[Q] Verizon Samsung S4 SIM Card Unlocked? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've been hunting for an answer to this semi-simple question everywhere, and have found about 4 answers (all different ones - somehow :silly: ) So I'll try asking here.... I'm going to study abroad in Spain this semester, and I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon (it was an upgrade contract, not full price). When I asked the sales rep he said that the SIM card would have to be unlocked. However, when I talked to Verizon "technical support" they said, no, they're already unlocked and ready for international use. What I've seen in other forums is that people say it seemingly takes SIM cards but won't pick the network up. Does anybody here have experience with the Verizon S4 being used internationally? Can it be done? Do I need to unlock it? Thanks for any insights!

BelowAverage355 said:
I've been hunting for an answer to this semi-simple question everywhere, and have found about 4 answers (all different ones - somehow :silly: ) So I'll try asking here.... I'm going to study abroad in Spain this semester, and I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon (it was an upgrade contract, not full price). When I asked the sales rep he said that the SIM card would have to be unlocked. However, when I talked to Verizon "technical support" they said, no, they're already unlocked and ready for international use. What I've seen in other forums is that people say it seemingly takes SIM cards but won't pick the network up. Does anybody here have experience with the Verizon S4 being used internationally? Can it be done? Do I need to unlock it? Thanks for any insights!
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Click to collapse
As a Verizon phone uses a CDMA signal, I don't think it is going to work anywhere in Europe where they use GSM signals. Sorry.

bsam55 said:
As a Verizon phone uses a CDMA signal, I don't think it is going to work anywhere in Europe where they use GSM signals. Sorry.
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Click to collapse
The S4 is equipped with a GSM radio, I checked on that much at least.

Yes
I went ahead and just bit the bullet and bought a SIM card here, and good news: it works :good:
HOWEVER, I believe the problem that others who tried to use it globally were having is that it defaults to Global mode, which doesn't really seem to work (No clue what Global mode is, but I got a signal with no data connection). For anyone who wants to use it internationally, you will have to manually switch to GSM/UMTS by going to Settings>Connections>More networks>Mobile networks>Network mode>GSM/UMTS

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[Q] Possible to Unlock?

Hi I wanted to buy this pone from amazon, but the thing is that I would buy the sprint versiĆ³n with no contract and I don't live in the US, so my question is, can I unlock this pone to use it with any other company? like Movistar? I read that the pone was GSM so I thought it would be posible, however I won't take the risk of paying 590 dollars for a pone that I can't use, thanks
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Won't work. Sprint is NOT gsm
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
hyelton said:
Won't work. Sprint is NOT gsm
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
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if you dont know dont tell !! sprint s4 (gsm-cdma) but gsm its locked (low level lock )
LIAM83 said:
if you dont know dont tell !! sprint s4 (gsm-cdma) but gsm its locked (low level lock )
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Click to collapse
What do you mean if I dont know dont tell? What does that supposed to mean?
I KNOW my Cellular Networks!
Sprint is a CDMA Network!
The ONLY part about sprint that is NOT CDMA is LTE which the sim card slot is LOCKED to sprint.
They MIGHT be a fix but right now there is NOT. Some of the older phones like the Moto Photon its not LTE but its a world phone and people could flash a few things and make it work, But only EDGE in the USA anyway.
But as of right now and problay for a while its NOT going to work.
hyelton said:
What do you mean if I dont know dont tell? What does that supposed to mean?
I KNOW my Cellular Networks!
Sprint is a CDMA Network!
The ONLY part about sprint that is NOT CDMA is LTE which the sim card slot is LOCKED to sprint.
They MIGHT be a fix but right now there is NOT. Some of the older phones like the Moto Photon its not LTE but its a world phone and people could flash a few things and make it work, But only EDGE in the USA anyway.
But as of right now and problay for a while its NOT going to work.
