Database Develop

Bad IMEI Tmobile N3 on AT&T

If I buy a bad IMEI Note 3 from eBay, can I still use it on AT&T? Is there any issue with buying such phone (apart from being at risk of it being stolen) ?

ajamils said:
If I buy a bad IMEI Note 3 from eBay, can I still use it on AT&T? Is there any issue with buying such phone (apart from being at risk of it being stolen) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, don't. It means it is blacklisted by the carrier and all carriers until it is cleared. I read to do that is a hassle. Also, the only way to use it outside of that is to unlock it from the carrier and use it on a different network, but I think that's only doable through a Verizon Note 3. In short, don't waste your time or money.

opasha said:
Yeah, don't. It means it is blacklisted by the carrier and all carriers until it is cleared. I read to do that is a hassle. Also, the only way to use it outside of that is to unlock it from the carrier and use it on a different network, but I think that's only doable through a Verizon Note 3. In short, don't waste your time or money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know Tmobile version can be unlocked as well and since I will be using it on AT&T, does it matter that it's blacklisted on Tmobile?

ajamils said:
As far as I know Tmobile version can be unlocked as well and since I will be using it on AT&T, does it matter that it's blacklisted on Tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah because T-Mobile and At&t are both gsm networks. Verizon is CDMA. The article I read in order to further assist you stated that it's easier to use a CDMA blacklisted phone on a gsm carrier. Not sure how, but yeah. Avoid it regardless. It's just stupid.

ya agree with opasha, avoid it. Tmobs and ATT share the same blacklist, and it's technically a felony to flash a new imei and an additional hassle. Only way to use it is on gsm networks, not on that blacklist (which also includes pre-pay and affiliates), which means out of the country for the most part.

ajamils said:
As far as I know Tmobile version can be unlocked as well and since I will be using it on AT&T, does it matter that it's blacklisted on Tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carriers share blacklisted IMEI's. They do it on CDMA networks as well. Your really off brand local carriers like MetroPCS may not block it though just because it's basically a mom and pop shop.

agent929 said:
Carriers share blacklisted IMEI's. They do it on CDMA networks as well. Your really off brand local carriers like MetroPCS may not block it though just because it's basically a mom and pop shop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Metro PCS is owned by T-mobile. Truthfully there aren't really any independent operators anymore.
As others have mentioned, IMEI blacklists are shared across US carriers now so you'd be better off avoiding the phone unless you plan on only using it internationally.

dawheat said:
Metro PCS is owned by T-mobile. Truthfully there aren't really any independent operators anymore.
As others have mentioned, IMEI blacklists are shared across US carriers now so you'd be better off avoiding the phone unless you plan on only using it internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh it was just an example. I don't know for sure what the little junk carriers are. It may be now to where it's shared with everybody. I know there's ESN checker websites out there and I'm sure these carriers have access to something even better than that.

agent929 said:
Eh it was just an example. I don't know for sure what the little junk carriers are. It may be now to where it's shared with everybody. I know there's ESN checker websites out there and I'm sure these carriers have access to something even better than that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a reliable IMEI checker website? The IMEI number that a guy from CL gave me does not show up in Tmobile IMEI checker.

do you know anybody that has T-mobile because you could have them call the IMEI in to make sure

Att doesn't care if it's been black listed. I had a Friend on my account he stopped paying for the line I reported it stolen and he went the next day to get it activated. They even told him that it was reported stolen and still did it. I have heard that both t mobile and att do it all the time cuz they want the business.
infowars.com get the truth

ajamils said:
Is there a reliable IMEI checker website? The IMEI number that a guy from CL gave me does not show up in Tmobile IMEI checker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you do check the IMEI and its good today doesn't mean it won't be blacklisted tomorrow.........

Quickvic30 said:
Even if you do check the IMEI and its good today doesn't mean it won't be blacklisted tomorrow.........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what's the suggestion? Pay $700+ and buy brand new from Tmobile?
Sent from LG Optimus G Pro via Tapatalk.

ajamils said:
So what's the suggestion? Pay $700+ and buy brand new from Tmobile?
Sent from LG Optimus G Pro via Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes or you can buy used but make sure you meet the person at the T-Mobile store to confirm the phone is paid off.
Been through this whole scam ordeal already so I went and bought a new phone straight from T-Mobile.

ajamils said:
Is there a reliable IMEI checker website? The IMEI number that a guy from CL gave me does not show up in Tmobile IMEI checker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can call tmo yourself to verify the IMEI number and if it will activate.

