I bought an unlocked Galaxy S20+ on OfferUp (SM-G986U1) at a great price. Everything looks and works as expected. Initially it looked like the software couldn't be updated (Android security update: March 1, 2020; current version: ...ATBN). When I tried to update the software, this message appeared: "Your current software version isn't supported. Visit a service center."
I was able to reinstall the factory image using Odin, and updating has been smooth since then. I'm currently running the latest version: ...ATG2, security update: July 1, 2020. Everything is working great, with absolutely no issues. I'm using the phone with AT&T.
I tried to register the phone to my account at Samsung.com, but it said that the IMEI was invalid. I looked up the IMEI on various IMEI checking sites, and they all claim that the device is a Galaxy Note 4 (SM-N910C) from 2014. That seems really odd, since it's most definitely a Galaxy S20+ (SM-G986U1, manufactured on January 20, 2020, according to DevCheck.)
Does anyone know what's going on here? Are IMEIs ever reused? I thought that an IMEI was unique for any given device.
I thought I'd check here before asking Samsung Support.
Thanks!
--Ron
XDA Labs mobile app detected my device (SM-G981W) also as a note 4 so I wouldn't be concerned about imei sites incorrectly showing it as something else.
Check the Samsung members app (galaxy store if you don't have it). From the Get Help tab in the app it will display your model # and also give you the option to register so i would try that to see if it is detected correctly, and are able to register.
I can live with the fact that IMEI checking sites report the wrong model number, but it's odd that I keep getting "invalid IMEI" messages when I try to register my device at Samsung.com or through the Samsung Members app. It's not a huge deal, since everything is working perfectly and it looks like you have to provide proof of purchase to submit any warranty claims, which I can't since I bought the phone used on OfferUp, but it's just odd that an invalid IMEI keeps being reported, even by Samsung.
--Ron
dutch_in_seattle said:
I can live with the fact that IMEI checking sites report the wrong model number, but it's odd that I keep getting "invalid IMEI" messages when I try to register my device at Samsung.com or through the Samsung Members app. It's not a huge deal, since everything is working perfectly and it looks like you have to provide proof of purchase to submit any warranty claims, which I can't since I bought the phone used on OfferUp, but it's just odd that an invalid IMEI keeps being reported, even by Samsung.
--Ron
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Previous owner must have registered it already
>> Previous owner must have registered it already.
So that makes warranty meaningless. If it's already registered to someone else's account and I buy that phone from that person, I can no longer register the phone to my own account? That effectively renders the warranty useless, particularly also because I need to provide proof of purchase to even be able to register. My Galaxy S20+ is working perfectly at the moment, and I have no reason to believe it won't continue to do that, but it's frustrating that the one-year warranty is only imaginary in my case, even though the phone was released only a couple of months ago. It looks like the one-year warranty only applies to the original buyer, not to whoever buy a Samsung phone used.
Google seems to work the same way with their Pixels.
That's one thing that Apple does really well. Warranty is directly tied to a piece of hardware (serial number) and not to a user account. You don't need to register a device to 'activate' the warranty. The iPad Pro that I bought on OfferUp still has AppleCare+ on it till the end of this year. Nothing needed to be transferred or anything. You can go to a website, punch in the serial number, and you know immediately what the warranty status is. I can walk into any Apple store and make a warranty claim if necessary.
(I'll still take an Android phone any day over an iPhone, but still...)
--Ron
its also likely they changed the imei to that of a note 4 maybe it wasnt a unlocked u1 model but they changed imei to sim unlock it and flashed to u1 firmware and imei was originally registered to a note 4
As far as I know, the 'U1' model is the unlocked version coming straight from Samsung. The 'U' model is locked and tied to a specific carrier (say, AT&T).
Apparently it's possible to change the IMEI of a phone, but it's quite a hassle. It's ultimately not a huge deal, since everything is working like a charm, but it's odd...
--Ron
Related
I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S II T989 off of craigslist. It was described as Brand New, and came with box and all original accessories, etc. Still had screen protectors and everything on it, so i assumed i would have no problems. I am using AT&T and wanting to unlock it so that i wouldn't have to switch carriers. I paid a pretty reputable website 25$ for the unlock code, which i received and entered as directed.
I attempted to enter my SIM and i get an invalid SIM message. I called Samsung to figure it out and they had me send them the phone. They received it and inspected it to ensure nothing was wrong. They then tested the IMEI which came back as a black-listed phone, but would not disclose the reason.
