G Power phones from Google Fi not unlocked, help? - Moto G Power Guides, News, & Discussion

It has become apparent to a few of us who purchased G Power phones from Google Fi that their claim it is unlocked is not true. If you have them port your number over to a MVNO, such as I did, to Boom Mobile, (Verizon ), that sim card will only get you 2G, 1xRTT, with no data. There is a thread on Reddit , and Motorola forum. And, the claims are it would be difficult to rid the phone of the Fi rom and replace it with one that will truly unlock the phone.
This forum will not let me post those links now. However, users of this phone from Fi have tried everything but rooting, which of course, voids the warranty. And, the consensus is, it is installed firmware. Most bought these from Fi at a attractive price of $149, for a claimed, "unlocked", phone. $100 less then from Best Buy etc.
And, probable not that many complaints yet, as most stick with Fi.
Multiple emails to Google Fi, get you nowhere, as they will not admit to the problem.
As I, and others no little about rooting., we are looking for a simple answer to get Google Fi's rom off the phone, without a lot of hassle.
Any help would be appreciated. We all have tried; Factory, Network Reset etc. nothing so far works. If we had purchased the phone from another retail store unlocked this would not happen.
As you may know, Google Fi uses T-Mobile/Sprint/ Us Cellular networks on this phone, and their service is generally good. However, where I live and travel, Verizon just works more of the time. I put Boom Mobile's, (Verizon), sim card into my older, unlocked Moto G6, bought from Best Buy, which was on Google Fi for some time, and it works, 4G,without doing anything.
Thank you for any help.

I might have mis-spoke about a Moto G Power unlocked from non-network retail, it may have same problem, no conformation on this yet.

So I did the same as you. I purchase from Google FI. But I place my at&t sim on this phone and everything is working fine. Download speeds around 33 to 28mbps. Only thing I noticed is my calls are not Cristal clear. Other than that I had no issues so far

@PesSarmiento Thanks for that Info! It has been pretty consistently reported on various forums that the problem lies in trying to use the Google Fi sourced Moto G Power on the Verizon network. I have personally wondered what would happen if I inserted an AT&T SIM card, so that's good to know. It seems that Google promotes the G Power as an "unlocked" phone, only to find that is not so.

180pilot said:
It has become apparent to a few of us who purchased G Power phones from Google Fi that their claim it is unlocked is not true. If you have them port your number over to a MVNO, such as I did, to Boom Mobile, (Verizon ), that sim card will only get you 2G, 1xRTT, with no data. There is a thread on Reddit , and Motorola forum. And, the claims are it would be difficult to rid the phone of the Fi rom and replace it with one that will truly unlock the phone.
This forum will not let me post those links now. However, users of this phone from Fi have tried everything but rooting, which of course, voids the warranty. And, the consensus is, it is installed firmware. Most bought these from Fi at a attractive price of $149, for a claimed, "unlocked", phone. $100 less then from Best Buy etc.
And, probable not that many complaints yet, as most stick with Fi.
Multiple emails to Google Fi, get you nowhere, as they will not admit to the problem.
As I, and others no little about rooting., we are looking for a simple answer to get Google Fi's rom off the phone, without a lot of hassle.
Any help would be appreciated. We all have tried; Factory, Network Reset etc. nothing so far works. If we had purchased the phone from another retail store unlocked this would not happen.
As you may know, Google Fi uses T-Mobile/Sprint/ Us Cellular networks on this phone, and their service is generally good. However, where I live and travel, Verizon just works more of the time. I put Boom Mobile's, (Verizon), sim card into my older, unlocked Moto G6, bought from Best Buy, which was on Google Fi for some time, and it works, 4G,without doing anything.
Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I am going to guess that something else is going on here. If it wasn't unlocked, I don't think you would get any service at all, not just 2G, 1xRTT.
Has anyone tried a factory reset with the different provider sim in the device?
I am using mine on FI and don't currently have another sim to test.

boog said:
I think I am going to guess that something else is going on here. If it wasn't unlocked, I don't think you would get any service at all, not just 2G, 1xRTT.
Has anyone tried a factory reset with the different provider sim in the device?
I am using mine on FI and don't currently have another sim to test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, many of us have done numerous factory resets. And yes, we've tried other sim cards, on a VZW MVNO in my case. Nothing works. I read of one person inserting an AT&T sim card and that did work for him.
I did get a response from Motorola Support today on the Lenovo Forum. It reads...
Senior MotoAgent
Re:LTE Not Working When moving from Google Fi to Red Pocket MVNO (using CDMA / VZW)
2020-08-14, 11:25 AM
Hi Yar33,
We checked that Google Fi Models having a problem with calls and data when moving to other carriers not just Verizon. These models will get fixed in future updates which is an update coming from us, not by Google. For now, we do not have any time frame for the update.
Best regards,
Zeke
Motorola Support

