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Hey guys,
I think I've finally settled on the S4 after trying and comparing it to the HTC One yesterday. It just felt far better in my hand and the screen was beautiful.
Now in the UK, as I'm sure many of you guys know (correct me if I'm wrong), but the best contract deal to have for tethering is the One plan by Three.
Unlimited data + tethering, a rare jewel indeed. As to whether they throttle during peak times, well you can't have everything and I haven't found any conclusive evidence to suggest they do so, please link me if I'm wrong here.
Either way, I am limited on my options here, due to my tethering requirements.
However the only thing preventing me from getting a Three phone is the fact that places like Phones4U or Carphone Warehouse either don't stock them or only stock SIM locked versions with branded firmwares for Three phones. Apparently they use a different method of sim locking the device, I can't be too sure what though.
Anyway, so it seems that whichever way I go about it, if I want data, I'll have a sim locked phone (they unlock after 3 months). This doesn't worry me though, what worries me is any restrictions on flashing the device.
I'm coming from an SGS - i9000. A device that seemed unbrickable and flashable every which way, from radio, to kernel, recovery and general software.
I want to know, are there any restrictions on flashing custom kernels, recoveries, modems (radios) or general firmwares that anyone has encountered, or am I safe getting a phone from Three UK (HG3)?
Rant over, sorry .
I have searched the forums and I haven't been able to find definite information.
no restrictions as im on three uk I live in bradford and im running omega rom with adam 1.4 kernel I can assure you no restrictions I don't know about sim lock but in the forum somewere is a guide to sim unlock easy peasy lemin squeezy ... pm me if you need any more guidence or any questions ill be glad to help as much as I can good luck :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
port76 said:
no restrictions as im on three uk I live in bradford and im running omega rom with adam 1.4 kernel I can assure you no restrictions I don't know about sim lock but in the forum somewere is a guide to sim unlock easy peasy lemin squeezy ... pm me if you need any more guidence or any questions ill be glad to help as much as I can good luck :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'Tar very much! That's great news. I had heard rumours there were ways to bypass simlock via software hacks, however I had never really needed to use them. I doubt the sim lock will cause a problem for me. More a case of who I pass it on to!
Astridax93 said:
Hey guys,
I think I've finally settled on the S4 after trying and comparing it to the HTC One yesterday. It just felt far better in my hand and the screen was beautiful.
Now in the UK, as I'm sure many of you guys know (correct me if I'm wrong), but the best contract deal to have for tethering is the One plan by Three.
Unlimited data + tethering, a rare jewel indeed. As to whether they throttle during peak times, well you can't have everything and I haven't found any conclusive evidence to suggest they do so, please link me if I'm wrong here.
Either way, I am limited on my options here, due to my tethering requirements.
However the only thing preventing me from getting a Three phone is the fact that places like Phones4U or Carphone Warehouse either don't stock them or only stock SIM locked versions with branded firmwares for Three phones. Apparently they use a different method of sim locking the device, I can't be too sure what though.
Anyway, so it seems that whichever way I go about it, if I want data, I'll have a sim locked phone (they unlock after 3 months). This doesn't worry me though, what worries me is any restrictions on flashing the device.
I'm coming from an SGS - i9000. A device that seemed unbrickable and flashable every which way, from radio, to kernel, recovery and general software.
I want to know, are there any restrictions on flashing custom kernels, recoveries, modems (radios) or general firmwares that anyone has encountered, or am I safe getting a phone from Three UK (HG3)?
Rant over, sorry .
I have searched the forums and I haven't been able to find definite information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Car Phone Warehouse only supply factory unlocked and unbranded phones, else I wouldn't have bought one
HTH.
RubberyDuck said:
Car Phone Warehouse only supply factory unlocked and unbranded phones, else I wouldn't have bought one
HTH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true, but not in the case of 3.
When I asked them, they said their three phones were locked to three and not from their unlocked stock.
Astridax93 said:
That is true, but not in the case of 3.
When I asked them, they said their three phones were locked to three and not from their unlocked stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was that in store or on the phone? I ordered over the phone and confirmed with them the phone would be unlocked and unbranded, for which my one is.
Maybe there policy has changed since I bought mine, give them a call Monday and ask the question.
