Develop Bugs

Verizon carrier lock

So if I paid cash for the Verizon version I should be able to call them and have them lift the carrier lock. If I do that will the radio work on T-Mobile? I have an opportunity for such a good deal on the Verizon version its going to cost almost nothing. Also if this all works would WiFi calling work on T-Mobile?

What kind of deal do you have? Sounds like you might be getting on a contract thinking it gives you a cheap cast phone

KnownDominance said:
What kind of deal do you have? Sounds like you might be getting on a contract thinking it gives you a cheap cast phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My employer has offered to pay the purchase price but they insist I be on Verizon. I'm on a great plan with T-Mobile and I don't want to change. I might since this is the XL phone so I can't lose one way or the other.

Reddog58 said:
My employer has offered to pay the purchase price but they insist I be on Verizon. I'm on a great plan with T-Mobile and I don't want to change. I might since this is the XL phone so I can't lose one way or the other.
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Explain to them that you can buy it through the Google Store and still use it on Verizon. Otherwise I would contact VZW and see if they will be carrier locked or not if you purchase through VZW.

I read somewhere that the VZW version won't be carrier locked. I think popping in your T-Mobile SIM card before you ever start it up will allow you to use it on VZW

hollowlog said:
I read somewhere that the VZW version won't be carrier locked. I think popping in your T-Mobile SIM card before you ever start it up will allow you to use it on VZW
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Click to collapse
So the thinking is the one SKU will have the radio support for any US carrier? And a locked bootloader doesn't matter since I am not planning on rooting it, at least not in the short term. As a cash sale I should be able to walk out with the phone and pop in my T-Mobil SIM and be online. I understand none of this is certain until I have the phone in hand.

Reddog58 said:
So the thinking is the one SKU will have the radio support for any US carrier? And a locked bootloader doesn't matter since I am not planning on rooting it, at least not in the short term. As a cash sale I should be able to walk out with the phone and pop in my T-Mobil SIM and be online. I understand none of this is certain until I have the phone in hand.
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Click to collapse
All VZW phones are carrier unlocked. They include all gsm radios and have no issue with popping T-Mobile sims in and running. VZW has never had carrier locked devices.

If you purchase the Pixel thru VZW, it will be carrier unlocked. The bootloader is locked, and cannot be unlocked. This has been confirmed by Google and VZW.
Better to purchase thru the Google Play Store, as it will (hopefully) at least have an unlockable bootloader (if you require that).

uicnren said:
If you purchase the Pixel thru VZW, it will be carrier locked. Already been confirmed by Google and VZW.
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Where did you see this? I have read confirmation that the bootloader will be locked. I haven't read anything saying it will be carrier locked.

uicnren said:
If you purchase the Pixel thru VZW, it will be carrier locked. Already been confirmed by Google and VZW.
Buy the same phone from Google Play store, it is not carrier locked, and it has been confirmed that Wi-Fi calling and HD Voice will work with the GPS version on VZW, both by Google and VZW.
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Not true. In fact, the opposite has been confirmed. It's 100% SIM unlocked like every other Verizon LTE device has been. No Verizon phone with LTE has been SIM locked per their agreement with the FCC when purchasing a large block of LTE spectrum. The issue with getting some other Verizon LTE devices fully working on a different carrier has been band support. That doesn't appear to be an issue here.

@hollowlog @bsweetness my apologies, you are both correct (I will edit my post). I swear I read somewhere (of course I cant find it now) that they were carrier locked as well as bootloader locked (and unlockable).
Apparently reading some more, they ARE carrier unlocked, with a locked (and unlockable) bootloader.

bsweetness said:
Not true. In fact, the opposite has been confirmed. It's 100% SIM unlocked like every other Verizon LTE device has been. No Verizon phone with LTE has been SIM locked per their agreement with the FCC when purchasing a large block of LTE spectrum. The issue with getting some other Verizon LTE devices fully working on a different carrier has been band support. That doesn't appear to be an issue here.
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This seems to be one of the most confusing aspects of the relationship between Google and Verizon. What exactly is the point of buying from Verizon? As you read the posts you see more and more reasons which are mostly due to an employer subsidized price which is also my reason. I wouldn't even think of buying from Verizon if not for the discount I will get. But in my case the discount is almost 100% of the purchase price. But what they don't subsidize is the monthly plan. So I can't pass on the phone but I want it to work on my T-Mobile sim. Verizon is not even close to the pricing on the data plan I get from T-Mobile. But maybe that day isn't as far off as it has been in the past.

