I have a Galaxy nexus with Verizon with cm 11, I was wondering if I can take it to tracfone. I called customer service and they told me I can buy a activation code and a sim card and it will work. But I was wondering since I have a custom rom would it work. And if it does can I flash toro roms?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
allcity187 said:
I have a Galaxy nexus with Verizon with cm 11, I was wondering if I can take it to tracfone. I called customer service and they told me I can buy a activation code and a sim card and it will work. But I was wondering since I have a custom rom would it work. And if it does can I flash toro roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know verizon does not allow 4G device on tracfone/net10/straight-talk BYOP plans. I would loved to be proved wrong.
I don't think ROM is an issue, but I've read that people had difficult with the initial activation until they flash back to (unroot) stock, activate and then reroot/install custom ROM.
YMMV. Do let us know how it turns out!
I will definitely let you guys know, my contract with Verizon will expire in a few days, I'm so tried of paying so much money for cell phone service. If this doesn't work I will buy a nexus 5 and take it too T-Mobile.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I tried this - it doesn't work.
a big NO?!?
Well I have been fighting with tracfone for about a month now and only had them erase my account once so not as bad as some times.
I have tried most every permutation as well and am currently trying factory mysid/toro 4.2.2 (JDQ39) with locked bootloader and all I get are busy signals on activation. Tracfone finally says my phone and my LTE sim card are good. Tracfone also says things are ok on their end. Everything looks like it should work, yet no.
Has anyone else EVER gotten a Samsung Galaxy Nexus SCH-I515 to work on tracfone?
Moving a GNex toro from VZW to Tracfone - all done!
case-sensitive said:
As far as I know verizon does not allow 4G device on tracfone/net10/straight-talk BYOP plans. I would loved to be proved wrong.
I don't think ROM is an issue, but I've read that people had difficult with the initial activation until they flash back to (unroot) stock, activate and then reroot/install custom ROM.
YMMV. Do let us know how it turns out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, you ARE wrong; I'm taking my own ex-VZW GNex to Tracfone, and it does NOT have to be stock when you do it.
Tracfone itself is a neutral (CDMA/GSM) MVNO and uses the towers of three providers (T-Mobile, Sprint, and VZW) on a regional basis; the difficulty is that it's easier to port a Tracfone phone number - which you can't do from a feature phone. This is why you need a customized SIM kit (pre-loaded with the target phone's IMEI and MEID). I'm taking a lifeline number issued by Safelink Wireless (Tracfone's lifeline brand - porting such a number is legit), and the IMEI and MEID are hardware-specific - NOT carrier-specific (the IMEI and MEID travel with the phone - and are neither carrier-specific or ROM-specific; other than the stock ROM, I have changed firmware twice, and neither IMEI or MEID changed a whit).
What you have to do is go online and explain the situation to the agent (that you are transferring your existing number to a former VZW Galaxy Nexus); the agent will ask for the IMEI and MEID of the target phone, and confirm that said phone is NOT active on VZW's network. The bigger issue with the SOURCE phone is that - more often than not, it either uses a different SIM (Tracfone sells LTE phones itself; however, they also sell feature phones up to 3G, such as various Alcatel models that don't run Android) or doesn't use a SIM at all (these non-Android Alcatel OneTouch models are in that category). As a backup, grab Tracfone's Transfer Wizard from the Play Store after the ROM changeover (it's a free app).
SIMs for phones are of three sorts - standard (the oldest Android phones, such as our GNex), micro (later, but not necessarily current, such as the Nexus 5 or 6) or nano (Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel, Pixel XL, and Galaxy J3) - the SIM must match the phone! I have a nano SIM for Google Fi - can't use that in a GNex; microSIMs are commonly purchasable, even for Tracfone - however, I can't use THOSE in a GNex, either. Hence I have to go custom. (Turns out I was wrong; the GNex uses a microSIM - I took a picture of it after the swap (the VZW microSIM, that is). When I have enough points, I'll attach the picture I took; it's currently backed up to cloud storage.)
