Develop Bugs

Return Note 7 or be charged full price?

Hey guys so i just got a text from verizon that says i have 5 days to return my note 7 or i will be charged full price. Has anyone else gotten this text?

Yep got it like 20 min ago... I planned on sending mine back this weekend anyway
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I havent sent it back because samsung told me they wouldn't refund me what i paid in taxes because i bought it at target and target wont take it back either, that's $75 i should get back from someone

bayniner said:
I havent sent it back because samsung told me they wouldn't refund me what i paid in taxes because i bought it at target and target wont take it back either, that's $75 i should get back from someone
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That's on Target I would think.

I have not gotten this text. Did you upgrade your phone and not return the Note?
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

I haven't gotten that text either.

This is from Samsung. To further increase participation, a software update will be released starting on December 19th that will prevent U.S. Galaxy Note7 devices from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices.
http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/?CID=AFL-hq-mul-0813-11000562
Sent from my SM-N930V using XDA-Developers mobile app

Verizon has said they will not IMEI block or push any updates that completely brick the phone. At least until after the holidays - then all bets are off. An IMEI blacklist will be the end, unless there is a way to change the IMEI to say an older phone like a Note 4 or something that a person already owns. I don't know if that is even possible though. Probably not legal I suppose.

bayniner said:
Hey guys so i just got a text from verizon that says i have 5 days to return my note 7 or i will be charged full price. Has anyone else gotten this text?
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I have scoured the online news and Verizon's website for any indication that they were enacting a 5 day return policy, and I have found nothing.
This text sounds a bit harsh and everything I've read said that refunds will be honored regardless of when the device is returned.
Can you please post a screenshot of the text?

Spike96 said:
I have scoured the online news and Verizon's website for any indication that they were enacting a 5 day return policy, and I have found nothing.
This text sounds a bit harsh and everything I've read said that refunds will be honored regardless of when the device is returned.
Can you please post a screenshot of the text?
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I even called verizon to confirm and they told me yes and that samsung is planning a update to completely kill the note 7 within the next week or so

http://www.theverge.com/circuitbrea...ung-galaxy-note-7-update-shut-down-inoperable

bayniner said:
I even called verizon to confirm and they told me yes and that samsung is planning a update to completely kill the note 7 within the next week or so
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Well, the Samsung update and the Verizon refund are two completely separate issues.
I'm just talking about the refund for now.
It seems like you upgraded to a new Verizon phone and haven't returned your Note 7 yet.
The only reason Verizon would send the "recovery box" mentioned in the text is if you used your new upgrade.
Did you?
---------- Post added at 02:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:41 PM ----------
teegunn said:
Verizon has said they will not IMEI block or push any updates that completely brick the phone. At least until after the holidays - then all bets are off. An IMEI blacklist will be the end, unless there is a way to change the IMEI to say an older phone like a Note 4 or something that a person already owns. I don't know if that is even possible though. Probably not legal I suppose.
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IMEI block would be the end of cellular service but wouldn't render the Note useless.
Useless as a phone, but useless a multimedia device? Nope.
I'm kinda hoping Verizon forgets to send a recovery box whenever I decide to upgrade.

Yes they will kill it and charge full retail and continue to charge for monthly access. Anyone looking to buy a bridge?

Spike96 said:
Well, the Samsung update and the Verizon refund are two completely separate issues.
I'm just talking about the refund for now.
It seems like you upgraded to a new Verizon phone and haven't returned your Note 7 yet.
The only reason Verizon would send the "recovery box" mentioned in the text is if you used your new upgrade.
Did you?
---------- Post added at 02:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:41 PM ----------
IMEI block would be the end of cellular service but wouldn't render the Note useless.
Useless as a phone, but useless a multimedia device? Nope.
I'm kinda hoping Verizon forgets to send a recovery box whenever I decide to upgrade.
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I did not upgrade my phone and purchased the Note 7 new under the monthly payment plan at Best Buy. I received a recovery box without requesting one and the text warning me that I would be charged full price if I did not return my Note 7. I still have not at this point returned the phone due to time constraints. I was told by Best Buy to return it to them. Not sure who I should even send the phone back to at this point.

emmittobie said:
I did not upgrade my phone and purchased the Note 7 new under the monthly payment plan at Best Buy. I received a recovery box without requesting one and the text warning me that I would be charged full price if I did not return my Note 7. I still have not at this point returned the phone due to time constraints. I was told by Best Buy to return it to them. Not sure who I should even send the phone back to at this point.
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OK, so this makes it seem like Verizon is collecting all phones that weren't bought directly through them but were still sold by them...
Anyway, since you were under Verizon's monthly payment plan, and they have already issued a refund for that plan, you should DEFINITELY return it to Verizon via the recovery box.
That way you are cutting out the middle man (Best Buy).
If you return it to Best Buy, you run the risk of Best Buy not returning it to Verizon, Verizon claiming you never returned the device, then being charged full price.

