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This may be kinda long but please read, I really need some actual help. I can offer a little amount of cash (Paypal) for someone to really help me to get what I want and need.
A few days ago I upgraded from a dumb flip phone that I've used for years. So the logical choice would be the new LG G4, the best phone out there as of now. So I've had it for a few days and I've noticed a few things that are really annoying me, but I'd like to focus on my main issue.
The main issue I've had is, bloatware. Now I am a computer person that if I buy a new PC / laptop, etc. I don't even use it until I reinstall Windows. I HATE bloatware more than anything, and I knew that the phone would have some bloatware that I figured I could uninstall and such. I know nothing about phones so I've been reading up and I came across the Debloater program that disables apps, which is nice but not what I want. What I want is 100% no bloat, I want the OS and drivers for the phone on the main features such as Camera, Messener+, Keyboard, etc. I don't want any extra space or ram or even the battery being used by anything besides my
regular apps.
I've tried task managers and such but even having them auto kill apps it seems that it eats my battery just as much if not worse.
I found out about rooting and ROMs in my research and from what I can tell. I need to install a custom ROM, and I believe the one that will give me what I want is CyanogenMod? I'm told its the Android OS and NOTHING more. This is what I want, but I wanna be able to still install Android updates from my phone and not having to reinstall the new version of the ROM, so I'm not sure how updating works.
I'm not sure if my phone needs to be unlocked and / or rooted to install a custom ROM? If I need to be I need someone to help me through these also.
So is there anyway that someone could lead me step by step in installing CyanogenMod? I've saw some tutorials and such but since the G4 is new everything I find on it seems kinda sketchy or really confusing, so if anyone is willing to help me on FB Chat, Team Viewer, Steam, any other messenger, PLEASE PM me ASAP. I rather not try and follow a tutorial on something this pricy, I can't buy another phone. And they never work for me it seems. Plus live person to ask questions to is something I'll need.
NOTE: I have the VS98611a model of the G4, and I have Verison right now, but I'm going to switch to Cricket since Verison removed my features like FM Radio, Themes, etc. Not way to get those back?
To do what you're asking is to require a unlocked bootloader. You're on the verizon model, and it currently doesn't have an unlocked bootloader. You'd need the h815 or the T-Mobile (I believe) models as they have unlocked bootloaders right now.
I believe cyanogen is on their final 5.1 build. As in no more updates or nightly revisions for stability. Unless I'm mistaken.
I haven't heard of an aosp Rom direct from Google being offered on anything aside from the nexus line, but I could be mistaken.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
megamanfre said:
To do what you're asking is to require a unlocked bootloader. You're on the verizon model, and it currently doesn't have an unlocked bootloader. You'd need the h815 or the T-Mobile (I believe) models as they have unlocked bootloaders right now.
I believe cyanogen is on their final 5.1 build. As in no more updates or nightly revisions for stability. Unless I'm mistaken.
I haven't heard of an aosp Rom direct from Google being offered on anything aside from the nexus line, but I could be mistaken.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm ready to leave Verizon now so when I leave them it will be unlocked. So then that will take care of that, right? I really wanna get this done...
Either way there is a way to unlock them without having that model, yes? I've heard of people unlocking phones for years.
Anyway to check if mine is unlocked?
Your boot loader is locked. You can root the phone and remove most bloat. That is all you can do at this time.
There is no way to unlock the boot loader on your model.
Until a workaround is found, you have no other options. Enjoy the phone as is. It's a great phone
tdevaughn said:
Your boot loader is locked. You can root the phone and remove most bloat. That is all you can do at this time.
There is no way to unlock the boot loader on your model.
Until a workaround is found, you have no other options. Enjoy the phone as is. It's a great phone
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Click to collapse
I'm sure Verizon will do it for me when I leave them or I can't use it for any other carrier. I could return it and buy the unlocked version. But is it really worth it?
Whats the difference between the models and which is better anyways? I think I'm going to buy the unlocked version from offline.
Broth3rz said:
I'm sure Verizon will do it for me when I leave them or I can't use it for any other carrier. I could return it and buy the unlocked version. But is it really worth it?
Whats the difference between the models and which is better anyways? I think I'm going to buy the unlocked version from offline.
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Click to collapse
How do I check if its unlocked? Because I was just told that it IS INFACT unlocked. HOW DO I CHECK? Thanks.
Verizon will not care at all. They will not unlock the bootloader.
Carrier unlock is completely different.
The 815 Euro model only can be unlocked from LG. T mobile does not lock their bootloaders
tdevaughn said:
Verizon will not care at all. They will not unlock the bootloader.
