Galaxy S8 on Verizon and Tmobile - Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers

I am interested in trying Tmobile for service but have a phone issue. I currently have Verizon service with a S5. Tmobile has advised me that my S5 would not work great on their network. They suggested that I buy an S8 to give their network the proper test. But if I do not like the service coverage, I understand their S8 would not work properly on the Verizon network if I were to switch back. So, I would like to know if I purchased an S8 from Verizon would it work well on the Tmobile network. Also, if I purchased an unlocked S8 from Samsung would it work well on both Tmobile and Verizon.
Please give me your advise.

nkg said:
I am interested in trying Tmobile for service but have a phone issue. I currently have Verizon service with a S5. Tmobile has advised me that my S5 would not work great on their network. They suggested that I buy an S8 to give their network the proper test. But if I do not like the service coverage, I understand their S8 would not work properly on the Verizon network if I were to switch back. So, I would like to know if I purchased an S8 from Verizon would it work well on the Tmobile network. Also, if I purchased an unlocked S8 from Samsung would it work well on both Tmobile and Verizon.
Please give me your advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some "unlocked " phones are gsm only and Verizon is cdma(I think the s8 and plus have all bands though not 100%sure). Make sure it's compatible 1st. I setup Verizon s5s and s6s for people on T-Mobile before besides the sim card isn't from Verizon message when you 1st boot up they worked fine for them. Make sure apns are correct and don't use Verizon message app you'll be ok to try network.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

If you truly want the S8 no matter which service you end up with, get the unlocked us version (like at Best buy) it should be both GSM and CDMA.

nkg said:
I am interested in trying Tmobile for service but have a phone issue. I currently have Verizon service with a S5. Tmobile has advised me that my S5 would not work great on their network. They suggested that I buy an S8 to give their network the proper test. But if I do not like the service coverage, I understand their S8 would not work properly on the Verizon network if I were to switch back. So, I would like to know if I purchased an S8 from Verizon would it work well on the Tmobile network. Also, if I purchased an unlocked S8 from Samsung would it work well on both Tmobile and Verizon.
Please give me your advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An unlocked version from Samsung.com should serve you better on both of your carriers. I have an unlocked S8, purchased from Samsung and I use it with T-Mobile.
Read the first portion and then scroll to the bottom for fine print and you will find your answer.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/unlocked-by-samsung/

Charkatak said:
An unlocked version from Samsung.com should serve you better on both of your carriers. I have an unlocked S8, purchased from Samsung and I use it with T-Mobile.
Read the first portion and then scroll to the bottom for fine print and you will find your answer.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/unlocked-by-samsung/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response

Related

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?

[Q] Switching Carriers & Unlocking Download Booster

i am currently on Sprint and have had it with their service. I live near Chicago, supposedly one of Sprint's maiden Spark cities, and their speeds have either stayed the same or have been worse than in the past. Because I just bought my phone under contract and other reasons, I am looking to jump to T-Mobile.
One thing I am considering is whether or not I should keep my current S5 or trade it into T-Mobile and get a new S5 from them. I know T-Mobile has the Download Booster feature unlocked on their handsets, but I am not sure if this is something deleted from Sprint's handsets before they sold them, or if the device is locked by the SIM or any other reason.
Has anyone else had an experience making this switch? I am curious what others have experienced.
u can not use Sprint S5 on T-Mobile anyway, time for new S5 if u made that switch.
koolboyztn said:
u can not use Sprint S5 on T-Mobile anyway, time for new S5 if u made that switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past, that is true. The S5 actually uses a SIM card and can be used on a GSM carrier.
lookup Sprint S5 (CDMA) and T-Mobile S5 (GSM) then u will know what is the different.
koolboyztn said:
lookup Sprint S5 (CDMA) and T-Mobile S5 (GSM) then u will know what is the different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am fully aware the difference between Sprint's CDMA network and T-Mobile's GSM network. If you look at Sprint's S5 specs, it still has a GSM antenna. Here's my reference.

Anyone have experience with SIM unlocking services?

