Database Users

New SM-g935fd owner in USA confused

I caveat by saying the forum would not let me post anywhere but the general forum right now so that's why I'm posting here.
I've read a bunch of conflicting threads and info lately but nothing concise in regards to what I'm trying to do and need some help.
This is my first ever android phone. I'm coming from an iPhone 6 as a heavy business user. WiFi Calling is extremely important because my house has terrible cell reception. I recently purchased an SM-G935FD (duos phone) and I'm a USA AT&T customer. I rooted the phone day one but had not yet swapped the SIM card. I chose the DUOs because I do quite a bit of international travel and I liked the hardware of the XYNOS platform better than snapdragon. Unfortunately I didn't realize or suspect that WiFI calling would potentially become a problem. I could care less about Samsung or Apple Pay for that matter, nor do I really care about Voltos. But wifi calling is a deal breaker.
I rooted the phone, and I put flash fire on there but really don't know how to use it. I found some people saying that my phone can accept both the SM-G935F firmwares and FD firmwares, but others who were skeptical. And people saying that there were firmwares that did have wifi calling enabled and others who said no.
At the moment I am back on the iPhone 6 because the Samsung is useless to me until I figure out how to get wifi calling enabled on there.
So... I'm confused. IS there a firmware I can flash my rooted unlocked S7 that will enable this? How exactly do I go about doing that with either flash fire or smart switch? I looked, but I am having difficulty finding a guide on doing this. The phone is already a paperweight, but I don't want to brick it as well lol.
Thanks for the help.

Usaf-lt-g said:
I caveat by saying the forum would not let me post anywhere but the general forum right now so that's why I'm posting here.
I've read a bunch of conflicting threads and info lately but nothing concise in regards to what I'm trying to do and need some help.
This is my first ever android phone. I'm coming from an iPhone 6 as a heavy business user. WiFi Calling is extremely important because my house has terrible cell reception. I recently purchased an SM-G935FD (duos phone) and I'm a USA AT&T customer. I rooted the phone day one but had not yet swapped the SIM card. I chose the DUOs because I do quite a bit of international travel and I liked the hardware of the XYNOS platform better than snapdragon. Unfortunately I didn't realize or suspect that WiFI calling would potentially become a problem. I could care less about Samsung or Apple Pay for that matter, nor do I really care about Voltos. But wifi calling is a deal breaker.
I rooted the phone, and I put flash fire on there but really don't know how to use it. I found some people saying that my phone can accept both the SM-G935F firmwares and FD firmwares, but others who were skeptical. And people saying that there were firmwares that did have wifi calling enabled and others who said no.
At the moment I am back on the iPhone 6 because the Samsung is useless to me until I figure out how to get wifi calling enabled on there.
So... I'm confused. IS there a firmware I can flash my rooted unlocked S7 that will enable this? How exactly do I go about doing that with either flash fire or smart switch? I looked, but I am having difficulty finding a guide on doing this. The phone is already a paperweight, but I don't want to brick it as well lol.
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u need to go read over the custom roms and recoverys forum for the s7 edge.

ecg803 said:
u need to go read over the custom roms and recoverys forum for the s7 edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I think I got it figured out. I changed the CSC using TWRC over to an att USA CSC and that seems to have at least enabled the menus for this functionality. I haven't moved the SIM back over there to test it though.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would move this thread to the AT&T specific section. My understanding is that specific drivers are needed to do WiFi calling on AT&T and it's not baked in and the model you bought is not sold in the states whether it's sim unlocked or not. Also, why would you root/jailbreak a phone running an OS that you have no real experience with? If you can't get it to work then I'd return it and either buy the AT&T version outright an have them unlock it for you or go to Best Buy, Amazon or Samsung themselves and buy the single sim unlocked version. You may still have issues with that unlocked version if AT&T's Wifi calling is as locked up as I remember. T-Mobiles wifi calling works with your handset but it also has oddities such as the TMO sim must be in sim slot 1 to work. Because that model is not normally used with U.S. carriers .. they kinda don't give a crap about it so the work is on you.
Since this is your first Android phone .. I don't want you to think this is a problem with the OS or even with Samsung. It's just how things work. Apple allows carrier specific network files to be pushed to iOS where that's not the case with Android. I think maybe backup and stop hacking on things would be a good piece of advice. Take it for what it is. I just would like to prevent another iOS switcher from running around saying Android suck because things didn't go the way they thought would.
Cheers.