Carrier unlock is completely different.
The 815 Euro model only can be unlocked from LG. T mobile does not lock their bootloaders
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Click to collapse
How do I get my disabled features back? The FM Radio, Themes, etc. Guess Verizon got rid of them. If I leave Verison will I get them back? Or since it's a Verison phone... I don't get them?
Basically it's a Verizon phone. You don't get them.
What are all the G4 models and their carrier?
Which models are unlocked?
Which models come with ALL features?Clearly the VS986 Verizon doesn't.
The H815 is the International version?? I hear its a bloat free version and its unlocked? Does it work with carriers in the US? Cricket, Verizon, Sprint?
I don't know what to do, so many models, no one has any information.
Broth3rz said:
What are all the G4 models and their carrier?
Which models are unlocked?
Which models come with ALL features?Clearly the VS986 Verizon doesn't.
The H815 is the International version?? I hear its a bloat free version and its unlocked? Does it work with carriers in the US? Cricket, Verizon, Sprint?
I don't know what to do, so many models, no one has any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International H815 can be unlocked and will work on GSM carriers such as ATT or T-mobile only. Basically, if your carrier uses a SIM card, it should work.
tabp0le said:
The International H815 can be unlocked and will work on GSM carriers such as ATT or T-mobile only. Basically, if your carrier uses a SIM card, it should work.
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Click to collapse
I want all my features, no bloat, unlocked, and works with Verizon and Cricket.
Which do I need to get for this?
You can change the Network mode on the Phone, from Global, to LTE/CDMA to LTE/GSM/UMTS, so as long as the H815 has those same options, you should be able to use it with ANY carrier, Cricket, Verizon, ATT, etc. Right? Just tell me what model I need to get what my first line asks.
H815 does not work at all with CDMA, (aka Verizon/Cricket/Sprint/Boost) You're best bet is going to be rooting your phone or waiting for a bootloader unlock. (bootloader unlock might or might not ever happen) Rooting your phone will allow you to remove most of the bloatware.
Honestly, you're freaking out over nothing.
Disable any apps you don't want to see, and they'll go away forever. At this point in time, bloat is only a concern for power users who want to fine tune their phones, as a first time smart phone user you should focus only on the great new features your phone will have.
chrisrozon said:
Honestly, you're freaking out over nothing.
Disable any apps you don't want to see, and they'll go away forever. At this point in time, bloat is only a concern for power users who want to fine tune their phones, as a first time smart phone user you should focus only on the great new features your phone will have.
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Click to collapse
1. Verizon got rid of some of my features I'd like to use. I won't EVER be able to get this back since it's a Verizon phone.
2. I need to move to Cricket since Verizon did the above and cost more.
I'm told I can switch, but I won't know until I cancel and go to Cricket. So I wanna know what version to get and go straight to Cricket.
Just because it's my first phone doesn't mean anything. I fine tune my PC like crazy and it runs amazing. I've turned everything off on this phone and yet it's down 11% not being used while I slept. That's bad.
Seems like the G4 sucks a little because only 1 is unlocked?
tabp0le said:
H815 does not work at all with CDMA, (aka Verizon/Sprint/Boost)
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Click to collapse
Cricket is NOT CDMA anymore. Hasn't been for almost a year since AT&T bought them and converted to GSM.
OP, get the H815. It will work on cricket bands and the bootloader is unlocked. It's exactly what I will be doing soon since I'm officially sick of Samsung (Sammy fangirl here, or used to be) and them turning their phones into crapple. I have cricket service as well. Good luck.
pre4speed said:
Cricket is NOT CDMA anymore. Hasn't been for almost a year since AT&T bought them and converted to GSM.
OP, get the H815. It will work on cricket bands and the bootloader is unlocked. It's exactly what I will be doing soon since I'm officially sick of Samsung (Sammy fangirl here, or used to be) and them turning their phones into crapple. I have cricket service as well. Good luck.
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Thanks for the reply. I made a new thread since I"m focused solely on the H815. There are many versions of it though. I will be buying it Monday I hope.
Broth3rz said:
Thanks for the reply. I made a new thread since I"m focused solely on the H815. There are many versions of it though. I will be buying it Monday I hope.
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I'd be interested in what you wind up with. What do you mean many variants? If I pick one up, I want to make sure I get the correct one (sim unlocked as well as manufacturer unlockable bootloader) that is compatible with cricket. TIA.
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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 $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.
Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point - glad you mentioned it. However, I am rarely out of the country, so I'm wondering if it's still in my best interest to have an unlocked phone.