So t-mobile will offer me no help what so ever, nor will samsung. I try calling the *#7465625# number to test if the phone is unlocked, but i get an error message stating "The process com.android.phone has stopped unexpectedly" and i have only one option which is force quit. I used the factory reset option a couple times to see if this helped at all, and got nothing.
I only have experience with iphones, so i really know nothing about the android OS. I've heard a lot about "rooting" and such for the unlock but it's like a whole different language for me. I think i could do it, but it's what i would need to do afterward that is really of concern to me. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated. This phone has just been sitting in my drawer for the past month because i have absolutely no idea what to do. I only want legal advice, please dont ask me to do something illegal or thread will be closed, again.
** For The Mods. I wish to do NOTHING illegal with this phone. I only want it to work with a carrier, and Unlocking is not illegal.
If the phone is blacklisted, it won't be a usable phone. It won't connect to networks because the IMEI is bad.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
T-Mobile blocked the IMEI for their network, and possibly their smaller networks. But that does not mean it can't be used on AT&T's network or any other GSM network. I see ton's of people on ebay selling black listed T989's that can be used on any GSM network, just not t-mobile's. I just need guidance on how it can be done, legally of course.
youngunner-2 said:
I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S II T989 off of craigslist. It was described as Brand New, and came with box and all original accessories, etc. Still had screen protectors and everything on it, so i assumed i would have no problems. I am using AT&T and wanting to unlock it so that i wouldn't have to switch carriers. I paid a pretty reputable website 25$ for the unlock code, which i received and entered as directed.
I attempted to enter my SIM and i get an invalid SIM message. I called Samsung to figure it out and they had me send them the phone. They received it and inspected it to ensure nothing was wrong. They then tested the IMEI which came back as a black-listed phone, but would not disclose the reason.
So t-mobile will offer me no help what so ever, nor will samsung. I try calling the *#7465625# number to test if the phone is unlocked, but i get an error message stating "The process com.android.phone has stopped unexpectedly" and i have only one option which is force quit. I used the factory reset option a couple times to see if this helped at all, and got nothing.
I only have experience with iphones, so i really know nothing about the android OS. I've heard a lot about "rooting" and such for the unlock but it's like a whole different language for me. I think i could do it, but it's what i would need to do afterward that is really of concern to me. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated. This phone has just been sitting in my drawer for the past month because i have absolutely no idea what to do. I only want legal advice, please dont ask me to do something illegal or thread will be closed, again.
** For The Mods. I wish to do NOTHING illegal with this phone. I only want it to work with a carrier, and Unlocking is not illegal.
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That's the problem right there.
xxjrsmith3xx said:
That's the problem right there.
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I am well aware of the problem. I am seeking the solution
I bought new pixel 2 xl on swappa. I checked imei on BYOD and recycling imei checker, checked fine. However when I tried checking on warranty Google support said it is not eligible. What could be the issue? Do I have to activate it on Verizon ? How do I do that if I am not on Verizon (TMobile).See part of the chat below.
James3:06 AM The tool does not allow us to pull up the information for the device as this device is not eligible for warranty options from Google, you will have to check with the retailer for this case. But till the time the we are not able to pull up the records with the IMEI number of your device.
Me
Thanks , when you say device is not eligible is that for all Verizon pixel or there is issue with this specific device?
James3:15 AM It's not for all Verizon pixels nor the device. James3:16 AM There might be any issues with the Verizon team. May be because of the IMEI is not updated.
aim1999x said:
I bought new pixel 2 xl on swappa....
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What Google means is because you purchased your phone from a reseller, any warranty you may have is with that reseller and NOT Google. When you purchase through the Play Store, the phone is automatically registered and THEIR warranty (and return) terms are much better. Many ppl buy the phone and are shocked to discover they cannot return the phone to Google, they have to deal directly with the reseller who may or may not have an agreement with Google. This is especially common with people who buy the phone in unsupported countries, or buy it in a supported country and then move to an unsupported one... and then have a warranty claim. No doubt you got a better deal through swappa, maybe you should consider purchasing an insurance policy on the phone.
I read that it is based on imei if you buy it from Verizon. He also said that they would normally would have access to imei but in this case they don't. I want to know why. Also this phone was never activated before. Also Google offers 2 years warranty on all new pixels even Verizon ones.