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Click to collapse
Thats right sprint CDMA provider YES! but sprint announce more cdma-gsm phones (like blackberry) now sprint sell locked phones (htcone , S4)and this man need know maybe he unlock phone for him country(i think he live in spain(movistar as i know its spain company! right now he not can use gsm in this phone but i think i found solution maybe via nv maybe via modem patch !
sorry for my english )its not my own language !
LIAM83 said:
Thats right sprint CDMA provider YES! but sprint announce more cdma-gsm phones (like blackberry) now sprint sell locked phones (htcone , S4)and this man need know maybe he unlock phone for him country(i think he live in spain(movistar as i know its spain company! right now he not can use gsm in this phone but i think i found solution maybe via nv maybe via modem patch !
sorry for my english )its not my own language !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Modem patch is not even possible with this phone right now... The phones are ONLY meant to run on GSM for LTE data and NOTHING ELSE
hyelton said:
Modem patch is not even possible with this phone right now... The phones are ONLY meant to run on GSM for LTE data and NOTHING ELSE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bro you not right ! not only for lte data ! if we unlock this phone we can use it in at&t voice and data and t-mobile too ! belive me i know all about samsung phones !!
LIAM83 said:
bro you not right ! not only for lte data ! if we unlock this phone we can use it in at&t voice and data and t-mobile too ! belive me i know all about samsung phones !!
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Click to collapse
I expect Sprint will provide a method soon to unlock the GSM and UMTS functions in the phone to be able to use it internationally. However, I don't expect the GSM and UMTS functions to operate inside the US. Sprint has always disabld them on GSM capable Android and iOS devices it sells.
I don't see why it wouldn't work for you as long as you can get it unlocked.
Sprint is not going to unlock it for you unless you are a long time customer or have the phone with them for 90 days.
hyelton is completely wrong though.. the sim does authenticate lte on sprint but also acts as a gsm sim internationally.
you can also remove the sim and insert any international sim once unlocked providing the carrier uses the correct bands.
hyelton said:
Modem patch is not even possible with this phone right now... The phones are ONLY meant to run on GSM for LTE data and NOTHING ELSE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are all kinds of WRONG.
Sprint's GS4 is fully capable of voice and data on international GSM/HSPA+/UMTS 850/900/1900/2100MHz networks. You have to request Sprint to unlock your phone's sim (or find a work around if you're not a Sprint customer), but once unlocked you can pop in any international sim and it will WORK JUST FINE on international GSM networks, they don't have to support LTE. Heck the only thing preventing the SG4 from working on US GSM networks is Sprint locked the Sim from using USofA GSM carrier sim cards.
As long as the OP can get their Sprint SG4 sim unlocked, they can pop in their international sim and use the GSM in their country NO PROBLEM like any other GSM phone.
SO ONCE AGAIN, Sprint's SG4 has a fully functioning GSM modem that supports international carrier GSM/HSPA+/UMTS 850/900/1900/2100MHz bands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You would think someone with almost 2,000 posts and who made a statement like "I KNOW my Cellular Networks!" would know better. Do yourself a huge favor and actually know what you're talking about before you go spouting off again, because you really made yourself look like an ignorant fool.
BamAlmighty said:
You are all kinds of WRONG.
Sprint's GS4 is fully capable of voice and data on international GSM/HSPA+/UMTS 850/900/1900/2100MHz networks. You have to request Sprint to unlock your phone's sim (or find a work around if you're not a Sprint customer), but once unlocked you can pop in any international sim and it will WORK JUST FINE on international GSM networks, they don't have to support LTE. Heck the only thing preventing the SG4 from working on US GSM networks is Sprint locked the Sim from using USofA GSM carrier sim cards.
As long as the OP can get their Sprint SG4 sim unlocked, they can pop in their international sim and use the GSM in their country NO PROBLEM like any other GSM phone.
SO ONCE AGAIN, Sprint's SG4 has a fully functioning GSM modem that supports international carrier GSM/HSPA+/UMTS 850/900/1900/2100MHz bands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You would think someone with almost 2,000 posts and who made a statement like "I KNOW my Cellular Networks!" would know better. Do yourself a huge favor and actually know what you're talking about before you go spouting off again, because you really made yourself look like an ignorant fool.