RubberyDuck said:
Was that in store or on the phone? I ordered over the phone and confirmed with them the phone would be unlocked and unbranded, for which my one is.
Maybe there policy has changed since I bought mine, give them a call Monday and ask the question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait so are you on Three? If so, please check if your firmware is a branded one and whether your phone is sim locked. I assume the branded firmware will have some Three apps somewhere.
It's great news if they gave you a fully debranded and unlocked version!
Astridax93 said:
Wait so are you on Three? If so, please check if your firmware is a branded one and whether your phone is sim locked. I assume the branded firmware will have some Three apps somewhere.
It's great news if they gave you a fully debranded and unlocked version!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my Three phone from CPW is debranded and fully sim unlocked, thats how it came, I havent touched it
To figure out how everything works, I did some testing with several factory flashes, and OTA updates and whatnot.
If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone.
Popped my Verizon SIM in when I first got phone. I was on OPD1.170816.010, Sep 2017. My phone AUTOMATICALLY installed My Verizon and Verizon Message+ during activation, even though I was on OPD1. Not sure if this occured for everyone with a Verizon SIM, but occured for me.
Performing the OTA update which came out on Monday, 11/6 brought my device to OPD3.170816.023 (Nov 2017). This is technically the Verizon Variant. In Conclusion, Google at some point during the "check for updates" scans to see what carrier SIM card you have in.
Factory flashed one more time back down to the stock OPD1 September build, performed update one more time. Confirmed, it updated me to the Verizon "version" of OPD3.170816.023
Each time I did the Factory Reset/Full Factory Flash, the moment my phone activated and saw the Verizon SIM, it installed those two apps...
Fast forward, now to compare Factory Stock Images from the official factory image website.
I download two factory images to compare side by side radio/bootloader differences: OPD3.170816.023, Nov 2017 Verizon... as well as OPD1.170816.025, Nov 2017 Bootloaders are the same.
Radios ARE different, probably slight tuning differences for Verizon radio.
Agnostic Radio: radio-taimen-g8998-00122-1708311414.img
Verizon Radio: radio-taimen-g8998-00122-1708231715.img
And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances).
Hope this clears things up.
I do have an AT&T sim card, but I have everything set up the way I want it now and don't feel like doing anymore Factory Flashes or Resets
I have factory reset my xL2 twice now and haven't had any Verizon apps installed after putting in my SIM. I also haven't received the November update yet either.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
D1l777 said:
I have factory reset my xL2 twice now and haven't had any Verizon apps installed after putting in my SIM. I also haven't received the November update yet either.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very odd. And you clicked the "check for updates" button two or three times in a row to "force" the update search?
And you are on Verizon Post paid?
How about a Legacy plan, as opposed to any of the "New Verizon Plans/Unlimited plan" . Are you on a Legacy plan?
I don't know if any of these factors affect anything, just trying to gather some more info
bigblueshock said:
That's very odd. And you clicked the "check for updates" button two or three times in a row to "force" the update search?
And you are on Verizon Post paid?
How about a Legacy plan, as opposed to any of the "New Verizon Plans/Unlimited plan" . Are you on a Legacy plan?
I don't know if any of these factors affect anything, just trying to gather some more info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine did the same thing installed those two Verizon apps as soon as I put in the SIM
@bigblueshock
Exactly what I've been trying to tell people about the Sim not being able to lock a bl, but one person *thinks* it happened that way and it spreads.
I too received about four vzw bloat apps when I first got in, easily enough they are removeable, vzw branded phones come with some garbage you need to root to remove.
If you restored your phone from a backup or from another physical phone, you installed all of the apps that you had on the previous phone (except for the ones you told it not to install or the ones that are not compatible with your new phone). If you had My Verizon and Message+ on a previous phone, that would be included in the restore. Mystery solved. It has nothing to do with your SIM.
My Google Store bought XL 2 running on Verizon auto-installed their go90 app in addition to the two mentioned in the first post.
Also, my phone still isn't seeing any update for the November patch even when hitting "check for updates".
---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
TheSt33v said:
If you restored your phone from a backup or from another physical phone, you installed all of the apps that you had on the previous phone (except for the ones you told it not to install or the ones that are not compatible with your new phone). If you had My Verizon and Message+ on a previous phone, that would be included in the restore. Mystery solved. It has nothing to do with your SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except it does have something to do with the SIM. My old phone didn't have Message+ or go90 installed, and yet they were installed on my XL 2 when I activated it with my Verizon SIM.