aergern said:
I would move this thread to the AT&T specific section. My understanding is that specific drivers are needed to do WiFi calling on AT&T and it's not baked in and the model you bought is not sold in the states whether it's sim unlocked or not. Also, why would you root/jailbreak a phone running an OS that you have no real experience with? If you can't get it to work then I'd return it and either buy the AT&T version outright an have them unlock it for you or go to Best Buy, Amazon or Samsung themselves and buy the single sim unlocked version. You may still have issues with that unlocked version if AT&T's Wifi calling is as locked up as I remember. T-Mobiles wifi calling works with your handset but it also has oddities such as the TMO sim must be in sim slot 1 to work. Because that model is not normally used with U.S. carriers .. they kinda don't give a crap about it so the work is on you.
Since this is your first Android phone .. I don't want you to think this is a problem with the OS or even with Samsung. It's just how things work. Apple allows carrier specific network files to be pushed to iOS where that's not the case with Android. I think maybe backup and stop hacking on things would be a good piece of advice. Take it for what it is. I just would like to prevent another iOS switcher from running around saying Android suck because things didn't go the way they thought would.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok slow down. I don't think any of that at all regarding saying or
Thinking android sucks nor would I make such a conclusion. Lol. Also couldn't put the thread there, wouldn't let me create a thread over there (said im "too newb")
I'm a LONG time older comp sci major who works for a software company and has been doing consulting for a number of years. All day every day I deal with every software imaginable. It just HAPPENS that this is my first android phone, and Therefore is not that familiar to me yet. The only reason I had an iPhone and idevices (all jailbroken) in the first place was because at the time, my company was locked to Apple mobile devices. I'm actually simultaneously working with piemessage to try and get a VM up and running to allow me to use iMessage on Android
Also I understand their may be some nuisances of screwing with other packages and drivers. I did do the CSC update and that "enabled" at least the menus and the ability to turn the features On. Whether or not it's working, I have no idea. Without a SIN card inserted however, I was able to place a cal using google hangouts dialer without any issue whatsoever, but as that is a different app then the actual phone dialer... I'm not sure if that proves anything. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but making a wifi cal through Hangouts Dialer connected to my google voice number without a SIM card inserted is different than dialing a number using the phone app.
Unfortunately, the only real way for me to test it, is to take the SIM back out of my iPhone, call att again and have them switch the IMEI again. At least google voice wouldn't configure properly until I did that and it took forever to get the call forwarding reset. And my problem is I'm going on a business trip tomorrow and don't have the time to be swapping SIM cards back and forth.
Maybe I'll just put it in letter without calling AT&T and see if it works anyways. Are there any prevalent icons up at the top to indicate it's a wifi call being made vs a cell call?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Usaf-lt-g said:
Ok slow down. I don't think any of that at all regarding saying or
Thinking android sucks nor would I make such a conclusion. Lol. I'm a
LONG time older comp sci major who works for a software company and has been doing consulting for a number of years. All day every day I deal with every software imaginable. It just HAPPENS that this is my first android phone, and Therefore is not that familiar to me yet. The only reason I had an iPhone and idevices (all jailbroken) in the first place was because at the time, my company was locked to Apple mobile devices. I'm actually simultaneously working with piemessage to try and get a VM up and running to allow me to use iMessage on Android
Also I understand their may be some nuisances of screwing with other packages and drivers. I did do the CSC update and that "enabled" at least the menus and the ability to turn the features On. Whether or not it's working, I have no idea. Without a SIN card inserted however, I was able to place a cal using google hangouts dialer without any issue whatsoever, but as that is a different app then the actual phone dialer... I'm not sure if that proves anything. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but making a wifi cal through Hangouts Dialer connected to my google voice number without a SIM card inserted is different than dialing a number using the phone app.
Unfortunately, the only real way for me to test it, is to take the SIM back out of my iPhone, call att again and have them switch the IMEI again. At least google voice wouldn't configure properly until I did that and it took forever to get the call forwarding reset. And my problem is I'm going on a business trip tomorrow and don't have the time to be swapping SIM cards back and forth.
Maybe I'll just put it in letter without calling AT&T and see if it works anyways. Are there any prevalent icons up at the top to indicate it's a wifi call being made vs a cell call?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, ya never know what folks know.
I've just encountered a lot of folks who are smart techies who have used iPhones for a long time and Android frustrates them and then they freak out. My bad. I apologize.
I still think you need to check the AT&T specific section. I've read that the proper support for AT&T's wifi calling isn't baked into AOSP like T-Mobile has theirs baked in. This could have changed but I don't think so. The other calls ie. Hangouts, Google Voice and Skype aren't controlled by AT&T so I would assume they'd work regardless. The wifi calling registers with AT&T's servers/routers ... what they require for this handshake I'm not entirely sure. I know that when I tried it out using my Nexus 6P it didn't work out of the box but I didn't spend a lot of time on it either.
Ah. I get you about the business trip thing. It's why I bought the unlocked S7E .. I have to swap to often when traveling. I did this after I bought the version you have. I found that 1 sim slot would do LTE/3G/2G and the other was stuck on 2G only and that it would random switch from sim 1 to sim 2 when I was in the States with my personal TMO sim and my work AT&T simcard. It was too irritating so now I just expense the TMO account and gave back the AT&T sim. Not an option for everyone .. I get that.
Also, I did read that AT&T likes to jack folks around on speed when it's not one of their phones and there is a fix involving the EMEI number being changed in your account .. I can't remember where on XDA I found that trick but I'm sure a search will find it for you.
Hope you get it working. The S7E is a nice phone.
Safe travels. Cheers.

hey go check out sac23 rom it is USA att ported note 7 rom. It has wifi calling.

ecg803 said:
hey go check out sac23 rom it is USA att ported note 7 rom. It has wifi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call. Just loaded it, will test wifi calling.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What was your result? I'm in the same boat, thought this model would be useful for business trips. Also need Wi-Fi calling at home, but no dice.

Dual Sim not enabled in USA?

Read one review that said you can't use Dual SIM in the USA right now? Anyone know if that's true and an ETA/or if It'll eventually come? Can't use my 7Pro with Dual Sim because my work verizon account won't let me switch to "CDMA Less" so when I saw the 8Pro supports CDMA I was excited.........then I read that.
Anyone have any more info?
Mahalo

I'm wondering the same thing. I want to order the unlocked OP8 pro from OP's website tomorrow but if the dual sim is disabled, there's no way to know when they are going to update it to enable dual sim. I want to dual sim out of the box, otherwise it's useless for me. My OP7 currently has two sims in it.