Yar33 said:
Yes, many of us have done numerous factory resets. And yes, we've tried other sim cards, on a VZW MVNO in my case. Nothing works. I read of one person inserting an AT&T sim card and that did work for him.
I did get a response from Motorola Support today on the Lenovo Forum. It reads...
Senior MotoAgent
Re:LTE Not Working When moving from Google Fi to Red Pocket MVNO (using CDMA / VZW)
2020-08-14, 11:25 AM
Hi Yar33,
We checked that Google Fi Models having a problem with calls and data when moving to other carriers not just Verizon. These models will get fixed in future updates which is an update coming from us, not by Google. For now, we do not have any time frame for the update.
Best regards,
Zeke
Motorola Support
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Click to collapse
That actually sounds a bit more reasonable, thanks for sharing that.
The bit of testing on Fi for me appears to show that the phone switches to H or 3g for calls when connected to T-Mobile. Sprint acts like sprint and switches to 1x for phone calls.
But it has a hard time staying connected to T-mobile compared to Pixel devices I used in the past.
I hope they fix it soon.

So I recently got my visible sim card, and like you mentioned I have no service on Moto G Power. The sim card is working fine in a Galaxy note 9. Let me know if you got some fix to this problem. I will really appreciate if you can send me a PM with those links from the other forums

PesSarmiento said:
So I recently got my visible sim card, and like you mentioned I have no service on Moto G Power. The sim card is working fine in a Galaxy note 9. Let me know if you got some fix to this problem. I will really appreciate if you can send me a PM with those links from the other forums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isn't visible on Verizon? So you can't just switch a sim from one device to another like GSM.

Edit: This solution worked from a user u/yagyaxt1068 on Reddit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MotoG/comments/i7djqx/guide_on_how_to_get_lte_working_on_verizon_again/
You'll have to unlock the bootloader and flash the Verizon ROM. The Retail/RETUS ROM doesn't solve the issue.

Meanwhile 6+ months later... They must have fixed the problem.
I just bought a 'used' Moto G Power (XT2041-4) off of eBay a few weeks ago. Two months old.
Private Seller. He made sure that the device was wiped properly so I didn't have to deal with FRP issues.
Android 10, Google Fi software channel.
I installed my SIM from Mint Mobile and was off to the races. I haven't had any connection issues (that I know of.)
I'm still learning my way around the device...

Seems last update did something, my G power now works with Boost Mobile sim? software channel still, Google Fi. Bought another G power from Best Buy, channel is, US retail. Both work fine Verizon LTE. Now always carry two identical phones, for safety backup. Waiting for Android 11 update to see if the channel changes on Fi phone?

Try disabling Google Fi app before trying on any other sim card. I'm using G power(bought from google) with ultra-mobile. Everything is working as expected.

Most likely because Ultra Mobile is using T- Mobile. Same as Fi.
Does the Software Channel in "about phone" page still show Google Fi or US retail?
I disabled the Fi app and still could not use Verizon MVNO before last update.

Did any of you guys set up the ****ing APN at all or what? If you have nothing except for basic "2G" its because you need the APN and the moment it's in there it will take a tenth of a second for it to pop up and that's it

Tried that' first phone from Google has "Google FI" as APN. and prefs are grayed out can't change it. Second Moto G from Best Buy has "VZWINTERNET". Found by; Settings, Network & internet, Mobile network, Advanced, Access Point Names. Seems Phone from Google the APN will stay the same if inserting a verizon sim card? Unlocked changes.