Herohtar said:
My Google Store bought XL 2 running on Verizon auto-installed their go90 app in addition to the two mentioned in the first post.
Also, my phone still isn't seeing any update for the November patch even when hitting "check for updates".
---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
Except it does have something to do with the SIM. My old phone didn't have Message+ or go90 installed, and yet they were installed on my XL 2 when I activated it with my Verizon SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. I didn't realize that Go90 was a Verizon app. I saw that one when I set up the phone too. Interesting.
Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?
Pappy35 said:
Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case I put my SIM in before booting my phone the first time, so activation and setup all happened during that initial process.
Do you happen to have a link to one of the posts that explains why bootloader unlock status definitely has nothing to do with SIM? If the SIM can trigger apps to be unhidden without permission, I'm worried.
TheSt33v said:
Do you happen to have a link to one of the posts that explains why bootloader unlock status definitely has nothing to do with SIM? If the SIM can trigger apps to be unhidden without permission, I'm worried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the op? He specifically proved it doesn't happen from all the builds he was messing around with.
Where's the post that shows proof this has happened on the 2xl?
Or is it that you've seen none and your tin foil hat is on too tight ?
Lawlrus said:
Did you read the op? He specifically proved it doesn't happen from all the builds he was messing around with.
Where's the post that shows proof this has happened on the 2xl?
Or is it that you've seen none and your tin foil hat is on too tight ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.
TheSt33v said:
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the second paragraph of the op. Looks like he is stating it as a fact, that he did it to me.
"If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone."
Feel free to think a Sim can make system lvl changes though lol
I will always say to cover my butt/disclaimer, there's always a small chance Google can push an update out to any bootloader-unlockable phone and lock the bootloader permanently. Will it happen? Probably as good of chances as Apple going bankrupt...
In terms of testing; after all the flashing, locking and unlocking the bootloader, updating to OTA's, and whatever else testing I've done, I was 0% worried, nor did anything happen. On top of that, I popped my Verizon SIM in the phone before I even turned it on for the first time. Regardless, you have a 2 year warranty on the device, so I don't think it matters.
Was there ever a legitimate case of a BOOTLOADER-UNLOCKABLE Pixel 1... Purchased from the Google Store... bootloader permanently locking? No. I know this is a Pixel 2, but GENERALLY SPEAKING in terms of unlocking the device, carrier locks, and where you can purchase the phone, not much has changed.
In the USA, The only place you can truly get a BOOTLOADER-UNLOCKABLE Pixel 2 XL is the Google Store. Other stores which sell the phones can sell the Verizon version (Best Buy, some other name brands), which is still technically "unlocked" in terms of being able to use it on other carriers, but the BOOTLOADER has a permanent lock. Two different meanings of "unlocked".
TheSt33v said:
Cool your jets , captain butthurt. Let me break it down step by step for you:
He doesn't prove anything relating to bootloader unlock in the OP. The only mention of bootloader unlock is this:
"And as we all know and as discussed on multiple threads Bootloader Unlock ability has nothing to do with what SIM card you plug in. If you have the Unlocked phone, it will always have an unlock able bootloader (unless Google decides to change that in the future, but slim to none chances)."
He does absolutely no testing, and "as we all know" isn't good enough for me. Up until now, I thought we "all knew" that a SIM card can't affect anything related to phone software other than providing some preloaded APN settings. Turns out that's not the case. I was simply asking for a link to one of these "multiple threads" he mentioned so that I could gain a better understanding of why we're so certain that a SIM (or more specifically, the deals that Google may or may not have made with lock-happy carriers like Verizon) can absolutely not affect bootloader unlock ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He put a Verizon SIM in it and was still able to flash his phone, proving at least that the Verizon SIM doesn't lock down the bootloader.
It seems like a simple case of Google's software looking at your SIM and enabling/disabling certain components based on that. It wouldn't make sense for them to cripple your phone by locking down the bootloader just because you put in a Verizon SIM (if that's even possible).
Lawlrus said:
This is the second paragraph of the op. Looks like he is stating it as a fact, that he did it to me.