If you buy the carrier versions of this then no you will not have dual SIM, however if you get the unlocked version from OP themselves then you will be able to use dual SIM. Or at least this is how all previous versions have worked. Only caveat I would think is if you are a Verizon customer as I think they need the specific Verizon version.
Sent from my HD1907 using Tapatalk

bkeaver said:
If you buy the carrier versions of this then no you will not have dual SIM, however if you get the unlocked version from OP themselves then you will be able to use dual SIM. Or at least this is how all previous versions have worked. Only caveat I would think is if you are a Verizon customer as I think they need the specific Verizon version.
Sent from my HD1907 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on Verizon but if I wanted 5G, then I need to get the 5G VZW UWB version, is that right? But the only caveat is that they don't offer the Pro with VWZ 5G and only the standard OP8?

My understanding, and maybe I am mistaken, that the pro also comes in that version for Verizon.
Sent from my HD1907 using Tapatalk

bkeaver said:
My understanding, and maybe I am mistaken, that the pro also comes in that version for Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately it appears Verizon will only offer the non-pro model in the 12 GB RAM configuration for $799 but in two colors.
https://www.androidinfotech.com/oneplus-8-5g-uw-verizon-wireless/

Hey guys I just got the OP8 Pro version and dual sim is disabled , and obviously I ordered directly through ONE plus

daillcyruz said:
Hey guys I just got the OP8 Pro version and dual sim is disabled , and obviously I ordered directly through ONE plus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight from OnePlus support today:
"as the device is just out and the first software update/OTA is yet to be released, it is recommended to wait for it rather than doing a reset to the device as the system itself says that it will be fixed on the upcoming update and you can change from single to dual."
Already RMA'ing it up and sending back. When/if it's ever enabled I'll give it another shot.
Borderline deceptive advertising IMHO.

vexille said:
Straight from OnePlus support today:
"as the device is just out and the first software update/OTA is yet to be released, it is recommended to wait for it rather than doing a reset to the device as the system itself says that it will be fixed on the upcoming update and you can change from single to dual."
Already RMA'ing it up and sending back. When/if it's ever enabled I'll give it another shot.
Borderline deceptive advertising IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty bummed out. I also ordered directly from OP. My T-Mobile (home) sim is in the first slot, and my work (AT&T) is in the second. I thought it must've been a mistake when I first saw the error, as I've used OnePlus phones ever since the OP5T and haven't seen this *not* work one day 1.

Bummed here too. Got mine today and was looking fwd to popping work and personal SIMs in but SIM2 is a no go. DM'd OP support on Twitter and was told it should work out of the box. I directed them to this thread and screenshots from my device. Crickets.....

julesism said:
Bummed here too. Got mine today and was looking fwd to popping work and personal SIMs in but SIM2 is a no go. DM'd OP support on Twitter and was told it should work out of the box. I directed them to this thread and screenshots from my device. Crickets.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm seeing in other threads that others seem to have it working (UK users, at least). Have you heard anything back from OP yet? I wonder if removing the second sim and putting it back will trigger something

The response I got was that they, "found that there is an issue with the Dual SIM." and "The team said they will roll out an update which would fix this issue." No ETA given and I didn't respond. I ended up listing and selling my OP8P on Swappa.

ARGH, hope they fix this soon so I can pull the trigger and buy one! Course until then my OP7P will work

Only response I've been able to get from OnePlus is:
This is to inform you that as of now we do not any official information regarding this. We request you to stay tuned to our social media channels for future updates.

Flapjack said:
I'm seeing in other threads that others seem to have it working (UK users, at least). Have you heard anything back from OP yet? I wonder if removing the second sim and putting it back will trigger something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UK always been dual sim. Same for almost all the world except USA. What is with Yr networks over there being weirdos... Can't fathom why OP would block their usa unlocked variants from dual sim tho...

mikey_sk said:
UK always been dual sim. Same for almost all the world except USA. What is with Yr networks over there being weirdos... Can't fathom why OP would block their usa unlocked variants from dual sim tho...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really how no idea what you are talking about. All my OP phones, as far back as the OP3 my son has, has been dual sim. I had zero issue on my last four phones... (five, counting the Axon 7 I had), then this one comes along and it doesn't work. The only thing I can think of is something changed with the switch to 5G.

vexille said:
Straight from OnePlus support today:
"as the device is just out and the first software update/OTA is yet to be released, it is recommended to wait for it rather than doing a reset to the device as the system itself says that it will be fixed on the upcoming update and you can change from single to dual."
Already RMA'ing it up and sending back. When/if it's ever enabled I'll give it another shot.
Borderline deceptive advertising IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deceptive advertising? More like your inability to read. It says on the website that dual sim will be enabled in a future update.

Can we flash an US version with the UK ROM?

Grrrrrrrr. I was really hoping yesterday's update (10.5.6) would've fixed the dual SIM issue, but no. It hasn't. It'll show VoWifi for a sec, then switch back to VoLTE.
At least MMS seems to be working with wifi on. That was broken until this update.

I'm in Germany and I can use dual SIM, but not with 5G enabled. Oneplus is still working on the software on multiple fronts and the US seems to be behind, see screenshot:

Note 20 Ultra eSIM update is here!! (T-mobile USA)

Guys,
FINALLY!!! Woohoo! We have eSIM support on Note 20 Ultra US Snapdragon version for T-mobile. There is an OTA you can download and then convert your physical SIM to eSIM

What update? tell us more.