When your SIM kit arrives, you WILL need the number from the source phone - with feature phones (including lifeline phones, such as the Alcatels I mentioned), this will be in the Prepaid section of the phone's menu. There will almost certainly be a "dummy" SIM in the phone you are moving; that is fine; as the Galaxy Nexus does NOT support SD cards at all, that tell you where your new SIM should go.
While you wait
Like a lot of the phones of the same age, the Galaxy Nexus can be used as a tablet while not on anybody's network; further, unlike most tablets, it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This lets you "explore" a bit and find the ideal ROM for you and your apps - not all ROMs , even for the GNex, are the same; between straightforward OS variety and other ROM-specific features, the differences are legion. (Not every user will be comfortable with Unlegacy Android - or even with 7.1, for example.)
My SIM Kit arrived, and it is FULLY compatible with most CDMA (and all LTE) phones from VZW. Even according to the booklets (plural - both English and Spanish), stock firmware is not a requirement. (In fact, I'm doing this with OmniROM 6.0 Security Update installed.). The surprise is that the GNex uses a microSIM (not a standard SIM) - I'll be including a picture of it in a later edit (the original one from VZW). The transfer is, in fact, nearly done; the hiccups were all on the back end - and had mostly to do with a quirk in OmniROM 6.x; the animation of the logo went a bit screwball (it kept not only repeating itself, but interfered with app recognition). It's why I put Unlegacy-Android back on the GNex in question.
If you have issues
This is actually included if the number ports, but hangs between Tracfone and the phone itself (and is referred to via the documentation) - auto-programming mode; you dial (via the Phone Dialer included with GApps) a special number (it doesn't even look like a real phone number, so you can't dial it by accident) and the phone is programmed to your new carrier (Tracfone, in this case) utterly hands-free. (It's also why even if you are running a non-stock ROM (all too likely), it's utterly irrelevant.
Lifeline phones
Yes; lifeline numbers from Safelink CAN be ported this way - in fact, Safelink is specifically covered as a number source - so you do NOT need to purchase an airtime card (either now or for at least a year - my ported number is, in fact, covered until January 2018). Be warned, though; your feature phone will basically become a paperweight.
allcity187 said:
I have a Galaxy nexus with Verizon with cm 11, I was wondering if I can take it to tracfone. I called customer service and they told me I can buy a activation code and a sim card and it will work. But I was wondering since I have a custom rom would it work. And if it does can I flash toro roms?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Decidedly yes - any ROM you could flash before the move, you can flash AFTER the move; it's still toro-based.
Carrier choice
The very reason I chose Tracfone is that they are neutral - they use multiple carriers (in this area, it is either T-Mobile or VZW) to provide service. The very reason, in fact, I have tried to avoid T-Mobile is due to my ALWAYS having signal-strngth issues with T-Mobile towers (and not just with Safelink; Virgin Mobile USA also uses T-Mobile towers with THEIR feature phones). However, unfortunately, you DO pay a premium in this area to use VZW compared to a neutral MVNO - and you can't get lifeline service directly from VZW (at least here).
ROM choice
ROM choice is NOT carrier-dependent - unless your phone is carrier-locked - which is not, and has never, been true with Tracfone (unless you are talking about feature phones; however, that is, in fact, true of all feature phones, regardless of carrier). You can choose any community ROM that your phone supports - and Tracfone won't care. (My issue with OmniROM has more to do with an animation issue in OmniROM itself - an issue that UA doesn't have - which is why I put UA back on the phone.) Also, I took a good HARD look at the Tracfone TOS - which in no way blocks community ROMs - not even on Android phones sold by Tracfone itself - let alone BYOP. (Also, do you realize that Tracfone sells a LOT of Android phones? Tracfone is, in fact, the largest carrier in terms of HSN phone sales, and trails only VZW on Amazon (and not by much, either). If anything, just in terms of TOS, Tracfone is the most friendly carrier in terms of community ROMs - also, how many US-based carriers even HAVE a real BYOP policy? That you can also port lifeline numbers (the number I ported was a lifeline number) drove the point home with a jackhammer.
