got this model online brand new it says its unlocked. do i need to avoid updating it when i get it?
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Click to collapse
Yes, don't update when you first get it, as you will possibly making your life harder, by having to downgrade to what you need for bootloader unlock and rooting. You can update after that.

Hyperbomb64 said:
So I'm curious to see if you switch to Verizon and your results. I'm currently on Verizon and I'm trying to get a V30+ so if you go with them I'd like to know how it worked out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up just sticking with ATT for now. Mostly one of those "if it ain't broke" things. I also realized (once I got to the ATT store) that I actually already HAD a nano SIM in my Nexus 5 with a converter. It was 2013 when I put that SIM in and I haven't messed with it so I completely forgot.

Question Using an eSim without a physical Sim on AT&T

Hi, I'm trying to use an eSim only (without inserting a physical sim) on my pixel 6 pro on AT&T, however I cannot get it to work. When I say not get it to work, I mean with eSim only there is no cell signal and no data signal. Physical sim works fine on both signal and cellular service. If there's another Us AT&T pixel 6 pro user who's using only the eSIM for service please respond and let me know whether or not eSim only works for you. Thanks.

Not an AT&T user here, am using a European carrier, just from anecdotal perspective: I also use eSim only and never had an issue on my P6 Pro. So it appears to be something carrier related.
I remember that I had to activate my eSim, maybe you also have to do this? Did you try out the eSim/your contract before using this phone?

Morgrain said:
Not an AT&T user here, am using a European carrier, just from anecdotal perspective: I also use eSim only and never had an issue on my P6 Pro. So it appears to be something carrier related.
I remember that I had to activate my eSim, maybe you also have to do this? Did you try out the eSim/your contract before using this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I tried 3 times with the help of AT&T and we couldn't get it to work. I'm going to return the device for a new replacement to see if that fixes this issue. Thanks for replying.

d.cortez said:
Yes, I tried 3 times with the help of AT&T and we couldn't get it to work. I'm going to return the device for a new replacement to see if that fixes this issue. Thanks for replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before going through the hassle of returning the device for a potential fault - do you have a family member or friend, whose simcard/esim you could try out? That way you can find out if your phone truly has a defect or if its your contract/the specific esim. Of course you can always let them replace your device, but that will take a couple days, maybe there are faster ways to narrow the problem down.

Morgrain said:
Before going through the hassle of returning the device for a potential fault - do you have a family member or friend, whose simcard/esim you could try out? That way you can find out if your phone truly has a defect or if its your contract/the specific esim. Of course you can always let them replace your device, but that will take a couple days, maybe there are faster ways to narrow the problem down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried again today at another AT&T corp store and walked out of the store with it working as expected (wait till the end). the person helping did additional research on my issue and discovered the P6P shipped to me "was not activated" with the inserted physical sim (which i removed when i received the device). apparently, AT&T will park (or associate) a new device with a specific number when shipping to you vs. walking in to buy a device on an existing line. nonetheless, i'm going to return the phone because the data connection isn't working consistently; data is on and then after i go to website, data turns off. i'm probably going to send it back to AT&T next week.

Finally got the phone working, but will get an unlocked version later; this one is still going back to ATT.

I'm using an ESIM on AT&t and even originally got the phone My plan was to have a physical TracFone SIM card and my AT&t esim which is exactly what I had on my Pixel 5 and it worked great. Both SIM cards work great... when the other ones not active or inserted. It is impossible to use with both SIM cards like I did on my Pixel 5. Constant signal loss and the majority of the time. No signal at all. But as soon as I deactivate or remove a SIM card it starts working perfect.

I had a problem with provisioning eSim on my TMobile, well technically its sprint still, says tmobile esim but I am on sprint billing. Anyways, you need to maybe try to do it on another WiFi access point or something. I had issues with mine activating over Viasat2 satellite internet. I live in that area, its either LTE or satellite for internet. Had to tether to my work verizon phone to activate it on sprint/tmobile lol. If the connectivity to the esim server is not great, you'll split hairs until it is.

spawn985 said:
I'm using an ESIM on AT&t and even originally got the phone My plan was to have a physical TracFone SIM card and my AT&t esim which is exactly what I had on my Pixel 5 and it worked great. Both SIM cards work great... when the other ones not active or inserted. It is impossible to use with both SIM cards like I did on my Pixel 5. Constant signal loss and the majority of the time. No signal at all. But as soon as I deactivate or remove a SIM card it starts working perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly the same issue/behavior I had with my AT&T P6P on the AT&T network so I returned mine today. I'm contemplating a Fi version to see if it works for my use case.