Develop Bugs

[Q] IMEI blocked?

Okay so I found galaxy note 2 from a craiglist deal, popped in sim card, everything worked great as its a tmobile version but said per seller that it was unlocked. 30 minutes later after the deal my device had been blocked from network use. My sim would no longer work in my older phone, so I called and got that fixed, but I now have a stupid nice phone that im using for a paper weight. Obviously the person who sold it to me either knew it was reported lost or stolen, or reported it after selling it to me, its whatever it happens right.
What are my options? I really want to be able to use this phone and spent a lot of money on it. I appreciate all input.

Try using another sim card I suppose
Sent from my Xperia Ray

I did, I even went to the AT&T store and they gave me a new sim card and it worked, made calls, surfed the web for like 10 minutes and the same thing happened.

pr0cl1v1ty said:
I did, I even went to the AT&T store and they gave me a new sim card and it worked, made calls, surfed the web for like 10 minutes and the same thing happened.
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Click to collapse
the only thing you can do is have the seller call att or tmobile, what ever its branded and tell them they found the devise and att can unblock the imei

Sounds like u was scammed.
Sent from my SGH-T889

Only other option may be to try it on the other carrier. If it's a TMo phone, try it on ATT and vice versa.
---------
G1(CM7)--> G2(CM9)--> Note 2 T889 stock (root + multiwindow mod)

darocsfinest1 said:
the only thing you can do is have the seller call att or tmobile, what ever its branded and tell them they found the devise and att can unblock the imei
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I've been trying to figure out how to lookup the original buyer of this phone.

pr0cl1v1ty said:
Okay so I found galaxy note 2 from a craiglist deal, popped in sim card, everything worked great as its a tmobile version but said per seller that it was unlocked. 30 minutes later after the deal my device had been blocked from network use. My sim would no longer work in my older phone, so I called and got that fixed, but I now have a stupid nice phone that im using for a paper weight. Obviously the person who sold it to me either knew it was reported lost or stolen, or reported it after selling it to me, its whatever it happens right.
What are my options? I really want to be able to use this phone and spent a lot of money on it. I appreciate all input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is locked. Unlock and use through other carrier either tmobile or something that uses tmobile network mvno. If u have att note 2.

Its starting to look like its just not safe to buy this phone off Craigslist...
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Its not this phone. Its any phone. Run the numbers before you buy like a good consumer
Sent from my SGH-T889

I don't know if you guys have reading comprehension problems or what... Dude said he used on tmo for 30 minutes and then got blocked, and then did the same thing with AT&T. For those of you that don't know AT&T and T-Mobile now share their blacklists, meaning it will not work on any carrier that uses any of those towers. Sad to say your best option would be to sell to an international user on celltraderonline. Be very clear that it is on the US blacklist and will not work with AT&T, T-Mobile or their sister carriers.

Have you tried any T-Mobile or AT&T MVNO's like Simple Mobile or Red Pocket? That might work. If not your pretty much screwed. Unless you use it in another country.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

JOSE89178 said:
Have you tried any T-Mobile or AT&T MVNO's like Simple Mobile or Red Pocket? That might work. If not your pretty much screwed. Unless you use it in another country.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Wow, I guess you didn't read my post above yours.

I have been "burnt" also with buying a T-Mo Note 2 on Craigslist. I used my phone for 2 mos before it got blocked from T-Mo. I used the dialer tricked and unlocked the phone and now using it on Straight Talk Att sim. But you are right you can't use it on T-Mo network or any of the mvnos. You can only use it for ATT mvnos. I get 4g speeds and everything.

KillaHurtz said:
Wow, I guess you didn't read my post above yours.
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Click to collapse
Wow, I guess two people can't answer at the same time.
The posts are just three minutes apart.

I guess you read my mind lol. I never saw your post. I never would of posted something double and make myself look like a fool CD they were less then 3 min apart. So excuse me :banghead:
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

dwest3784 said:
I have been "burnt" also with buying a T-Mo Note 2 on Craigslist. I used my phone for 2 mos before it got blocked from T-Mo. I used the dialer tricked and unlocked the phone and now using it on Straight Talk Att sim. But you are right you can't use it on T-Mo network or any of the mvnos. You can only use it for ATT mvnos. I get 4g speeds and everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if the phone has been imei blacklisted it will not work on any united states gsm service that includes straight talk... highly doubt you have a blocked phone working on straight talk

