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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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
I just purchased this phone a week ago off of Craigslist, the phone worked great up until today. I noticed that I didn't have any service. I use a microcell at home so it was no big deal, thought that it had messed up like it does every now and again, however I got out to town where I usually have near full signal and still had none. I opened up settings and "Mobile Data" was turned off, I tried to toggle it back on and it will not allow me to do this. I went in to the "About Phone" part of the settings and the phone shows "Unknown" for cell phone number and IMEI.
This is the stock AT&T version G Pro that has not been rooted. I contacted AT&T thinking this may be a sim card problem or maybe I bought a stolen phone, but everything on their end seemed to be clean. I tried out a friends sim card and still had no luck. Called LG and they said I would need to send it in with a receipt. I don't have a receipt and I won't pay for them to repair the phone, because I'm sure the bill will wind up being more than the phone is worth.
Has anyone else had this problem? Are their any fixes anyone can think of that doesn't involve rooting the device? If not, what steps will I need to take to recover my IMEI so that the phone will actually make/receive phone calls and texts?
charlee08 said:
I just purchased this phone a week ago off of Craigslist, the phone worked great up until today. I noticed that I didn't have any service. I use a microcell at home so it was no big deal, thought that it had messed up like it does every now and again, however I got out to town where I usually have near full signal and still had none. I opened up settings and "Mobile Data" was turned off, I tried to toggle it back on and it will not allow me to do this. I went in to the "About Phone" part of the settings and the phone shows "Unknown" for cell phone number and IMEI.
This is the stock AT&T version G Pro that has not been rooted. I contacted AT&T thinking this may be a sim card problem or maybe I bought a stolen phone, but everything on their end seemed to be clean. I tried out a friends sim card and still had no luck. Called LG and they said I would need to send it in with a receipt. I don't have a receipt and I won't pay for them to repair the phone, because I'm sure the bill will wind up being more than the phone is worth.
Has anyone else had this problem? Are their any fixes anyone can think of that doesn't involve rooting the device? If not, what steps will I need to take to recover my IMEI so that the phone will actually make/receive phone calls and texts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are YOU SURE you did not do anything to the phone? Cause loosing an IMEI requires the USER to do something wrong, like flashing other carrier Versions.
hyelton said:
Are YOU SURE you did not do anything to the phone? Cause loosing an IMEI requires the USER to do something wrong, like flashing other carrier Versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my phone do that before. Wasn't rooted or hacked in any way. I didn't even know of a way to do it. What fixed mine was a **** load of factory resets. And I mean a **** LOAD!!! Luckily it came back and I've been good ever since. Don't know what happened or how but that was very weird.
Note to the wise: I don't care who says what about what! NEVER buy a phone off of craigslist or from anyone for that matter other than a carrier or authorized reseller. Because when it breaks, you can't do **** about it!
hyelton said:
Are YOU SURE you did not do anything to the phone? Cause loosing an IMEI requires the USER to do something wrong, like flashing other carrier Versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I have no reason to lie about something like this. I've only rooted one phone of the dozen or so I've owned and that was a old Galaxy Note.
This morning when I got home from work the phone had 76% battery left, woke up and it was dead. It powered up and showed 2% battery. I went into battery under settings, android system used 26% of the battery. Not sure that's enough to drain the batter while I was asleep.
Must be something definitely wrong in the phone.
Jammol said:
I've had my phone do that before. Wasn't rooted or hacked in any way. I didn't even know of a way to do it. What fixed mine was a **** load of factory resets. And I mean a **** LOAD!!! Luckily it came back and I've been good ever since. Don't know what happened or how but that was very weird.
Note to the wise: I don't care who says what about what! NEVER buy a phone off of craigslist or from anyone for that matter other than a carrier or authorized reseller. Because when it breaks, you can't do **** about it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, lesson learned. Craigslist is usually where I do my cell phone trading and buying.
I'll keep trying resets to see if this fixes the problem. Thanks!
Try to re flash a stock using an LG flash tool it might work as what other users did on their G Pro have the same issues
Still haven't found anything that works.
I'm guessing something has malfunctioned in the phone.