I guess it's a good thing I keep a spare phone in my glove box. We will see what happens on the 19th.

Spike96 said:
OK, so this makes it seem like Verizon is collecting all phones that weren't bought directly through them but were still sold by them...
Anyway, since you were under Verizon's monthly payment plan, and they have already issued a refund for that plan, you should DEFINITELY return it to Verizon via the recovery box.
That way you are cutting out the middle man (Best Buy).
If you return it to Best Buy, you run the risk of Best Buy not returning it to Verizon, Verizon claiming you never returned the device, then being charged full price.
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Sounds reasonable. Will probably send it back to them this week. Thanks for the advice.

I just got a fireproof box and letter by mail from Verizon saying to return by Note 7 in 5 days or I would be charged full price. It's official, Verizon is killing the phone for good.
I never upgraded, I never contacted Verizon for a fireproof box.
I just disabled OTAs and went on with my life.
Trust me, everyone is getting a fireproof box soon. Just wait a week.
Going back to my cracked S4 for now. Gonna wait it out until the S8.

Can't demand payment for a recalled item, returned or not. I have searched and searched, there are no past legal provisions for demanding return on a recalled device or a demand for full payment will be made if not returned. Recalls are all voluntary by the customer. The CPSC can demand a recall but cannot demand all items be returned. They can attempt to force compliance by blocking IMEI and pushing the updates (blocked on mine) to limit their liability which is why Samsung is going after these but that's it. Now if someone has found something different in recall history or law point it out but the reason for the recall is to reimburse the customer for a "faulty" product and remove them from consumption/use as much as possible. No provision in recall law to force return of product.

Woofa59 said:
Can't demand payment for a recalled item, returned or not. I have searched and searched, there are no past legal provisions for demanding return on a recalled device or a demand for full payment will be made if not returned. Recalls are all voluntary by the customer. The CPSC can demand a recall but cannot demand all items be returned. They can attempt to force compliance by blocking IMEI and pushing the updates (blocked on mine) to limit their liability which is why Samsung is going after these but that's it. Now if someone has found something different in recall history or law point it out but the reason for the recall is to reimburse the customer for a "faulty" product and remove them from consumption/use as much as possible. No provision in recall law to force return of product.
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No. Verizon already refunded all of our payments for the Note 7. This makes all of our Note 7's effectively their property.
If we want to keep our Note 7's, and make it our property again, we may do so... But the refund will be taken away.
For example, why would Verizon refund a Note 7 that was lost? They won't, and will charge that person the full price of the phone.
Verizon didn't have to refund all of our Note 7's upfront. None of the other carriers did. But, since they did, they have the right to recharge us if they don't get the phones back.
You may have "searched and searched" but we are in a very unique situation with our phone manufacturer and our carrier. I highly doubt that any carrier has ever before fully refunded a recalled phone upfront. The carriers are not required to do that, and Verizon was being nice by doing so.

Manufacturer Warranty

So I purchased a Verizon Pixel XL... should I bother getting a Squaretrade warranty on it? I'm not sure how Google's warranty would work. So let's play a scenario out: if my phone breaks for some weird reason during year 1, what do I do? Who handles it? Does Verizon ship it to Google? I'm just phoneless for a while? Would there be a deductible? Google doesn't really give any details that I could find about the manufacturer warranty (I assume it's 1 year?).

One year warranty is the same for any company just about. It's covers manufacturers defects. So to put it simply. If there an issue caused by dropping the phone or there is damage/liquid damage it's not covered. If you have an issue that is not your fault.. like 8 months from now the speaker stops working and there's no damage then it's covered

aholeinthewor1d said:
One year warranty is the same for any company just about. It's covers manufacturers defects. So to put it simply. If there an issue caused by dropping the phone or there is damage/liquid damage it's not covered. If you have an issue that is not your fault.. like 8 months from now the speaker stops working and there's no damage then it's covered
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I assumed that, but who handles it? Verizon or Google?

PsiPhiDan said:
I assumed that, but who handles it? Verizon or Google?
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"Google" is effectively manufacturer, but you go thru your carrier to access it (unless you bought from Google Store).
Because carrier wants a chance to fix it, and because agreements are very particular, Verizon and YOUR deal may give you drop damage warranty (etc) if you pay insurance, but one year Google warranty (thru carrier) still applies.
Like every product for years.....
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs

Does Google normal 1yr warranty apply to devices purchased not from Google Store or Best Buy/VZW? Looking at buying one on Swappa.
I would think that a "New-resale" listing the Google warranty would start at the day I purchase it since i have receipt proving that device was purchased as New.
I would think that "used" devices warranty would be from build or original purchase date. So...the phone came out less than a year ago...so technically, all the used ones being sold right now should still be under 1 yr warranty right?
Edit: found this on google site: soo...is Swappa considered a "authorized seller"?
"Limited warranty
Google warrants that a new Phone (including any ancillary parts that may be packaged with it) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use in accordance with Google’s published user documentation for one year from the date of original retail purchase in its original packaging by you. If a Phone has been refurbished, Google warrants that the Phone (including any ancillary parts that may be packaged with it) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use in accordance with Google’s published user documentation for ninety days from the date of retail purchase by you (these warranties are collectively referred to as our “Limited Warranty”).
This Limited Warranty is only valid and enforceable in locations the Phone is sold and will apply only if you purchased your Phone from Google or its authorized resellers. This Limited Warranty only applies to hardware components (and not any software elements) of the Phone, and this Limited Warranty does not apply to damage caused by normal wear and tear, accidents, misuse (including failure to follow product documentation), neglect, disassembly, alterations, servicing other than by Google authorized technicians, and external causes such as, but not limited to, water damage, anomalies in the electrical current supplied to the device, and extreme thermal or environmental conditions. This Limited Warranty does not guarantee that use of the Phone will be uninterrupted or error free."
https://support.google.com/store/troubleshooter/3070579#ts=7168940,7169349
Edit 2: Guess i found my own answer...nope...no warranty even if bought new on Swappa.
https://productforums.google.com/fo...xt-place=topicsearchin/phone-by-google/swappa
https://support.google.com/store/answer/6160400?hl=en-AU&ref_topic=3244667

I'm thinking about selling my Pixel XL that I purchased new from the Google Store two months ago so I asked Pixel Support about the warranty. They told me that both the manufacturers warranty and the extended warranty were transferable to the new owner. They said the new owner wouldn't even need a receipt from me because the phone could be traced back to the original purchase at the Google Store via the device IMEI number. I'm not sure if the situation is different if the phone wasn't originally purchased from the Google Store. I contacted Pixel Support twice to verify the information and both times they told me the warranties are transferable to the new owner. You might want to contact the seller on Swappa and find out where the phone was originally purchased when new.

The azurian extended warranty plan does have a transfer website you can go to that requires the the serial number and the original owners email address and then sends an email to both parties and they both have to click links in order to confirm the transfer. But I have read quite a few forms where people have tried to make use of the warranty repair and not being the original owner the repair was denied.
---------- Post added at 03:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:37 AM ----------
But yes...I'm looking at getting a pixel XL 128gb...but new with the special 2yr warranty...for $1,048 plus shipping...makes my stomach turn .most I have ever paid for a phone is around $200...lol. so I'm looking at resale or used ones...but with the camera Halo and mic issue I have read about...kinda hesitant if no warranty. Also...I read the pixel has a form of Google lock like iCloud lock that if it was not removed from owners account...u can't activate it. Don't know if that's true or not..
Anyway..my LG V10 crapped out on me...I'm ok with the Moto X pure I have as spare phone..but really want that camera the pixel has....and a 6in pixel 2 is too big for me...once that comes out end of the year. So the current XL seems to be my only option . I doubt I can get one used still with extended Google protection for $500 -$600 though...but $1k is a hell of a lot to pay for a phone with no micro SD, no AptX and not fully water resistant as much cheaper phones.

The phone is ludicrously overpriced but with 128g model the lack of a USB card wouldn't be an issue for most people and other high priced flagship phones are doing the same thing. The camera flare and mic issues are old ones that were fixed with software updates. Pixel support definitely told me on two occasions speaking to two different people that the manufacturers warranty on my phone was definitely transferable to the new owner but the policy might be different if the phone wasn't originally purchased directly from the Google Store. You could ask to see the seller 's purchase receipt before buying to see where the phone originally came from. You can also contact Pixel support yourself on the Internet even though you don't have a Pixel yet and explain to them that you are receiving contradictory information regarding whether the warranty would transfer and see what they tell you.

speedingcheetah said:
The azurian extended warranty plan does have a transfer website you can go to that requires the the serial number and the original owners email address and then sends an email to both parties and they both have to click links in order to confirm the transfer. But I have read quite a few forms where people have tried to make use of the warranty repair and not being the original owner the repair was denied.
---------- Post added at 03:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:37 AM ----------
But yes...I'm looking at getting a pixel XL 128gb...but new with the special 2yr warranty...for $1,048 plus shipping...makes my stomach turn .most I have ever paid for a phone is around $200...lol. so I'm looking at resale or used ones...but with the camera Halo and mic issue I have read about...kinda hesitant if no warranty. Also...I read the pixel has a form of Google lock like iCloud lock that if it was not removed from owners account...u can't activate it. Don't know if that's true or not..
Anyway..my LG V10 crapped out on me...I'm ok with the Moto X pure I have as spare phone..but really want that camera the pixel has....and a 6in pixel 2 is too big for me...once that comes out end of the year. So the current XL seems to be my only option . I doubt I can get one used still with extended Google protection for $500 -$600 though...but $1k is a hell of a lot to pay for a phone with no micro SD, no AptX and not fully water resistant as much cheaper phones.
Click to expand...
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not entirely sure if AptX is shipped with O DP3, but it's an option on DP3 under developer options and selecting your codec. AptX HD is there as well.

fatapia said:
not entirely sure if AptX is shipped with O DP3, but it's an option on DP3 under developer options and selecting your codec. AptX HD is there as well.
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yes i read that...but Android O is not gonna be out for a while. And I wonder how Google is gonna price the Pixel 2 phones( assume they will come with O)...i'm sure the 1st gen will be discontinued from play store asap...that is what i was told happened with the Nexus phones.

speedingcheetah said:
yes i read that...but Android O is not gonna be out for a while. And I wonder how Google is gonna price the Pixel 2 phones( assume they will come with O)...i'm sure the 1st gen will be discontinued from play store asap...that is what i was told happened with the Nexus phones.
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true, they did hold out on O until the Pixel was released so there's nothing to say they wouldn't do they same with the pixel 2... yeah no doubt they'll ax it quickly like they did the 5x/6p

fatapia said:
true, they did hold out on O until the Pixel was released so there's nothing to say they wouldn't do they same with the pixel 2... yeah no doubt they'll ax it quickly like they did the 5x/6p
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Hopefully Google will treat first gen Pixel owners better than they treated 5X/6P owners when the Pixel2 comes out. I have a 6P as well and I felt like to Google we become second class citizens overnight.

Google will not honor warranty
I purchased "new" 128gig Pixel XL from Fry's Electronics (a Google authorised reseller) on January 20th 2018, it died on July 16th 2018. I called Google to get an RMA under warranty and was informed that the warranty on my phone had expired on June 25th 2018 ( total of 5 months after purchase) and I should take it up with Fry's. I went face to face with the store manager at the Fry's store where I had purchased the phone. He basically blew me off saying I should take it up with Google. My phone is currently at an authorised Google repair center while I try to get American Express to repair or replace under their extended warranty. However I expect that they will refuse on the basis that I must have not purchased a new phone. I have been screwed by Google and their distribution network partners.
BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU BUY A GOOGLE PHONE. Get the IMEI number and check with Google how much of the warranty still exists.

Verizon Insurance (Asurion) if Purchased from Google Store?

I purchased my Pixel 2 XL from the Google Store (picked the 'Unlocked' option).
I'm currently on a Verizon family plan that already has the Total Equipment protection insurance for all lines. I was just curious, does anyone know if I'd be eligible for the insurance from Verizon (since I wouldn't have to pay anymore)?
I bought the phone from the Google Store since it should have an unlocked bootloader, and I'm guessing any replacement through Asurion would probably be the Verizon variant that has the locked bootloader, I was just curious.
I believe I saw in the past with the Pixel XL that the phone might come up as a 'Non Verizon Device'. That's what happens right now with my Nexus 6P, but I didn't know if the Pixel 2 XL would be different since Verizon is actually selling the phone too.
Thanks!
-J
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I'd call Asurion to be certain. I don't think they will actually honor a replacement for customer provided phones.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I chatted with a Verizon rep, and she said yes, it will be covered. I clicked through my phone purchase so fast (like an idiot) that I missed the insurance... Now, Verizon reps do NOT always have the correct answer though. But, when I had Sprint, I got an unlocked Nexus S, and my insurance (asurion still) covered it. The insurance through Google is a lot less expensive though. I really wish I would have added that...

I bought a phone off of Craigslist and they did return and sent me a refurbished one after I got it the wifi kept disconnecting so I would assume kinda the same thing. At least you are the first one to purchase the device unlike me

AT&T uses asurion too and I only buy unlocked phones from either swappa or the manufacturer; asurion has always covered the phone that was active on my specific line of service, regardless of where it was purchased.

I've been with Verizon and had insurance since old blackberry days. I purchased an unlocked S8+ from Bestbuy and Verizon told me that if I had a claim it wouldn't be honored, so I cancelled the insurance. If you purchased the phone from Google I would just buy their insurance.

When I bought my 6P through Google, Verizon did not carry that device and Asurion would NOT cover it or even offer insurance for it. I also lost access to the 25gb Verizon cloud, and a lot of tech support.
Since VZW does offer the 2 XL, albeit locked, I would tend to think you'll have access to all the extra stuff, and that Asurion would cover the device (maybe not root related damage) for all other normal damages.
VZW's explanation on why Asurion wouldn't cover my 6P was because they wouldn't have that phone to replace my damaged one with. Not sure how much water that holds, but it's what I was told.
Since VZW offers the 2 XL, you'd get a replacement but it would likely be a locked one...
Rather than take any chances, I just purchased the $129 Google all inclusive insurance with my 2 XL. VZW can keep their tight little sphincterized policies to themselves!
Hope this helps...

3A XL on verizon

Hi, I want to get a 3A XL, and I need to stay on Verizon (major discount from my work). Verizon is notorious for blocking root attempts. If I get an unlocked phone (from Amazon, for example) and root it before I bring it to a store to get on the network, will I be able to keep it rooted? Any warnings or advice?

hullflyer said:
Hi, I want to get a 3A XL, and I need to stay on Verizon (major discount from my work). Verizon is notorious for blocking root attempts. If I get an unlocked phone (from Amazon, for example) and root it before I bring it to a store to get on the network, will I be able to keep it rooted? Any warnings or advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issues here. I bought unlocked off Amazon, put in old sim, went online to active, and all good. Haven't rooted yet but no reason being on their network will effect that once you enable oem unlock, which worked just fine once activated.

I got my 3a xl unlocked from Best buy and it works great on Verizon. WiFi calling works as well. I am rooted with my bootloader unlocked as well

hullflyer said:
Hi, I want to get a 3A XL, and I need to stay on Verizon (major discount from my work). Verizon is notorious for blocking root attempts. If I get an unlocked phone (from Amazon, for example) and root it before I bring it to a store to get on the network, will I be able to keep it rooted? Any warnings or advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the Verizon branded Pixel's have issues being rooted... if you buy the unlocked version from Google, Amazon, B&H, Newegg, etc. you will have zero issues rooting it before or after activating it on Verizon's network.
Just don't buy one from Verizon or one of it's authorized sellers (like Best Buy) who tell you need the Verizon to work right, they are wrong and there is nothing the Verizon model has that the other ones do not, except some bloatware and a unlockable bootloader.

acejavelin said:
Only the Verizon branded Pixel's have issues being rooted... if you buy the unlocked version from Google, Amazon, B&H, Newegg, etc. you will have zero issues rooting it before or after activating it on Verizon's network.
Just don't buy one from Verizon or one of it's authorized sellers (like Best Buy) who tell you need the Verizon to work right, they are wrong and there is nothing the Verizon model has that the other ones do not, except some bloatware and a unlockable bootloader.
Click to expand...
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Are you implying that Best buy isn't selling the Google version of the unlocked pixel 3a/xl? Cause you are gravely mistaken.
I and several people have bought the Google unlocked version from Best buy and have no issues unlocking the bootloader or rooting. All OP needs to do it is walk to best buy and ask for the unlocked version and he will walk out of there with the Google version and he won't have issues rooting or unlocking the device.