The Bigger Issue
The biggest issue I have EVER had with Tracfone is that they tend to rely on T-Mobile towers compared to VZW for feature phones (at least locally) and compared to using feature phones on VZW (which I have done as a former VZW prepaid customer) quite frankly bites - especially in the exurbs. I haven't gone urban with the phone itself since I moved the number; however, I will before Christmas; we will see if the service improves. (Voice service - not data; since I won't be using cellular data at all; why would I when I have access to Comcast's network of hotspots at a cost of none?)
Nexus Phone to Tracfone
allcity187 said:
I have a Galaxy nexus with Verizon with cm 11, I was wondering if I can take it to tracfone. I called customer service and they told me I can buy a activation code and a sim card and it will work. But I was wondering since I have a custom rom would it work. And if it does can I flash toro roms?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have taken several i515 and a Maguro to Tracfone with many different ROMs ...Tracfone uses Verizon Towers for activation...the only thing Tracfone needs is the MEI number to activate not what ROM you're using...Not Verizon is a different story...sometimes they want you back on stock ROM to activate...some people just like to cause trouble...LOL
Tracfone vs. VZW
rm571 said:
I have taken several i515 and a Maguro to Tracfone with many different ROMs ...Tracfone uses Verizon Towers for activation...the only thing Tracfone needs is the MEI number to activate not what ROM you're using...Not Verizon is a different story...sometimes they want you back on stock ROM to activate...some people just like to cause trouble...LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VZW is that way because they do in-store/dealer activation; Tracfone does not. Further, Tracfone allows for DIY (automated) activation; sensible, since they also allow for BYOD - again, this is something that VZW does NOT do. I don't hate VZW (or even Verizon as a company); in point of fact, in most cases, I recommend VZW for prepaid and NEW hardware because of the strength of their network and towers (compared to anyone else - especially T-Mobile). VZW's lowest-common-denominator is the salespeople in the stores and dealer network (like used-vehicle salespersons); Tracfone doesn't have any of that to deal with. If you're familiar with community ROMs, I can recommend Tracfone and especially if VZW has towers in your vicinity (because - unless T-Mobile has an exclusivity deal in your area - which is darn unlikely - you will be on VZW's towers for LTE); quite frankly, VZW beats T-Mobile with Da Ugly Stik for LTE or CDMA (somewhat understandable, as T-M is still a GSM network at heart - ex-VZW LTE gear - and especially phones - prefers CDMA for voice, as VoLTE isn't out yet). Before I walked into the world of Android, I had been using exclusively feature phones (with VZW, Virgin Mobile, and later Tracfone/Safelink). That gave me the opportunity to evaluate all the carrier networks for connectivity with as little money risk as possible. VZW won there with Sprint a surprising second.
Hi im about to sell my nexus 5 because i want the G3 (b/c bigger screen better camera better battery) i am on ATT network and i want to make sure i can root and install custom ROMs on my G3. i had an ATT Galaxy S4 last year and was never able to root it because the bootloader was locked, thats why i went to the N5. i dont want this to happen again so heres what i want to know. which G3 variant should i buy? The D850, D855, F400k/s ? I need the phone to work on ATT's LTE network and i want to be able to root it and install custom ROM's hopefully cm11 when its available. i love my stock android on my nexus but i want the G3. was looking at the Find 7 and One plus one but their impossible to find. i have been searching the forums for a definitive answer and i am tired of looking. hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. Thank you for any help its much appreciated!
D851 the tmobile varient. Comes with an unlocked bootloader and can be rooted
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I'd say T-Mobile for the reasons stated above.