Deathman20 said:
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ 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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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
I'm trying to figure out why the Verizon S9 is $80 more than the unlocked one. I used to have the unlocked S7 on Verizon and I understand that some carrier features such as VVM and VoLTE will not work. You also lose some of the Verizon specific apps that are preinstalled. I'm trying to find out if the unlocked phone will support all frequency bands used by Verizon for the best speed and coverage. I tried contacting Samsung through thier web site and here is my conversation:
Murtuza MD, SAMSUNG Care Pro
Them - Please excuse us for the long hold. We have had an unusually high volume of chats coming in. I would be happy to assist you with any questions you have about our products.
Me - What are the drawbacks to buying the unlocked S9 to use on Verizon. I understand that VVM will not work but will the phone support all of the bands used by Verizon to get the best call reception and data speeds?
Them - Please give me a few minutes to review the information you have shared.
Them - I see that the Unlocked S9 phone will be compatible with all the carrier's including Verizon.
Me - I understand that it will be compatible but will it perform the same as the Verizon branded S9? Why is the Verizon S9 $80 more expensive? What does the additional $80 buy for me?
Them - It will get you the Verizon specific feature's and applications that will be Pre installed on the phone.
Them - Please let me know if you have any more questions or queries for me.
Me - So the unlocked S9 will support all available Verizon radio bands?
Them - Yes, you are right.
Me - OK Thank you.
So it appears that the unlocked phone will work properly. Do anyone else find it ridiculous that the carrier locked phone would cost more? I would expect it to cost less unless there is some advantage to the carrier branded phone I am missing. Can anyone think of any other drawbacks to buying the unlocked phone? I could also note that the updates for the unlocked S7 were actually slower than the Verizon branded S7's updates.
unlocked bootloader is the must as well as aosp !!
usa and Canada will get the worst version again !!
I used a prepaid Verizon SIM on an Verizon S8 and lost VVM and WiFi calling but had HD Calling and I then purchased the unlocked Unlocked Pixel 2 XL directly from Google and it worked with with the Verizon prepaid SIM with the same downfalls of no VVM or WiFi calling but again I had HD calling. Not sure if this info helps but I WILL be buying the unlocked version S9 because I don't gain anything due to me using my prepaid SIM.
I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.
For those that had HD calling still usable with the unlocked versions of other devices, were you able to take calls and browse the web at the same time? I used an unlocked S7 with Verizon service for a while, but every time I was on a call I was not able to browse the web at the same time. Unfortunately for the kind of work I do I need to be able to do both.
That may be a drawback from not having the Verizon version of the S9 on their network.
So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?
xgman said:
So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is a Verizon postpaid (contract) SIM? Yes
If it is a Verizon prepaid SIM? NO
Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.
xgman said:
Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM
Throwinrocks said:
No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not a pre paid sim. It is a contract sim, but it won't make any difference. VVM won't work on a locked Verizon phone since the actual app won't even be on the phone and can't even be downloaded from the app store apparently.
When you put that post paid SIM into a Verizon S8 the VVM will appear on that phone along with 2 or 3 other apps plus Verizon phones aren't locked. My Verizon S8 had the VVM icon on my phone but it would not let me use it because I have a prepaid SIM. I have that icon on my phone.
There are two levels of VVM one is free with postpaid and the other is premium that cost $2.99 a month
Try this. Log in:
My Verizon>My Plans and Services>Blocks>Block Services>Block Visual Voice Mail>ON
Reboot and try a test call
I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.
xgman said:
I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. You'd think no matter if it's locked or unlocked phone or a post paid or prepaid SIM they would want to keep you as a customer and allow us to have a simple feature. I still remember when you had to buy text messaging like minutes. LOL
---------- Post added at 12:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
RossTeagan said:
I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for what? What details and specific features are you talking about?
I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?
skiddingus said:
I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?
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Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now
Josh LaCelle said:
Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now
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From what I'm hearing Verizon hasn't started locking them yet but what difference does it make? AT&T and Sprint have been doing it for years. Once you activate the phone you can unlock it and in some cases they unlock once activated. They are locking them so when people steal them they're unable to use them. There's a ton of articles explaing why and I can't understand why everyone gets upset about it.
Now I take everything samsung says with a grain of salt and some hot sauce but the lady I just talked to (I recorded it) said that the snapdragon verizon s9+ had a unlockable bootloader (but she highly recommended against it). Has anyone else called samsung and asked them?
I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
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.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!
droideris1 said:
I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
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.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!
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I was told something similar by the first person I talked to at Verizon. When I started to ask specific questions, they transferred me to tech support and then I was told the opposite. The tech confirmed that VVM will not be available on the unlocked version. I guess we will find out for sure in a couple weeks.