luigi90210 said:
Are you implying that Best buy isn't selling the Google version of the unlocked pixel 3a/xl? Cause you are gravely mistaken.
I and several people have bought the Google unlocked version from Best buy and have no issues unlocking the bootloader or rooting. All OP needs to do it is walk to best buy and ask for the unlocked version and he will walk out of there with the Google version and he won't have issues rooting or unlocking the device.
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Not at all, of course they sell the unlocked version... But they also sell the Verizon one as well, as they are a Verizon authorized dealer too.

acejavelin said:
Not at all, of course they sell the unlocked version... But they also sell the Verizon one as well, as they are a Verizon authorized dealer too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no reason to say to avoid best buy then, all OP needs to do is tell them he wants an unlocked version and they will sell him it and all OP needs to do is move their sim over from their old phone to the pixel.
It's not like he's going to a wireless republic or something where they only sell the Verizon version of the phone.

luigi90210 said:
There is no reason to say to avoid best buy then, all OP needs to do is tell them he wants an unlocked version and they will sell him it and all OP needs to do is move their sim over from their old phone to the pixel.
It's not like he's going to a wireless republic or something where they only sell the Verizon version of the phone.
Click to expand...
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Honestly, I love Best Buy... Reread what I said... Don't buy a Verizon one even if they tell you need that one. It is a common trope, but perhaps my example retailer could have been better.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

acejavelin said:
Honestly, I love Best Buy... Reread what I said... Don't buy a Verizon one even if they tell you need that one. It is a common trope, but perhaps my example retailer could have been better.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
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Best buy employees don't get paid commission so they have no reason to tell you what phone to buy, just tell them what you want and they will sell it to you.
Tbh the best way to get a pixel 3a xl right now is to go to best buy, buy the unlocked phone and get the $100 savings by opening a new Sprint account then immediately canceling the line after you get it activated(porting the number to Google voice would be the easiest way to close the sprint account) since you can cancel within 14 days without paying anything to Sprint.

Isn't there an activation fee associated with opening a new line? I believe at BB you can buy the unlocked version and then activate it on Verizon for $430? So it's basically another $20 to avoid all the nonsense of activating / canceling / porting to GV etc. But to @acejavelin point, and a good one at that, make sure it's not the Verizon version and be very clear about that. I'd even activate it at the store then go into dev options and make sure the OEM switch is active. If not tell them you don't want it, that's not what you paid for. Even though BB employees don't get commission some of them are clueless as to the difference of unlocked carrier vs. unlockable bootloader.

bobby janow said:
Isn't there an activation fee associated with opening a new line? I believe at BB you can buy the unlocked version and then activate it on Verizon for $430? So it's basically another $20 to avoid all the nonsense of activating / canceling / porting to GV etc. But to @acejavelin point, and a good one at that, make sure it's not the Verizon version and be very clear about that. I'd even activate it at the store then go into dev options and make sure the OEM switch is active. If not tell them you don't want it, that's not what you paid for. Even though BB employees don't get commission some of them are clueless as to the difference of unlocked carrier vs. unlockable bootloader.
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Click to collapse
If you cancel before the 2 weeks you don't pay that, you only pay an activation fee after the first months bill for new lines. And activating on sprint is the way to go cause even if you have to pay their $20 activation fee you still save $80, people have done this on Reddit and they don't pay activation fees if canceled within the first 2 weeks. The only reason you do a port out as well is because Sprint makes it an absolute pain in the butt to cancel a new account so instead of dealing with their customer service you just port the number out and that cancels the line for you

luigi90210 said:
If you cancel before the 2 weeks you don't pay that, you only pay an activation fee after the first months bill for new lines. And activating on sprint is the way to go cause even if you have to pay their $20 activation fee you still save $80, people have done this on Reddit and they don't pay activation fees if canceled within the first 2 weeks. The only reason you do a port out as well is because Sprint makes it an absolute pain in the butt to cancel a new account so instead of dealing with their customer service you just port the number out and that cancels the line for you
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I don't know man. Sounds too complicated and too many things can go awry. (it's a $30 fee btw) See on one hand you say you pay an activation fee after the first month's bill. (are you sure about that?) And on the other hand you say "even if you have to pay..." Well which is it? Have you done it or just taking Reddit posters at their word?
So just to go over your math, $30 activation fee that you might have to pay, Verizon activation at BB the device is $50 off, so you're really only talking about $20 not $80. And you then get to avoid canceling, penalties, and all around agita for 20 bucks. If he were saving $200 then it's quite another story. Anyway, the device is great and it's even worth it at full price without the $50 you might or might not save.