T-Mobile as long as you understand a couple the main issues: You lose the 850mhz band and will have to enter your APN anytime you flash an update or anything. You will also have to unlock which can be had for $10-$30 depending on the source. I had a T-Mobile GS5 and it works fine overall but there are other things I found out as well. The T-Mobile version did not support AT&T Carrier aggregation which helps give you beeter speeds and bandwidth on their network. I am not sure the G3 will miss this feature though.
I would tell you this, if you can wait a few more days/weeks, then do. I think we have some very good devs trying to unlock the bootloader. The G2 is not much different from the G3 and it was cracked. If it looks promising then definitely get the AT&T version. If its not going to happen after a few weeks of them working, go with T-Mobile and live with the few compromises.
awtryau89 said:
T-Mobile as long as you understand a couple the main issues: You lose the 850mhz band and will have to enter your APN anytime you flash an update or anything. You will also have to unlock which can be had for $10-$30 depending on the source. I had a T-Mobile GS5 and it works fine overall but there are other things I found out as well. The T-Mobile version did not support AT&T Carrier aggregation which helps give you beeter speeds and bandwidth on their network. I am not sure the G3 will miss this feature though.
I would tell you this, if you can wait a few more days/weeks, then do. I think we have some very good devs trying to unlock the bootloader. The G2 is not much different from the G3 and it was cracked. If it looks promising then definitely get the AT&T version. If its not going to happen after a few weeks of them working, go with T-Mobile and live with the few compromises.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i will be selling some devices to cover the cost of the G3 so ill probably wait until i recieve the money from pay pal which is usually a week or so and if it looks promising ill get the ATT version otherwise ill get the tmobile. inputting the apn isnt that much of a hassle and unlocking is do-able but like you said if i can avoid those issues i will. Thanks for the advice everyone!
I too need to know the very same with a slight tweek. I already posted in the forum yesterday with not much difference in the answers.
Which varient is the most flexable if I can get it unlocked
I want to switch between cricket gsm and sprint.
I have a deal on a sprint g3 for 400 if the owner hasn't sold ot yet I would not like to jump through hoops and can believe each varient will be cracked in no time so band wise rootwise recoverywise, gsm unlockedwise, unlocked bootloaderwise and qi enabled wise which varient is the one to buy ?
Thanks
-3nJo1
I swapped from the original 10.1, to the 2014 10.1 P605-V, Verizon stamped edition.
I have a few questions after spending a good bit of time reading up and looking for some clarification.
I started on 4.4.2 and with no SIM in, could not OTA. I'm not shocked. I downloaded the 5.1.1 USA Verizon ROM from sammobile, and was able to flash it with Odin, with no issues. <-- Not a question, just letting you know where I'm starting from to reduce confusion
I can't find any way to root the Verizon model. I tried using the regular 605 root in XDA forums, from chainfire, and Odin gives it a fail. I'm guessing there isn't a root for the 605V, at least on 5.1.1, based on the posts of others here. I also tried GeoHot's root, and the device removes it before it can even try to root. I gave full permissions, but it gets deleted during the install process anyways. Can anyone confirm that is the case?
It appears the bootloader is locked, and I'm fine with the fact that I might not be able to unlock it, but I just wanted confirmation.
I downloaded a paid unlock carrier option (not bootloader unlock), and it says that it's compatible with this model, however it comes back with saying I need to be rooted, which leaves me in the dark as to if you can swap to a carrier like StraightTalk. Verizon told me there's no need to unlock this tablet, and it can be swapped to StraightTalk without doing anything. StraightTalk confirmed this on the phone. I'm ok with staying on Verizon anyways, but was looking for confirmation that this is the case, and the Verizon branded tablet (fully paid for) is capable of using other US carriers that are using the CDMA Verizon network (the Verizon model appears to have a secondary modem that allows it to talk on the US bands, whereas the international 605 does not appear to have that option).