T-Mobile and AT&T share blacklisted IMEI's? I'm not sure you guys are correct about this. You can buy blacklisted Nexus 4's all day long on Craigslist from deadbeat T-Mobile payment plans and put an AT&T sim card from AT&T or an AT&T based MVNO sim card in them and they work 100%. I have a T-Mobile no payment N4 I bought for $40 and use it with my Straight Talk AT&T sim regularly.
Unless something changed like this week, there is zero sharing among US carriers regarding their blacklist. The only people who MAY have incentive to share are T-Mobile and AT&T since they can have each others phone operate in some capacity on each other's networks. As for Sprint and Verizon, they don't share blacklists because their phones only work on their towers.
As for the comment of would I buy a phone for a considerable amount of money and hope they never in the future share black lists? Hell No. My upper limit on risking that is about $100. I'd say most of the phones on Craigslist anymore suffer from this problem of no payment on payment plans. Even when you get the phone and its working there's nothing to say that a carrier won't blacklist it in 2 weeks or a month. And trust me they won't do a darn thing, had this problem with a T989 S2 back in 2012.

aygriffith said:
T-Mobile and AT&T share blacklisted IMEI's? I'm not sure you guys are correct about this. You can buy blacklisted Nexus 4's all day long on Craigslist from deadbeat T-Mobile payment plans and put an AT&T sim card from AT&T or an AT&T based MVNO sim card in them and they work 100%. I have a T-Mobile no payment N4 I bought for $40 and use it with my Straight Talk AT&T sim regularly.
Unless something changed like this week, there is zero sharing among US carriers regarding their blacklist. The only people who MAY have incentive to share are T-Mobile and AT&T since they can have each others phone operate in some capacity on each other's networks. As for Sprint and Verizon, they don't share blacklists because their phones only work on their towers.
As for the comment of would I buy a phone for a considerable amount of money and hope they never in the future share black lists? Hell No. My upper limit on risking that is about $100. I'd say most of the phones on Craigslist anymore suffer from this problem of no payment on payment plans. Even when you get the phone and its working there's nothing to say that a carrier won't blacklist it in 2 weeks or a month. And trust me they won't do a darn thing, had this problem with a T989 S2 back in 2012.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya they do, sprint and verizon included. As to how efficient they are in updating their networks to reject imei's when the other network post a new one on the list, I don't know. Plenty of sources confirm it, here's one for example: http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/1/3584466/att-t-mobile-stolen-cellphone-database

babyshanks said:
Ya they do, sprint and verizon included. As to how efficient they are in updating their networks to reject imei's when the other network post a new one on the list, I don't know. Plenty of sources confirm it, here's one for example: http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/1/3584466/att-t-mobile-stolen-cellphone-database
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.ctia.org/media/press/body.cfm/prid/2220
Yeah this was announced in 2012. Now of course knowing US carriers - what they said they'd do and what they should do may be very different than what they actually do.

ajamils said:
If I buy a bad IMEI Note 3 from eBay, can I still use it on AT&T? Is there any issue with buying such phone (apart from being at risk of it being stolen) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it wont work within the US, so if your going to try using it, it wont work.
---------- Post added at 09:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 PM ----------
aygriffith said:
T-Mobile and AT&T share blacklisted IMEI's? I'm not sure you guys are correct about this. You can buy blacklisted Nexus 4's all day long on Craigslist from deadbeat T-Mobile payment plans and put an AT&T sim card from AT&T or an AT&T based MVNO sim card in them and they work 100%. I have a T-Mobile no payment N4 I bought for $40 and use it with my Straight Talk AT&T sim regularly.
Unless something changed like this week, there is zero sharing among US carriers regarding their blacklist. The only people who MAY have incentive to share are T-Mobile and AT&T since they can have each others phone operate in some capacity on each other's networks. As for Sprint and Verizon, they don't share blacklists because their phones only work on their towers.
As for the comment of would I buy a phone for a considerable amount of money and hope they never in the future share black lists? Hell No. My upper limit on risking that is about $100. I'd say most of the phones on Craigslist anymore suffer from this problem of no payment on payment plans. Even when you get the phone and its working there's nothing to say that a carrier won't blacklist it in 2 weeks or a month. And trust me they won't do a darn thing, had this problem with a T989 S2 back in 2012.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it, before it used to be cool, now it doesn't work