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Well YES you can easily use your phone overseas, But it was POSTED in the Sprint Forum which is ONLY in the USA and in which using it does NOT apply in the USA. And to get the phone unlocked I`m not sure if a regular unlocking company would be able to do it someone with a sprint account would and it would be MUCH more trouble than just to pick up a ACTUAL GSM carriers Version of the phone.( I should had just said that to begin with) Its VERY pointless to TRY and want to use the sprint Version when they are SEVERAL OTHER varrients that are GSM they could have got to use.
EXCEPT... the op specifically said they wanted to purchase it from Amazon America to use on their country's GSM network.
Why they want to do that? WHO KNOWS, maybe it might be cheaper doing it this way, but that is what they want to do and despite all your unnecessary wrongful information, the OP can do what they asked as long as they can get the sim unlocked.
BamAlmighty said:
EXCEPT... again EXCEPT the op specifically said they wanted to purchase it from Amazon America to use on their country's GSM network.
Why they want to do that? WHO KNOWS, maybe it might be cheaper doing it this way, but that is what they want to do.
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Click to collapse
I sell on Amazon and Most people wont ship out of the USA on Amazon. Mostly only Candia but Ive tried ordering a lot of things overseas and 90% I cant as they wont ship here
Amazon sells the Sprint for $599 this is probably why. I bought mine at Best Buy and had them price match Amazon for that price.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Yea but out of country cant buy FROM sprint...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Looks like everyone here is an expert in this matter but so far haven't seen a single link to reputable sources... OP call sprint international department and get answer straight from the carrier (888) 226-7212
Even IF the phone is capable of being used in GSM bands internationally, you would have to get it unlocked by sprint and they change policies all the time so just call..
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2
I got my phone unlocked for international use. I contacted sprint international services. I was initially told that you have to be activated for at least 90 days before they could unlock the phone but would forward my request to some department. After one day I got a email that my phone has been unlocked.
fusiondynamics said:
I got my phone unlocked for international use. I contacted sprint international services. I was initially told that you have to be activated for at least 90 days before they could unlock the phone but would forward my request to some department. After one day I got a email that my phone has been unlocked.
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Click to collapse
They unlocked Sprint Galaxy 4?
mkang said:
They unlocked Sprint Galaxy 4?
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Click to collapse
Yea.... but it ONLY works internationally AND you have to be a sprint customer.
The POINT I have been trying to get across is that people need to understand Sprint is a CDMA carrier and ONLY relies on GSM for LTE. I think what people think is that they are solely a gsm carrier like most of the world is but its NOT
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium

[Q] provider lock?

I searched forums and google, but could not find a definitive answer - if I take my Verizon Note 3 to Europe, will I be able to use local SIMs there as far as frequencies are supported? Would I need to call Verizon and ask to unlock it before I go as I did a few years ago with T-Mobile?
virx14 said:
I searched forums and google, but could not find a definitive answer - if I take my Verizon Note 3 to Europe, will I be able to use local SIMs there as far as frequencies are supported? Would I need to call Verizon and ask to unlock it before I go as I did a few years ago with T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The theory is that all the phones come sim unlocked. If a phone was never activated with Verizon it would not work with any other carrier SIM. If it has been activated and used on Verizon, then we can proceed to put other SIM cards from other countries (outside the US).

[Q] LG-LS980

I just got my hands on one, great phone, best I've ever had.
I got offered a job out of the country and will probably be moving to Brazil soon, did anyone have any luck unlocking this phone yet? I know the phone is both GSM and CDMA, and it also has a SIM card slot, I haven't tried just putting another SIM card on it yet. It might be a little too soon since I think the sprint variant just came out, but thought I'd ask.
Thank you
Don't worry, it is already unlocked for any gsm carrier. I use it in Asia with local sim card without any problems.