To state clearly at first. The new phone in question was not rooted when I purchased it, but I did root it. So the phone is rooted but not unlocked. I thought I should also add that I'm in Atlantic Canada.
As usual, I always seem to have an issue that I look and can never seem to find the answer. This leaves me asking a question that I'm hoping there isn't already an answer to because I know people hate that.
So here goes. I have 2 SGH-989D phones. One I got new 18 months to 24 months ago with my re-negotiated Telus contract. I got the second one "barely used" a couple of months ago and I'm pretty sure it was a Bell pay as you go phone as this is what the person told me. He said all of the phones they get are always Bell. He would have no reason to not be truthful especially since I had a Telus and he knew I would need to unlock it I purchased it because my existing phone was acting up and also the screen was pretty severely cracked.
What I found odd is that when I put the Telus SIM card in the phone, I didn't get any message that the phone was locked. I was immediately able to dial a number and the call went through. I could also send and receive txt's. The phone also says Telus at the bottom of the screen. What is problematic however is that 4g won't work. When go into the new phone under network mode info this appears "GSM/WCDMA(Auto Mode)" But when I look at my original phones network mode I get "GSM/HSPA(Auto Mode)" So, I'm thinking this is probably quite obviously the reason that 4g isn't working and I have no data available unless I connect to wifi. This won't do.
So, where do I go from here? I'm thinking i need to unlock the phone in order to do something about this probably? Or is there something else I can do to pick up the HSPA instead of WCDMA? I'm so irritated by this. It feels like it should be a simple fix since both of these phones are SGH-989d's but maybe it's not. Lastly, and I don't think this makes much of a difference. My old phone is 4.0.3 version and my newer one is 4.1.2.
Thanks and I'm hoping someone knows what or if I can do anything or if I should just give up. I really hate giving up so I'm hoping it's not the latter of the two options.
Moved to Q and A, and, please do not bump within the same 24 hour period.
Xmariner said:
To state clearly at first. The new phone in question was not rooted when I purchased it, but I did root it. So the phone is rooted but not unlocked. I thought I should also add that I'm in Atlantic Canada.
As usual, I always seem to have an issue that I look and can never seem to find the answer. This leaves me asking a question that I'm hoping there isn't already an answer to because I know people hate that.
So here goes. I have 2 SGH-989D phones. One I got new 18 months to 24 months ago with my re-negotiated Telus contract. I got the second one "barely used" a couple of months ago and I'm pretty sure it was a Bell pay as you go phone as this is what the person told me. He said all of the phones they get are always Bell. He would have no reason to not be truthful especially since I had a Telus and he knew I would need to unlock it I purchased it because my existing phone was acting up and also the screen was pretty severely cracked.
What I found odd is that when I put the Telus SIM card in the phone, I didn't get any message that the phone was locked. I was immediately able to dial a number and the call went through. I could also send and receive txt's. The phone also says Telus at the bottom of the screen. What is problematic however is that 4g won't work. When go into the new phone under network mode info this appears "GSM/WCDMA(Auto Mode)" But when I look at my original phones network mode I get "GSM/HSPA(Auto Mode)" So, I'm thinking this is probably quite obviously the reason that 4g isn't working and I have no data available unless I connect to wifi. This won't do.
So, where do I go from here? I'm thinking i need to unlock the phone in order to do something about this probably? Or is there something else I can do to pick up the HSPA instead of WCDMA? I'm so irritated by this. It feels like it should be a simple fix since both of these phones are SGH-989d's but maybe it's not. Lastly, and I don't think this makes much of a difference. My old phone is 4.0.3 version and my newer one is 4.1.2.
Thanks and I'm hoping someone knows what or if I can do anything or if I should just give up. I really hate giving up so I'm hoping it's not the latter of the two options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is unlocked or you wouldn't of been able to make calls etc with your sim.
My guess as to the problem is that your Bell phone is not a SGH-T989D, it's actually a SGH-i757M or GT-I9100M, they are called Samsung Galaxy S2's but there are a few models of the S2 out there. To verify your model either go to Settings > About phone and check Model number, or pull battery and look under it for the model number. To my knowledge, Bell has never sold the SGH-T989D model of the S2.
Almite said:
The phone is unlocked or you wouldn't of been able to make calls etc with your sim.