I had another thread going about being blocked on imei.
I just called tmobile and talked to them for about thirty minutes about my situation.
A quick summarization of the conversation is:
- The previous owner has been accused of fraud so that is the reason of the blocked IMEI.
- Can't do anything to unblock it, unless the previous owner retracts ther dues or whatever it is that needs to be payed.
- No third party unlocking will work.
Well for me, I fortunately have his information such as address and phone number and the text conversation still logged on my old phone. Luckily I called him today as a private number to check if he's phone still worked and still does, thank god.
Now I'm planning on calling him up tomorrow and, professionally, tell him my situation. When I met the guy, he didn't seem like a bad guy but hey, never judge a book by it's cover eh.
If he refuses any of these or won't agree to a median than I'll have to take legal actions.
That's my plan that is. I am not going to let $600.00 go to waste on a blocked phone! I'm taking this guy all the way.

*#06#
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

not sure but can't you get rid of your IMEI by flashing a bunch of times? I had this happen with my SK4G, my IMEI number under settings was a bunch of 0s. When I called up T-mobile and asked for an unlock code for the phone, it didn't work because my IMEI was screwed up. I ended up having to alter some Hex file in order to unlock it

[Q] How to unlock Note 4 from Sprint

Hello:
I have a note 4 from sprint and needs to be unlocked to be used with a different Carrier
Can you please advise how to be able to do this ? additionally how can remove the sprint start up and sprint apps ?

ali.sulaiman1980 said:
Hello:
I have a note 4 from sprint and needs to be unlocked to be used with a different Carrier
Can you please advise how to be able to do this ? additionally how can remove the sprint start up and sprint apps ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on what carrier you are planing to use it? You cannot use sprint Galaxy note 4 on domestic GSM carriers like AT&T, T-mobile and their MVNOs (Straighttalk , etc). The phone can be unlocked for international GSM use (voice and 3G only, not LTE). Internationla unlock can be done officially through Sprint or unofficially via app in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...print-samsung-unlocker-unlock-sprint-t2928250

My question is how did you come across a Sprint Note 4? Did you not do your homework before acquiring the Sprint Note 4? Maybe you somehow got the phone for free? Why would somebody actually pay for a nice phone (released only a month or so ago) without knowing if it will work on a completely different network/carrier... then turn around and look for help on how to activate it on a GSM carrier? This makes no sense to me.

Im curious too.
Can a Sprint phone be unlocked and set up for use on ANY other carrier in the USA,
ie: Verizon?

No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

I am pretty sure that if the phone had a clean ESN that you can activate it on Ting Mobile. I have also saw a thread where someone had flashed a T-Mobile Rom to the Sprint note 4 but they where not getting LTE of course I'm sure in time someone will come out with something stable.

tx_dbs_tx said:
My question is how did you come across a Sprint Note 4? Did you not do your homework before acquiring the Sprint Note 4? Maybe you somehow got the phone for free? Why would somebody actually pay for a nice phone (released only a month or so ago) without knowing if it will work on a completely different network/carrier... then turn around and look for help on how to activate it on a GSM carrier? This makes no sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off topic here.
I came up for upgrade in June. I was gonna go Nexus 5 and then the Nexus 6 rumors started to fly. So I waited and along came the Note 4. After much research I ended up with arguably the best phone on the planet. Imo it is.

Unlock Code
I am in Canada, got this as xmas gift from my father in law

You can root and try Galaxy Tools 4 root users https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idone.galaxymenu
Or you can use this app from the S5 thread you don't need root with this app http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2928250
Hope this helps a little
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

sliverr7x said:
No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...

jimmbomb said:
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which question would you like answered?

xxSTARBUCKSxx said:
Which question would you like answered?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about you answer what you can. Starbucks
see. I just answered your question,
so take a stab at answering too...
even if its a wrong answer, id like to hear .
thanks

jimmbomb said:
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No
2. Customers can switch devices by calling on a different phone to CS or going into store and switch devices, no unlocking necessary.
3. Just switch Sim cards and edit and tweak where necessary or pay someone if you dont know how.
4. Correct, but no unlocking necessary.
5. That depends on the person.

Thank you for your answers

sliverr7x said:
No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes yes yes it can be used with other carriers in the USA. Are people forgetting about flashing of modems and firmware. What decade are we in 1960? Our maybe 1950 when phone were still two way radios. Remember sprint can't stop everything Samsung does in making their phone. Ask the right questions to right people get right answer. If someone in XDA hasn't figured it out yet just wait & keep on looking. XDA is also not the only place to look for answers to everything Samsung, sometimes Samsung is were to look or Samsung blogs. All I hear is everyone that talks about Samsung first thing everyone says is it CAN'T be done. When are the tech, crackers, & hackers of this world going to stop saying everything is impossible & realize we are the ones that make everything possible. If we are going to do that why do we become techs or crackers or hackers or even developers in the every first place?.... LET'S STOP PUTTING LIMITS ON OU OURSELVES & SHOW SPRING WHAT WE CAN DO! Sprint is not GODZ. We created what sprint & Every carrier in the world uses to try to put limitations one everyone with. Are we going to let the carriers use or phones against us or are we going to use them the way the phone manufactures wanted the phones to be used ( without restrictions of the carriers of the world.)

after unlocking your sprint device you can only use it with carriers outside the USA. If you are planning to use it with local sim cards after unlocking like at&t and t-mobile (gsm) then you cannot.

rscooldesire said:
after unlocking your sprint device you can only use it with carriers outside the USA. If you are planning to use it with local sim cards after unlocking like at&t and t-mobile (gsm) then you cannot.
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Click to collapse
Umm if its not under payments u can

Yep once the phone is paid for per new laws that went active in Feb or March if you ask the carrier to domestic unlock your phone they are required to do it by law. Some models this will not be possible but the note 4 should. I think the carriers have a grace period to make this available. Not sure how long. I could quote the legislation but Id have to search for it.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app

B to the S. If you can unlock a 720t a note 4 can be unlocked!! Period!! It picks up signal just no antenna for that signal because the phone antenna is tuned in the wrong station or radius degree. I think if the people who can unlock 720t s can try the same methods with busy box or Verizon modems. Like guy said earlier " Si se puede"!! It can be done!! Just need to tweak frequency angles and remove face security options a little.

By law you can have it unlocked for a limited time, but that will not make the LTE radio magically work on your carriers band unless they support the same band. Or unless you know someone who can JTAG flash the radio to another carrier as well you will not be able to use the LTE/DATA band on a carrier that does not support the frequency. This is nothing something that can be done over USB or by a new kernel. This will have to be done with JTAG and by someone who has access to the various carriers radio firmware which is tightly guarded. So basically you will be using a Note 4 on 3G only. Might as well just sign up with SPRINT then, you will get the same service speed.

sprint compatible?

I know they say its only GSM unlocked but it supports the bands for sprint and I would like to know if anyone has got it to work on sprint? If so do you just stick in your sim card?

I don't believe so

Phone doesn't work with Sprint. I tried. Something about OnePlus not doing business with Sprint CDMA. I thought I would at least 3g or 2g... But the phone doesn't work with placing a call. Network restrictions...

martinez5241 said:
Phone doesn't work with Sprint. I tried. Something about OnePlus not doing business with Sprint CDMA. I thought I would at least 3g or 2g... But the phone doesn't work with placing a call. Network restrictions...
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Click to collapse
Ok thank you just needed to clarify

I had a similar problem with Sprint back when the Nexus5 came out-- although supported and set up for the Nexus5 and was to have a branded version, they were just in the infant stages (and still are to a degree) of having "Bring your Own" set up.
I had the same problem yet again with the Nexus6 (still my daily driver, pray for my soul)
It took me 4 weeks of wrangling (of which they sent me 3 bad SIMs for the device, and again 2 weeks with the Nexus6 and 2 bad SIMs yet again) until I found "the one guy who has the binder" out in Kansas City over the phone with sprint who figured out how to input in the MEID and the IMEI data to whitelist the phone--
I am suspect that (at least according to "WillMyPhoneWork .net" ) the phone should work-- I have seen video on youtube of a 5T working on Verizon (albeit, only 3g, but that was with just popping in the sim).
I mention this, as During my adventure trying to get my BYO Unlocked Nexus6, I had discovered that even if I just popped in a sim at the store (being sneaky to prove a point) of a display model nexus6 or other device, it would not work even then.
We need one brave person willing to spend 1-21 days on the phone with Sprint, and get theirs individually whitelisted.
I am not such a person, yet.
-JAS

yeah, 21 days on the phone with sprint! sounds about right with those clowns. bwahahahaha!

heyChristo said:
yeah, 21 days on the phone with sprint! sounds about right with those clowns. bwahahahaha!
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Click to collapse
I think i might try if i get a oneplus 6t, also just a little( lol ) late.
But yeah, they are clowns, might try a store and a guide on reddit for my current n5x, they should actually train their employees.

pug1gaming said:
I think i might try if i get a oneplus 6t, also just a little( lol ) late.
But yeah, they are clowns, might try a store and a guide on reddit for my current n5x, they should actually train their employees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus five should work. You will just have to find which sim card you need. I found a good guide in the sprint forums (believe it or not out of all places) actually for getting a pixel to work on sprint. U should be able to find something similar. I actually had to order a special sim card through sprint to get my htc 10 working. They gave/shipped it to me for free but they knew which one I needed.