Compusmurf said:
What update? tell us more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was just released today along with April 's security patch.
Tutorials | T-Mobile Support

Ok, so DUC8 or later. How does one switch to ESIM?

Compusmurf said:
Ok, so DUC8 or later. How does one switch to ESIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go to your settings>connections>Sim card menu, click and hold it will say convert to eSIM

dj24 said:
It was just released today along with April 's security patch.
Tutorials | T-Mobile Support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Security patch is March 1.

VICosPhi said:
Just go to your settings>connections>Sim card menu, click and hold it will say convert to eSIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I did that, could I then take my physical sim card and put it in my S21+ and have service to both phones with the same number?

truckerdewd said:
So if I did that, could I then take my physical sim card and put it in my S21+ and have service to both phones with the same number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, once you convert existing physical SIM into eSIM, your old physical SIM will no longer get service. If you want service on two separate SIMs with same number, Tmobile offers data with paired digit plan for that purpose.
This eSIM conversion allows you to have one empty physical SIM slot in your phone so you can use another carrier's SIM in your phone.

VICosPhi said:
No, once you convert existing physical SIM into eSIM, your old physical SIM will no longer get service. If you want service on two separate SIMs with same number, Tmobile offers data with paired digit plan for that purpose.
This eSIM conversion allows you to have one empty physical SIM slot in your phone so you can use another carrier's SIM in your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have paired digits on my watch. I work for T-Mobile and saw a message about eSIM for the Note20 and Note20 Ultra when I logged in today but didn't have time to read it.
I still wish we would have gotten the April Security Patch like the S21+ did.

truckerdewd said:
I have paired digits on my watch. I work for T-Mobile and saw a message about eSIM for the Note20 and Note20 Ultra when I logged in today but didn't have time to read it.
I still wish we would have gotten the April Security Patch like the S21+ did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to have you here
Yes, would have been nice but updates have been coming out regularly of late so hopefully this was just one off.

VICosPhi said:
Good to have you here
Yes, would have been nice but updates have been coming out regularly of late so hopefully this was just one off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I've been here since the HTC HD2 days, which was the first first phone I ever did anything with which was to be able to dual boot Windows Phone 7 and Android. Quit rooting stuff a few years ago after my V10 bricked itself while I was watching Netflix and I didn't feel the need to anymore and just don't have the time. The last few years I haven't said much, I've been more of an observer. I still do minor things like use ADB to move or hide the status bar and stuff like that. But pretty much run stock on both my phones.

truckerdewd said:
Thanks, I've been here since the HTC HD2 days, which was the first first phone I ever did anything with which was to be able to dual boot Windows Phone 7 and Android. Quit rooting stuff a few years ago after my V10 bricked itself while I was watching Netflix and I didn't feel the need to anymore and just don't have the time. The last few years I haven't said much, I've been more of an observer. I still do minor things like use ADB to move or hide the status bar and stuff like that. But pretty much run stock on both my phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those were the days! HTC with their fastboot bootloaders. I have also stopped rooting, as I like Samsung UI but do miss Viper4android and Nandroid/Titanium backup as Google still hasn't provided a proper backup solution sadly... Now that there is eSIM makes this more complete of a phone.

So is this confirmed to be able to use 2 lines, 1 esim and another T-Mobile sim?
Or is it just converting your sim to esim for no real benefit?
From what we've seen, T-Mobile variants only have 1 imei listed.

I'd the device is locked to t-mobile, how can you use another carrier in the other sim? Would need to get it unlocked.

Will unlocked version of Note 20 Ultra get this update with eSim support on Tmobile?

coilbio said:
So is this confirmed to be able to use 2 lines, 1 esim and another T-Mobile sim?
Or is it just converting your sim to esim for no real benefit?
From what we've seen, T-Mobile variants only have 1 imei listed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 numbers.

a1atif said:
Will unlocked version of Note 20 Ultra get this update with eSim support on Tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand, unlocked will not get the update for the eSim option. I could be wrong but that is how I understood it.

So in theory can I swap to an e-sim from Tmobile and then put another sim in from Europe when I travel?

apatcas said:
So in theory can I swap to an e-sim from Tmobile and then put another sim in from Europe when I travel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are Sim unlocked (And have a t-mobile device & Service) then Yes .. I am going to explore if i can flash U firmware and get this feature

VICosPhi said:
Guys,
FINALLY!!! Woohoo! We have eSIM support on Note 20 Ultra US Snapdragon version for T-mobile. There is an OTA you can download and then convert your physical SIM to eSIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose if I flash build N986USQU2DUC8 using modded odin, I'd be able to access the
e-sim/dual sim feature by effectively morphing my factory unlocked handset (SM-N986U1) into the carrier-bound equivalent (SM-N986U).
I have to admit, I might give this a shot as I stand to gain something here, not necessarily lose! Sure, I'll pick-up a little carrier bloat, maybe a half-a-dozen apps in the switch, but that's it!?
It's a bold move, but a smart one, for T-mobile! When you pair that one with their recent commitment to Google for integrating the Google Messages app into their (Android-based)) system app line-up for new device offerings. They recognize the value of the upgrade to RCS messaging and what comes with that, for existing and new tmobile customers alike.
Sure, It'd be easier if this e-sim/dual sim feature was included in the SM-N986U1 OTA March Security Patch Update for the unlocked users, but their heart is in the right place and with their core users (SM-N986U) I suppose?
(I'm gonna give it a shot over the weekend...I'll be back!)
VICosPhi said:
FINALLY!!! Woohoo! We have eSIM support on Note 20 Ultra US Snapdragon version for T-mobile. There is an OTA you can download and then convert your physical SIM to eSIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1