Related

Verizon compatibility/IMEI

Anyone have the IMEI, ESN, or MEID number for the Nexus 5X(or 6P)?
verizonwireless (dot) com /b2c/nso/enterDeviceId.do
Looking to enter it in there to check if its "officially" compatible, I know it has CDMA compatibility but want to be sure.
I don't, but FWIW I called them today and they indicated (i) they aren't selling it but (ii) it will work on their network.
What are the odds we can visit a store on day one and be given a sim?
kbbeer said:
What are the odds we can visit a store on day one and be given a sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not very good imo. I would think that cutting your current Verizon sim would work the best.
kbbeer said:
What are the odds we can visit a store on day one and be given a sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A simple way to get a nano SIM would be simply say you bought your buddies old iPhone 6 or Nexus 6 (Since both use nano SIM) and ask for one in store or if you're doing it over the phone ask for a new one to be shipped after telling that story. If you just come out and say it's for the 5x they might not give you one since it's not directly a Verizon device. If you do need to cut the SIM card down this works well http://www.amazon.com/Noosy-generation-Cutter-iPhone-Phones/dp/B009QTVG4K?tag=androidcentralb-20&m1k=d_ac
If you have any other questions feel free to ask !
Thanks, if I call Verizon and mention the nexus 6, will I be required to provide any specific numbers from the phone?
kbbeer said:
What are the odds we can visit a store on day one and be given a sim?
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Click to collapse
I went into a corporate store last week, told them I was an existing customer and needed a nano sim for a phone that I bought through a private transaction.
They asked me if I had the phone with me, I said no. They asked me for my phone number, and if it was an android or apple phone (?), I gave them my number and told them android, and a few moments later I was leaving the store with a new nano sim. No hassle at all.
kbbeer said:
Thanks, if I call Verizon and mention the nexus 6, will I be required to provide any specific numbers from the phone?
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Click to collapse
No shouldn't need to, as mentioned below just tell them you don't have the device with you and you need a new nano SIM give your Verizon number if they ask for it and you should be good to go!
Same thing here, I'm a VZW employee and plan to use the nano sim from my iphone (ugh, I know) and slot it right into the 5x
Finally called Verizon and they are going to mail the sim, but I need to call and provide the device info to activate. Guessing that will not work.
Or you can activate a nano sim using a adaptor off amazon. They are cheap, other option is to cut your current sim down to size.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
jaben2 said:
Or you can activate a nano sim using a adaptor off amazon. They are cheap, other option is to cut your current sim down to size.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I did. I always get the smallest card available and use an adapter. Saves me the trouble going between sim sizes and activating.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Pretty sure its no big deal. As long as your a customer just walk in say you need a new sim and they will give you one..Im not even sure if they charge you for it.
The problem is activating the sim, they input details on the phone and it needs to be a Verizon approved device.
kbbeer said:
The problem is activating the sim, they input details on the phone and it needs to be a Verizon approved device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The usual work around from what I've seen in YouTube videos is they need to take a SIM from an device at the store that's already activated. Some stores know this and others don't.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S5.
EeZeEpEe said:
The usual work around from what I've seen in YouTube videos is they need to take a SIM from an device at the store that's already activated. Some stores know this and others don't.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I sold my Nexus 6 to a guy on swappa he used the imei from a display device to activate his sim card on verizon I think. I can't believe that works but apparently it does. I wish it was that easy to bring a phone to sprint. On Sprint the imei numbers have to actually be white listed in the system which always seems to lead to problems on launch day. Due to these phones being compatible with project fi I am hoping all of those numbers are already in the system since they need to be able to work on sprint's network for project fi I assume.
Day 1 - Verizon won't "Activate"
Hey guys,
Got my 5X yesterday and ran into a few problems. Still using the old phone for now, but I'm optimistic.
Nano SIM required:
Went to the Verizon store since my S5 uses a Micro SIM. They gave me a Nano but couldn't "Activate" it (see IMEI issue). They postulated if you pulled a Nano SIM from an already activated device (S6, iPhone 6, etc) on your account it may just plug and play, but this wasn't available to me. None the less they gave me the nano SIM and I proceeded to call the tech guys on the phone.
IMEI not in Verizon's Database:
After 3 transfers I finally got to a guy with his head on straight and he confirmed the IMEI isn't in Verizon's database (Deja vu anyone?). We spent a bit of time reviewing the 5X specs (bands) and he confirmed there is no reason why it shouldn't be allowed. Something tells me Big Red intentionally didn't import the device into their database in advance out of spite of the good ole Nexus history. Tech Support was very positive though and placed a request with the big wigs to add the device to the database and allow me to activate as a "new device". Hoping to get a response in the next 24-72 hours. Looks like my 18 years of loyal (Verizon) service is getting more pushing power than I did with the Nexus 5...
I'll keep you guys posted.
vjz224 said:
Hey guys,
Got my 5X yesterday and ran into a few problems. Still using the old phone for now, but I'm optimistic.
Nano SIM required:
Went to the Verizon store since my S5 uses a Micro SIM. They gave me a Nano but couldn't "Activate" it (see IMEI issue). They postulated if you pulled a Nano SIM from an already activated device (S6, iPhone 6, etc) on your account it may just plug and play, but this wasn't available to me. None the less they gave me the nano SIM and I proceeded to call the tech guys on the phone.
IMEI not in Verizon's Database:
After 3 transfers I finally got to a guy with his head on straight and he confirmed the IMEI isn't in Verizon's database (Deja vu anyone?). We spent a bit of time reviewing the 5X specs (bands) and he confirmed there is no reason why it shouldn't be allowed. Something tells me Big Red intentionally didn't import the device into their database in advance out of spite of the good ole Nexus history. Tech Support was very positive though and placed a request with the big wigs to add the device to the database and allow me to activate as a "new device". Hoping to get a response in the next 24-72 hours. Looks like my 18 years of loyal (Verizon) service is getting more pushing power than I did with the Nexus 5...
I'll keep you guys posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi man. Dude just find a phone that uses the nano sim. Activate your new sim and put it in the 5X.
I have Verizon and Had the Sony Z3V which uses a Nano sim. I simply pulled the sim out of my Z3v and put it in my 5X. Been using it since Tuesday perfectly. Love the phone on The best COVERAGE network
Pulled the nano Sim from my iPhone and plugged it into the Nexus with no issues. VZW seems to recognize it On my Verizon as an LG device as well
I'm a VZW customer and when the device arrived I called CS. They said the device is on their whitelist and he could send me a SIM. I said that I would drive over to the store and get one. I showed up at a corporate store and 5 minutes after being helped my phone has been on VZW without any issues.