What are the drawbacks to buying the unlocked S9 for Verizon?

I'm trying to figure out why the Verizon S9 is $80 more than the unlocked one. I used to have the unlocked S7 on Verizon and I understand that some carrier features such as VVM and VoLTE will not work. You also lose some of the Verizon specific apps that are preinstalled. I'm trying to find out if the unlocked phone will support all frequency bands used by Verizon for the best speed and coverage. I tried contacting Samsung through thier web site and here is my conversation:
Murtuza MD, SAMSUNG Care Pro
Them - Please excuse us for the long hold. We have had an unusually high volume of chats coming in. I would be happy to assist you with any questions you have about our products.
Me - What are the drawbacks to buying the unlocked S9 to use on Verizon. I understand that VVM will not work but will the phone support all of the bands used by Verizon to get the best call reception and data speeds?
Them - Please give me a few minutes to review the information you have shared.
Them - I see that the Unlocked S9 phone will be compatible with all the carrier's including Verizon.
Me - I understand that it will be compatible but will it perform the same as the Verizon branded S9? Why is the Verizon S9 $80 more expensive? What does the additional $80 buy for me?
Them - It will get you the Verizon specific feature's and applications that will be Pre installed on the phone.
Them - Please let me know if you have any more questions or queries for me.
Me - So the unlocked S9 will support all available Verizon radio bands?
Them - Yes, you are right.
Me - OK Thank you.
So it appears that the unlocked phone will work properly. Do anyone else find it ridiculous that the carrier locked phone would cost more? I would expect it to cost less unless there is some advantage to the carrier branded phone I am missing. Can anyone think of any other drawbacks to buying the unlocked phone? I could also note that the updates for the unlocked S7 were actually slower than the Verizon branded S7's updates.

unlocked bootloader is the must as well as aosp !!
usa and Canada will get the worst version again !!

I used a prepaid Verizon SIM on an Verizon S8 and lost VVM and WiFi calling but had HD Calling and I then purchased the unlocked Unlocked Pixel 2 XL directly from Google and it worked with with the Verizon prepaid SIM with the same downfalls of no VVM or WiFi calling but again I had HD calling. Not sure if this info helps but I WILL be buying the unlocked version S9 because I don't gain anything due to me using my prepaid SIM.

I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.

For those that had HD calling still usable with the unlocked versions of other devices, were you able to take calls and browse the web at the same time? I used an unlocked S7 with Verizon service for a while, but every time I was on a call I was not able to browse the web at the same time. Unfortunately for the kind of work I do I need to be able to do both.
That may be a drawback from not having the Verizon version of the S9 on their network.

So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?

xgman said:
So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is a Verizon postpaid (contract) SIM? Yes
If it is a Verizon prepaid SIM? NO

Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.

xgman said:
Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM

Throwinrocks said:
No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not a pre paid sim. It is a contract sim, but it won't make any difference. VVM won't work on a locked Verizon phone since the actual app won't even be on the phone and can't even be downloaded from the app store apparently.

When you put that post paid SIM into a Verizon S8 the VVM will appear on that phone along with 2 or 3 other apps plus Verizon phones aren't locked. My Verizon S8 had the VVM icon on my phone but it would not let me use it because I have a prepaid SIM. I have that icon on my phone.
There are two levels of VVM one is free with postpaid and the other is premium that cost $2.99 a month
Try this. Log in:
My Verizon>My Plans and Services>Blocks>Block Services>Block Visual Voice Mail>ON
Reboot and try a test call

I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.

xgman said:
I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. You'd think no matter if it's locked or unlocked phone or a post paid or prepaid SIM they would want to keep you as a customer and allow us to have a simple feature. I still remember when you had to buy text messaging like minutes. LOL
---------- Post added at 12:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
RossTeagan said:
I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for what? What details and specific features are you talking about?