My guess as to the problem is that your Bell phone is not a SGH-T989D, it's actually a SGH-i757M or GT-I9100M, they are called Samsung Galaxy S2's but there are a few models of the S2 out there. To verify your model either go to Settings > About phone and check Model number, or pull battery and look under it for the model number. To my knowledge, Bell has never sold the SGH-T989D model of the S2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply Almite. Unfortunately the phone is the SGH-T989D.. I know it's a weird problem I've got here.
I used to play around with satellites back in the day. One of the things we used to do with the boxes was to jtag the box, erase the memory from the primary chip and then flash it with a different STB's info. This would enable us to do some wonderful things.
Rooting and then unlocking seems like a similar process however I just don't want to flash the phone with something that is going to brick it. I guess I'm going to need to do something. This phone is no good to me this way. If I brick it, I brick it. What I would like from someone in the community would be to direct me to the easiest process to flash my phone with a telus ROM.
I have read A LOT and there are many opinions out there, but I'm thinking that there is probably a consensus on what is the best and easiest way.
Update
I have successfully installed Jedi Mind Trick using TWRP as it appeared to be the best stable one out there. Used Darksides superwipe and then installed JMT. Still have issue of GSM/HSPA on original phone vs GSM/WCMDA on the phone that now has JMT installed on. I must say, I'm pretty impressed with how easily it installed and the ROM itself however sadly it did not help my conundrum.
I'm thinking that there is probably a developer here up for a challenge that could probably assist me with my problem. I really would like to be able to pick up 4g on this phone, or It's pretty much useless to me. What I need to figure out is how I can change this phone to recognize the HSPA network instead of the WCMDA network as GSM does not appear to be relative to data. Not with Telus anyway it would seem.
Maybe this isn't even possible because it's hard coded into the phone or something. Anyone have any ideas?
Last update unless anyone has any ideas
Xmariner said:
I have successfully installed Jedi Mind Trick using TWRP as it appeared to be the best stable one out there. Used Darksides superwipe and then installed JMT. Still have issue of GSM/HSPA on original phone vs GSM/WCMDA on the phone that now has JMT installed on. I must say, I'm pretty impressed with how easily it installed and the ROM itself however sadly it did not help my conundrum.
I'm thinking that there is probably a developer here up for a challenge that could probably assist me with my problem. I really would like to be able to pick up 4g on this phone, or It's pretty much useless to me. What I need to figure out is how I can change this phone to recognize the HSPA network instead of the WCMDA network as GSM does not appear to be relative to data. Not with Telus anyway it would seem.
Maybe this isn't even possible because it's hard coded into the phone or something. Anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spent almost an hour on phone with Telus tech support. he explained that WCMDA should work fine as that and HSPA are essentially the same thing. Went through several settings changes and edits with him. In the end, he was stumped. The changes we made should have worked but did not. Therefore I supposed I have no choice but to give up. Guess I'll give the phone to my daughter as i don't want her to go online without wifi anyway.
Same issue
My wife recently cracked the screen on her Rugby Pro so I picked up a slightly used Koodo T989D and plugged in the SIM card. I had the same thing happen. Phone booted, made calls, all seemed well. The next day she realized she had no data connection. I rooted the phone, flashed Telus radio, tried different ROMs, even purchased the unlock code for it hoping for a fix. I can't seem to find anything that will allow this phone data connection of any type other than Wi-Fi. I would really appreciate any ideas or information that anyone has on this topic as I'm running out of ideas and buying another replacement isn't an option.
---------- Post added at 09:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------
Xmariner said:
To state clearly at first. The new phone in question was not rooted when I purchased it, but I did root it. So the phone is rooted but not unlocked. I thought I should also add that I'm in Atlantic Canada.
As usual, I always seem to have an issue that I look and can never seem to find the answer. This leaves me asking a question that I'm hoping there isn't already an answer to because I know people hate that.
So here goes. I have 2 SGH-989D phones. One I got new 18 months to 24 months ago with my re-negotiated Telus contract. I got the second one "barely used" a couple of months ago and I'm pretty sure it was a Bell pay as you go phone as this is what the person told me. He said all of the phones they get are always Bell. He would have no reason to not be truthful especially since I had a Telus and he knew I would need to unlock it I purchased it because my existing phone was acting up and also the screen was pretty severely cracked.