Replacement for V20 - No VoLTE Outside of Stock

Hi guys,
I realize that the main carriers in the US will be dropping the old network protocols in 2022, which means my current V20 will no longer work for voice calls. From what I gather, I'd need to run a stock/stock-based ROM to get VoLTE working, which is a deal breaker for me. I need recent security updates and modern Android releases on my phones.
With that being said, any thoughts on a replacement device this coming year? I will certainly miss the replaceable battery the most. Is there a device you recommend that has a relatively easy battery to replace? Honestly, the phone is used for light browsing, email, etc. Pictures and movies are frequently taken from it, so a good camera is a must. The memory card is paramount today, but unsure how long this can last. A device with an active development history with root access, should it be needed, is required for this replacement.
I've been spoiled with the V20 for years now. I just don't know where to start replacing it. Your opinions are greatly appreciated!

The options in the U.S. for a proper replacement are slim to none, depending on your priorities. I don't know much about how easy it is to replace batteries for newer phones, but I can give you an overview for most of the other stuff:
- Phones with hand-removable batteries: Probably not worth going for at this point. Most have specs that are barely better than the V20 with lower screen resolutions, and spare batteries are much less common to find for them. And half of them are from Europe and therefore have almost zero usable LTE bands in the U.S.
- Phones with non-stock custom ROMs that have VoLTE working in the U.S.: Probably limited to the Google Pixels, Motorola, and OnePlus models. Forget about all LG and Samsung phones here since they both use closed-source proprietary files that makes it pretty much impossible for anyone to figure out how to get VoLTE and other stock features to work on AOSP or LineageOS-type ROMs. And unfortunately, Pixels and the higher end OnePlus phones have no microSD card slots, and Motorola phones haven't been known for top quality cameras in a long time.
- Others: There are also Sony phones, but their higher end models are so expensive that I never bothered looking far into any of them.
So, it looks like you'll have to decide which features are must-haves for you and which are OK to let go in order to widen your options a bit.

C D said:
The options in the U.S. for a proper replacement are slim to none, depending on your priorities. I don't know much about how easy it is to replace batteries for newer phones, but I can give you an overview for most of the other stuff:
- Phones with hand-removable batteries: Probably not worth going for at this point. Most have specs that are barely better than the V20 with lower screen resolutions, and spare batteries are much less common to find for them. And half of them are from Europe and therefore have almost zero usable LTE bands in the U.S.
- Phones with non-stock custom ROMs that have VoLTE working in the U.S.: Probably limited to the Google Pixels, Motorola, and OnePlus models. Forget about all LG and Samsung phones here since they both use closed-source proprietary files that makes it pretty much impossible for anyone to figure out how to get VoLTE and other stock features to work on AOSP or LineageOS-type ROMs. And unfortunately, Pixels and the higher end OnePlus phones have no microSD card slots, and Motorola phones haven't been known for top quality cameras in a long time.
- Others: There are also Sony phones, but their higher end models are so expensive that I never bothered looking far into any of them.
So, it looks like you'll have to decide which features are must-haves for you and which are OK to let go in order to widen your options a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking the time. I really appreciate the input. Yeah, this is pretty much what I expected. The reason I am leaving the V20, and also a Samsung Note 4 isn't because they no longer work for me, but because of the VoLTE push. It makes me sad. ;(
I have looked at the removable battery options, and to your point, the specs are horrible. I don't think a truly removable battery will work. However, if there's a phone with a non-removable battery that doesn't take an act of God to change, that would be an option.
I do not want to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars every couple of years for a new device. Custom ROMs have made these devices last years and years. It's also better for the environment. I don't need 20 cores and a TB of RAM in a phone based on my use cases unlike everyone seems to think they do. Without the ability to custom ROM, once the manufacturer ditches the device, it forces one to spend again even though it could last many more years. It seems many aren't really too worried or informed about running a computer in your pocket missing critical security updates. These truths irk the **** out of me!
I wonder if a Pixel would suffice despite the lack of external storage... I know they get updates pretty quickly, are being supported for like 5 years by Google, etc. I think development is pretty active for them too, but I'll have to investigate. The Sony suggestion was a good one to mention, but yeah, ridiculous in price.
I guess I'll start there. If anyone else has other suggestions or advice, I greatly appreciate it. I haven't had to stay up with things because of these wonderful devices and the plethora of options over the years. All good things must come to an end...

I, too, would like to find a more current phone with an easily replaceable battery (pref. without using a heat gun). But it needs to be rootable.
The Galaxy Xcover Pro looked promising (replaceable battery), but isn't rooted.
Wish the Fairphone would come to the states.

Anyone else care to share?

From what I have read, any device that has 3g, phones or other devices - are screwed. All forced upgrade.

Mysticblaze347 said:
From what I have read, any device that has 3g, phones or other devices - are screwed. All forced upgrade.
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Yup, exactly. So, coming from a V20, and based on my loose requirements above, have you any suggestions for a new device?

DaCHeF36 said:
Yup, exactly. So, coming from a V20, and based on my loose requirements above, have you any suggestions for a new device?
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Click to collapse
I wish I did. Removable battery and specs is key. Then features. All phones in the US are non removable battery that are 5G able which is required at most if not all carriers. I personally am with Sprint - well now Tmobile. I still have my V20 (out of service). Free downgrade was Samsung A71 5G. It sucks. Decent specs with no OEM Unlock. No current support anywhere to root.
I have been looking but no luck so far.

Mysticblaze347 said:
I wish I did. Removable battery and specs is key. Then features. All phones in the US are non removable battery that are 5G able which is required at most if not all carriers. I personally am with Sprint - well now Tmobile. I still have my V20 (out of service). Free downgrade was Samsung A71 5G. It sucks. Decent specs with no OEM Unlock. No current support anywhere to root.
I have been looking but no luck so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, North American Samsung phones have locked bootloaders. The only current way to get some of them rooted is if they haven't been updated past a certain date due to anti-rollback (Sounds awfully familiar to us LS997 owners, doesn't it?) and then go through a paid service like this one (you can see the supported devices and required software versions – bootloader version numbers are the 5th digit from the right in the baseband version – in the 2nd post).

My understanding is that our phones (V20) will continue to work for now since they have 4g. Yes, we can also access the 3g band, but my phone rarely switches to it. We should be fine for a while on the V20 on 4g.
PS - That's presuming our phones are stock or near-stock and still have functioning VoLTE / HD calls. Stock Android and A_O (Alpha Omega) ROM has this. I believe these phones are safe to use in 2022 and beyond when 3g drops.

baldybill said:
My understanding is that our phones (V20) will continue to work for now since they have 4g. Yes, we can also access the 3g band, but my phone rarely switches to it. We should be fine for a while on the V20 on 4g.
PS - That's presuming our phones are stock or near-stock and still have functioning VoLTE / HD calls. Stock Android and A_O (Alpha Omega) ROM has this. I believe these phones are safe to use in 2022 and beyond when 3g drops.
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Click to collapse
Right, but it also depends on what the carrier supports as AT&T and Verizon use whitelists.
In the U.S., VoLTE support on the American V20 models goes something like this (and of course stock-based ROMs are a must for this):
- H910 gets VoLTE on AT&T and its MVNOs
- H918 gets VoLTE on T-Mobile and its MVNOs
- VS995 gets VoLTE on Verizon and its MVNOs
- US996 may get VoLTE on some of the above. I've gotten it to work on T-Mobile, 1 out of 2 T-Mobile MVNOs (worked on Tracfone's T-Mobile card but not Liberty Wireless), and an AT&T MVNO (Red Pocket's GSMA).
- LS997 is not configured to have VoLTE out of the box, so any LS997 that has been updated past May 2017 will for sure soon be useless in the U.S. for making and receiving phone calls. For the few of us who still have the older rooted LS997 models, I will soon look into installing Alpha Omega ROMs from the US996 to see if VoLTE can get enabled through there since the hardware is likely present, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

baldybill said:
My understanding is that our phones (V20) will continue to work for now since they have 4g. Yes, we can also access the 3g band, but my phone rarely switches to it. We should be fine for a while on the V20 on 4g.
PS - That's presuming our phones are stock or near-stock and still have functioning VoLTE / HD calls. Stock Android and A_O (Alpha Omega) ROM has this. I believe these phones are safe to use in 2022 and beyond when 3g drops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not 100% sure about the V20, but I know the Note 4 has 4G, but for data only. It requires calls over 3G on non-stock ROMs. I don't run stock LG ROMs because they are way behind on security updates. Just upgraded to LOS 18.1 giving me security updates from 12/2021. It's much safer.
If you mean that VoLTE will work on a stock-base ROM, you are probably correct. However, that's not an option for me, and in reality, it really shouldn't be for others too! Many, many people are either ignorant to or just don't care about security. There are so many vulnerabilities, including RCE ones, addressed constantly. This is a handheld computer, so it's just like leaving unpatched systems on your network. If you're running Windows 7 still, for example, you're asking to get owned. Bad idea.
Thanks for your feedback though. It is appreciated! If you have any replacement recommendations, I am all ears!

I'll be watching this thread to see where others land, as far as their next device.
Both my wife and I have US996's on Verizon. I'm on A-O Oreo with HD calling enabled. Hers is not on A-O Oreo, hd calling is enabled in the account, but I can't get the toggle in the settings to be "un-greyed". Tried the trick to turn it on and off online, but the page errors out everytime. Guess I'll have to make the time to get her phone flashed to see if that fixes it.
All that aside, I too have been facing the same dilemma as the OP. SD card, root, and straight forward disassembly would be my main needs. IR blaster would be nice. I don't mind replacing a non-removable battery, have disassembled many devices requiring heat.

pistacios said:
I'll be watching this thread to see where others land, as far as their next device.
Both my wife and I have US996's on Verizon. I'm on A-O Oreo with HD calling enabled. Hers is not on A-O Oreo, hd calling is enabled in the account, but I can't get the toggle in the settings to be "un-greyed". Tried the trick to turn it on and off online, but the page errors out everytime. Guess I'll have to make the time to get her phone flashed to see if that fixes it.
All that aside, I too have been facing the same dilemma as the OP. SD card, root, and straight forward disassembly would be my main needs. IR blaster would be nice. I don't mind replacing a non-removable battery, have disassembled many devices requiring heat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear you're in the same predicament...
I'm trying to justify my SD requirement these days. Why is it one for you exactly?