So apparently Verizon Pixel/XL will receive updates at the same time as the unlocked versions do.
Shame the Verizon versions have a locked bootloader.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

DirgeExtinction said:
So apparently Verizon Pixel/XL will receive updates at the same time as the unlocked versions do.
Shame the Verizon versions have a locked bootloader.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
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I don't expect that to remain. The bootloaders on the Nexus 6 which I owned and the 6p/5x all came locked and were right away unlocked. Odds are it will get unlocked. Better odds than any other phone actually.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

Greetings all.
Not to completely hijack this thread. But I was absolutely beside myself when I saw the mention of all verizon LTE devices being carrier unlocked. I guess I had never tried it and just assumed that phones on VZW's edge payment plan, Or under contract were carrier locked like many other carriers do.
So, I set out to test it. Me and a buddy both have Note7's on VZW. Both are not even a single payment in. And we have already pre-ordered pixel XL's due to the now 2nd recall of the note 7.
Anyways, I have a T-Mobile sim from a work issued phone. Popped it in my buddies Note7 and no kidding. It worked without issue. Had to program the Tmobile APN. But it sure is unlocked.
Screenshot of LTE discovery.
http://i.imgur.com/Ua0lapj.jpg
It would however appear that the VZW Note 7 variant does not support Band 12 (Or it's disabled) as popping the same SIM in my older Nexus 6p lands the phone directly on band 12. Band 4 if I take it outside where the RSQ improves. Covering the Note 7 with my hands to attenuate the signal causes the phone to fall off LTE (Not until a damn low -128. Which is crazy) and it'll land on GSM/HSPA+.
So, Seeing my note7 work with a T-Mobile simcard squarely lands me on believing the Pixel XL will be carrier unlocked. If Verizon isn't allowed to sell a carrier locked phone due to it's FCC dealings, The Pixel is no different. I figure the way it works out is fantastic for the end user. Verizon CANT lock the phone to them. And Google I assume doesn't want that done anyways. So there's no push from either side to lock the device.
Now that bootloader. Time will tell. And I'm anxious to see the outcome.

Verizon Employee here, NO 4G LTE devices are Carrier Locked. We do not yet know on dev or employee side if bootloader lock. Verizon will not be involved in updates of software so when Google releases they get it similar to Apple at least that's what the news released today on Android Central says.

My Nexus 6 from Verizon was completely unlocked. However my S6 Edge+ was locked including the other bands necessary for T-Mobile was locked. However after the S6 Edge+ update to 6.0 it was carrier unlocked for the radio bands.
Considering my Nexus 6 was unlocked I expect the Pixel to be unlocked. However they have stated the bootloader would be locked. I would not buy one from Verizon.

Reddog58 said:
So if I paid cash for the Verizon version I should be able to call them and have them lift the carrier lock. If I do that will the radio work on T-Mobile? I have an opportunity for such a good deal on the Verizon version its going to cost almost nothing. Also if this all works would WiFi calling work on T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon phones are unlocked. It'll be fine without needing to call them.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

johnciaccio said:
My Nexus 6 from Verizon was completely unlocked. However my S6 Edge+ was locked including the other bands necessary for T-Mobile was locked. However after the S6 Edge+ update to 6.0 it was carrier unlocked for the radio bands.
Considering my Nexus 6 was unlocked I expect the Pixel to be unlocked. However they have stated the bootloader would be locked. I would not buy one from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VZW Nexus 6 came locked. Once you had it you could go in and unlock it. It's been this way with every Nexus on VZW. So far that's the trend.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

Seems to be a bit of confusion about locked and unlocked. All Verizon LTE phones are 100% sim (carrier) unlocked per their deal with the FCC as stated above. They may not have all bands enabled in the radios to work perfectly with all carriers. All Nexus and Pixel phones are bootloader locked form Google or anywhere else you get them. All of them but the Pixel phones sold by Verizon can be bootloader unlocked after you buy them via ADB commands. The bootloader on the Verizon sold Pixel phones will be encrypted so initially they will not be unlockable. Only time will tell if a developer can find a way to unlock the Verizon bootloader.