"If you bought the phone unlocked from Google Store: Your phone starts with an OPD1 Stock firmware. Doesn't make a difference what SIM card you have out of the gate, you get the stock firmware with the unlocked phone."
Feel free to think a Sim can make system lvl changes though lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to generally also add... Everything I am saying or speaking of is in regards to the American version of the phone. I'm not sure if there are any differences for any other countries.
For instance, if Google sells phones in China, I'm sure they will come completely locked down
bigblueshock said:
I'm going to generally also add... Everything I am saying or speaking of is in regards to the American version of the phone. I'm not sure if there are any differences for any other countries.
For instance, if Google sells phones in China, I'm sure they will come completely locked down
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YeaH, when it comes to a counties government, I'm sure they are able to pass some sort of regulations if it means Google.will.miss out on selling units
Herohtar said:
He put a Verizon SIM in it and was still able to flash his phone, proving at least that the Verizon SIM doesn't lock down the bootloader.
It seems like a simple case of Google's software looking at your SIM and enabling/disabling certain components based on that. It wouldn't make sense for them to cripple your phone by locking down the bootloader just because you put in a Verizon SIM (if that's even possible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that. What he didn't do, or at least it wasn't stated in the OP, was re lock and unlock the phone post-Verizon update. That's what I was curious about.
Here's where I'm coming from. I passed up a $100 off deal on the Verizon model specifically for bootloader unlock ability, but I don't want to unlock the bootloader just yet. As of right now, I don't see a reason to. I just don't understand why everyone is so sure it isn't possible for Verizon to do this. I'm looking for a reason that is more detailed than "they've never done it before so they probably won't ever." I want to know what the explanation is at a software level. If such an explanation doesn't exist, fine. Just wondering if it did.
Tl:dr, if they Pixel software can say "that's a Verizon SIM, let's enable these apps," why is it so impossible for it to say "there's a Verizon SIM, let's disable bootloader unlock?"
Pappy35 said:
Mine is an unlocked model purchased from the Google Store. I'm coming from a 6P, similarly purchased, that started out on AT&T and recently switched to Verizon. I set up the P2XL completely before installing the Verizon SIM card. I put it in and it works fine and no Verizon apps were installed. When you guys say "activated," what exactly do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great to know! Adds more information to the pot.
The "Initial Activation" which occurs during the first boot after a full factory reset, or when you first get your phone turning it on for the first time.
Since you had the AT&T SIM in your phone and have been using the phone, then switched to a Verizon SIM afterwards, that "Initial Activation" process isn't done again unless you do a Full Factory Reset.
No problem really, though. The phone will activate on Verizon with no ill effects.
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
No wonder their business is in trouble.
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
lchen5 said:
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
Now wonder their business is in trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the "easiest" way to tell if it was an original Sprint phone.
1. power off the phone
2. press the volume down button and the power button at the same time until the fastboot menu appears
you will see a screen that has Variant on it
What is written after Variant? usually it says sprint or OPENUS (openus being from essential directly or through a seller like best buy/amazon)
---------- Post added at 07:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:09 PM ----------
felipemendes said:
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a difference between the NMI81C and the NMJ32F (other than the 32F being a newer updated version with additional patches and security updates.). The only reason there are 2 of them, is that Sprint hasn't "certified" anything past the NMI81C version. (this is what I read, but I cannot be 100% sure of this, but I am 99% sure it is correct.).
If you have an unlocked Sprint phone, and put in a different carriers SIM, it will find the other firmware images available to be downloaded. You can also just follow the instructions to flash the 32F on your phone by overwriting the phones partition. It works on Sprint, and I have tested it. (I have installed the Orea beta, the 81C and the 32F, no issues.)
felipemendes said:
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
kbonnel said:
Here is the "easiest" way to tell if it was an original Sprint phone.