Basically what does this mean ?
"James3:16 AM There might be any issues with the Verizon team. May be because of the IMEI is not updated"
aim1999x said:
Basically what does this mean ?
"James3:16 AM There might be any issues with the Verizon team. May be because of the IMEI is not updated"
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lol James is an idiot imei numbers are not updated just call up google and say you know the phone is in warranty because the phone has not been out 2 years ignore the nonsense
I bought s20 ultra from local cell phone dealer off the craigslist. The local dealer seems quite reputable however the guy said IMEI has been changed which got me bit concerned but proceeded to buy anyway. What are the reason for that? Quick search of the internet shows it could be stolen. But I dont see someone from respectable local phone dealer (at least based on their yelp google review) doing that since they are sittiing duck.
I contemplated either to resell back or keep using and for now using. It is wonderful in terms of speed comapred to junk I carried briefly (LG Q70).
However, there is just bit of an easy feeling about using it with IMEI chanegd.
For now, I am doing for e-mail, phone call and various apps but hesitant about using with fin-app (brokerage), bank, ebay apps that involves money.
Any ideas?
What are the chances of mine being compromised? I am setting a common sense here as just because I got from wireless authorized dealer does not mean it is bad and getting a brand new from authrozied dealer (verizon) not necessarly guarantee security.
guyenxda000 said:
I bought s20 ultra from local cell phone dealer off the craigslist. The local dealer seems quite reputable however the guy said IMEI has been changed which got me bit concerned but proceeded to buy anyway. What are the reason for that? Quick search of the internet shows it could be stolen. But I dont see someone from respectable local phone dealer (at least based on their yelp google review) doing that since they are sittiing duck.
I contemplated either to resell back or keep using and for now using. It is wonderful in terms of speed comapred to junk I carried briefly (LG Q70).
However, there is just bit of an easy feeling about using it with IMEI chanegd.
For now, I am doing for e-mail, phone call and various apps but hesitant about using with fin-app (brokerage), bank, ebay apps that involves money.
Any ideas?
What are the chances of mine being compromised? I am setting a common sense here as just because I got from wireless authorized dealer does not mean it is bad and getting a brand new from authrozied dealer (verizon) not necessarly guarantee security.
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Click to collapse
You bought a potentially compromised phone with a changed IMEI. That means that it's definitely stolen or was owned by someone who didn't want to be traced before being soled as a burner phone.
That being said, IMEI is just device ID. Meaning: Your device is in no way compromised just because a different ID. Surely whoever has the tools and your IMEI can track all your records across the internet and track your current location as well.
But don't worry the tools necessary for such a thing can only be accessed by authorized personnel of respective telecommunication company (Like AT&T) and your local authorities.
Also banking apps have meticulous safety checks before allowing the usage of the app, so don't worry too much.
However that doesn't mean that your phone is secured, as remains the question of how did they change the IMEI of your phone?
There are multiple ways to change an IMEI number but they all include one common point: They all directly affect some component in the device whether it be software or hardware.
So there is the possibility that your current software/hardware is compromised.
My advice? Just get a new phone, or make your phone secure again.
You can start by doing SafetyNet check. If the result is ok then you can be safe. (However as I said before whoever has the methods can still track you)
Flashing the stock ROM of the device then locking the bootloader can help. Also rooting the device then manually checking the device software for issues. Or simply changing the IMEI of your device again. (Only try those methods if you know what you're doing)
It's enough by itself that google, social media platforms and the government can track all your records across the internet whenever they feel like it, I myself wouldn't feel safe with potentially sharing my data with another unsolicited person.
So to answer your question:
Privacy is the issue when you have a potentially compromised IMEI. Not security.
Security is the issue when you have a potentially compromised system.
Hope I answered your question.
You've bought a stolen phone.
Theres absolutely NO REASON to change the IMEI.... EVER. If it has been changed, it is because the original IMEI has been reported stolen, and changing it gets around the cell network blocking it. There is NO LEGAL REASON TO CHANGE AN IMEI
I hope you are not caught with it, its essentially stolen property.
I purchased this phone unknowingly that it was a demo version.
I removed the demo version from it via the code, reset and then flash and update.