T Mobile Note 3 on ATT
I traded a guy an S4 plus some cash for a new T-Mobile note 3...I rooted and used region lock away to Sim unlock it...The phone has worked perfectly on ATT and it is blacklisted on T-Mobile for Non pay...I'm sure its was bought on the no contract deal and then as soon as they dumped it they just didn't pay...Its not stolen as I have checked...So it is possible to use them on ATT if the phone is unlocked...Not sure if eventually it won't work on ATT but for now it does..I guess if it stops working I will sell it or see if I can settle with T-mobile ...Just be very careful when buying them brand new in box..Note 3 and IPhone 5s are the 2 big ones that are being purchased on these pay 25-30 a month then don't pay..then Bam they are blacklisted for non pay on that network..Pretty sad but that is what's going down on CL right now...

What's the process to using this phone on ATT?

Hi I want to buy this phone, unlock it and use it for ATT.
I heard you cannot buy this phone off contract and that you must have a service with them. I hear people are just signing up for the service for one day and then cancel the day after.
Can someone explain how they did it?

pham818 said:
Hi I want to buy this phone, unlock it and use it for ATT.
I heard you cannot buy this phone off contract and that you must have a service with them. I hear people are just signing up for the service for one day and then cancel the day after.
Can someone explain how they did it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pay full price for phone up front and buy the smallest package. After 40 days cancel the service. Some stores will sell it out right without a plan, but you will have to do some searching and calling. I had to go to 3 different stores before I found one that would sell it out right.

I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.

chong67 said:
I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Results vary. Some say it works just as good

My LTE works perfect on AT&T.

My unlocked T Mobile Note 4 running on AT&T.

chong67 said:
I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the same thing. This is not the case with the Note 4. It was an issue with the Note 3 and previous devices in my experience.

martinezma99 said:
My unlocked T Mobile Note 4 running on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who did you use to unlock it? im looking to pick one up and i'd rather not have to wait for tmobiles unlocking terms.

If you buy the phone out right you can unlock asap

bigmase23 said:
If you buy the phone out right you can unlock asap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's been conflicting reports about that.

I bought the phone outright. Paid $30 or so to cellunlocker to get an unlock code. Popped in AT&T sim and off I went. Still need to cancel Tmo service.

taphius said:
There's been conflicting reports about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you purchase the phone outright you now it and can unlock it.

I bought my Note 4 outright and purchased the lowest priced package I could. I unlocked it the first day I received it, inserted my sim card from Consumer Cellular and was up and running. However, I read that T-Mobile can and have blacklisted the IMEI of phones that don't comply with their terms of service. Since I didn't read the fine print when I bought the phone and service, I decided it would be prudent to go ahead and meet the 40 service requirement to get an unlock code (although the phone is already unlocked) rather than take a chance and have some T-Mobile manager with a Napoleonic complex blacklist the phone. Then I would be out of $800.00. I asked the customer care representative about blacklisting the phone if I didn't meet the 40 day requirement and she said it was possible. I wasn't willing to take that chance. I will pony up an additional $80.00 + dollars to have peace of mind.

cartertucker said:
I bought the phone outright. Paid $30 or so to cellunlocker to get an unlock code. Popped in AT&T sim and off I went. Still need to cancel Tmo service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks

I preordered, got phone Monday the 13th.
I unlocked with cellunlocker.net 4 days later.
Been using it on AT&T since last friday. Called and canceled tmobile same day.
Easy as that.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

bigmase23 said:
When you purchase the phone outright you now it and can unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right but you make it sound like every T-Mobile store or reseller will sell you a phone outright with absolutely zero commitment of any kind like you walked in to buy a pack of gum or bought a nexus from google play store. There are conflicting reports about zero commitment purchases. The safer bet seems to be walking in with the understanding that you may have to agree to a month-to-month or prepaid contract that you can cancel a day or more later.