Anyone using this on Verizon yet?

Just want to verify this phone works appropriately with Verizon. I see nothing on this from Verizon's website and nothing more than a few mentions in press releases. Does the lte-a work correctly? Can we access Verizon features like video calling? Does Verizon staff give you problems trying to register the phone?
Can't wait to hear some first hand experience.
wondering the same thing actually
https://opendevelopment.verizonwireless.com/device-showcase/device/7466
Looks good enough for me. I'm about to order one from clove, will update when it gets here if this thread still needs some answers. I hope volte works. Wifi calling would be a cherry on top.
Yup! Having it working on my XZ2 Compact. Didn't originally want to connect, so I flashed the OEM+OEM_Other.sin files from the US version and now I have Verizon working without a hitch. VoLTE is enabled for Verizon by default since it can only connect over LTE to begin with, but no WiFi calling. That being said and it being a dual SIM device, my secondary T-Mobile SIM has access to neither VoLTE or WiFi Calling. So I have calling set up for Verizon and Data over T-Mobile. You're able to do dual LTE standby on this device.
So now that this works with Verizon I should be able to buy the duel sim version and run both my personal At&t sim and my Verizon work sim card in this phone with duel standby? No flashing any software?
themoveforward said:
[...] ... I flashed the OEM+OEM_Extra.sin files from the US version and now I have Verizon working without a hitch. [...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does flashing these have any affect on DRM keys and such? I'm going to be getting a H813, but with UK software from clove so I'll need to do the same thing I'm guessing.
Ziltoid_ said:
Does flashing these have any affect on DRM keys and such? I'm going to be getting a H813, but with UK software from clove so I'll need to do the same thing I'm guessing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the frequency's for both of these phones the same? Only difference would be that one is duel sim and the other isnt correct?
mattnathaniel12 said:
Are the frequency's for both of these phones the same? Only difference would be that one is duel sim and the other isnt correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe so. H8324 is the Asian dual SIM and H8314 is the Western single sim. I wasn't checking all the bands but both phones have all three of Verizon's LTE bands supported
Ziltoid_ said:
I believe so. H8324 is the Asian dual SIM and H8314 is the Western single sim. I wasn't checking all the bands but both phones have all three of Verizon's LTE bands supported
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ordered the duel sim version and should have it by Wednesday. I currently have both an At&t personal phone and a Verizon work phone. Plan is to combine them both in this duel sim phone and only have to carry one haha. If it doesnt work out for whatever reason il just try google voice for my work number i suppose.
themoveforward said:
Yup! Having it working on my XZ2 Compact. Didn't originally want to connect, so I flashed the OEM+OEM_Extra.sin files from the US version and now I have Verizon working without a hitch. VoLTE is enabled for Verizon by default since it can only connect over LTE to begin with, but no WiFi calling. That being said and it being a dual SIM device, my secondary T-Mobile SIM has access to neither VoLTE or WiFi Calling. So I have calling set up for Verizon and Data over T-Mobile. You're able to do dual LTE standby on this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having some issues with my XZ2 Compact Duel sim. With At&t I am only getting H and H+ connection and Verizon I cant seem to get anything to work. What APN did you pick for your Verizon sim, i have choices of CBS, FOTA, IMS and Internet.
So I have some more information that may help someone or may not. After talking with Verizon in depth about my issue with connecting to their service they have determined that the XZ2 Compact will not work on their service. Even with it being labeled as an Certified Open Market device on their own site and even being listed as Verizon Compatible on Bestbuys site and many others. They said noone there has any knowledge of the device coming to Verizon at all and were confused about it being posted on all the sites as being Certified. So i suppose it just wont be compatible lol. I guess im porting my 2nd # over to at&t and just not dealing with it because im sure as heck not going through the hassle of sending this phone and the chargers and cases back lol. If anyone has any success on getting this connected with Verizon please post, but im not hopeful lol.
mattnathaniel12 said:
So I have some more information that may help someone or may not. After talking with Verizon in depth about my issue with connecting to their service they have determined that the XZ2 Compact will not work on their service. Even with it being labeled as an Certified Open Market device on their own site and even being listed as Verizon Compatible on Bestbuys site and many others. They said noone there has any knowledge of the device coming to Verizon at all and were confused about it being posted on all the sites as being Certified. So i suppose it just wont be compatible lol. I guess im porting my 2nd # over to at&t and just not dealing with it because im sure as heck not going through the hassle of sending this phone and the chargers and cases back lol. If anyone has any success on getting this connected with Verizon please post, but im not hopeful lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love Verizon but I was actually thinking of going to AT&T myself tired of Verizon having such a limited phone selection. However there is a post in this thread by the name of themoveforward or something who claims he got this working on verizon you may want to try his methods before making the switch