Melodycd said:
Don't worry, it is already unlocked for any gsm carrier. I use it in Asia with local sim card without any problems.
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Click to collapse
Apologies for digging this back up, but I have just arrived in Brazil, what setting did you use for it to recognize the SIM card? I put it in and it definitely does not ask me for a SIM unlock code, and sprints manual for it says that it isn't SIM locked. Again, apologies, it's just that the G2 is just sitting here for now.
Edit: Ah I just realized you have the Verizon variant of the phone, mine is the Sprint one The Verizon is indeed unlocked out of the box. I'd like to know about the Sprint one.
Also have a sprint ls980 and is locked
Call sprint to unlock it for you over the phone?
Last year I called sprint first before international travel, then I was given some instructions (thanks the representative) to open the service menu in the phone (moto photon) and made some changes to it.
After landed in China I bought a sim card and got the phone up to a GSM network. It took me some more time to find out and set APN settings correctly to enable data connection. Store guys there were smart looking but seemed not familiar with adopting sprint phones.
Later I even spared some time to download local CDMA radio firmware and flashed it to the phone, and finally was able to use the phone on CDMA network there. I had to flash the photon back to sprint radio once landed in LA.
Hathoid said:
Apologies for digging this back up, but I have just arrived in Brazil, what setting did you use for it to recognize the SIM card? I put it in and it definitely does not ask me for a SIM unlock code, and sprints manual for it says that it isn't SIM locked. Again, apologies, it's just that the G2 is just sitting here for now.
Edit: Ah I just realized you have the Verizon variant of the phone, mine is the Sprint one The Verizon is indeed unlocked out of the box. I'd like to know about the Sprint one.
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Click to collapse
harmonyxda said:
Call sprint to unlock it for you over the phone?
Last year I called sprint first before international travel, then I was given some instructions (thanks the representative) to open the service menu in the phone (moto photon) and made some changes to it.
After landed in China I bought a sim card and got the phone up to a GSM network. It took me some more time to find out and set APN settings correctly to enable data connection. Store guys there were smart looking but seemed not familiar with adopting sprint phones.
Later I even spared some time to download local CDMA radio firmware and flashed it to the phone, and finally was able to use the phone on CDMA network there. I had to flash the photon back to sprint radio once landed in LA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I'm not a sprint customer, I was given this as a gift by someone who didn't know about the whole carrier locking dilemma. Most of the other GSM-able sprint phones have been unlocked by users also, and on the other hand, on new phones, it takes sprint quite some time to figure out how to unlock it themselves, at least from what I've been reading.
Hathoid said:
Unfortunately I'm not a sprint customer, I was given this as a gift by someone who didn't know about the whole carrier locking dilemma. Most of the other GSM-able sprint phones have been unlocked by users also, and on the other hand, on new phones, it takes sprint quite some time to figure out how to unlock it themselves, at least from what I've been reading.
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Click to collapse
There are some 'SIM unlock' LG G2 posts like this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2455956
I never tried/tested it tough.
harmonyxda said:
There are some 'SIM unlock' LG G2 posts like this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2455956
I never tried/tested it tough.
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Click to collapse
These unfortunately don't work as with sprint there isn't an unlock code to even put in when you put another SIM card on the phone.
Dammit! I've ordered few LG G2 Sprint, for use with GSM services overseas, but now I see that I'm in trouble cause of that Sprint's lock!!
Is there any solution???
Ramonsterator said:
Dammit! I've ordered few LG G2 Sprint, for use with GSM services overseas, but now I see that I'm in trouble cause of that Sprint's lock!!
Is there any solution???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of now I don't think there is a solution, I have not heard of anyone who's actually gotten it unlocked yet, not even from sprint, I think we'll have to wait a while before we see any unlocking business.

