Hello all!
I have an LG G7 from India, model G710EAW. I moved to the US from Canada and the phone isn't entertaining T-Mobile or ATT SIM cards. When I insert them, service works for a little bit and then immediately switches to "Emergency calls only". T-Mobile's website says my phone IMEI is compatible with its service.
The strange thing is that the phone has two SIMs from Canada roaming - one on the T-Mobile network and another on ATT. No issues whatsoever. And when I check the bands in Engineering Mode, I can see one roaming SIM running on LTE Band-4 on T-Mobile. The other roaming SIM is switching between LTE Band-2 and LTE Band-5 on ATT.
T-Mobile uses bands 2,4,5 mainly, and ATT uses 2,4,5 among other bands.This leads me to believe it's some kind of a network restriction preventing my phone from latching onto these networks directly.
I've made tons of calls to T-Mobile and ATT so I'm no longer interested in pursuing them with this.
I'm wondering if cross-flashing a different firmware might help fix this issue. I remember reading on this subreddit that the Google FI firmware may work for T-Mobile bands. I'm not sure I understood that correctly.
Can someone confirm if that's possible? Does this make sense? I'm hesitant to buy a new replacement phone when my G7 works so well.
Thanks!
Related
I have an HTC TouchPro 2 that I bought from T-Mobile here in the US. While I now have an account with T-Mobile, I was able to get this with no contractual committment. I also happen to have an AT&T Fuze with an account at AT&T. Originally, I wanted to move my cell service to T-Mobile, as I can get the same service for about $30-$40 less per month from T-Mobile than I pay AT&T. However, I have discovered that T-Mobile does not have nearly the data network speed that AT&T does. I can get 3G from T-Mobile, but not nearly as widely as I can with my AT&T phone and service. Consequently, I would like to convert the phone to AT&T. I have unlocked the phone, and upon moving the SIM card from the Fuze to the TP2 I can make AT&T calls with my AT&T number, but moving the SIM card doesn't get me connected to the AT&T data network. I finally figured out how to connect, but I can't get 3G to work.
Does anyone know how to solve this problem?
AT&T and T-Mobile use different 3G frequencies. So your T-Mobile TP2 is not compatible with AT&T 3g frequencies. The best you will get with your AT&T sim in there is EDGE.
Same problem in Oz...
Telstra uses Next-g network - 850Mhz...
Everyone else uses 3G - 900Mhz...
We have the Touchpro 2 Model 7373 (3G) and the 7381 (Next-G)...
Telstra sim in a 7373 variant means edge service but another carrier uses 3G.
Vice Versa in a 7381 model...
Bloody annoying... Should use ALL frequencies, that would be easier, especially as it say 850 - 1800 Mhz on the band page...
Oh, well....
Not exactly what I had hoped to hear. Thanks for the answer. I guess my next step should be to see if there is any hope for T-Mobile to improve their data coverage.
I currently have a Korean variant (F500-L). I have seen a couple of these for sale on swappa and both posts say that this phone will work with T-mobile LTE. However, when I've popped in my SIM, I only get 3G. Does anyone else have any experience with this variant on T-mobile? If you were able to get it to work on LTE, how did you do it?
Enter APN settings for T-Mobile. Google that. Just popping in the sim won't give lte.
i have the same issue.. the APN settings seem to be correct.. but it only shows 3G. Model is F500-L
same here i need help too mine is a f500s lg g4 skt version thanks
Far as I know, phone must support LTE Band 2 and 4 to work on T-Mobile 4G network.
But F500(Korean ver. of G4) doesn't support LTE Band 2 and 4. It supports LTE band 1,3,5 and 7. Therefore a phone will only work under 3G network.