R_Fated_Circle said:
I love Verizon but I was actually thinking of going to AT&T myself tired of Verizon having such a limited phone selection. However there is a post in this thread by the name of themoveforward or something who claims he got this working on verizon you may want to try his methods before making the switch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried sending him a message but haven't heard back. I'm assuming perhaps he was mistaken about what phone this post was referring to.
I believe carol_vzw is a Verizon employee who maintains this list: https://community.verizonwireless.com/docs/DOC-2843
The H8314 is listed on here as officially supported, but H8324(dual SIM) is not. You could try messaging her on there to see if they can add the H8324, or find out why it's not compatible.
Edit: looks like you've already seen this based on the comments
Ziltoid_ said:
I believe carol_vzw is a Verizon employee who maintains this list: https://community.verizonwireless.com/docs/DOC-2843
The H8314 is listed on here as officially supported, but H8324(dual SIM) is not. You could try messaging her on there to see if they can add the H8324, or find out why it's not compatible.
Edit: looks like you've already seen this based on the comments
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea the crazy thing is while talking to Verizon support yesterday i referenced that post and also Bestbuy having it labeled as for Verizon as well as the phone being posted on their Showcase directly on the Verizon site lol. The support guy kept putting me on hold and said he was taking the info as I was giving it to him to another support team directly and that they were all baffled at this information as none of them had any knowledge of this phone let alone it supposedly being compatible with Verizon at all. After about an hour into the call a woman picked up the phone and directed me to attempt to put my new sim card (when i swapped to this phone i had a micro-sim from my old phone not a nano-sim which this phone needs) directly into someone elses phone that has Verizon and attempt to activate the sim card on their phone, then attempt to reinsert it back into my phone to see if the network picked up. I will be attempting this in about an hour when I see a friend who has Verizon. I will update on whether this works or not.
mattnathaniel12 said:
Yea the crazy thing is while talking to Verizon support yesterday i referenced that post and also Bestbuy having it labeled as for Verizon as well as the phone being posted on their Showcase directly on the Verizon site lol. The support guy kept putting me on hold and said he was taking the info as I was giving it to him to another support team directly and that they were all baffled at this information as none of them had any knowledge of this phone let alone it supposedly being compatible with Verizon at all. After about an hour into the call a woman picked up the phone and directed me to attempt to put my new sim card (when i swapped to this phone i had a micro-sim from my old phone not a nano-sim which this phone needs) directly into someone elses phone that has Verizon and attempt to activate the sim card on their phone, then attempt to reinsert it back into my phone to see if the network picked up. I will be attempting this in about an hour when I see a friend who has Verizon. I will update on whether this works or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its any hope, I had a similar situation when I was trying to activate my Nexus 5x on Verizon. The people in the store didn't know that it existed and had no instructions on what to do. Also my first nano SIM phone, and they couldn't get it to activate. That's when I learned to never go to their stores for technical help. But it was worth it that time because they let me keep the sim card and later I was able to get someone on their tech support number who was able to activate it remotely. It could just be that the phone is new and information hasn't gotten around internally. Verizon seems pretty bad about that.
My xz2c single sim package got lost on Wednesday by DHL ? but I'm going to be dealing with this soon
Well no luck trying to activate the Sim with another Verizon phone. It seems that the phone just isn't in the Verizon system yet.
I have a UK single sim that I'm having no service with Verizon. Not sure if it's due to the phone being from the UK or something else with Verizon maybe. Trying to flash the US firmware but having problems with Newflasher.
If I have any luck I'll post back here.
Just posting for others who may be curious; I was able to get the phone working on Verizon today. Using the sim from an already activated pixel 2 initially worked for data and calling, and sending text messages, but I could not receive text messages. I grabbed an updated sim (says 4G LTE on it) and activated it on the pixel 2, then moved it to the xz2c and currently have everything working. It's only been a few hours so we'll see if it stays like this or if it goes the way of the htc U11 and has problems every couple of weeks. I'm using the verizon approved H8314 single sim model, not the dual sim model.
Interesting, thanks for the update! I'm using an activated sim from my Pixel 2 as well. It says 4G LTE on the sim too and my model xz2 compact is the same H8314. So maybe it is the UK firmware in my case, I'm going to keep trying to figure out my drivers issue this weekend to flash US firmware and see if that helps.