The best way i can think to explain it is as follows:
A few people have reported that they were able to buy it outright without service. Though many have been denied that option.
Some have implied that Tmobile then unlocked it.
A moderately safe assumption is that you can buy it with service, unlock it via third party service, and cancel your tmobile service the second u get your unlock code. This comes with the gray area of region locking and having to activate it on tmobile first to remove the region lock pior to unlocking. This can be a lengthy discussion, you might not care about region locking, I'll leave it at that, but read into it. I went this route, activated on tmobile for 4 days, then unlocked and cancelled. I say assumption because people are worried about blacklisting and T.O.S.
The most cautious method would be to wait out your 40 days per Tmobile T.O.S., in addition to the time it takes for them to send your unlock code, pay applicable fees, then cancel.
Hope this clears up the options a bit.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

T-Mobile has the IMEI of phone they sell you in their records. I confirmed it when I called them and they read it to me for confirmation purposes. They sold the phone to you and they know everything about it. Guaranteed. If their records show the phone being used on another carrier without it being activated with them or unlocked by them then they can blacklist the IMEI of the phone. That phone will then be an $800.00 paperweight. They have done it before and a quick Google search will prove it. I'm not saying they will since that seems to be an unknown, but they can and the owner of the phone will have no recourse. I sure don't want to wake up one day and find out that my $800.00 phone is dead. I might very well be wrong, but I am not willing to take that chance after paying $800.00 for the phone. I'll pay for the 40 days of service.

I just bought my Note 4 full price from AT&T after calling about 30 stores in my area and finding one store with one black model in stock. I ended up paying less than full price because of some computer error that rung up the phone $749.99 instead of $825.99. They charged me the difference so I only paid $825 outright, after taxes. All in all, I saved almost $50 (difference in tax from $750 to $825). I still feel like it is ridiculous though that the AT&T model is $80 more expensive than TMo. Is it worth buying a TMO Note 4 with their baseball discount ($30 off) and trying to unlock it to use it on AT&T? Sorry for my long comment/question.

Bought mine from swappa in a sealed pack. Opened the phone, went to Cellunlocker.com and within 10 min had my unlock code. Works great on ATT

Buying S6 Active Unlocked?

I'm very interested in the S6 Active, but I live in Canada. I am wondering if AT&T sells the phone unlocked if I buy it outright? Actually, would AT&T even sell me the phone if I am not a current customer? If not, does anyone know a way around that?

MizuRyuu said:
I'm very interested in the S6 Active, but I live in Canada. I am wondering if AT&T sells the phone unlocked if I buy it outright? Actually, would AT&T even sell me the phone if I am not a current customer? If not, does anyone know a way around that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if you pay full price they'll defiantly sell it to you, pretty sure they'll unlock too since your buying it outright.

I think the Canadian Carriers will get it soon - they Carried the S5 Active. Just wait..
---------- Post added at 10:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:18 PM ----------
MizuRyuu said:
I'm very interested in the S6 Active, but I live in Canada. I am wondering if AT&T sells the phone unlocked if I buy it outright? Actually, would AT&T even sell me the phone if I am not a current customer? If not, does anyone know a way around that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW - Does the LTE bands the AT&T model match Canadian LTE?? might be worth waiting it out..

psxp said:
I think the Canadian Carriers will get it soon - they Carried the S5 Active. Just wait..
---------- Post added at 10:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:18 PM ----------
BTW - Does the LTE bands the AT&T model match Canadian LTE?? might be worth waiting it out..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They might get it... but last year, the S5 didn't come out until about October. I'm not sure I'm willing to wait 4 month for the possibility that Canada might get the phone. Hence my questions.
Thanks for the reminder regarding the LTE bands, I'll check to make sure it is compatible
EDIT: Luckily, AT&T and Rogers mostly sure the same LTE bands, so should be fine there

If the phone is paid for in full then AT&T has to grant you an unlock code - you just go to their website and request it. I requested it in the evening and received the code the next morning.
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/
Just make sure you choose that you are not an AT&T customer.