A friend of mine asked me for help on his Verizon G4. He is using it with Ultra Mobile a T-Mobile mvno. A few days ago, he said he noticed he couldn't make or receive calls. I got the phone today. The phone has a Signal Bar with an x. I did a soft reset and also tested the Sim in a Galaxy S3. I could make and receive calls with the sim in the S3. I have an ATT sim and tested that in the phone, it received a signal and I could place a test call. What am I missing? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Do you know which LTE bands and frequencies the mvno uses? Verizon had LG block a lot of bands on the VS986, so even though it's unlocked, it can't connect to their network. Pretty shady on VZ's part
billybob275 said:
Do you know which LTE bands and frequencies the mvno uses? Verizon had LG block a lot of bands on the VS986, so even though it's unlocked, it can't connect to their network. Pretty shady on VZ's part
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to check. But it was working for a couple of months, up until yesterday.
I ordered a LG GM710ULM from a well-reviewed seller on eBay. It was listed as new condition.
I received it yesterday and on the box, the model says LM710ULMBLTPL. I think the "PL" is for the Platinum. When I booted it up, the model number is the LM-710ULM, the serial number is populated, and the software version is the 11g and security patch is November 2018. When I tried to "Check for updates" , it said there were no updates available. There's no SIM card in it, so I'm not sure if that affects the ability to check updates. I don't see any signs of any carrier apps. All
When I looked up the IMEI on one of the free checkers, it comes back with the model as LMG710ULM, but the network is listed as "ABC Brightpoint" and Location is "N". As I've poked around, it looks like this is some sort of regional variant, but still from the U.S. But I can't find any cell provider named "Brightpoint".
When I checked the IMEI on T-Mobile's website, it gave me an error. But when I used the chat support feature, the rep was able to look it up and confirm it's not blacklisted and should be able to be activated on T-mobile. When I ran the IMEI through Verizon's online checker, it told me it wasn't compatible with Verizon's network. Which is a bit unsettling since the unlocked version should be able to be activated on any network.
Can anyone offer some insight on what the Brightpoint version is and how it may be different from the plain vanilla 710ULM ? Willl it be covered by the LG manufacturer warranty and get updates? Is there any way to be sure it's not refurb or flashed?
Thanks!
The fact that you have a populated serial number is a good sign. Brightpoint has released legitimate firmware for the ULM model, but I still no nothing about them as a company (might be worth a search of the forms... I think I remember someone talking about them as an LG partner). As seen here, I think the 11g update was the last update they released, but it should be possible to switch over to GFI or LG's vanilla USA firmware (this will likely require the use of LGUP), both of which are the same as far as I can tell, however there are different contact and dialer apps that get used depending on which network you are on, as well a Google Fi app that is either enabled or disabled by default.
Regardless of what the VZW website said, you should have access to all 4 major carriers in the US. I don't know if you have a specific provider in mind or a solution that uses multiple carriers such as Google Fi or Straight Talk, but you should be good to go (although I would recommend flashing to the latest "USA" kdz, which sadly is still not Pie!)
This is exactly what happened to me. What did you find out? What did you end up doing? I was expecting the ULM.AUSAPL model but got the ULM.BPTPL. Apparently Brightpoint is a CDMA company. Does this mean not all GSM bands will be accessible on this BPT firmware? Ya, seems their latest update is still from 12/2018 (11g) instead of USA firmware from 3/2019 (10j). Trying not to have to flash/root. Odd that Verizon said not compatible when it too is CDMA? Really having trouble finding the TRUE factory unlocked ULM.AUSA version. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Any info? Really would like to know what you found out. Did you keep the phone? Encounter any problems? ANY info would be greatly appreciated. DeeBG: maybe you can answer this: (BrightPoint is CDMA "provider" for all those tiny regional carriers) Since this "factory unlocked" ULM version is BPT does this mean that some or all of the GSM frequency bands are "disabled" for this model? And the USA version (GSM according to LG) has the CDMA bands "disabled"? And the GFI has all bands "enabled"? (for Fi auto switching) Is this how it works or what? Very confusing. Please help clarify this. Thanks.