If I'm unable to root, and on a locked bootloader, is there a way for me to use google phone apps on the CDMA network? I see that Verizon has a service that allows you to do so, sort of, but it sounds like it works in a way similar to how google voice used to work. It also appears to require your phone to be on Verizon (my Note 3 is on ATT). Can I get the AOSP dialer running on a tablet, and use it as a phone/message device, with the phone number that comes with a 4G SIM card? Verizon seemed to think I could text no problem, but I didn't discuss rooting, sideloading, or anything of that nature, regarding calling on the actual network (ie not through wifi or cellular data)? I've read that the international version can make calls on the standard network, but I got the impression that people doing so are using cyanogen or aosp, etc, so based on the bootloader/root questions I posted above, I'm a little unsure if there's a way for me to use an aosp dialer on the tablet while it's running on samsung/verizon software. I'm concerned about trying to drop gapps for cyanogenmod on it, especially since I do not have a custom recovery. Any idea if I can run the "phone/dialer" app safely, or an alternative, where it would use the actual cellular network instead of purely being data based?
Can I revert back to a previous stock ROM (4.4.2) and obtain, and continue to keep, root, without serious risk?
I'm plenty happy with the tablet as-is, and very happy that it has a secondary modem for the US CDMA Verizon network, as well as international bands, but I'm a tweaker and would really like to do a bit of de-bloating and customization that it sounds like are tricky with this particular variation.
Thank you for your time in reading my long post.
we have 3 Note 10+ my son ordered his the day of the preorder release. he has the 256 version and my wife and i got the 512 version.
Upon my wife and I getting the phones we replaced the sim chips with new ones from AT&T instead of removing the ones in our Pixel 3xl. I noticed that AT&T Visual voice mail wasn't there but after loging into our voice mail account it downloaded a different visual voice mail program.
however we are having signal problems, I noticed that we didn't Get Voice over WIFI, Advanced Messaging, Volte etc. I called into support 611 and explained and they said that they would re-register our phones to turn them off for a few min and back on and should be ok.
That didn't' accomplish anything. I talked with an engineer that I know that works for AT&T and he said that my son's phone is provisioned for VOLTE with torch i think but not in the account screen. My wife and my devices are not provisioned for VOLTE HOWEVER NONE of our phones are connecting for voice or data to 4G LTE only 3G. He didn't know why but would check further.
after complaining to OOP with Samsung and being within the return window they said that we could order from them the branded AT&T phones and return our unlocked phones.
I realize that we will get stuck with the bloatware, but if we are getting 4G LTE VOLTE etc. maybe that is what should be done.
If we do that can we still get them unlocked and what do we loose by doing this? I appreciate the work everyone is doing here and I think hopefully I can get an honest answer vs everyone pointing the finger at everyone else.
My big concerns are:
If I keep these what do we loose?
How bad is the bloat ware?
If we change to T Mobile or others later can we, or if we travel, get AT&T to unlock the phones
If I keep these phones and flash the AT&T files will we:
Then get access to the programs and services we don't have now?
Get over the air updates as they are released?
I would highly appreciate any advice
Thank you for everyone's help in advance
I was getting horrible battery usage on my At&t branded Note 10+. What I did was flash the U1 unlocked firmware, set things up, made a few calls, sent a few text so things provisioned to At&t. I then flashed At&t csc with odin and this gave me 4GLte..wifi calling..video calling..advanced messaging..and volte
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
but your phone was branded AT&T right so theIMEI number is active in their system
I had the same issue - thankfully, I was able to test a friend's SIM card from AT&T and his worked! I saw an obscure reference (see below) to it being an issue with older SIM cards. I'm heading to AT&T store to replace mine tonight.
https://forums.att.com/t5/Apple/Cellular-data-not-working/td-p/5731162
tommyloui said:
but your phone was branded AT&T right so theIMEI number is active in their system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is At&t branded.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk