Develop Bugs

Note 2 - US Cellular to VZW

I am looking at purchasing the Note 2 but can really only find ones in my price range that are on US Cellular. I have unlimited data on VZW and do not want to upgrade and lose it. Verizon Tech support said that it "may" be possible to flash the US Cellular Note 2 to VZW but they do not guarantee it will work. I have some knowledge of rooting and unlocking but want to make sure that this version of the Note will actually work on VZW. Since VZW has given me the OK to flash one, that should cover me I think. Does anyone have experience with this?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

sth like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7gMO_kRxyM
by the way. good thread, but wrong area

Sorry about wrong area... However... Isn't the T-Mobile and AT&T version on the same type of network? I'm more concerned as to if the US Cellular one will work on VZW
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I believe he means "wrong area" as this question belongs in the Q&A section, not the Original Android Development section of the forum.

D3_ said:
I believe he means "wrong area" as this question belongs in the Q&A section, not the Original Android Development section of the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I do understand what he's saying.... I don't know of a way to move my thread. I believe a MOD has to do this. I do not want to double post.

I can't believe that nobody has tried this. What about if it were a Sprint Phone converting to Verizon? Wouldn't it be the same since US Cellular is also CDMA? Could I just unlock it and flash the Verizon ODIN file on the device? Or is there a Hardware Specific issue with the model number?

Anybody?

So... just loading the VZW Bootloader and trying to load the VZW software keeps stopping at tz.img and fails. Then I have to load the boot-insecure.... etc... to get back.
Anybody have experience here?

Verizon Pixel 3XL Vs Google Pixel 3XL

Please mention all the differences as i am planning to buy pixel 3 from US and use in India.
I heard only difference is verizon's one - Bootloader Not Unlockable
Google's oan - Bootloader Unlockable
Rest everything is same? SW is same? features and recieve updates at the same time ? Can i use in India's Jio or Airtel VolTE ? or atleast can i flash india's OS/ROM on it? because earlier when i bought Verison S7 i could not do anything though it is SD Edition & India Exynos Edition.
Does both are identical except the Bootloader thing ?

satish.yarramsetti said:
Please mention all the differences as i am planning to buy pixel 3 from US and use in India.
Does both are identical except the Bootloader thing ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since Google published a different image for Verizon, I would have to say they are not identical. My guess would be something different in the radios.

mikexda said:
Since Google published a different image for Verizon, I would have to say they are not identical. My guess would be something different in the radios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume the Verizon images are just prebloated with Verizon's crap.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

superchilpil said:
I assume the Verizon images are just prebloated with Verizon's crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While that is certainly possible, I would like to to believe Google would not do that in a factory image. But you never know.

superchilpil said:
I assume the Verizon images are just prebloated with Verizon's crap.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only ever received the VZW apps on the first boot of my phone with the VZW SIM installed. The factory images don't install the apps again, or at least didn't on the Pixel 1 XL or Pixel 2 XL. I believe the changes are related to radio as there are usually a few different carrier variants (or have been in the past), but sometimes they are bundled into things like:
Verizon/Everyone Else
Verizon/Europe
etc.

Verizon is still considering SIM-locking the Pixel 3 lineup if purchased from Verizon. You can always put a Verizon SIM in an unlocked Pixel purchased from the Google Play Store if you want to be sure you have options to change carriers at some point.

On the OG XL, I believe Radios were the only difference besides bootloader lock. Maybe the My Verizon app as well.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

You could try looking in another thread about this here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3-xl/help/verizon-vs-unlocked-google-pixel-t3870927
It may have the solution you're looking for

Do I have Verizon's Pixel XL?

Hello folks,
I am sorry for adding one more question to this dilemma?
I just got a refurb Pixel XL from ebay. I specifically told the seller that I am looking for a google version and not verizon but it seems, they sent me Verizon version as OEM Unlocking is grayed out in Developer options. Is that the only test there is to figure out if its Verizon or Unlocked google phone?
One of the threads linked http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html but it doesn't recognize IMEI of the phone I received.
Finally, I found this thread, https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Can these instructions be used for a Verizon device running Android Pie/9.0? If yes, I will keep the device as its in pristine condition.
Thanks in advance, for all helpful comments.

You can unlock the bootloader on Verizon yes.

fuzzychicken said:
Hello folks,
I am sorry for adding one more question to this dilemma?
I just got a refurb Pixel XL from ebay. I specifically told the seller that I am looking for a google version and not verizon but it seems, they sent me Verizon version as OEM Unlocking is grayed out in Developer options. Is that the only test there is to figure out if its Verizon or Unlocked google phone?
One of the threads linked http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html but it doesn't recognize IMEI of the phone I received.
Finally, I found this thread, https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Can these instructions be used for a Verizon device running Android Pie/9.0? If yes, I will keep the device as its in pristine condition.
Thanks in advance, for all helpful comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually bought an XL off eBay and sent it back as it was a Verizon, confirmed with a Google rep, and didn't know I could unlock the bootloader.
I bought another one and it was also a Verizon, but I did follow the guide after updating to Pie and it still works great. Now I'm fully rooted nad bootloader is unlocked.

Would unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon version essentially make it a normal Google Pixel XL? Any other differences? I want to use a Verizon Pixel for AT&T.

bobjohnson1221 said:
Would unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon version essentially make it a normal Google Pixel XL? Any other differences? I want to use a Verizon Pixel for AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No device difference. You would just use a GSM SIM for AT&T of course.

I just bought a pixel xl of 128gb, what is the exact way to know if it is a verizon version?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

So if I'm shopping for a used Pixel XL, how can I tell with models have an unlockable bootloader?
I had previously read that only Play Store editions are unlockable, so I was surprised to see this thread say Verizon is unlockable.

Th3DaRk_Vampire said:
I just bought a pixel xl of 128gb, what is the exact way to know if it is a verizon version?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To see if your phone is Verizon, go here ( https://www.verizonwireless.com/od/prepaid/bring-your-own-device/?imei=352630085164358#/checkDevice) and enter your IMEI. You'll get one of two responses:
If it's a Verizon phone, it will say "Awesome, your Google Pixel XL, Phone by Google is a perfect match for our network.."
If it's not Verizon, it will say "Awesome, your Google PIXEL XL NON-VZW is a perfect match for our network."

Unlocking Note 10+

I have been a Verizon customer for years, but I want to go back to the days of unlocked bootloaders and custom ROMS and Verizion just no longer allows anything like that. How do I go about finding an unlocked galaxy note 10+ or Pixel 4xl and what carrier should I use with it to get back to an unlocked phone I can flash ROMs on again?

bebzbebz said:
louforgiveno said:
Yes, root is required to make the edits. You won't get OTA updates, will have to manually update with odin.
Is there any way I can get RCS and phone recording without rooting and losing OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some csc's that re-enable some of those settings. I can't remember which one's but you can find that info with google. The cleanest method is to root, but i can understand that you don't want to.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

TomNJ3256 said:
I have been a Verizon customer for years, but I want to go back to the days of unlocked bootloaders and custom ROMS and Verizion just no longer allows anything like that. How do I go about finding an unlocked galaxy note 10+ or Pixel 4xl and what carrier should I use with it to get back to an unlocked phone I can flash ROMs on again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get a European Exynos [bootloader unlockable and rootable] or the Chinese or Brazilian Snapdragon [bootloader unlockable and rootable]
You can use these versions with U.S carriers, just be sure to check the Bands available on the handset and the Bands used by your chosen carrier.
As far as carrier, i am on T-Mobile (with Chinese Snapdragon [SM-N9750/ds] and tmobile has "opened" their network to other handsets. Meaning, RCS, Video Calling, Wifi Calling is working out of the box. No tweaking necessary to get the full features. I recommend Tmobile to anyone asking me.
There are a few Bands Tmobile uses which are not "enabled" on the SM-N9750...band 66 and 71 but for me living in a "big city" opposed to rural, have not noticed any difference in service in the 90 days or so that I've had this handset. (Prior phone was Tmobile branded Note 8).
Also there is a guide for unlocking missing bands for Snapdragon Note 10's however at the moment i haven't seen a calculator or guide to calculate the necessary edits to enable bands higher than Band 44...i assume it will come about in due time...but as stated i have not run into a situation that appeared different network connectivity wise to my Note 8.
YMMV, but look into the info and find what works best for you in your location.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

The days of rooting and flashing custom ROMs are over with U/U1 hardware version (SD). Quite honestly, not really needed on a note 10+ ... I am a heavy user, with many needed tweaks and special security needs. I managed to handle everything on stock ROM..
Sometimes I miss the good old days of flashing and rooting.. but no real need for it..

Gotta disagree....Viper4A is a must for me along with a handful other apps that require root, and being able to edit the cscfeatures and build.prop are also essential.
Of course this pertains to my use.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
---------- Post added at 06:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:37 PM ----------
I've activated Spam Call blocking and Call Recording....both features "removed" by tmobile as well as other U.S carriers (global too)
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

TomNJ3256 said:
I have been a Verizon customer for years, but I want to go back to the days of unlocked bootloaders and custom ROMS and Verizion just no longer allows anything like that. How do I go about finding an unlocked galaxy note 10+ or Pixel 4xl and what carrier should I use with it to get back to an unlocked phone I can flash ROMs on again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the Pixel 4XL you can either buy the unlocked version from the Google store or BestBuy, Both can be bootloader unlocked. There are only a few custom kernels and mods to flash and no ROMs with the 4XL. Personally after owning one for about two weeks I would stay away from the 4XL because Google cut too many corners this year for the price they want. It's a decent phone but the build quality isn't the best and it's lacking in features. I'm not a fan of the thin aluminum and plastic frame Jerryrig pointed out on youtube. Between the two your money would be more wisely spent with the Note 10 @louforgiveno is talking about. I had the US snapdragon Note 10 for about two weeks as well but settled on the Iphone 11 Pro Max to change things up for a while. The Note is far superior to the Pixel for build quality and features. Both cameras have their good points and bad so that's not much of a concern.

louforgiveno said:
You can get a European Exynos [bootloader unlockable and rootable] or the Chinese or Brazilian Snapdragon [bootloader unlockable and rootable]
You can use these versions with U.S carriers, just be sure to check the Bands available on the handset and the Bands used by your chosen carrier.
As far as carrier, i am on T-Mobile (with Chinese Snapdragon [SM-N9750/ds] and tmobile has "opened" their network to other handsets. Meaning, RCS, Video Calling, Wifi Calling is working out of the box. No tweaking necessary to get the full features. I recommend Tmobile to anyone asking me.
There are a few Bands Tmobile uses which are not "enabled" on the SM-N9750...band 66 and 71 but for me living in a "big city" opposed to rural, have not noticed any difference in service in the 90 days or so that I've had this handset. (Prior phone was Tmobile branded Note 8).
Also there is a guide for unlocking missing bands for Snapdragon Note 10's however at the moment i haven't seen a calculator or guide to calculate the necessary edits to enable bands higher than Band 44...i assume it will come about in due time...but as stated i have not run into a situation that appeared different network connectivity wise to my Note 8.
YMMV, but look into the info and find what works best for you in your location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide a link to the guide?

pdaddy said:
Can you provide a link to the guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure....here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3983257
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

RCS and Recording
louforgiveno said:
---------- Post added at 06:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:37 PM ----------
I've activated Spam Call blocking and Call Recording....both features "removed" by tmobile as well as other U.S carriers (global too)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please send instructions on how to enable the call recording and RCS on the SM-N9750?
Will this allow for future OTAs?
Will both Sim cards still work?

bebzbebz said:
Can you please send instructions on how to enable the call recording and RCS on the SM-N9750?
Will this allow for future OTAs?
Will both Sim cards still work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go here to post #96 you can use my Csc that i edited to allow for that plus a bit more.....if you're not on Tmobile, just compare the csc against the one you are using and make the manual edits (ie, false to true etc) and then push it to your phone. (Manually overwrite your stock csc) edit permissions and reboot.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=80887359
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

louforgiveno said:
If you go here to post #96 you can use my Csc that i edited to allow for that plus a bit more.....if you're not on Tmobile, just compare the csc against the one you are using and make the manual edits (ie, false to true etc) and then push it to your phone. (Manually overwrite your stock csc) edit permissions and reboot.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=80887359
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not T-Mobile, I'm not even in the US now, I travel back and forth so I need something that works over as many networks as possible. I'll check out the post and see how to do the changes. Does this mean I need to root?
Will this affect future OTA updates?
TomNJ3256 said:
I have been a Verizon customer for years, but I want to go back to the days of unlocked bootloaders and custom ROMS and Verizion just no longer allows anything like that. How do I go about finding an unlocked galaxy note 10+ or Pixel 4xl and what carrier should I use with it to get back to an unlocked phone I can flash ROMs on again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-N9750 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

BigE said:
The days of rooting and flashing custom ROMs are over with U/U1 hardware version (SD). Quite honestly, not really needed on a note 10+ ... I am a heavy user, with many needed tweaks and special security needs. I managed to handle everything on stock ROM..
Sometimes I miss the good old days of flashing and rooting.. but no real need for it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mostly agree with you but really would like to have a bloatware free load and full administrator rights.
Ran/run all my Windows machines like that with very few issues.
Without PD MDM my Note is a mess; about 60 blocked apks. As such it runs very well and is very customized... sweet.
My biggest grip...
The phone's OS load should be fully clonable to make reloads as painless as possible; >60 minutes instead of 8+ hours. That's pure bs.
It has a huge SD card to act as a data drive if only the OS drive wasn't all screwed up locked down.
In less then a year have done 2 full reloads due to a buggy 3rd party launcher, not fun.

bebzbebz said:
I'm not T-Mobile, I'm not even in the US now, I travel back and forth so I need something that works over as many networks as possible. I'll check out the post and see how to do the changes. Does this mean I need to root?
Will this affect future OTA updates?
Sent from my SM-N9750 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, root is required to make the edits. You won't get OTA updates, will have to manually update with odin.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

louforgiveno said:
Yes, root is required to make the edits. You won't get OTA updates, will have to manually update with odin.
Is there any way I can get RCS and phone recording without rooting and losing OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL

I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay, to replace my Moto Z3. I'd like to root it and use custom roms. I haven't been able to root a phone since 2016. What kind of support is there for the PIxel 2 XL and how much longer will it be supported by the mod community? Trying to get some help regarding this decision.
All help is appreciated.
Thank you..

awshirley said:
I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay, to replace my Moto Z3. I'd like to root it and use custom roms. I haven't been able to root a phone since 2016. What kind of support is there for the PIxel 2 XL and how much longer will it be supported by the mod community? Trying to get some help regarding this decision.
All help is appreciated.
Thank you..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still supported and still a great device. At the moment you have your pick of ABC, DU, Colt os, Pixeldust, Bliss rom. More on the way.
Just make sure you don't get a Verizon model.
Then you'll be sol

awshirley said:
I'm looking at buying an unlocked Pixel 2 XL on Ebay....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be absolutely certain the seller isn't selling a Verizon device before you buy. Verizon devices are carrier unlocked but the bootloader cannot be unlocked.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Be absolutely certain the seller isn't selling a Verizon device before you buy. Verizon devices are carrier unlocked but the bootloader cannot be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS.
Unlocked CAN mean the device is available to go on any carrier.
MAKE sure the BOOTLOADER is unlockable or you WILL be a frustrated locked, Verizon Pixel 2 XL owner.

A good way to make sure it is not a Verizon model and the bootloader can be unlocked is to have the seller post a screenshot of the info from this site (minus the redacted parts)...
https://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html
Under the "Buyer name" it should say Google. If it says Verizon, don't get it (see screenshot below).

Google Pixels are great phones and have the best OS support (kind of like Apple where they are (more) involved with both the hardware and the OS). If there ever are issues you dont have the very common problem where the hardware manufacturer blames the OS for any problems and vice versa. They also get updates faster and over a longer period even the original Pixels got Android 10 and they run it very well.
Sent from my SM-T290 using Tapatalk