SIM unlock lost by LG repair - hard to get back

A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Needles to say, the phone was paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund). Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock.
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution with 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, Chazz!
I had a suspicion you might suggest that :laugh:
But yes, that would have to be the outcome if I cannot solve it. I'll probably file an FCC complaint first, which michy21 reported had solved her problem. But again, there is no pushback from anybody, which is a positive.
The only attachment I have to this particular phone is my 2 year warranty, which gives me peace of mind. A phone bought used wouldn't have that (or any warranty).
Thanks again!
Edit: Actually, it's not quite true that I have no other attachment to this H932: If/when T-Mobile rolls out B71 in this area, I'll probably give them another try, as they generally have far better network speeds. AT&T service here is acceptable (and widespread) but doesn't blow me away. We only switched because TMO couldn't reach through our concrete brick walls. Red Pocket supports all four carriers, so I can switch to TMO network on my current plan to take advantage of B71.
So my hope is I won't have to part with this phone. AND that @runningnak3d will release H932 root later this year
TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
jblparisi said:
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I understand where you come from. And no offense taken
The problem IS a SIM lock (or "network lock" as they call it). But not in the same way you're thinking where nothing works with an alien SIM. Both T-Mobile and LG have confirmed that.
Some details I didn't mention in my opening post (I meant to warn people here, not argue the matter):
1) LG warned me before they began repair that the phone would come back SIM locked, even though I'd included a letter asking if they could avoid it. I also talked to T-Mobile before sending it in, who said to just request an unlock code if needed (obviously that person was clueless).
2) I've seen other XDA users report how SIM locked V30s could connect on different networks, but NOT get LTE. That's what I am seeing too. One of my goals with visiting the T-Mobile store was to verify that there wasn't a problem with the phone itself preventing LTE. But once an active TMO SIM was inserted, everything works flawlessly.
3) I thought the same thing about not running the TMO Device Unlock app with the alien SIM inserted, but TMO's wording in the instructions they sent me are: "Before completing the steps below to unlock your device you must be connected to the internet via a cellular network in order to complete the steps", not mentioning it must be on TMO. And I DO have 3G internet with my Red Pocket SIM. Nevertheless, my second goal with visiting the T-Mobile store was so we could try the Device Unlock app with an active TMO SIM. And regardless of which SIM is inserted, the app reports that the phone is currently network locked and not eligible for unlock. When running this app on an unlocked phone, it shows the date of unlock -- even after a factory reset. They are obviously storing the lock/unlock state on the vendor, modem or carrier partitions or some such place. And on my phone it is in a locked state.
4) There is not much room for user configuration error here: The phone has been factory reset 5-6 times while testing this, with the only configuration being a Red Pocket APN. That same SIM and same APN work flawlessly in my Nexus 5 as well as my wife's V30 (also H932). Even if I mis-typed the APN, I wouldn't have done so 5-6 times -- and I would have caught it during one of the many times I verified the APN.
So I have no doubt that there is some form of network lock in place that is causing this. And again, T-Mobile and LG agree and have promised to solve it.
You are right that LG had no reason to replace the mainboard. But they did replace both the screen and the glass cover. I think it is possible that they sent me a refurbished phone with my IMEI transferred -- which would explain both their warning that the phone would come back locked, and why the Device Unlock app gets confused when seeing a blank (still locked) phone, but T-Mobile's IMEI database claims that the device is already unlocked (as I saw on the screen in the store).
So, we'll see if they manage to solve it or I have to sell this phone as suggested by Chazz.
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
jaysus145 said:
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the suggestion. I'd have no objection to that at all, but various reports on here had given me the impression that 3rd parties aren't able to unlock the H932 because TMO locked it down so hard (as is the case with Sprint, but for different technical reasons). I could be wrong about that, so definitely something to try.
Thanks again!
Update: It's been four days since I talked to T-Mobile and they promised to escalate my problem and request that LG provide a solution. They said to expect a response within 72 hours, but I haven't heard back from them.
But yesterday, when I tried popping in my Red Pocket SIM (it's in my Nexus 5 until this is solved) everything suddenly worked: Instant LTE, which stayed all day, even as I drove an hour away across town and worked there for a few hours (using hotspot), went on several errands, and back home all last night. LTE Discovery Log showed how it had switched seamlessly between towers, without ever losing LTE. I was certain they had fixed it, and was much relieved.
Then this morning, it had locked itself again. Phone had been on all night, clearly T-Mobile must have pushed another lock. Or rather: One of the TMO services/apps locked it after pulling TMOs servers. No amount of Network Resets, reboot or toggling Mobile Network settings have worked to get it back. I promised T-Mobile not to make any more attempts with the Device Unlock app as it messes things up for them, but I am sure it it would still say "Ineligible for unlock" even though the IMEI is clear in TMO's database (and listed as already unlocked).
As always, the same SIM gives perfect LTE service in my Nexus 5 and on my wife's V30, with the same APN.
I called T-Mobile Customer Care and was unable to persuade them to transfer me to Tier 2. But they did says to expect a call within a day.
It is almost certain I'll have to go the FCC complaint route. It's sad because T-Mobile is otherwise not a bad company. Probably just a small handful of idiots who got this "bright idea" how to protect TMO phones -- which ends up causing so much trouble for legitimate customers.
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
TheDannemand said:
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
jaysus145 said:
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
T-Mobile called me back yesterday and assured me they were still working on it and they would get this phone unlocked and please sit tight another day. They confirmed there was nothing on the phone's IMEI or my old account that should prevent it.
I'll check out unlocking services if it comes down to it.
Thanks again!
Final update on this (and solution):
T-Mobile solved the server side problem with a manager override, so that the Device Unlock app now says "Permanent Unlock approved". But it continued reporting "Unlock Failed" nevertheless. Some say because the phone is already unlocked, personally I think because the servers report the phone as previously unlocked. The app also says "Phone is currently network locked" when first running.
Notably, the connection problem persisted, and T-Mobile (after discussing with LG) said it had to be a bad SIM card or a problem with that SIM ICCID and my phone's ESN. As previously described, I get perfect connection and service using the same SIM in my Nexus 5 and in my wife's V30. T-Mobile said that was all they could do.
I then decided it was time to take the matter in my one hands. After much searching and countless Factory Resets and Network Settings Resets, I managed to get the phone working right with the following steps:
1) Remove Google account to disable Device Reset Protection.
2) Factory Reset from the Service Menu: *#546368#*932# (replace 932 with your model number, though this is likely a T-Mobile only problem). From there SVC Menu - Factory Reset (R&D Only). This takes quite a bit longer than normal Factory Reset.
3) Initial setup with WiFi, no Google account. No APN. Phone shows usual connection slowness.
4) Airplane mode, then WiFi on.
5) T-Mobile Device Unlock app, Permanent Unlock. Got the same "Unlock Failed, but Approved" message.
6) Enter APN.
7) Network Settings Reset (Android Settings - Reset menu). Wait for reset to complete. It may go straight to LTE already here.
8) Power off/on.
After this, everything is back to normal. Instant signal and LTE connection, even after subsequent Factory Reset. It's such a relief :laugh:
Edit: I should add that it is quite possible that not all of these steps are required. Probably the Service Menu Factory Reset was the key to undo what LG had done during the repair. I am merely listing all the steps which I used, and which brought my phone back to life.