Hi, I am currently with AT&T but would prefer purchasing a t mobile S7 outright and unlocking it for use on AT&T. Anyone have any experiences with unlocking services?
Yap, I remember using https://www.unlockunit.com/ last year, charged me ~$20 for AT&T S6 Edge, and it worked.
Unlocking
I have used these guys a few times with success
Quick phone unlock dot com
don't know about ATT but with Tmobile, unlock codes do not work anymore. atleast for the s6
galaxy s7 edge unlock sim request
do any one know how to unlock sim for galaxy s7 sprint provider trying to switch to metro pcs
marese310 said:
do any one know how to unlock sim for galaxy s7 sprint provider trying to switch to metro pcs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try these guys - www.cellunlocker.net. I've been using them for a long time and they've always come through for me.
Sim-unlock.net
Did mine last night
i have used cellunlocker.net before and they have been 100% able to unlock what i had. i even made the mistake of buying twice for some reason but they refunded me the 2nd one without me even asking. it's the new tmobile unlock app i havent tried yet. i tried getting them to unlock my tmobile s6 before but after a day or two they said they couldnt do it because of the new system and refunded me and i never tried again. but looks like they figured it out for the s6. i would try it but there is no way for me to test if it works. every sim i have and can borrow is tmobile
I wanna buy now a Sprint, Galaxy S7, and use it on the Verizon network, because Verizon has less capabilities to play around with software. but Verizon is still the better service, so I wanna stick to them, so does anybody know if Sprint still locks their LTE phones? And will it work 100% on the Verizon network, and how will it work internationally on the GSM network, can someone please educate me in this Subject?
Try this service: www.unlockradar.com if you want to unlock your Glaxy S7. Customer support is very responsive and they can asist you at any time.

Trying to move VZW S7 -> Sprint

Not having luck with Sprint customer service getting my old unlocked Verizon S7 onto the Sprint network.
Anyone had success or have any hints on how to make this work?
trippme said:
Not having luck with Sprint customer service getting my old unlocked Verizon S7 onto the Sprint network.
Anyone had success or have any hints on how to make this work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint probably can't unlock your VZW S7, you'd need to ask Verizon wireless to unlock it or use a third party service to unlock it.
trippme said:
Not having luck with Sprint customer service getting my old unlocked Verizon S7 onto the Sprint network.
Anyone had success or have any hints on how to make this work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the U firmware to it and take it into a store , as long as they dont look at the back of the phone they will be under the impression its a 935u and will push through a activation
Unfortunately, I have U firmware on there and they always look at the back. The problem is arising that the IMEI is not in their system and when they try to add it, it fails. Then they dig deeper and I get nothing but run around.
Finally got to someone who explained that they are not allowed to add a S7 (non-edge) to their network. Stupid.
Yeah, Sprint white lists all their devices by the ESN. The only S7s they will activate on their network are "P" variants sold by them or through their authorized channels or original "U" units (flashing to "U" doesn't count). Stupid? Yeah. But that's Sprint.

A T-Mobile S8 on Verizon

I've searched and cant find anything but the bands for either service. Which they use a lot of the same. Is a T-Mobile branded S8 usable on Verizon? Full 4G or not? Thanks!
its a gsm device. i believe the internet data part will work but not phone calls
the_rooter said:
its a gsm device. i believe the internet data part will work but not phone calls
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn. I was hoping since they all have the same model number that it would be possible.
steven1193 said:
I've searched and cant find anything but the bands for either service. Which they use a lot of the same. Is a T-Mobile branded S8 usable on Verizon? Full 4G or not? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call Verizon with your IMEI # and they can check if it's compatible with their network.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
steven1193 said:
I've searched and cant find anything but the bands for either service. Which they use a lot of the same. Is a T-Mobile branded S8 usable on Verizon? Full 4G or not? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlock it...it will work just fine.
steven1193 said:
I've searched and cant find anything but the bands for either service. Which they use a lot of the same. Is a T-Mobile branded S8 usable on Verizon? Full 4G or not? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever figure out if this was possible? I can't seem to find a definitive answer.
Bump - anyone know if this will work?
As soon as I get mine unlocked I'll let you know as I have Verizon. All s8 models are the same but I'm sure the T-Mobile software has blocked Verizon bands. I'm sure if you flash Verizon software it will work just fine.
I have an unlocked T-Mobile Galaxy S8+ and it does not work on Verizon. I went into a Verizon store and they tried for an hour to activate the phone to no avail. They tried multiple different SIM cards and none of them worked. If anyone has better luck, please let me know. But they weren't able to figure it out at Verizon.
herbn said:
I have an unlocked T-Mobile Galaxy S8+ and it does not work on Verizon. I went into a Verizon store and they tried for an hour to activate the phone to no avail. They tried multiple different SIM cards and none of them worked. If anyone has better luck, please let me know. But they weren't able to figure it out at Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need an unlocked Tmobile S8 or S8 plus.
Read the instruction in "Flash any carrier 100%" to flash to the carrier you desired, activate all bands.
Then use it on Verizon.
You need to flash your phone to Verizon to work. I did the exact opposite actually. I bought a Verizon device and flashed it fully to T-Mobile. Works perfect on T-Mobile because every US Galaxy S8 for the major carriers is SM-G950U. They support each other's bands, their just disabled by the carrier firmware.
ItzApp said:
You need to flash your phone to Verizon to work. I did the exact opposite actually. I bought a Verizon device and flashed it fully to T-Mobile. Works perfect on T-Mobile because every US Galaxy S8 for the major carriers is SM-G950U. They support each other's bands, their just disabled by the carrier firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi calling too? Digits?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
blaine07 said:
Wifi calling too? Digits?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know about Digits because I don't use it, but Wi-Fi calling does work. I get the T-Mobile boot logo too.
How do I flash verizon firmware to an unlocked mobile s8?
Ari2020 said:
How do I flash verizon firmware to an unlocked mobile s8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not have any luck flashing it to the official Verizon Firmware, but I was able to flash it to the G955U1 firmware. The official unlocked US Firmware. Make sure your t mobile device is SIM unlocked by TMOBILE before you do this.
1. SIM unlock device by tmobile (pay off device, meet the 40 day requirement, etc).
2. Flash to G955U1 (S8+) or G950U1 (S8).
3. Insert Verizon SIM or ATT or any SIM.
4. Your phone will give you pop up warning saying it needs to restart to configure the new SIM.
5. Enjoy your new carrier.
Did you use a Verizon SIM and did you get both VoLTE and WiFi calling to work with the G955U1 FW?
my 2 cents
Aephel said:
I did not have any luck flashing it to the official Verizon Firmware, but I was able to flash it to the G955U1 firmware. The official unlocked US Firmware. Make sure your t mobile device is SIM unlocked by TMOBILE before you do this.
1. SIM unlock device by tmobile (pay off device, meet the 40 day requirement, etc).
2. Flash to G955U1 (S8+) or G950U1 (S8).
3. Insert Verizon SIM or ATT or any SIM.
4. Your phone will give you pop up warning saying it needs to restart to configure the new SIM.
5. Enjoy your new carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
equake said:
Did you use a Verizon SIM and did you get both VoLTE and WiFi calling to work with the G955U1 FW?
my 2 cents
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to Verizon store and used one of their Verizon SIMS from a display model of the S8+. Voice over LTE works, Data works and I was not able to test Wifi Calling at the store. I even ran a speed test and had about 27mpbs down and the associate ran speed test on his phone and he got about 20mpbs down connected to the same server using the Speedtest app. I ran the LTE discovery app and shows me connected to LTE Band 13.
Hope all of this helps.
Bringing S8 to sprint?
Did you anybody try to use a TMobile or other branded S8 on Sprint? The Sprint customer support is not able to add the IMEI to their database for whatever reason.
@Aephel 
 @T33H00
Silly question, but does doing all this void Warranty? or is there no such issue anymore?
For example flashing Verizon Firmware onto a Tmobile Unlocked.
I unlocked my t-mobile s8 plus and attempted to use a Verizon SIM. It does NOT work. Verizon states that the IMEI is not in there database and that they cannot activate it.

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