What is the best way to purchase a S9 / S9+ for Verizon, and should I switch plans?

I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?

I plan on going straight through Samsung on a monthly payment plan. They should offer some type of a device trade in program so I can trade in my sons Moto Z and maybe get a couple hundred knocked off. My son can have my Pixel XL and I'll get the 9+.

ergalthema said:
I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?
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Click to collapse
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.

Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
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Click to collapse
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.

Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
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Click to collapse
That's a good point - glad you mentioned it. However, I am rarely out of the country, so I'm wondering if it's still in my best interest to have an unlocked phone.

Deathman20 said:
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.
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Click to collapse
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.

Bxrider117 said:
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.
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Click to collapse
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?

Deathman20 said:
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?
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Click to collapse
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?

ergalthema said:
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?
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Click to collapse
Samsung is reading right. Though from Verizon/AT&T they have the higher price at $930/915 respectfully. So that being said it would potentially bring it lower than Samsung.

Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.

dmb219 said:
Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talking with BB reps so far, their qualified activation doesn't seem to be like anything. Can be a new line or current at least thats what I've been told so far and that is what they are expecting.
For the BB pricing though found this out and might only still refer to the Pre-Order period. S9+ will be $100 off still after the 2nd, and S9 will be $50 off after the 2nd. No clue how long it lasts after that though but its what I was able to get out of the rep today. Also talking around no luck at getting at least Verizon to honor the BB discount so... well really its not to much tough luck for them since they still get money.

I just spoke to a vz rep, and this was her answer to the question...
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.

droideris1 said:
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...

ergalthema said:
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true on AT&T phones. You won't get wifi calling unless you have an AT&T phone. Can't speak for Verizon. Can't speak for the S9 at all since we don't have any user feedback but I doubt the carrier bonus features will change.

The unlocked version will not get visual voice mail on Verizon. That is a no go for me. All one has to do is look at the status of the unlocked S8 on verizon for confirmation. Nothing is different here. In fact Verizon has recently stated it will temporarily stop selling it's own branded phones unlocked. The Verizon price of the phones are almost $100 over what the Samsung retail is and also the most of any carrier. lucky us. I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal. So I pay the inflated rate at no discount and no offers. nada. Basically stuck. Oh well.. such is life.

xgman said:
I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal.
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Click to collapse
You didn't need to start a new line. I'm trading in my S8+ for the S9+ with Best Buy and I got the $100 off. I'm not starting a new line, just upgrading my current. They just make you activate it in the store.

Call up the cancelation department and threaten to cancel to ATT. When they ask if they can do anything for you let them know they can offer you the phone and keep your GUDP. Worked for me.

@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.

wolfgrrl said:
@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.

Yeah, I think that's the route I'm going to do as well. Plus they'll give me $200 for my current phone
ergalthema said:
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Got a Pixel 2 XL have questions

I recently upgraded from a Note 8 to a Pixel 2 XL unlocked verizon model.
Unfortunately I cannot root the phone so I can't use xposed for the ad blocking capabilities.
I was told that there was a virtural exposed that does similar things yet I used it and I cannot use it on youtube to block ads.
Without rooting is there any way I can block youtube ads and app ads similar to exposed?
I am using firefox with ublock so that helps but I would very much enjoy blocking youtube and other ads?
Also is there something similar to Air android for Pixel 2? I cannot use Air android for pixel 2 it keeps force closing. Not sure if its because of the phone or Android P?
Phone other wise is extremely great and I am using it on Android P
Would love suggestions for good cases and tempered glass
Thanks!