DaCHeF36 said:
Sorry to hear you're in the same predicament...
I'm trying to justify my SD requirement these days. Why is it one for you exactly?
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Click to collapse
Mainly because if anything happens where I can't access internal phone storage due to hardware failure, at least I know I can salvage data from the SD card externally.

C D said:
Right, but it also depends on what the carrier supports as AT&T and Verizon use whitelists.
In the U.S., VoLTE support on the American V20 models goes something like this (and of course stock-based ROMs are a must for this):
- H910 gets VoLTE on AT&T and its MVNOs
- H918 gets VoLTE on T-Mobile and its MVNOs
- VS995 gets VoLTE on Verizon and its MVNOs
- US996 may get VoLTE on some of the above. I've gotten it to work on T-Mobile, 1 out of 2 T-Mobile MVNOs (worked on Tracfone's T-Mobile card but not Liberty Wireless), and an AT&T MVNO (Red Pocket's GSMA).
- LS997 is not configured to have VoLTE out of the box, so any LS997 that has been updated past May 2017 will for sure soon be useless in the U.S. for making and receiving phone calls. For the few of us who still have the older rooted LS997 models, I will soon look into installing Alpha Omega ROMs from the US996 to see if VoLTE can get enabled through there since the hardware is likely present, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crossing my fingers that my US996 (w/AO Rom) will work with Verizon. So far, I can toggle the "HD Calls" switch in the settings, so I'm hopeful.
If not, I'll prob. use the VS995.

pistacios said:
Mainly because if anything happens where I can't access internal phone storage due to hardware failure, at least I know I can salvage data from the SD card externally.
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That makes perfect sense. BTW, pistachios rock! lol..

baldybill said:
Crossing my fingers that my US996 (w/AO Rom) will work with Verizon. So far, I can toggle the "HD Calls" switch in the settings, so I'm hopeful.
If not, I'll prob. use the VS995.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My US996 w/A-O on Verizon has made calls over 4gLTE. The only way I'm able to confirm that is if the recipient of the call is also "HD calling", it will show an "HD" icon in green during the call.
Really wish I could figure out WIFI calling. That would probably take flashing a VS995 ROM, and that still is a gamble.
Another wish would be if LG would have just released the propietary files to make it all work with a Lineage based ROM, since they are no longer in the mobile game and have closed the bootloader unlock service as of late November.

Does anyone share concerns over running stock-based software that hasn't been updated for years to continue using these devices? Are you aware of the critical vulnerabilities released monthly for Android OSes? I just want to make sure everyone understands the risks of such an approach.

pistacios said:
Really wish I could figure out WIFI calling. That would probably take flashing a VS995 ROM, and that still is a gamble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wi-Fi calling is heavily carrier-based, and since there never was a universal all-carrier USA V20 model, you almost certainly have to be on VS995 firmware to get it. Another lesser-known thing to try would be changing your US996's IMEI number to another one that still passes Verizon's IMEI check if you happen to have a phone like that around. I cannot openly discuss the method here since it's illegal in some countries (but not the U.S. – more info here) but it's quite simple to do, and you can message me if you need some pointers. This can be done on my LS997 and US996 but not the H918.
DaCHeF36 said:
Does anyone share concerns over running stock-based software that hasn't been updated for years to continue using these devices? Are you aware of the critical vulnerabilities released monthly for Android OSes? I just want to make sure everyone understands the risks of such an approach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me, it mainly depends on what you do on your phone. My usage is likely quite different from yours. You can see my view on this and what my post-V20 daily driver phone has been since September in a similar topic thread on the V20 Subreddit from a few months ago.
And if you want to have a deeper look, you can see most of the stuff of what I've been running on my V20s over here.

suddenly can't make or receive calls moto g5 plus

I do have full data = text, downloads, etc but no calls. All incoming are direct to VM. Any outgoing attempts fail immediately.
It's rooted and I have full ADB access. I replaced the ROM yesterday with 11 google pixle (something like that - I'm not at home where the files are). It worked for a while then stopped again. Dead as far as calls go. The original ROM is voLTE enabled without an option to toggle that. The newer ROM has voLTE and is toggled on. Of course I tried toggling voLTE, airplane mode, toggled cell-data, power cycle on off etc. Nothing gets it going. I'm on ATT. They recently did a G5 update on 2/22/22 and calls worked until yesterday (3/8) . ATT tried sending signals and a few times i was able to make (1).. yes - ONE call - then it fails afterwords - weird isn't it?
I'm hoping you guys might know a pretty solid ROM i can install (old or new - whatever works best with this phone) nothing fancy - just operational is fine. Or if you think I have a hardware issue and should add a hook to the phone for a lure I'd rather not if I can get it going again - I believe it should work but maybe something with the ATT G5 is adding to my troubles - any suggestions please - I'm at a loss
Thanks in advance - Jim

Hi Jim, I just joined xda in hopes of finding out if a new rom will solve this G5plus moto problem. From what I gather, the standard installed rom does not support Volte and when the wireless services dropped 3g, it somehow dinked with volte/lte (that level no longer supported). I am in the same situation with my g5+ - text but no voice. I use H2o wireless service. From my upfront investigation, volte is a software solution, and no extra chips are required, but I may be wrong, I am just getting started with this. It seems odd to me that I can take out my sim and put it in an older J3 Samsung, and calls go through fine and I can see Volte settings listed. What was moto thinking on the G5+, makes no sense. Sooooo, if anyone has any input to this problem or know if a rom might solve it, chime in please, the phone is still okay for low level use.
Thank you,
Barry