bobby janow said:
I don't know man. Sounds too complicated and too many things can go awry. (it's a $30 fee btw) See on one hand you say you pay an activation fee after the first month's bill. (are you sure about that?) And on the other hand you say "even if you have to pay..." Well which is it? Have you done it or just taking Reddit posters at their word?
So just to go over your math, $30 activation fee that you might have to pay, Verizon activation at BB the device is $50 off, so you're really only talking about $20 not $80. And you then get to avoid canceling, penalties, and all around agita for 20 bucks. If he were saving $200 then it's quite another story. Anyway, the device is great and it's even worth it at full price without the $50 you might or might not save.
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That's why you take the time and activate it with Sprint instead of Verizon this way you save the $70(assuming they charge you worst case) and not 20 I agree saving $20 for all that work is stupid however putting in a little bit of effort to save $70 would be worth it but it's not like you'd be saving the 70 you'd save 100 because Sprint will not charge you an activation fee if you cancel the line within 2 weeks. It's part of their satisfaction guarantee policy every cell phone carrier has, cancel within 2 weeks and pay for what you used if you didn't like the service and you just pay for what you used (mobile data, calls and texts) so as long as you don't use the service you'll walk out owing them $0
People have done it on Reddit and apparently it's not an uncommon thing. The reason why you would activate with Sprint and not a different carrier is because of the $100 savings you're going to cancel the line anyways, why bother only doing it for $50 when you can do it for $100 and it's the same amount of work.
It's a pita but with some of their activate now deals it's worth it had a friend do it with his Galaxy s10e, activated the phone with Sprint and canceled saving $150 for that phone and then he did a trade in promo at best buy where he got $200 for his LG G6 if he was getting the s10e. Idk why I didn't do it when I got my pixel 3a xl but I regret it, being able to save $100 for a little bit of work would have been worth it imo.

luigi90210 said:
That's why you take the time and activate it with Sprint instead of Verizon this way you save the $70(assuming they charge you worst case) and not 20 I agree saving $20 for all that work is stupid however putting in a little bit of effort to save $70 would be worth it but it's not like you'd be saving the 70 you'd save 100 because Sprint will not charge you an activation fee if you cancel the line within 2 weeks. It's part of their satisfaction guarantee policy every cell phone carrier has, cancel within 2 weeks and pay for what you used if you didn't like the service and you just pay for what you used (mobile data, calls and texts) so as long as you don't use the service you'll walk out owing them $0
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It says "save $100 if you activate today". So you're saying they will refund you the $30 with no questions asked? I can see them not billing you for zero usage but how long does it take to get your $30 back? So let's just assume that you don't get the activation fee back or you have to fight for it and spend hours on the phone with them. Still worth it? I'm just not one into scams like this but that's just me. I guess if you really need the 20 or 50 bucks then it's worth it. Maybe. lol

bobby janow said:
It says "save $100 if you activate today". So you're saying they will refund you the $30 with no questions asked? I can see them not billing you for zero usage but how long does it take to get your $30 back? So let's just assume that you don't get the activation fee back or you have to fight for it and spend hours on the phone with them. Still worth it? I'm just not one into scams like this but that's just me. I guess if you really need the 20 or 50 bucks then it's worth it. Maybe. lol
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You pay the activation fee after your first month's bill is generated and that's paid to the carrier and not to Best buy. you cancel the line before your first month's bill is able to generate. That's why you don't get charged an activation fee

bobby janow said:
Isn't there an activation fee associated with opening a new line? I believe at BB you can buy the unlocked version and then activate it on Verizon for $430? So it's basically another $20 to avoid all the nonsense of activating / canceling / porting to GV etc. But to @acejavelin point, and a good one at that, make sure it's not the Verizon version and be very clear about that. I'd even activate it at the store then go into dev options and make sure the OEM switch is active. If not tell them you don't want it, that's not what you paid for. Even though BB employees don't get commission some of them are clueless as to the difference of unlocked carrier vs. unlockable bootloader.
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One option (at any Verizon Authorized Dealer - it applies to Verizon stores as well) is to port an existing Verizon number if you have one- my mom has, in fact, done this before when changing phones. (I am trying to talk her into getting a 3a XL for herself - I offered to pay the freight for Mothers' Day - and she turned me down.) I'm looking to get a 3a XL (for my birthday) - but in my case, it will be from Best Buy (because I'm with Tracfone) and will be doing the three-step (phone and nano-SIM from Best Buy, but the case will come from Amazon). Okay - why Amazon for the case? Simple - it's the same case that I have for my current S7 (SUPCASE UNICORN BEETLE) - and Amazon is the ONLY e-tailer that carries them at a decent price - Best Buy doesn't carry them at all.