1. power off the phone
2. press the volume down button and the power button at the same time until the fastboot menu appears
you will see a screen that has Variant on it
What is written after Variant? usually it says sprint or OPENUS (openus being from essential directly or through a seller like best buy/amazon)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
lchen5 said:
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, your phone came from essential, or something like a bestbuy/amazon reseller. (e.g. not Sprint)
Does anyone know why VARIANT filed on my Essential could be empty? No OPENUS or SRPINT on it
tero2012 said:
Does anyone know why VARIANT filed on my Essential could be empty? No OPENUS or SRPINT on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a demo model.....had one like that and thats what essential said
Tech_Savvy said:
Thats a demo model.....had one like that and thats what essential said
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah, I contacted essential for another thing and when they asked for my serial number they told me it was a demo model. I hope this empty field doors not break anything in future updates. Until now everything works and I am receiving OTA update. But, I read that yesterday's update did lock down some Sprint models that were previously unlocked.
Who knows...
lchen5 said:
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint sims are device specific. Not sure where you got your sprint sims, or what type they are, but you need SIMOLW416Q
tero2012 said:
Thanks. Yeah, I contacted essential for another thing and when they asked for my serial number they told me it was a demo model. I hope this empty field doors not break anything in future updates. Until now everything works and I am receiving OTA update. But, I read that yesterday's update did lock down some Sprint models that were previously unlocked.
Who knows...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same VARIANT with u. So have u successfully update the September update?
X-Beta said:
I have the same VARIANT with u. So have u successfully update the September update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it did. No issues at all thru OTA
tero2012 said:
Yes it did. No issues at all thru OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated mine to september update and it locked , now i can't unlock it , Sprint said it's not locked to them .
does anyone has this isssue ..??
OPENUS VARIANT
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
xCasasx said:
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a sprint version that is what i can see in bootloader. Can you upload your modems1/2 partitions @Rwin01 can try on his phone if yours is working fine on October release
arjunv said:
I have a sprint version that is what i can see in bootloader. Can you upload your modems1/2 partitions @Rwin01 can try on his phone if yours is working fine on October release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's why my cellular signal sux here in Mexico
Pd. I don't know how to do that, I'm stock, locked bootloader and I don't want to change that.
xCasasx said:
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats an amazon model. do you have the halo grey model? if so that one is amazon exclusive.
---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 AM ----------
lchen5 said:
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
No wonder their business is in trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Halo Grey amazon model, funny enough I also moved from T-mobile and had the same issue, the tmobile sim worked but no sprint sims would work.
I am on the free year with sprint and my phone did lock to sprint.
from what I understand this is a hit or miss problem, not everyones phone gets locked to sprint but when it does happen it can be a pain to unlock.
you are basically at the mercy of sprint to unlock it again.
generally they will unlock it for you but oddly make you wait the same period as someone who bought a phone from them and then you have to get someone who knows what they are doing to unlock it.
I havent tried myself since I still have about 6 months left.
the sim card is not only specific to the device but the one year free plan apparently has a specific sim as well.
I ended up having to call sprint and they located a store near me that had the right one.
normally when you sign up online they will ship you a sim but when I did it they were out of stock online and I had to get them locally.
I also activated a Moto G and a Moto X and they used a different sim than the essential (though they did use the same sim as eachother)
hopefully this helps.
Mine says
"Variant - (blank) "
Nickdroid86 said:
Mine says
"Variant - (blank) "
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it's a demo model
Yay. (Sarcasm)
I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?
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Click to collapse
same thing happened to me until i updated the software. worked fine after that.
Did you get the latest update today? Because that's the build that I I'm having invalid sim on.
ceelos218 said:
same thing happened to me until i updated the software. worked fine after that.
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Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Did you get the latest update today? Because that's the build that I I'm having invalid sim on.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
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ohh ok i see what your saying... when i first got my phone i was on Nougat and my sim wasnt recognized so i updated it to the Aug build and then i was able to use my Verizon sim again. right now i just updated to the Sep build and i cant use it any longer. im also wondering if theres a fix.
ceelos218 said:
ohh ok i see what your saying... when i first got my phone i was on Nougat and my sim wasnt recognized so i updated it to the Aug build and then i was able to use my Verizon sim again. right now i just updated to the Sep build and i cant use it any longer. im also wondering if theres a fix.
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Wow! So, it's not just me? Sad to here that my friend. I contacted Essential Phone via Twitter hours ago. Still no word.
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Wow! So, it's not just me? Sad to here that my friend. I contacted Essential Phone via Twitter hours ago. Still no word.