Dns66 would be your best bet for ad blocking without root.

TonikJDK said:
Dns66 would be your best bet for ad blocking without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where would I find the DNS66?

A small search using uncle google reveal the answer

js2shanks said:
I recently upgraded from a Note 8 to a Pixel 2 XL unlocked verizon model....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, is your phone an unlocked model or a verizon model?
Where did you purchase your phone; Google Store? Did you purchase specifically the Verizon model from the Google Store?
Just checking, because if you did purchase an unlocked model and simply have a Verizon SIM in it, you are and would be able to root your phone...
Then, if you would be able to unlock the bootloader, many of your concerns could be addressed better having root access...

simplepinoi177 said:
I'm curious, is your phone an unlocked model or a verizon model?
Where did you purchase your phone; Google Store? Did you purchase specifically the Verizon model from the Google Store?
Just checking, because if you did purchase an unlocked model and simply have a Verizon SIM in it, you are and would be able to root your phone...
Then, if you would be able to unlock the bootloader, many of your concerns could be addressed better having root access...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming he means carrier unlocked not bootloader unlocked.

fiffan86 said:
I'm assuming he means carrier unlocked not bootloader unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aaahhh...thank you for the clarification...
wait.....unless it's a verizon model, wouldn't they all be "carrier unlocked"? And, if so, it's only bootloader unlocked if it's a Verizon model, right?

Supposedly even the Verizon model is carrier unlocked. It however also has a locked bootloader. A device purchased direct from Google won't have a locked bootloader.
Funny story. I went into a Verizon store to get a case for my P2XL because Amazon couldn't tell the difference between a P2 and P2XL: they sent the wrong product. The Verizon rep asked me why I didn't buy my P2XL from them. Reply? "You lock your bootloaders." Without missing a beat the rep tried to say that they supposedly stopped doing that, to which I countered that I know more than a few people who would disagree with you. The "deer in the headlights" look and the mumbling about having to look into that [locked bootloader] was priceless.

Good story! Most Verizon emp's don't know what a bootloader is! ???

Youtube Vanced. Get the unrooted version.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Supposedly even the Verizon model is carrier unlocked. It however also has a locked bootloader. A device purchased direct from Google won't have a locked bootloader.
Funny story. I went into a Verizon store to get a case for my P2XL because Amazon couldn't tell the difference between a P2 and P2XL: they sent the wrong product. The Verizon rep asked me why I didn't buy my P2XL from them. Reply? "You lock your bootloaders." Without missing a beat the rep tried to say that they supposedly stopped doing that, to which I countered that I know more than a few people who would disagree with you. The "deer in the headlights" look and the mumbling about having to look into that [locked bootloader] was priceless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, trying to understand this all correctly, you could purchase a "Verizon model", and bring over to another US carrier (let's say AT&T) and it would work? Or even an EU carrier (although I've heard that there is a carrier lock for the first number of months [I think 9 months] before you can activate your US Pixel 2 in another country)?
And so, the only thing different between Verizon model and any other is only the bootloader? As you can supposedly activate the VZ model in other networks (not exclusively the use of Google's model) and/or it's not like you can't use/activate Google's model on Verizon's network?
...Outside of Verizon's exclusive deal with Google, I wonder why Google didn't just advertise is as Locked-Bootloader version and Unlocked-Bootloader version -- other than Verizon pulling the bait-and-switch locking the bootloader of a phone that's initially and naturally unlocked and/or didn't want it advertised that way due to negative connotation...

Verizon may also have it carrier locked. I don't have one and I'm not about to find out either since I steer far clear of Verizon. However, the only difference I can recall between the Google and Verizon P2XL is the bootloader. So if Verizon doesn't also SIM lock the P2XL, then you could buy a Verizon P2XL and use it on AT&T, T-Mobile, or any of their MVNOs like Straight Talk or Cricket just by swapping SIM cards.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the fact Verizon locks the bootloader at all means you're better off with buying direct from Google, even though the deals are not nearly as significant as with Verizon/Best Buy.
You can get Verizon Motorola devices direct from Motorola. Unlike Motorola, Google doesn't offer the Verizon models in their store. Therefore Google doesn't have to advertise something that only appeals to a select group of owners. As for Verizon, there is no bait and switch here. Bait and switch involves substituting a product for a product the merchant has no intention of selling. Verizon isn't doing that, as all their devices are bootloader locked.