[Q] Prospective buyer, ?'s on the variant options

Hi everyone -
Have been on here quite frequently for my SGSIIE4GT, but it's been a while since I've posted. I'm in the market for a new phone, and I think I will be going with the Note 3. However, boy am I confused on which model is the right fit for me. I could really use some help and a little insight, as the reps at AT&T, TMO, VZN, and Samsung Live Chat haven't been able to answer my questions.
I'm currently with Sprint, and looking to leave. I would be using the Note 3 near San Francisco 90-95% of the time, but I do travel 6-7x/yr to Asia, Canada, UK, and South America. I'm pretty sure I will buy the phone on no contract and use with TMO, AT&T, Straight Talk, or AIO. I've been reading some issues with "region locks" though that scare me a bit, not sure if this is still an issue with the models sold in the US.
From what I can see, ATT, TMO, VZN, and Sprint all have their own "versions" of the phone. ATT and TMO obviously use the same cell tech (GSM), so I don't understand why they have different versions. The VZN and Sprint versions would run on CDMA, which as I understand, won't do me any good if I travel overseas due to no CDMA elsewhere. Then there's the int'l unlocked versions, and the Developer edition. But then I heard just yesterday that the VZN Note 3 works on GSM (somehow, haven't figured that out though).....is there a SIM card slot in that version? After all that, I guess what I'm looking for is this which I could use some insight on:
Want to use the phone:
-with LTE using ATT/TMO/ST/AIO/VZN here in the U.S.
-want to buy off contract
-do not want bloatware...so do I need to buy unlocked?
-need to have it functional still if I go out of the country and purchase a local SIM card (some people ask me exactly which service I use overseas, and I don't have an answer b/c I haven't done this yet, my Sprint phone didn't even give me the option)
Which model is appropriate for that type of use? I read on Amazon that TMO's version is the best one out there b/c the ATT model doesn't work on TMO, but TMO's works on TMO and ATT.....
Thanks so much for your time. Samsung has really confused me with this phone, and could really just use some suggestions. Thanks again!
Chris
chrisingrassia said:
Hi everyone -
Have been on here quite frequently for my SGSIIE4GT, but it's been a while since I've posted. I'm in the market for a new phone, and I think I will be going with the Note 3. However, boy am I confused on which model is the right fit for me. I could really use some help and a little insight, as the reps at AT&T, TMO, VZN, and Samsung Live Chat haven't been able to answer my questions.
I'm currently with Sprint, and looking to leave. I would be using the Note 3 near San Francisco 90-95% of the time, but I do travel 6-7x/yr to Asia, Canada, UK, and South America. I'm pretty sure I will buy the phone on no contract and use with TMO, AT&T, Straight Talk, or AIO. I've been reading some issues with "region locks" though that scare me a bit, not sure if this is still an issue with the models sold in the US.
From what I can see, ATT, TMO, VZN, and Sprint all have their own "versions" of the phone. ATT and TMO obviously use the same cell tech (GSM), so I don't understand why they have different versions. The VZN and Sprint versions would run on CDMA, which as I understand, won't do me any good if I travel overseas due to no CDMA elsewhere. Then there's the int'l unlocked versions, and the Developer edition. But then I heard just yesterday that the VZN Note 3 works on GSM (somehow, haven't figured that out though).....is there a SIM card slot in that version? After all that, I guess what I'm looking for is this which I could use some insight on:
Want to use the phone:
-with LTE using ATT/TMO/ST/AIO/VZN here in the U.S.
-want to buy off contract
-do not want bloatware...so do I need to buy unlocked?
-need to have it functional still if I go out of the country and purchase a local SIM card (some people ask me exactly which service I use overseas, and I don't have an answer b/c I haven't done this yet, my Sprint phone didn't even give me the option)
Which model is appropriate for that type of use? I read on Amazon that TMO's version is the best one out there b/c the ATT model doesn't work on TMO, but TMO's works on TMO and ATT.....
Thanks so much for your time. Samsung has really confused me with this phone, and could really just use some suggestions. Thanks again!