When I re-flash the ROM I can make one call again then nothing. This tells me it's not hardware but software. So I decided to visit T-Mobile to see how it works on their G5 voLTE network and it does quite perfectly. It's not the phone, never was!
So here's what I'm finding out so far. ATT has created a 'white list' of phones they are allowing on their new roll out of the 5G voLTE system. The Moto G5 Plus is not on that list. According to an ATT blog site they are blocking IMEI's that aren't on that list from making calls. The arguments on that site include comments that regardless of your phones proven and manufactured ability to process voLTE calls they aren't going to allow them. It's BS. According to this site it was up to the manufactures to submit phones for approval. Obviously they aren't going to submit discontinued phones, so...
I'm with ConsumerCellular which is ATT essentially. Finally after 4 days CC says they have a new SIM that has been fixing this issue and shipped one out for me today. I'll get it next week. I'll update here accordingly. They call it a "3-In-1 Smart Sim - A" I'll find out just how smart it is ;-)

Yea, I found the att whitelist and all the controversy. Let us know what happens when you get it, maybe H2o can send me one also. Possibly too much programming to allow the G5+ in the mix, could get interesting as time passes.
https://www.att.com/es-us/idpassets/images/support/pdf/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf

I'm leaving ATT. Consumer Cellular sent me the newer SIM. They couldn't get it to work either. The T-Mobile sim worked perfectly in my existing phone - voLTE, 4G (not a 5G phone) and wifi calling. In the mean time to make matters worse, I received a Moto One 5G Ace (brand new phone) direct from Motorola claiming to have whatever upgrade was necessary. Doesn't work either on ATT. I called Moto to question why menu options are missing. Without hesitation she said it's not a 5g phone for ATT and offered a refund. Really.. ok, who am I to argue - I'm taking the refund. I'm moving my existing phone to T-Mobile and not fighting with the big bad ATT bully for doing this.
IMHO ATT doesn't deserve to keep any customer they've done this too. Laziest roll-out in history
So don't fight it, just leave. Any company that blocks IMEI's and dumps customers who own known good 4G voLTE phones is saying loud and clear - LEAVE US.
so that's how I'm fixing the ATT issue. Just the way they way want it.

Yeah, I'll echo this. My G5Plus is on StraightTalk (AT&T MVNO), and voice just stopped working days ago. The SIM works for voice in my Pixel 3a though so getting a new SIM would do nothing. Pretty bogus that VoLTE works with some carriers and/or variants of this phone, just not AT&T apparently.

According to the ATT blog they're blocking the IMEI's of any phone not on their white list. I'm confident it would work they just don't want to be bothered with testing it since the manufacture didn't send them a phone. It's a discontinued phone so why would Motorola do that. However being discontinued only means they made a production run of so many phones and have sold out. On to better iterations .. I get that. They still work and will for years to come on 4G and voLTE. It's an ATT thing. They work great on T-Mobile (not a fan but..)

jgdorado said:
I'm leaving ATT. Consumer Cellular sent me the newer SIM. They couldn't get it to work either. The T-Mobile sim worked perfectly in my existing phone - voLTE, 4G (not a 5G phone) and wifi calling. In the mean time to make matters worse, I received a Moto One 5G Ace (brand new phone) direct from Motorola claiming to have whatever upgrade was necessary. Doesn't work either on ATT. I called Moto to question why menu options are missing. Without hesitation she said it's not a 5g phone for ATT and offered a refund. Really.. ok, who am I to argue - I'm taking the refund. I'm moving my existing phone to T-Mobile and not fighting with the big bad ATT bully for doing this.
IMHO ATT doesn't deserve to keep any customer they've done this too. Laziest roll-out in history
So don't fight it, just leave. Any company that blocks IMEI's and dumps customers who own known good 4G voLTE phones is saying loud and clear - LEAVE US.
so that's how I'm fixing the ATT issue. Just the way they way want it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I left, the ole Moto G5+ up and running with voice on T-Mobile, the 15 buck plan unlimited talk/text 3GB data. Cut my bill in half, will see how it goes and for how long.

Thanks for all of your replies. My wife's Moto 5 Plus suddenly stopped making or receiving calls last week and I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out why. She has a pay-by-the-minute plan through TracFone, which uses AT&T's network (among others). Guess she'll have to look for a different carrier now. Judging from others' replies here, T-Mobile seems to be the way to go.
Just got a notice from StraightTalk that my iPhone 5s will no longer work soon, for similar reasons. I probably should upgrade, as half of my apps no longer work on its old iOS... but I really don't want to give up my headphone jack.

jgdorado said:
According to the ATT blog they're blocking the IMEI's of any phone not on their white list. I'm confident it would work they just don't want to be bothered with testing it since the manufacture didn't send them a phone. It's a discontinued phone so why would Motorola do that. However being discontinued only means they made a production run of so many phones and have sold out. On to better iterations .. I get that. They still work and will for years to come on 4G and voLTE. It's an ATT thing. They work great on T-Mobile (not a fan but..)
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Click to collapse
jgdorado,
Thank You So Much! We went from Verizon, to AT&T to Pure Talk -only to find out what you just told us about being black listed by AT&T. We just switched today to T-Mobile and ey wallah -both Moto G5 Plus, XT1687 work on Android 8.1 perfectly now. WFI Calling, & voLTE working. You ROCK! God Bless y'all, especially XDA Dev's!