Find me one person with an unlocked S8 on Verizon that has normal visual voice mail? S9 is no different. I need the VVM for my business, don't need or want a new activation, so I have no choice but to pay the ransom.
Purchased from T-Mobile a year ago, all paid off, and permanently SIM unlocked by T-Mobile app (white-listed by T-Mobile so it would unlock). So, the phone is free and clear. I think the answer may be self-evident in the model numbrer, but can an unlocked LG-G710TM work on Verizon? When I pop in my Verizon SIM (from S10), it registers on the voice network, but mobile data won't connect. The firmware (still v8.0.0) is all T-Mobile. Went to Verizon store, wait for the shock and horror, and they gave up after basic settings changes.
Just for kicks, if the 710TM can only work on T-Mobile, that makes unlocking this model somewhat pointless, no?
Thanks for any quick hits.
jimbob_sf said:
Purchased from T-Mobile a year ago, all paid off, and permanently SIM unlocked by T-Mobile app (white-listed by T-Mobile so it would unlock). So, the phone is free and clear. I think the answer may be self-evident in the model numbrer, but can an unlocked LG-G710TM work on Verizon? When I pop in my Verizon SIM (from S10), it registers on the voice network, but mobile data won't connect. The firmware (still v8.0.0) is all T-Mobile. Went to Verizon store, wait for the shock and horror, and they gave up after basic settings changes.
Just for kicks, if the 710TM can only work on T-Mobile, that makes unlocking this model somewhat pointless, no?
Thanks for any quick hits.
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Click to collapse
Back up your phone and flash with G710VM firmware which should allow it to work on Verizon. See link below with instructions.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/how-to/cross-flash-oreo-pie-firmwares-lg-g7-g7-t3915303
mr3p said:
Back up your phone and flash with G710VM firmware which should allow it to work on Verizon. See link below with instructions.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/how-to/cross-flash-oreo-pie-firmwares-lg-g7-g7-t3915303
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Starting at post #55 in that thread, it says cross flashing the 710TM will brick it. Gotta ask the dumb question: did you point me there knowing that cross flashing the T-Mobile to Verizon will work or just knowing that there was a cross flashing thread that works for most G7s?
I"m appreciative for the help either way.
jimbob_sf said:
Starting at post #55 in that thread, it says cross flashing the 710TM will brick it. Gotta ask the dumb question: did you point me there knowing that cross flashing the T-Mobile to Verizon will work or just knowing that there was a cross flashing thread that works for most G7s?
I"m appreciative for the help either way.
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I don't have TM version so I was unaware of such restriction. My apologies the method will not work on your device.
If entering the Verizon APN info in (which I'm assuming the employees at VZW tried) still failed to produce results, then yes, you may be out of luck (however you could make use of a prepaid network that uses the T-Mobile bands such as Mint Mobile or sell it as a white-listed phone). This is why there are many of us with LG phones that wish they'd just release one model per device, as the Qualcomm chip used supports a wide range of bands used by various providers.
I've had my t-mobile tab s7 for a rew days. What I've noticed is that tmo/Samsung has looked the app down so you can't make calls. The Phone.apk is present just not the ability to make calls. Move on to something. Also the oem unlock is missing from developer systems. And to add one last thing. Im unable to send text messages without rebooting the tablet. My model is the T878U. I hope there will be some changes but not holding my breath
Dvalin21 said:
I've had my t-mobile tab s7 for a rew days. What I've noticed is that tmo/Samsung has looked the app down so you can't make calls. The Phone.apk is present just not the ability to make calls. Move on to something. Also the oem unlock is missing from developer systems. And to add one last thing. Im unable to send text messages without rebooting the tablet. My model is the T878U. I hope there will be some changes but not holding my breath
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Same here I purchased one yesterday moving from a wifi version thinking I'm going to be able to sync messages and phone. The apps are there but the setting to sync is not. Very disappointed. I ended up using T-Mobile Digits. It's got to be possible to re-enable calls and text syncing... Maybe root required?
trhuseby said:
Same here I purchased one yesterday moving from a wifi version thinking I'm going to be able to sync messages and phone. The apps are there but the setting to sync is not. Very disappointed. I ended up using T-Mobile Digits. It's got to be possible to re-enable calls and text syncing... Maybe root required?
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I think at this point unless we complain to samsung via the member app enough, it would only be through a custom rom. Its a shame really. Right now I would settle for just getting the text message function working right. It wont send out messages until after I reboot the tablet
Can you not download the Google Pone App? Works for me
So root isn't possible on the T-Mobile version?
coilbio said:
So root isn't possible on the T-Mobile version?