Definitive list of differences between carrier locked and unlocked variants

Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know

buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are the same phones and can run the same firmware.
I would go with whatever the best deal you can get.

I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

buffalosolja42 said:
I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.

That is what i figured searched the forums a bit but needed something concise appreciate the info!!
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Mr. Orange 645 said:
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.
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Click to collapse
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.

beethoven1854 said:
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.
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Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
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Click to collapse
I have been using it just fine. I will do it on my Note 10 plus and report back my result.

Well there you go, OP. I guess flashing ATT firmware to your unlocked device still works to activate carrier features. Everything else I said is still accurate.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.

Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
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buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
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thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!

ekerbuddyeker said:
thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!
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Work in IT daily and easier for wife as it pops up in call.

I would use it, but I use a Google Voice number as my primary number. We used to do Hangouts video calls all the time, but not so much anymore. I guess the romance is dead.

If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?

Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
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Click to collapse
I have a pre-order deal from Samsung that is between 6-700 can't remember at the moment.
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I always use unlocked devices whether it be Samsung unlocked or Google pixels unlocked but all work like a charm on verizon and get basically free unchecked hotspot

beethoven1854 said:
So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So interestingly, there's another thread and people who are flashing ATT firmware to the unlocked version can no longer get WFC to work. They said it works for a few minutes if they give ATT an old IMEI number, but the system will automatically update to the new IMEI and WFC will no longer work. Read page four of the thread to see what I'm talking about.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10+/how-to/unlocked-samsung-att-tmo-t3956698
Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
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Click to collapse
There's a few reasons:
1. This year the Note 9 is worth $600 towards an unlocked model, but only $300 towards carrier models.
2. The U1 models generally maintain their value a little better than the carrier branded models. Even though it's the same exact device, that little "1" makes a difference for some reason.
3. It's factory unlocked. T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, and now Verizon all come carrier locked. Verizon stays locked for 60 days then automatically unlocks. T-Mo you have to pay it off, or pay cash up front, then wait 40 days with it active on your account before it can be unlocked. ATT again has to be paid off or paid in full up front and then you have to request an unkock and wait for the code. I believe Sprint automatically unlocks it once it's paid off.
4. I've heard conflicting stories, but at least in the past, Sprint was weird about their BYOD program. You could only bring devices with whitelisted IMEIs. That was Sprint devices and factory unlocked devices. If you just got your ATT Galaxy S8+ unlocked and brought it to Sprint, it wouldn't activate, even though it was the same exact device hardwarewise. The IMEI wasn't in their database. So the Unlocked version is more flexible.
5. That ugly ATT box. For some reason ATT will often take the phone out of the nice Samsung box and throw it in a cheap ATT box. See the USA Pre-order thread on here. There's already people complaining about that box. And I'm a packaging guy.
So you might as well get the device that's cheaper up front and holds it's value the best and is the most flexible carrier wise. If you want carrier features and firmware, you can still have them, and no worries ever about a SIM lock. Well except with ATT apparently. If you need ATT WiFi calling and VoLTE, you may be stuck getting the ATT model, from what I'm reading.
Now that said, if you don't have a trade in device, and your carrier is offering a better deal on their model...then by all means get that one.

Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?

akrein62 said:
Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile customer here. I had an unlocked S7 Edge that would roam just fine on partner networks, in the US and internationally. Haven't had the opportunity to test roaming yet with my brand new unlocked Note 10+ but I suspect my results would be the same as with my S7 Edge.

unlocked verizon note 10 plus issues

Hi, i purchased an unlocked verizon N10+ from swappa.com . I spoke to verizon over the phone, via fb and twitter and i confirmed with them the phone is FULLY unlocked, no bad debts not stolen. I even went to a verizon store saw the screen with everything ticked green for ok.
But i have tested a tmobile and att sims and they both tell me contact verizon (and obviously i did through the above methods).
I want the option for it to work on gsm (works fine on verizon)
Any ideas what is, could be wrong. Verizon is adamently it should be working..but alas
Thanks.

Most verizon phones have to be on their carrier for 60 days after they are sold. Maybe the phone didn't meet that criteria? And I know for my phone, I've used it on T-Mobile, but I couldn't switch it over until after I went through the set up process.

ptko15 said:
Most verizon phones have to be on their carrier for 60 days after they are sold. Maybe the phone didn't meet that criteria? And I know for my phone, I've used it on T-Mobile, but I couldn't switch it over until after I went through the set up process.
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Click to collapse
Whats the setup process?
I am going from an mvno to verizon (for a month only) to get their tech support, i have read elsewhere tier 2 tech support can solve the issue. But its a pain.

sammyDC said:
Whats the setup process?
I am going from an mvno to verizon (for a month only) to get their tech support, i have read elsewhere tier 2 tech support can solve the issue. But its a pain.
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Click to collapse
I'm sure there is a way. The phone you purchased is a Verizon phone, from what it sounds like, and wasn't on the carrier the full 60 days. So you may need to be on verizon 60 days total. Or get them to unlock it.

ptko15 said:
I'm sure there is a way. The phone you purchased is a Verizon phone, from what it sounds like, and wasn't on the carrier the full 60 days. So you may need to be on verizon 60 days total. Or get them to unlock it.
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Click to collapse
It is a verizon phone. It IS unlocked. But first level of support cant solve it. I need their tier 2 le el of support and hence the move to a more expensive verizon from a cheaper mvno JUST to get that support...
But thats life !!!!

sammyDC said:
It is a verizon phone. It IS unlocked. But first level of support cant solve it. I need their tier 2 le el of support and hence the move to a more expensive verizon from a cheaper mvno JUST to get that support...
But thats life !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like it wasn't an unlocked device, but rather a carrier device that was through Verizon. The person you bought it from probably didn't have it on Verizon longer then 60 days.

12 people verified unlocked all verizon ppl. Phone, fb, twitter, in store.
Others on xda said u need tier 2 support, frontline verizon ppl do not know or understand

sammyDC said:
12 people verified unlocked all verizon ppl. Phone, fb, twitter, in store.
Others on xda said u need tier 2 support, frontline verizon ppl do not know or understand
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Click to collapse
What MNVO were you trying to use it on?
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gernerttl said:
What MNVO were you trying to use it on?
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Click to collapse
I am using fine on redpocket verizon. would like to try att or tmobile mvno - eg redpocket or mint. tried both sims from other people they don't work.
also went to a tmobile store and they tried - didnt work.
it's a verizon issue at this stage. will contact their tier 2 support. I have read others have had success (hopefully they do a 'real' unlock !!!!)

sammyDC said:
I am using fine on redpocket verizon. would like to try att or tmobile mvno - eg redpocket or mint. tried both sims from other people they don't work.
also went to a tmobile store and they tried - didnt work.
it's a verizon issue at this stage. will contact their tier 2 support. I have read others have had success (hopefully they do a 'real' unlock !!!!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. It that's a Verizon problem. I know Verizon phones are GSM capable, because I have used them in Japan and Okinawa. Have you tried a factory reset with a non-Verizon SIM in it?

No i didnt try factory reset...
BUT since signing up to verizon and using the service i called them and now they are saying i need to complete 60 days (54 to go) to get it unlocked.
Interesting a dozen people said it WAS unlocked while i was on redpocket (verizon version), and also the IMEI has changed since placing in a verizon sim - howd that happen? Do imei s change or what?
:silly:

You can change an IMEI, but it's illegal in most countries. The fact that it changed after you activated on Verizon indicates that the previous owner was possibly doing something shady.
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