The dual imei numbers are both 0000 when I typed some code ( cant remember it showed that the imei is ok)
I wanted to get it repair via some of those remote box services. I dealt with very rude unpleasant person who was impolite, told me to install quite old xsg rom which is different csc compared to my original rom. When I flashed under imei there is UAE csc and new lines added under: TRA ID :
and TA : , and these two were not there before, device also shows just as a52 instead as a52s as previously. The person suggested the rom based on the build number that I sent him.
Afterwards he was asking for pictures and then blocked me.
Im wondering If I can fix this unit to usable cellular state with working real imeis
I thought xposed modules would help, but it seems they only help with apps and only change imei on them.
I highly doubt that this device has banned imei.
I would be happy to help you to root it and I would appreciate if someone can help me.
I searched many threads without success, I know the efs/qcb is probably corrupted
What route I should go to fix this device?
If it is a demo version and has no IMEI this tells you that this legally is no mobile device that is approved to use with operators. Inserting a new IMEI can not be legal in normal countries. IMEI is a device identifier sent with all phone traffic to ensure that the device is a legitimate one and is not stolen and black (do not work at all) or grey (works but flagged to be traced) listed.
Go back to the seller and demand your money back!
I hoped that someone with more experience with this would chime in, on these new galaxy devices the imeis still seems to suppose to be there, in galaxy 8 or older galaxy version there was no 4g module and antenna removed, I think this is what you are talking about right ? and it was purchased on ad.
Im wondering if these services like chimera can fix it.
I thought it's unrootable. How did you do it?
gerhard_wa said:
If it is a demo version and has no IMEI this tells you that this legally is no mobile device that is approved to use with operators. Inserting a new IMEI can not be legal in normal countries. IMEI is a device identifier sent with all phone traffic to ensure that the device is a legitimate one and is not stolen and black (do not work at all) or grey (works but flagged to be traced) listed.
Go back to the seller and demand your money back!
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I bought it off an add, impossible, so Im trying to at least fix it, one person here popped in my messages, trying to help... I think he recovered my damaged imei partition and stole it and sold it. Xda what a wonderful place of helpful people.
lucas_54 said:
I thought it's unrootable. How did you do it?
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Thats bs, my firmware is older but cam is working,The method described in a52 thread, patching file through odin.
ftaqh said:
I bought it off an add, impossible, so Im trying to at least fix it, one person here popped in my messages, trying to help... I think he recovered my damaged imei partition and stole it and sold it. Xda what a wonderful place of helpful people.
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You must be joking; demo phones have no imei. They are not phones they are dummies. Throwing around inane accusations will do you no god around here.
I have a new to me Note 10 plus replacing my former and crushed note 10 plus 5g. I got it on SWAPPA. I am wondering about it. Seems something is possible wrong with it like it was reflashed. First the IMEI number was wrong and bad. This has me a bit vexed as this should be my fault but it seemed like the IMEI number changed.
I couldn't get the *#06# or other like codes to work. I went to about phone to get it. Ran it on SWAPPAS free IMEI checker and it came back invalid. Wrong manufacturer, wrong model phone. I called Samsung they verified the IMEI was wrong. I even let her take control of the phone something I normally would not allow. She had me call back and speak to Case management since the close at 4 o'clock. I waited till after Christmas weakened to call back. When I did the IMEI number was different to the number I had written down and what was saved on the SWAPPA site. It now was correct for the phone. The phone had updated, perhaps it reverted back to the original correct number. As far as I know this should be wrong and I wrote it down wrong, then rechecked it wrong, entered into SWAPPA wrong and the Samsung Agent also somehow got it wrong when she verified it was wrong again from the phone. So, confused about that, how could it have changed back to being correct? The update or simply operator errors in seeing it wrong, including the agent.
Before I called the first time I was looking online and people blame this on when a phone is reflashed sometimes the *# codes no not work and would then need to be flashed again or the phone is counterfeit, it seems to be a genuine phone. When speaking with Samsung the second time they said that Verizon blocks the codes, I have heard that but my last ones were not. I called Verizon had them run the IMEI that I now have in the settings, it was good according to them but when I told them about Samsung saying the codes were blocked by Verizon's request the Verizon rep said no, they use that code for people to verified the IMEI and that they should all be working on my phone. I can confirm that my last one worked just fine on Verizon with the codes, at least the couple I used did that do not now.
The Verizon rep asked me to call back when I figure it out to let them know so they can put the answer in their database.
Any ideas about why the codes like *#06# are not working and how to fix it? Or anyone have experience with what seems like IMEI numbers changing after first set up?