What I found odd is that when I put the Telus SIM card in the phone, I didn't get any message that the phone was locked. I was immediately able to dial a number and the call went through. I could also send and receive txt's. The phone also says Telus at the bottom of the screen. What is problematic however is that 4g won't work. When go into the new phone under network mode info this appears "GSM/WCDMA(Auto Mode)" But when I look at my original phones network mode I get "GSM/HSPA(Auto Mode)" So, I'm thinking this is probably quite obviously the reason that 4g isn't working and I have no data available unless I connect to wifi. This won't do.
So, where do I go from here? I'm thinking i need to unlock the phone in order to do something about this probably? Or is there something else I can do to pick up the HSPA instead of WCDMA? I'm so irritated by this. It feels like it should be a simple fix since both of these phones are SGH-989d's but maybe it's not. Lastly, and I don't think this makes much of a difference. My old phone is 4.0.3 version and my newer one is 4.1.2.
Thanks and I'm hoping someone knows what or if I can do anything or if I should just give up. I really hate giving up so I'm hoping it's not the latter of the two options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I hunted and finally answered this question we both had. Go to Settings:Wireless and Networks:Mobile Networks:Access Point Names.
Since my phone was a Koodo phone it lists Koodo SP. Click the menu button then New APN. Name it whatever you want. I called it Telus. APN is sp.telus.com. Scroll down to MMSC and type http: // aliasredirect. net/proxy/mmsc (without the spaces. They won't let me post a 'link'). Under MMSC proxy type 74.49.0.18. MMS port is 80. MCC is 302. MNC is 220. APN type should be Internet + mms. Click the menu button and save. Click the circle behind your newly created APN and wait. In under 30 seconds I had 4G connection.
Hope this helps you.
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Needles to say, the phone was paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund). Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock.
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution with 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, Chazz!
I had a suspicion you might suggest that :laugh:
But yes, that would have to be the outcome if I cannot solve it. I'll probably file an FCC complaint first, which michy21 reported had solved her problem. But again, there is no pushback from anybody, which is a positive.
The only attachment I have to this particular phone is my 2 year warranty, which gives me peace of mind. A phone bought used wouldn't have that (or any warranty).
Thanks again!
Edit: Actually, it's not quite true that I have no other attachment to this H932: If/when T-Mobile rolls out B71 in this area, I'll probably give them another try, as they generally have far better network speeds. AT&T service here is acceptable (and widespread) but doesn't blow me away. We only switched because TMO couldn't reach through our concrete brick walls. Red Pocket supports all four carriers, so I can switch to TMO network on my current plan to take advantage of B71.
So my hope is I won't have to part with this phone. AND that @runningnak3d will release H932 root later this year
TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
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That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
jblparisi said:
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
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Thank you. I understand where you come from. And no offense taken
The problem IS a SIM lock (or "network lock" as they call it). But not in the same way you're thinking where nothing works with an alien SIM. Both T-Mobile and LG have confirmed that.
Some details I didn't mention in my opening post (I meant to warn people here, not argue the matter):
1) LG warned me before they began repair that the phone would come back SIM locked, even though I'd included a letter asking if they could avoid it. I also talked to T-Mobile before sending it in, who said to just request an unlock code if needed (obviously that person was clueless).
2) I've seen other XDA users report how SIM locked V30s could connect on different networks, but NOT get LTE. That's what I am seeing too. One of my goals with visiting the T-Mobile store was to verify that there wasn't a problem with the phone itself preventing LTE. But once an active TMO SIM was inserted, everything works flawlessly.
3) I thought the same thing about not running the TMO Device Unlock app with the alien SIM inserted, but TMO's wording in the instructions they sent me are: "Before completing the steps below to unlock your device you must be connected to the internet via a cellular network in order to complete the steps", not mentioning it must be on TMO. And I DO have 3G internet with my Red Pocket SIM. Nevertheless, my second goal with visiting the T-Mobile store was so we could try the Device Unlock app with an active TMO SIM. And regardless of which SIM is inserted, the app reports that the phone is currently network locked and not eligible for unlock. When running this app on an unlocked phone, it shows the date of unlock -- even after a factory reset. They are obviously storing the lock/unlock state on the vendor, modem or carrier partitions or some such place. And on my phone it is in a locked state.