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think international n9005 would be the one for you i know it will cover all Europe and i know it works on u.s t mobile, so have a look into that one
Hope that helps a bit
The 9005 will work in all other countries pretty much.
In the US it might work on tmobile as stated above but I'm not sure about the others.
jaythenut said:
I would think international n9005 would be the one for you i know it will cover all Europe and i know it works on u.s t mobile, so have a look into that one
Hope that helps a bit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skander1998 said:
The 9005 will work in all other countries pretty much.
In the US it might work on tmobile as stated above but I'm not sure about the others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. I have seen the N9005 tossed around a few times as well. I think the constant question I keep having is I see this phone made with the SD800 or the Exynos chip....but not which models have which chipset. I found the 9005 on Negiri in 32gb and the SD800....but if it works on tmobile why wouldn't it work on ATT? I thought they run the exact same tech.....no?
chrisingrassia said:
Thanks guys. I have seen the N9005 tossed around a few times as well. I think the constant question I keep having is I see this phone made with the SD800 or the Exynos chip....but not which models have which chipset. I found the 9005 on Negiri in 32gb and the SD800....but if it works on tmobile why wouldn't it work on ATT? I thought they run the exact same tech.....no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International has a snapdragon 800 and lte
jaythenut said:
International has a snapdragon 800 and lte
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome news, thanks.
Do you know if the Note 3 Developer Edition for Verizon, which works on their LTE network, comes with a SIM card slot that I can utilize if I go overseas? Boy, that would be ideal. I checked out the manual (http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/co...ual_MI9_F5.pdf) and it shows a SIM slot for the phone, no?
I was told by one of the writers at Droid Life that the Verizon N3 can be used on GSM. I thought that was impossible.
I seriously apologize if these are elementary questions, I truly do appreciate any insight. Just don't want to make a huge financial mistake.
Does anyone knows how to activate ltr on my note 3 ?? It is on by default and cannot access it from the settings thank you
---------- Post added at 12:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 AM ----------
]Does anyone knows how to activate ltr on my note 3 ?? It is on by default and cannot access it from the settings thank you
N900T. That's if your in the USA 90% of time .
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Thanks for the input guys/gals. Really appreciate it. I went to Best Buy after work last night and talked with the Samsung tech rep. Turns out, the VZN Note 3 comes factory unlocked (per FCC law), and it has a sim card slot so I can use it on GSM if I travel overseas. One and done. I already put my name on the backorder list for the developer edition from Samsung so I can be sure to have functionality to remove bloatware. Wouldn't it be cool if the Note 3 could just come with 4.3 and Samsung's additions, but not any of Verizon's garbage??? I know, pipe dream.
chrisingrassia said:
Thanks for the input guys/gals. Really appreciate it. I went to Best Buy after work last night and talked with the Samsung tech rep. Turns out, the VZN Note 3 comes factory unlocked (per FCC law), and it has a sim card slot so I can use it on GSM if I travel overseas. One and done. I already put my name on the backorder list for the developer edition from Samsung so I can be sure to have functionality to remove bloatware. Wouldn't it be cool if the Note 3 could just come with 4.3 and Samsung's additions, but not any of Verizon's garbage??? I know, pipe dream.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa, so it's a good thing I didn't buy the DE Note 3 yet and just on backorder. Just read - Verizon doesn't allow 4G phones to go prepaid? That makes no sense, because then the DE Note 3 would then be nothing but a paperweight since it must be purchased at full price (meaning, you could only then use it prepaid, no?). I do value Verizon's network, but their prices are just absurd compared to competitors.
Is there any difference whatsoever between the TMO and AT&T variants of the Note 3? I can't seem to spot a single difference.

Is Verizon S5 unlocked? Can it be used on T-Mobile?

Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
nthydro said:
Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
It is GSM/LTE unlocked (as are all Verizon LTE devices), but I'm pretty sure it doesn't have T-Mobile's LTE bands (or at the very least it doesn't have all of their bands).