Question T-mobile unlock?

I am considering a T-mobile version of the Op9 pro because it would be substantially cheaper for me, but I like to have my phone rooted. How difficult would it be to unlock and root the tmob version of the phone?

I went through this exact questioning process when I bought my OP7Pro from T-Mobile 2 years ago. I did that because it was cheaper, but the only way to root is to first get T-Mobile to unlock the device, which they will not do if you're making payments on the phone. Luckily there was someone here at XDA who had a connection at T-Mobile and was able to have them unlock it for me.
So the choices seem to be:
1) Pay off the phone and then T-Mobile will unlock it.
2) Have a connection at T-Mobile (or good persuasion skills) and get them to unlock it against policy.
3) Buy from the manufacturer or another vendor so it's already unlocked.
This time I went with Option 3, even though it will cost me a bit more.

terlynn4 said:
I went through this exact questioning process when I bought my OP7Pro from T-Mobile 2 years ago. I did that because it was cheaper, but the only way to root is to first get T-Mobile to unlock the device, which they will not do if you're making payments on the phone. Luckily there was someone here at XDA who had a connection at T-Mobile and was able to have them unlock it for me.
So the choices seem to be:
1) Pay off the phone and then T-Mobile will unlock it.
2) Have a connection at T-Mobile (or good persuasion skills) and get them to unlock it against policy.
3) Buy from the manufacturer or another vendor so it's already unlocked.
This time I went with Option 3, even though it will cost me a bit more.
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Ha! Same exact position I was in with my OP7Pro. Hated myself for going the T-Mo purchase route as it took a long time to unlock and then eventually flash the International ROM to get rid of the T-Mo one it shipped with.
For those getting it from T-Mobile in installments (like I did with my OP7Pro), what worked for me was reaching out to T-Mo support on Twitter (@TMobileHelp). DM them and tell them you're traveling and need the phone unlocked before you travel. Took a couple of tries to get a nice enough rep to unlock it for me. YMMV.
Can't wait til I get my OP9Pro!

eddy g said:
Ha! Same exact position I was in with my OP7Pro. Hated myself for going the T-Mo purchase route as it took a long time to unlock and then eventually flash the International ROM to get rid of the T-Mo one it shipped with.
For those getting it from T-Mobile in installments (like I did with my OP7Pro), what worked for me was reaching out to T-Mo support on Twitter (@TMobileHelp). DM them and tell them you're traveling and need the phone unlocked before you travel. Took a couple of tries to get a nice enough rep to unlock it for me. YMMV.
Can't wait til I get my OP9Pro!
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Interesting, I'm surprised that worked. I do travel to a place without T-Mobile service to visit family once in awhile, and they only did a temporary unlock for me in the past (10-day? 30-day? I don't remember). I never tried telling them I was going on a longer trip. Good to know in case there's a next time!

T-Mobile, even when paying full price up front, will not unlock the phone for 40 days. The only advantages to buying the phone directly from T-Mobile is carrier bill financing (though their trade in offer is disappointing), and roaming on US Cellular/Nex-Tech (IMEI whitelist bull involved...).
If those aren't needed, then buying direct from OnePlus or a retailer like Best Buy (they are doing preorders now) is a better option.

I've done this on the three oneplus devices I bought from T-Mo; Got on twitter (at least one business day after purchase so the device is updated in their system) and tell them I need it unlocked so my company can install their security software. This time I went with a direct-buy from Oneplus for the 9 Pro though - just me not wanting to have to deal with that again. Of note, my account with T-Mobile has been active and in good standing for over 10 years, which may have affected their willingness to unlock so quickly while device was still on EIP. It may not work for you if you have a new account or have late/missed payments.

After 4 days all devices can be unlocked even if on a JOD or EIP
It's all about how nice & patient your willing to be towards the rep......