Question Using an eSim without a physical Sim on AT&T

Hi, I'm trying to use an eSim only (without inserting a physical sim) on my pixel 6 pro on AT&T, however I cannot get it to work. When I say not get it to work, I mean with eSim only there is no cell signal and no data signal. Physical sim works fine on both signal and cellular service. If there's another Us AT&T pixel 6 pro user who's using only the eSIM for service please respond and let me know whether or not eSim only works for you. Thanks.
Not an AT&T user here, am using a European carrier, just from anecdotal perspective: I also use eSim only and never had an issue on my P6 Pro. So it appears to be something carrier related.
I remember that I had to activate my eSim, maybe you also have to do this? Did you try out the eSim/your contract before using this phone?
Morgrain said:
Not an AT&T user here, am using a European carrier, just from anecdotal perspective: I also use eSim only and never had an issue on my P6 Pro. So it appears to be something carrier related.
I remember that I had to activate my eSim, maybe you also have to do this? Did you try out the eSim/your contract before using this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I tried 3 times with the help of AT&T and we couldn't get it to work. I'm going to return the device for a new replacement to see if that fixes this issue. Thanks for replying.
d.cortez said:
Yes, I tried 3 times with the help of AT&T and we couldn't get it to work. I'm going to return the device for a new replacement to see if that fixes this issue. Thanks for replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before going through the hassle of returning the device for a potential fault - do you have a family member or friend, whose simcard/esim you could try out? That way you can find out if your phone truly has a defect or if its your contract/the specific esim. Of course you can always let them replace your device, but that will take a couple days, maybe there are faster ways to narrow the problem down.
Morgrain said:
Before going through the hassle of returning the device for a potential fault - do you have a family member or friend, whose simcard/esim you could try out? That way you can find out if your phone truly has a defect or if its your contract/the specific esim. Of course you can always let them replace your device, but that will take a couple days, maybe there are faster ways to narrow the problem down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried again today at another AT&T corp store and walked out of the store with it working as expected (wait till the end). the person helping did additional research on my issue and discovered the P6P shipped to me "was not activated" with the inserted physical sim (which i removed when i received the device). apparently, AT&T will park (or associate) a new device with a specific number when shipping to you vs. walking in to buy a device on an existing line. nonetheless, i'm going to return the phone because the data connection isn't working consistently; data is on and then after i go to website, data turns off. i'm probably going to send it back to AT&T next week.
Finally got the phone working, but will get an unlocked version later; this one is still going back to ATT.
I'm using an ESIM on AT&t and even originally got the phone My plan was to have a physical TracFone SIM card and my AT&t esim which is exactly what I had on my Pixel 5 and it worked great. Both SIM cards work great... when the other ones not active or inserted. It is impossible to use with both SIM cards like I did on my Pixel 5. Constant signal loss and the majority of the time. No signal at all. But as soon as I deactivate or remove a SIM card it starts working perfect.
I had a problem with provisioning eSim on my TMobile, well technically its sprint still, says tmobile esim but I am on sprint billing. Anyways, you need to maybe try to do it on another WiFi access point or something. I had issues with mine activating over Viasat2 satellite internet. I live in that area, its either LTE or satellite for internet. Had to tether to my work verizon phone to activate it on sprint/tmobile lol. If the connectivity to the esim server is not great, you'll split hairs until it is.
spawn985 said:
I'm using an ESIM on AT&t and even originally got the phone My plan was to have a physical TracFone SIM card and my AT&t esim which is exactly what I had on my Pixel 5 and it worked great. Both SIM cards work great... when the other ones not active or inserted. It is impossible to use with both SIM cards like I did on my Pixel 5. Constant signal loss and the majority of the time. No signal at all. But as soon as I deactivate or remove a SIM card it starts working perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly the same issue/behavior I had with my AT&T P6P on the AT&T network so I returned mine today. I'm contemplating a Fi version to see if it works for my use case.

No service after unlocking bootloader and new firmware

So I just want to say Ive been on straight talk for probably 12-15 yrs. I thought I knew all the tricks for getting phones to work on certain networks.
I prefer verizon in my location, it has the best coverage but also verizon sims have always been tricky to use on phones I didnt buy from straight talk. In the past Ive been told by straight talk that my phone wasnt compatible with verizon network but then I would just buy a junk $40 verizon/cdma phone, activate the sim in the cheap phone, and then transfer it over to my owned,unlocked,nicer phone and that would be enough to get calls and text. then set a couple APN settings and you have data and mms.
So.... Ive had a verizon sim in my LG G7ulm for 3 or 4 years now...or since it came out in 2018.
I have an unlocked version I bought outright. I cant remember if straight talk let me register it directly on verizon sim or if I had to do the sim swap trick mentioned above but anyway....3 years at least of zero problems.
My phone been stuck on android 8 and running slow so decided to wipe it and flash android 10 firmware. After doing so I can boot the phone and for 20-30 sec it shows its connected to 4g lte but then drops and i have no service at all. Ive tried all network operators/modes, Ive set APN...reboot, Ive tried 6 or 7 various different firmware revisions and this is the same result....no service.
I even went back to stock oreo 8.0.0 firmware but the problem still persists.
I contacted straight talk via chat which always is a laugh because they cant trouble shoot a rock that wont roll downhill and just tells you the device is not compatible. My daughter has this same phone and it worked fine for years as well but she took her sim out to test a different phone and lost it and when she ordered a new one it wouldnt work and they told her the phone was incompatible even though me and her both had these phones working fine for years and know they work.
So is straigt talk just blacklisting my phone? Did reflashing a new firmware cause the tower to re-verify the device and blacklist it or something? I can still pop this sim in my old phone and it connects perfectly fine and has service.
I just dont get it. My daughter when she ordered a new verizon ST sim and activated it her phone did the same thing and they said it wasnt compatible with verizon which is bullsh## because if you activate the sim on a different device then swap it over it works great.
Why do they care what device it is solong as your paying for service?
I dont know whether I should try a new ST verizon sim, ST t-mobil sim, or ST att sim now.... Att always works on these unlocked phones but service is crap in this area with at&t.
Anyone have similar experience or knowledge about this issue?

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