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I haven't even tried it yet. I know ianmacd has several tools to manipulate the tablet but not confident enough to try them. Ive also seen where he has gts7l (s7 5g) twrp source on his github, but not sure if he is ready for that to be released or if he even still have the tablet. I know that he also has a 7+
fkofilee said:
Can you not download the Google Pone App? Works for me
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Yes i can and it does work. But still I was hoping for them to make the tablet itself natively work this way. Just dont understand why they wouldnt. So now that would mean i have two lines that I can text from, but only one can make or take calls. Either way, I hope there is someone who has the tablet for tmo and can tell me that it still CAN be rooted and flashed with custom roms. Im so hoping. If not it will be the last time EVER i buy carrier ANYTHING!!
Dvalin21 said:
I haven't even tried it yet. I know ianmacd has several tools to manipulate the tablet but not confident enough to try them. Ive also seen where he has gts7l (s7 5g) twrp source on his github, but not sure if he is ready for that to be released or if he even still have the tablet. I know that he also has a 7+
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Well if there's no unlock bootloader option then there's no way to get root as that's mandatory to patch the boot.
The only way might be to pay for an unofficial bootloader like you have to for the phones if the tab7 is even supported by the Chinese outfit that does this.
So i spoke to tmobile the other and from what i was told that their tablet devices come unlocked (ie no need for the toggle as its unlocked), but will not work unless you have the tab paid off or paid full price at purchase. Is there anyone watching that has the tab paid off that can confirm this?
Dvalin21 said:
So i spoke to tmobile the other and from what i was told that their tablet devices come unlocked (ie no need for the toggle as its unlocked), but will not work unless you have the tab paid off or paid full price at purchase. Is there anyone watching that has the tab paid off that can confirm this?
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They're uninformed. Went back to other T-Mobile tablet forums, they're all bootloader locked.
Even then, there's nothing they can push to unlock it. That's the way samsung sold it to them as a vendor.
coilbio said:
They're uninformed. Went back to other T-Mobile tablet forums, they're all bootloader locked.
Even then, there's nothing they can push to unlock it. That's the way samsung sold it to them as a vendor.
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The problem is that so so many of the CSRs don't know the difference between network locked vs bootloader locked. Huge difference. As I understand it the TMobile network locking is in fact application based and unlocking can be turned off at Tmo server level. But bootloader locking is totally different
jcrompton said:
The problem is that so so many of the CSRs don't know the difference between network locked vs bootloader locked. Huge difference. As I understand it the TMobile network locking is in fact application based and unlocking can be turned off at Tmo server level. But bootloader locking is totally different
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Correct, with tmobile however when they do the network unlock it would also (usually) allow for the oem unlock feature to be available or at least thats how it worked with other devices. With this, it should clear any block from that is set by Tmobile, however we will still need to go through whatever process to unlock bootloader.
Dvalin21 said:
Correct, with tmobile however when they do the network unlock it would also (usually) allow for the oem unlock feature to be available or at least thats how it worked with other devices. With this, it should clear any block from that is set by Tmobile, however we will still need to go through whatever process to unlock bootloader.
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Nope. Never has a US version samsung been able to be unlocked by any push update from a carrier.
The only phone was the sprint Note9 I believe, which was sold bootloader unlocked as it was a very different version.
But they have to be bootloader unlocked from samsung.
Everything else has to be unofficially unlocked using sampnwed.
Samsung is very different than oneplus in them allowing carriers to use tokens for unlocking.
Dvalin21 said:
I've had my t-mobile tab s7 for a rew days. What I've noticed is that tmo/Samsung has looked the app down so you can't make calls. The Phone.apk is present just not the ability to make calls. Move on to something. Also the oem unlock is missing from developer systems. And to add one last thing. Im unable to send text messages without rebooting the tablet. My model is the T878U. I hope there will be some changes but not holding my breath
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Click to collapse
DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE FROM VERIZON EITHER. Even though my galaxy tab s7 is unlocked, not only does Verizon do the same as Tmobile but Verizon also blocked T-Mobile 5G bands. I wanted to bring my Galaxy S7 to T-Mobile but T-Mobile 5g bands are blocked by Verizon firmware. Good business sense for Verizon since Verizon has almost zero 5G coverage and everyone who wants 5G is forced to Tmobile. And even though its not the blazing fast higher frequency 5G, its pretty damn damn fast compared to 4G and sadly especially fast compared to the only two competitors. And its almost everywhere LTE is now.