I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?

skiddingus said:
I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now

Josh LaCelle said:
Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I'm hearing Verizon hasn't started locking them yet but what difference does it make? AT&T and Sprint have been doing it for years. Once you activate the phone you can unlock it and in some cases they unlock once activated. They are locking them so when people steal them they're unable to use them. There's a ton of articles explaing why and I can't understand why everyone gets upset about it.

Now I take everything samsung says with a grain of salt and some hot sauce but the lady I just talked to (I recorded it) said that the snapdragon verizon s9+ had a unlockable bootloader (but she highly recommended against it). Has anyone else called samsung and asked them?

I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!

droideris1 said:
I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told something similar by the first person I talked to at Verizon. When I started to ask specific questions, they transferred me to tech support and then I was told the opposite. The tech confirmed that VVM will not be available on the unlocked version. I guess we will find out for sure in a couple weeks.

Find me one person with an unlocked S8 on Verizon that has normal visual voice mail? S9 is no different. I need the VVM for my business, don't need or want a new activation, so I have no choice but to pay the ransom.

Definitive list of differences between carrier locked and unlocked variants

Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know

buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are the same phones and can run the same firmware.
I would go with whatever the best deal you can get.

I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

buffalosolja42 said:
I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
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You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.

That is what i figured searched the forums a bit but needed something concise appreciate the info!!
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.
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I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.

beethoven1854 said:
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.
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Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
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I have been using it just fine. I will do it on my Note 10 plus and report back my result.

Well there you go, OP. I guess flashing ATT firmware to your unlocked device still works to activate carrier features. Everything else I said is still accurate.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
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So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.

Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
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thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!

ekerbuddyeker said:
thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!
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Work in IT daily and easier for wife as it pops up in call.

I would use it, but I use a Google Voice number as my primary number. We used to do Hangouts video calls all the time, but not so much anymore. I guess the romance is dead.

If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?

Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
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I have a pre-order deal from Samsung that is between 6-700 can't remember at the moment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I always use unlocked devices whether it be Samsung unlocked or Google pixels unlocked but all work like a charm on verizon and get basically free unchecked hotspot

beethoven1854 said:
So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.
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buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
So interestingly, there's another thread and people who are flashing ATT firmware to the unlocked version can no longer get WFC to work. They said it works for a few minutes if they give ATT an old IMEI number, but the system will automatically update to the new IMEI and WFC will no longer work. Read page four of the thread to see what I'm talking about.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10+/how-to/unlocked-samsung-att-tmo-t3956698
Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
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There's a few reasons:
1. This year the Note 9 is worth $600 towards an unlocked model, but only $300 towards carrier models.
2. The U1 models generally maintain their value a little better than the carrier branded models. Even though it's the same exact device, that little "1" makes a difference for some reason.
3. It's factory unlocked. T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, and now Verizon all come carrier locked. Verizon stays locked for 60 days then automatically unlocks. T-Mo you have to pay it off, or pay cash up front, then wait 40 days with it active on your account before it can be unlocked. ATT again has to be paid off or paid in full up front and then you have to request an unkock and wait for the code. I believe Sprint automatically unlocks it once it's paid off.
4. I've heard conflicting stories, but at least in the past, Sprint was weird about their BYOD program. You could only bring devices with whitelisted IMEIs. That was Sprint devices and factory unlocked devices. If you just got your ATT Galaxy S8+ unlocked and brought it to Sprint, it wouldn't activate, even though it was the same exact device hardwarewise. The IMEI wasn't in their database. So the Unlocked version is more flexible.
5. That ugly ATT box. For some reason ATT will often take the phone out of the nice Samsung box and throw it in a cheap ATT box. See the USA Pre-order thread on here. There's already people complaining about that box. And I'm a packaging guy.
So you might as well get the device that's cheaper up front and holds it's value the best and is the most flexible carrier wise. If you want carrier features and firmware, you can still have them, and no worries ever about a SIM lock. Well except with ATT apparently. If you need ATT WiFi calling and VoLTE, you may be stuck getting the ATT model, from what I'm reading.
Now that said, if you don't have a trade in device, and your carrier is offering a better deal on their model...then by all means get that one.

Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?

akrein62 said:
Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?
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T-Mobile customer here. I had an unlocked S7 Edge that would roam just fine on partner networks, in the US and internationally. Haven't had the opportunity to test roaming yet with my brand new unlocked Note 10+ but I suspect my results would be the same as with my S7 Edge.