I got one of the ULM versions off the bay too recently....it would not work on VZN...they denied activating it. I believe it does not have some bands needed. No pie for it either....so sent it back and got the VM version for vzn.
TRW1 said:
Any info? Really would like to know what you found out. Did you keep the phone? Encounter any problems? ANY info would be greatly appreciated. DeeBG: maybe you can answer this: (BrightPoint is CDMA "provider" for all those tiny regional carriers) Since this "factory unlocked" ULM version is BPT does this mean that some or all of the GSM frequency bands are "disabled" for this model? And the USA version (GSM according to LG) has the CDMA bands "disabled"? And the GFI has all bands "enabled"? (for Fi auto switching) Is this how it works or what? Very confusing. Please help clarify this. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly the confusion + lack of information is rampant for this phone, and this is down to one major reason. The chipset used in all LG G7 phones is the same (Qualcomm Snapdragon 845), however due to carrier subsidies and other sketchy reasons, the active bands are dictated by whoever sold the phone.
There are two providers in the US that I'm aware of that make use of all four major networks (those being Google Fi and Straight Talk). There are multiple free and ad-supported apps in the Google Play store that claim to be able to tell you which bands are supported by your phone (I only know of their existence and so cannot recommend one that's more accurate than another).
Thanks for responding! Boy..............."lack of information for this phone" is the understatement of the year! You aren't kidding! I've been trying to find out more for days but seem to get either very basic answers or different answers from different sources. So frustrating! Even LG is very vague in their answers. Just want to know if I will encounter any problems trying to use this on GSM networks when this is technically on CDMA firmware? And just cross-flashing this to the USA firmware will NOT "enable" all the GSM bands, right? RR125: A bunch of reflashed G7's have been being sold online, making my search for true answers even more frustrating. Did it come factory sealed? Meaning clear round stickers on both the sides? If not, then you may have received one of the models being reflashed to make it look like it is a ULM model. Which is bait and switch and illegal.
I'm in the same boat. I signed up for Google Fi and purchased my G710ULM from Amazon a couple months ago. I experienced issues immediately. WiFi calling didn't work; every time it was enabled I could see ER081 up top. After 1.5 months of terrible service, I downloaded Signal Spy and came to the realization that I was only ever connecting to T-Mobile. If I attempted to manually switch to the Sprint network, I'd get a message like "configuring mobile data". After about a couple minutes, my SIM card would lock and it told me to reboot my phone. If I attempted to switch to U.S. Cellular's network, I would get phone and data, but my phone number changed to a Nebraska number (note, I live in Missouri).
At about that time, I started researching the different firmware versions (with great difficulty) and found that I had a Brightpoint-specific firmware (11g). I've since used LGUP to flash to firmware 10j (Google Fi's latest G710ULM firmware). This has improved but not fixed my situation. I can now make WiFi calls, I can connect to T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular and keep my phone number on U.S. Cellular. However, when I attempt to connect to Sprint, I still get that "configuring mobile data" message and the SIM card locks. I ordered a new SIM card from Google Fi a couple days back and intend to test this phone with the updated card, but I've got a feeling that something else is at play here preventing me from connecting to Sprint.
Similar to other people, I did an IMEI lookup and while it comes up on the free IMEI checker sites, most of the main networks' checkers (ATT, TMobile, Verizon, Sprint) tell me that the phone is either incompatible with their network or they can't find it in their DB.
Potential SIM card issues aside, does anyone have any other ideas why I may not be able to connect to Sprint?
-Nick
It could always be a hardware issue but it sounds like the phone is not getting provisioned to work on Sprint. Can you verify SprintDM.apk is installed? You will likely need to install a third party app such as system app safe remover from Play store.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...ribute-LG-Wireless-Devices-Accessories-United
Brightpoint sells both cdma & gsm LG phones and are distributors nowadays who sell to other carriers.
The bands on the phone are locked and not capable of being used unless you unlock them via qpst or cdma workshop.