From what I have been reading, on a Verizon phone, calls and data using GSM and WCDMA bands would work. But LTE bands are Verizon specific hence would not work.
Tl; Dr Voice /data using GSM/WCDMA. No LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 AM ----------
alex_tytn said:
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean, once unlocked, T-Mobile and AT&T versions would work on each other's networks including LTE?
I also noticed that with S5, there aren't GSM carrier specific versions. Meaning they are going IPhone route with making all GSM phones enabled that for that country's LTE bands. Is that right reading?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
it is unlocked
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
alex_tytn said:
I don't know the answer to your question but I can confirm that the Galaxy S5 that I received from TMobile was in fact LOCKED.
I called the support # and was told that I had to have service and use it for 40 days before it could be unlocked.
I PAID THE FULL PRICE ($720 with tax)!!!
I asked to speak with a supervisor -- after 10 minutes on hold -- no change.
I told the store that I was going to bring it back because I didn't pay $700 for a locked phone. Everyone has been nice but it's locked for policy issues and not for technical reasons. I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4.
And, AT&T is worse -- one guy told me 3 months and tech support said it had to be active for 6 months.
>> So, my AT&T sim card is not working in my SM-G900T model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile isn't locked.
Sent from my SM-G900T
drworsley said:
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How? If you put a TMobile SIM in the phone, or any other foreign SIM, it boots but receives no service. This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US.
Pictures please. For the record, my S5 doesn't register on a network with a TMobile or Australian SIM. The Australian SIM in a Nexus 5 roams to TMobile.
-- Dan
Cpudan80 said:
How? If you put a TMobile SIM in the phone, or any other foreign SIM, it boots but receives no service. This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US.
Pictures please. For the record, my S5 doesn't register on a network with a TMobile or Australian SIM. The Australian SIM in a Nexus 5 roams to TMobile.
-- Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was probably true about a year ago but the recent releases from Verizon, e.g. iPhone 5/5s and galaxy s4 has been fully unlocked world phones. I'm sure there are a few other phones... I think lg g2? I'm not exactly sure. But I have personally stuck my sim(T-Mobile) into my friend's Verizon phones (s4 and iPhone 5s) and they work right away after a reboot. Only problem might be an edit in APN for data and mms. Just sharing my experience, you should check out your phones again.
Teo032 said:
This was probably true about a year ago but the recent releases from Verizon, e.g. iPhone 5/5s and galaxy s4 has been fully unlocked world phones. I'm sure there are a few other phones... I think lg g2? I'm not exactly sure. But I have personally stuck my sim(T-Mobile) into my friend's Verizon phones (s4 and iPhone 5s) and they work right away after a reboot. Only problem might be an edit in APN for data and mms. Just sharing my experience, you should check out your phones again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you tried this process in the actual phone in question, then you don't really know if it works. The phone DOES NOT just magically work on TMobile if you put a SIM in, you receive NO service. Now, I didn't go mess around with APNs -- typically those are only for MMS/Data. This is also true for several other phones:
Razr HD / Maxx HD
Galaxy S3
In the past, when the phones were SIM locked, a foreign SIM would prompt for an unlock code before the phone even booted into "normal" Android. That's not the case here -- because the phone is not SIM locked -- but I do believe it is network locked to VZW only when in the US.
For the record, I did try this in my S5. I will be going to Australia next week and will try a Telstra (or perhaps Optus) SIM over there to see what happens.
-- Dan
Cpudan80 said:
Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you tried this process in the actual phone in question, then you don't really know if it works. The phone DOES NOT just magically work on TMobile if you put a SIM in, you receive NO service. Now, I didn't go mess around with APNs -- typically those are only for MMS/Data. This is also true for several other phones:
Razr HD / Maxx HD
Galaxy S3
In the past, when the phones were SIM locked, a foreign SIM would prompt for an unlock code before the phone even booted into "normal" Android. That's not the case here -- because the phone is not SIM locked -- but I do believe it is network locked to VZW only when in the US.