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Yeah and I don't have time to mess around with it. Now I'm stuck without data
ceelos218 said:
Yeah and I don't have time to mess around with it. Now I'm stuck without data
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Same here! Are you able to make calls?
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Same here! Are you able to make calls?
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I just tried it with a Sprint SIM card and it works perfectly fine.
Good to know. I just checked Twitter and now there are many of people complaining about this very issue.
ceelos218 said:
I just tried it with a Sprint SIM card and it works perfectly fine.
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Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
https://forum.xda-developers.com/es...print-version-unlocked-t-mobile-wifi-t3830989
mexicandroid said:
I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
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Click to collapse
Thank you for your testimony. Wow! This is madness for an unlocked device. It almost seems as though Sprint is in on the scam themselves??? But thank you so much for your help friend. I'll check back in to let you guys know what happens??? I'm contacting Essential as we speak via support email... we'll see?
mexicandroid said:
I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
https://forum.xda-developers.com/es...print-version-unlocked-t-mobile-wifi-t3830989
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Click to collapse
Was the sim he gave you to insert into your Essential, activated?
I have the same problem but im not in America, I'm in Australia and have no contact to a Sprint SIM Card....I've tried fastboot and flashing but still nothing. Any help would be great right now
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Was the sim he gave you to insert into your Essential, activated?
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It had his old number programmed into it but it didn't hey any service. Sprint's setup is different than T-Mobile because of the CDMA technology they use. It's not like T-Mobile that you just pop the Sim into another phone.
I honestly don't know if you can use any Sprint SIM card but you will definitely need one from my experience. The good news for you seems to be that it is most likely paid off if Sprint says it's unlocked.
---------- Post added at 11:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:37 AM ----------
rainer217 said:
I have the same problem but im not in America, I'm in Australia and have no contact to a Sprint SIM Card....I've tried fastboot and flashing but still nothing. Any help would be great right now
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After the first time it Sim locked the phone I was able to unlock it ONCE by fishing different builds but I was trying to get TMobile WiFi calling working so I kept flashing thinking it was going to stay unlocked after but sure enough it locked again and I after that I could not get it unlocked. I tried flashing so many firmwares and then updates through OTA download through the app and side loading. See if maybe you can order one online from Sprint or maybe on eBay.
mexicandroid said:
See if maybe you can order one online from Sprint or maybe on eBay.
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I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.
rainer217 said:
I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.
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From my experience the issue is with Sprint, Essential can't really do anything about it because of the Variant
mexicandroid said:
From my experience the issue is with Sprint, Essential can't really do anything about it because of the Variant
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Great point. But I was thinking more along the side of Essential Phone, contacting Sprint, letting them know that it's a wide spread issue.
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Great point. But I was thinking more along the side of Essential Phone, contacting Sprint, letting them know that it's a wide spread issue.
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Sprint knows by know, if you read around the web it's been going on for months. Seems the just expect you to have a Sprint Sim laying around to unlock it lol. After my unmoving experience I don't think I would ever get Sprint service lol
rainer217 said:
I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.
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Gotcha!
Do you have a feeling that Sprint will fix this issue since it's widespread? I'm starting to think that Sprint was in on it. Or am I just an upset customer??? It's not happening to Sprint customers on there network, just people who are not on their network but have a Sprint variant. I have a strong feeling that Sprint locked us out of a unlocked phone intentionally. You?
mexicandroid said:
Sprint knows by know, if you read around the web it's been going on for months. Seems the just expect you to have a Sprint Sim laying around to unlock it lol. After my unmoving experience I don't think I would ever get Sprint service lol
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I agree. This is crazy, months??? Still no software fix??? I'm starting to believe it's a network fix only. They need to officially make an open statement regarding the situation, on how to resolve the matter. I think it's time to beat down Sprints Twitter page for a resolution.
The OnePlus 6t from T-Mobile USA is a grate phone don't get me wrong but OnePlus should have nto let them lock the bootloader. Come one the process to get it unlocked is bad you have to get the Sim card slot unlocked by TMobile then go to OnePlus com to unlock the bootloader and I did that and it did not work to get the code from OnePlus it's been like 2 weeks for me waiting from them and calling to get it resolved. So I'm righting this to ask everyone to pleas help me out by pleas giving me a there unlock code after they use it on there phone so I can install havoc os 2.0 on the op 6t. What in and getting this code from OnePlus does not work and they say it's going to come but never does for me.