4) There is not much room for user configuration error here: The phone has been factory reset 5-6 times while testing this, with the only configuration being a Red Pocket APN. That same SIM and same APN work flawlessly in my Nexus 5 as well as my wife's V30 (also H932). Even if I mis-typed the APN, I wouldn't have done so 5-6 times -- and I would have caught it during one of the many times I verified the APN.
So I have no doubt that there is some form of network lock in place that is causing this. And again, T-Mobile and LG agree and have promised to solve it.
You are right that LG had no reason to replace the mainboard. But they did replace both the screen and the glass cover. I think it is possible that they sent me a refurbished phone with my IMEI transferred -- which would explain both their warning that the phone would come back locked, and why the Device Unlock app gets confused when seeing a blank (still locked) phone, but T-Mobile's IMEI database claims that the device is already unlocked (as I saw on the screen in the store).
So, we'll see if they manage to solve it or I have to sell this phone as suggested by Chazz.
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
jaysus145 said:
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
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Thank you for the suggestion. I'd have no objection to that at all, but various reports on here had given me the impression that 3rd parties aren't able to unlock the H932 because TMO locked it down so hard (as is the case with Sprint, but for different technical reasons). I could be wrong about that, so definitely something to try.
Thanks again!
Update: It's been four days since I talked to T-Mobile and they promised to escalate my problem and request that LG provide a solution. They said to expect a response within 72 hours, but I haven't heard back from them.
But yesterday, when I tried popping in my Red Pocket SIM (it's in my Nexus 5 until this is solved) everything suddenly worked: Instant LTE, which stayed all day, even as I drove an hour away across town and worked there for a few hours (using hotspot), went on several errands, and back home all last night. LTE Discovery Log showed how it had switched seamlessly between towers, without ever losing LTE. I was certain they had fixed it, and was much relieved.
Then this morning, it had locked itself again. Phone had been on all night, clearly T-Mobile must have pushed another lock. Or rather: One of the TMO services/apps locked it after pulling TMOs servers. No amount of Network Resets, reboot or toggling Mobile Network settings have worked to get it back. I promised T-Mobile not to make any more attempts with the Device Unlock app as it messes things up for them, but I am sure it it would still say "Ineligible for unlock" even though the IMEI is clear in TMO's database (and listed as already unlocked).
As always, the same SIM gives perfect LTE service in my Nexus 5 and on my wife's V30, with the same APN.
I called T-Mobile Customer Care and was unable to persuade them to transfer me to Tier 2. But they did says to expect a call within a day.
It is almost certain I'll have to go the FCC complaint route. It's sad because T-Mobile is otherwise not a bad company. Probably just a small handful of idiots who got this "bright idea" how to protect TMO phones -- which ends up causing so much trouble for legitimate customers.
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
TheDannemand said:
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
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I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
jaysus145 said:
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
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Thank you!
T-Mobile called me back yesterday and assured me they were still working on it and they would get this phone unlocked and please sit tight another day. They confirmed there was nothing on the phone's IMEI or my old account that should prevent it.
I'll check out unlocking services if it comes down to it.
Thanks again!
Final update on this (and solution):
T-Mobile solved the server side problem with a manager override, so that the Device Unlock app now says "Permanent Unlock approved". But it continued reporting "Unlock Failed" nevertheless. Some say because the phone is already unlocked, personally I think because the servers report the phone as previously unlocked. The app also says "Phone is currently network locked" when first running.
Notably, the connection problem persisted, and T-Mobile (after discussing with LG) said it had to be a bad SIM card or a problem with that SIM ICCID and my phone's ESN. As previously described, I get perfect connection and service using the same SIM in my Nexus 5 and in my wife's V30. T-Mobile said that was all they could do.
I then decided it was time to take the matter in my one hands. After much searching and countless Factory Resets and Network Settings Resets, I managed to get the phone working right with the following steps:
1) Remove Google account to disable Device Reset Protection.