But these firmwares provided have them directly locked in the kernel.
loonycgb2 said:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...ribute-LG-Wireless-Devices-Accessories-United
Brightpoint sells both cdma & gsm LG phones and are distributors nowadays who sell to other carriers.
The bands on the phone are locked and not capable of being used unless you unlock them via qpst or cdma workshop.
But these firmwares provided have them directly locked in the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if a Brightpoint ULM model was flashed with GFI ULM kdz why should it be GSM only unless they are different hardware version like TM? ULM hardware devices should support CDMA LTE bands.
mr3p said:
So if a Brightpoint ULM model was flashed with GFI ULM kdz why should it be GSM only unless they are different hardware version TM? ULM hardware devices should support CDMA LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snapdragon 845 no matter what phone will come with the same qualcomm modem as no manufacturer/carrier will take the extra cost to modify design.
But since the bands are locked via nvram, its upto the manufacturer and/or the distributer that loads the software to choose what will be locked or unlocked.
Bands can be locked via android kernel, but operators do nvram to protect phones from being used out of what they need or want.
First of all let me say that before u answer this question I have about as much knowledge on this as a 75yo grandmother, so please keep it extra simple. Most of what I read on these forums might as well be Greek. I have an LG G7 ThinQ. More specifically the G710VMX. I purchased it unlocked and brought it to Tracfone, yes I use Tracfone. It worked with the original SIM card I had from another phone until it didn't, that's when the issues began. Bought a 3 pack VZW, T-Mobile, AT&T sim kit intending to use VZW because has the best service in rural areas. That sim would not work so ended up with T-Mobile sim and bad service. Assumed the phone was GSM only so I suffered. Then I tried to put in an AT&T sim to see if that would give better service and it's GSM so I thought it would work, well it doesn't. Somehow this is only compatible with T-Mobile and US Cellular which is CDMA(? since I assumed phone GSM only). Now Tracfone and T-Mobile reps both are telling me that once they switch to VoLTE the phone will no longer work, I will need a new phone. How is that possible?? I love this phone and hace read that it is capable of operating in VoLTE but the setting to turn it on is not there. And all other networks when given my IMEI tell me it's not compatible. HELP ME PLEASE, I can't afford, nor do I want, a new phone right now.
Turnhoo said:
First of all let me say that before u answer this question I have about as much knowledge on this as a 75yo grandmother, so please keep it extra simple. Most of what I read on these forums might as well be Greek. I have an LG G7 ThinQ. More specifically the G710VMX. I purchased it unlocked and brought it to Tracfone, yes I use Tracfone. It worked with the original SIM card I had from another phone until it didn't, that's when the issues began. Bought a 3 pack VZW, T-Mobile, AT&T sim kit intending to use VZW because has the best service in rural areas. That sim would not work so ended up with T-Mobile sim and bad service. Assumed the phone was GSM only so I suffered. Then I tried to put in an AT&T sim to see if that would give better service and it's GSM so I thought it would work, well it doesn't. Somehow this is only compatible with T-Mobile and US Cellular which is CDMA(? since I assumed phone GSM only). Now Tracfone and T-Mobile reps both are telling me that once they switch to VoLTE the phone will no longer work, I will need a new phone. How is that possible?? I love this phone and hace read that it is capable of operating in VoLTE but the setting to turn it on is not there. And all other networks when given my IMEI tell me it's not compatible. HELP ME PLEASE, I can't afford, nor do I want, a new phone right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
time will tell, you know just use your phone as long as it's still working. don't let marketing fool you
Well, the other issue is that I need to get it away from Tracfone T-Mobile because their service is terrible in my area. I can't seem to get either a Tracfone AT&T or Tracfone Verizon SIM to work yet the phone is compatible (according to the websites respectively) with Cricket wireless (AT&T) and US Cellular (cdma). I don't understand... That is why I brought this question to all of you. I live and work in a rural area and it may sound crazy but all I want to do is make stinking phone calls.