I'm going to guess that the unlock code is phone-specific and tied to the IMEI. I seriously doubt that OnePlus and T-Mobile would have accepted a bootloader unlock that could be duplicated so easily.
Your best bet for recourse here is to continue to hold OnePlus and T-Mobile accountable for the delays. I got my code in right around a week and that seems to be the norm from other reports. If T-Mobile has granted your bootloader unlock through the proper channels, and if you really have been waiting an abnormally long time, there should be no reason why they are taking longer in your case. If you have to, take to social media like Twitter and the forums where the issue can be seen by others who might be considering purchasing the phone through T-Mobile and who might be swayed to go another route.
The codes are unique to each phone; someone else's code won't help you.
Why not return the phone and buy direct from OnePlus?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
Frankenscript said:
The codes are unique to each phone; someone else's code won't help you.
Why not return the phone and buy direct from OnePlus?
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Can't return the phone because I have had the phone for two months
Looks like you have to wait, then. Sorry!
I don't understand why anybody interested in modding their phone would by from T-Mo, since the need to go through the unlock process was well documented.
You could also sell it and buy a new one from OnePlus but of course you will take a financial hit.
Good luck!
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
Frankenscript said:
Looks like you have to wait, then. Sorry!
I don't understand why anybody interested in modding their phone would by from T-Mo, since the need to go through the unlock process was well documented.
You could also sell it and buy a new one from OnePlus but of course you will take a financial hit.
Good luck!
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The resion I bought the phone from them is because the way it connects to the network is better then when it was bought from oneplus. I know it's the same phone and antenna but it's just something that makes the phone work better and I think it's because it's certified buy TMobile. Don't know thou
NickMidd91 said:
The resion I bought the phone from them is because the way it connects to the network is better then when it was bought from oneplus. I know it's the same phone and antenna but it's just something that makes the phone work better and I think it's because it's certified buy TMobile. Don't know thou
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What? This makes literally no sense. It's the same phone just different software an international model will work 100% the same on T-Mobile. And dude spell check is your friend that is a mess.
bladestonez said:
What? This makes literally no sense. It's the same phone just different software an international model will work 100% the same on T-Mobile. And dude spell check is your friend that is a mess.
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Not really man sorry to burst your bubble but OnePlus sead that had to change things in the phone to work 100% on the TMobile network. Would not say what they did.
NickMidd91 said:
Not really man sorry to burst your bubble but OnePlus sead that had to change things in the phone to work 100% on the TMobile network. Would not say what they did.
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Link? Because I'm certain this is not true otherwise people would not be able to use international on T-Mobile or any other non T-Mobile phone on T-Mobile.
So much garbage in this thread. I'm on the TMO version, running international firmware, and it's flawless. Not a single problem getting sim unlock and bootloader unlock (not to mention that my phone is NOT paid off), and there are many others with the same experience. Do better. It's not that hard.
I got my phone Sim unlocked within 2 days of getting in on November 1st. Didn't have to make any payments on it or anything. Soon as I was Sim unlocked I submitted my request for unlock token. By 11/8 I was Sim and bootloader unlocked. Been running international firmware since. Haven't looked back. International firmware SO much better then what tmo provides.
If it's been two weeks since sending to OP I'd be on them asking for a status and a reason for the lengthy delay. OP has stated the unlock token is 7 day waiting period and I got mine right at day 7. I'd hound them for a reason and request a unlock token asap
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I am a trucker (READ: DRIVE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY!) who had the TMO OOS 3 WEEKS before sitting down to swap it away! Have been with the unbranded one now for the best part of another 3 weeks, and all i can say that all that "optimized" mumbo jumbo works to a degree, from what i can tell from this dude!
thedrizzle said:
So much garbage in this thread. I'm on the TMO version, running international firmware, and it's flawless. Not a single problem getting sim unlock and bootloader unlock (not to mention that my phone is NOT paid off), and there are many others with the same experience. Do better. It's not that hard.
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Click to collapse
Damn so I tried once asking tmo to unlock sim but they told me to pay it off first....but next time what I will say is I'm leaving the country for a couple months and I need the sim unlocked....you think that'll work?lol