For the record, I did try this in my S5. I will be going to Australia next week and will try a Telstra (or perhaps Optus) SIM over there to see what happens.
-- Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I haven't tried it on the s5, but I was pointing out fact that it does work on recent releases which someone confirmed worked on s5 by just plugging it in. I'm also correcting your statement " This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US." because Verizon apple does work in the US on T-Mobile and AT&T beginning from iPhone 5. I believe the 4s was still carrier locked.
I was a wireless agent not to long ago, so I know how these things work, not that it magically just works... I'm just sharing you how some recent releases from Verizon has been world unlocked and a few others have mentioned that they just plugged it in and it worked. So good luck and have fun in Australia.
Teo032 said:
Yes, I haven't tried it on the s5, but I was pointing out fact that it does work on recent releases which someone confirmed worked on s5 by just plugging it in. I'm also correcting your statement " This is in line with almost all other Verizon branded phones (excluding Apple) -- where the phone works (unlocked) outside the US, but won't roam to ATT/TMo in the US." because Verizon apple does work in the US on T-Mobile and AT&T beginning from iPhone 5. I believe the 4s was still carrier locked.
I was a wireless agent not to long ago, so I know how these things work, not that it magically just works... I'm just sharing you how some recent releases from Verizon has been world unlocked and a few others have mentioned that they just plugged it in and it worked. So good luck and have fun in Australia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK Thanks.
It is odd that the apple phones -- and some of the Android phones -- are totally unlocked so that you can use them on ATT/TMobile in the US -- but some (like the S5, apparently) are not. I still am interested to know how some of the other users in this thread got their S5s working on TMobile...
Why would anyone want to buy a Verizon GS5 and use it on T-Mobile? The bootloader is locked and there is currently no unlock method available.
Would you like to exchange?
Would you like to exchange your verizon s5 with my tmobile s5?
i wanted to use it for verizon but the phone is locked to tmobile and at&t.
It would be ideol if i can find someone to exchange it with someone who has a verizon s5 and is looking for tmobile or at&t s5.
thanks,
sy3dal29 said:
Would you like to exchange your verizon s5 with my tmobile s5?
i wanted to use it for verizon but the phone is locked to tmobile and at&t.
It would be ideol if i can find someone to exchange it with someone who has a verizon s5 and is looking for tmobile or at&t s5.
thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could check out Swappa. There may be some people that are interested.
nthydro said:
Hey guys. Is the Verizon S5 CDMA + GSM?
Is it factory unlocked?
Can it be used on T-mobile with everything working correctly (LTE/4G)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm the Verizon GS5 is compatible with T-Mobiles LTE network I'm using one now with LTE all you have to do is go to settings mobile network and switch to Global mode some times you'll have to toggle LTE then back to global to get LTE to kick in.
I am able to successfully use my VZ Galaxy Note 3 and my wife uses her VZ Galaxy S5, both devices on T-mobile Edge, HSPA, HSPA+ (21mbps), and LTE (band 4) frequencies. These devices unfortunately will not do DC-HSPA+ (42mbps), but that's not a big deal for us because LTE coverage is good where we live. We have no issues with making voice calls, or sending SMS/MMS, and don't have to switch APN's or toggle between Global Mode or GSM/UMTS mode. We leave them on Global Mode with the correct APN settings.
Here's the guide I followed for both (with correct APN settings screenshots to accommodate for MMS on page 4 or 5 i believe):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2582747
..
How
drworsley said:
I am using the verizon s5 on tmobile. It is unlocked and can be used on tmobile LTE. However there are only set modes. LTE/CDMA GSM/UMTS AND GLOBAL. Which means you can't use lte and gsm at the same time (no lte data and voice calls). I usually keep it on gsm, and when I need speedy data I switch it to lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the Verizon S5? BTW theres a bounty on doing so.
..
This is all new info to me. I have an AT&T galaxy S5 that I want to use on Verizon. Is it possible or do I need to trade for a Verizon-specific model?

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