2) Factory Reset from the Service Menu: *#546368#*932# (replace 932 with your model number, though this is likely a T-Mobile only problem). From there SVC Menu - Factory Reset (R&D Only). This takes quite a bit longer than normal Factory Reset.
3) Initial setup with WiFi, no Google account. No APN. Phone shows usual connection slowness.
4) Airplane mode, then WiFi on.
5) T-Mobile Device Unlock app, Permanent Unlock. Got the same "Unlock Failed, but Approved" message.
6) Enter APN.
7) Network Settings Reset (Android Settings - Reset menu). Wait for reset to complete. It may go straight to LTE already here.
8) Power off/on.
After this, everything is back to normal. Instant signal and LTE connection, even after subsequent Factory Reset. It's such a relief :laugh:
Edit: I should add that it is quite possible that not all of these steps are required. Probably the Service Menu Factory Reset was the key to undo what LG had done during the repair. I am merely listing all the steps which I used, and which brought my phone back to life.
Hello, this is my first post but sure it not the last!
I have been exposed of fraud! I bought Note 10 Plus on a website called Blocket in Sweden were you can buy everything. The guy told me that the phone was locked to 3 and that was no problem because i have that to. But when he came to me he had activated the phone so WiFi call was on (I didn't know that). I logged in to my google account and then I also connected to my WiFi. Then i tried a call and no problems so I paid the guy and got a receipt and took his ID. But as soon as I went out I couldn't call and did some research and the phone had only 0 as IMEI and in small letters on the back it says that it is a Demo unit and have a serial number and its name is SM-975X . So my question is if anyone have been able to get a phone like this to work? Everything is reported to the police but he had false ID and the phone number has been turned off! I payed 650$ so would be so happy if anyone has an solution of my problem :fingers-crossed :fingers-crossed:
Sadly, there is no solution, only a motherboard replacement would work
Hm, is it so bad! Do they remove the radio parts for everything else works like a charm even WiFi calls and wireless charging both on my phone and to other phones to!
Do you know if the they only remove/disable the radio part and let everything else work?
What I know, is that there is no way to make it work as a regular device, they are intended to be used by vendors, to discourage people from stealing them from showrooms, precisely the cellular part is totally disabled
the IMEI is generally a unique identifier used by networks and such to track devices (stolen or otherwise) without one a device wont work on a network and the only way for a device to get one is from the factory encoded into the hardware, so short of swapping out hardware for a different board that has an IMEI there is pretty much nothing you can do.
as if it was simple to change them people would be able to hide stolen hardware or their tracks when swapping SIM cards. also would get them around blacklisting and other features on the networks.
the IMEI is basically the same as a VIN number on a car, even if you could change it you would need a valid one to register the device on a network.
it's sad but unfortunately all you can use this as is a learning experience, in future only buy from reputable sources that offer some level of consumer protection and always check things like the IMEI as people even sell blacklisted phones as they will turn on and seem to work but will be blocked off the majority of networks.
Yes it was a wakening call, but I have sold and bought 40-50 different phones and other stuff on "Blocket" but this was the first time i was cheated. I had no idea of that you could make WiFi calls otherwise it wouldn't worked! He had receipt and everything so I had no thought that it was a demo phone! Before he came i was looking for a site were you could write the serial number and look if it was stolen but couldn't find any! Apple has one and have used that often and had one guy that tried to sell a iPhone that was stolen!
I talked to a independent repair shop and he was willing to buy it for 200$ so he could use it for parts, then my lost is only 450$ but it hurts anyway
yeah screen battery and a few other parts would still be viable, it's mainly the board with the phone modem on that would be unusable as little more than a demo/home unit.
WIFI calling will still work as it doesn't use any of the phone identifiers other than stuff like the MAC address of the phone WIFI chip that even a demo unit would need.
A quick google should give you IMEI checker sites and it's something you should always check, if you have bought as many phones as you say, you have been very lucky this is the first to have a problem as there is a massive black market for stolen devices that are black listed and such, that is why IMEI checker sites are fairly common as most networks do allow access to blacklist device lists as they don't want them being sold on. so really IMEI is probably the most important thing to check when buying a phone as there are multiple ways it could cause you problems.