Can confirm the above. Picked mine up from best buy requested unlock code from AT&T and had it next morning. O am using it on T-Mobile.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

What about the boot loader?
I'm curious if the unlocked version comes without the AT&T boot loader. I have the Moto X, unlocked through AT&T but still cannot remove the boot loader. Can use the phone anywhere that offers the same GSM frequencies though.
hal3146 said:
Can confirm the above. Picked mine up from best buy requested unlock code from AT&T and had it next morning. O am using it on T-Mobile.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

tdiwagon said:
I'm curious if the unlocked version comes without the AT&T boot loader. I have the Moto X, unlocked through AT&T but still cannot remove the boot loader. Can use the phone anywhere that offers the same GSM frequencies though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Bootloader is the same on all S6 Actives. Because it is an AT&T exclusive.
Sent from my M8

S6 Active in UK on Vodafone
Hi, I too am very interested in getting an S6 Active (replace old S4 Active). I'm in the UK, on Vodafone who use LTE 7, 20 [2.6GHz, 800MHz] for 4G I think, which are all in the S6 specs. So if I got an AT&T S6 Active unlocked, anyone care to advise if it should work fine in the UK on Vodafone?
Thanks very much in advance.

I'm getting told a different story...
I've spoken to best buy and all my local Att shops and they all say they will not sell a galaxy s6 active without adding it to an existing Att account or creating a new one. Then they told me that I couldn't get it unlocked until I've had the plan for anywhere from 2-6 months. I can't get a straight story about the delayed unlocking. I have T-Mobile and would LOVE to purchase the phone outright and unlock it and use it right away on T-Mobile. How did you guys buy the phones without having a plan added? Thanks!

Did you use someone else's account?
hal3146 said:
Can confirm the above. Picked mine up from best buy requested unlock code from AT&T and had it next morning. O am using it on T-Mobile.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get them to sell you one without activating it and adding it to a current ATT account or forcing you to sign up for service with them? I called and they said that even if you purchase it outright, they MUST add it/create a new ATT account before you leave. So lame...

hoodlum54 said:
How did you get them to sell you one without activating it and adding it to a current ATT account or forcing you to sign up for service with them? I called and they said that even if you purchase it outright, they MUST add it/create a new ATT account before you leave. So lame...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ATT store will not sell it unless you have an account. When I went into best buy they said no problem. Just ask for an S6 active and tell them you want to but it out right. They don't care. If the salesman says you need to have an active line ask for another one. When I brought mine I got a $100 gift card for buying the phone outright, was not expecting it and it was a nice perk.
For unlocking ATT policy, you can find it on their website, states that if you are not an ATT customer and have a phone that is not activated on ATT and is not black listed that they will unlock it for free. I just filled out the form and the next day i had the unlock code. You can Google the policy for exact wording. They will not unlock it in store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

hal3146 said:
The ATT store will not sell it unless you have an account. When I went into best buy they said no problem. Just ask for an S6 active and tell them you want to but it out right. They don't care. If the salesman says you need to have an active line ask for another one. When I brought mine I got a $100 gift card for buying the phone outright, was not expecting it and it was a nice perk.
For unlocking ATT policy, you can find it on their website, states that if you are not an ATT customer and have a phone that is not activated on ATT and is not black listed that they will unlock it for free. I just filled out the form and the next day i had the unlock code. You can Google the policy for exact wording. They will not unlock it in store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T store sold it to me outright, no AT&T account. I was able to get unlock code from the website by next day. The store even helped show me how to do it.

hal3146 said:
The ATT store will not sell it unless you have an account. When I went into best buy they said no problem. Just ask for an S6 active and tell them you want to but it out right. They don't care. If the salesman says you need to have an active line ask for another one. When I brought mine I got a $100 gift card for buying the phone outright, was not expecting it and it was a nice perk.
For unlocking ATT policy, you can find it on their website, states that if you are not an ATT customer and have a phone that is not activated on ATT and is not black listed that they will unlock it for free. I just filled out the form and the next day i had the unlock code. You can Google the policy for exact wording. They will not unlock it in store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I texted my friend who works there and he talked with a guy and they made it happen! Thanks guys!

hoodlum54 said:
Thank you! I texted my friend who works there and he talked with a guy and they made it happen! Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hal3146 said:
The ATT store will not sell it unless you have an account. When I went into best buy they said no problem. Just ask for an S6 active and tell them you want to but it out right. They don't care. If the salesman says you need to have an active line ask for another one. When I brought mine I got a $100 gift card for buying the phone outright, was not expecting it and it was a nice perk.
For unlocking ATT policy, you can find it on their website, states that if you are not an ATT customer and have a phone that is not activated on ATT and is not black listed that they will unlock it for free. I just filled out the form and the next day i had the unlock code. You can Google the policy for exact wording. They will not unlock it in store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is great, now... can you pleae report how well the S6 active from AT&T works on the T-mobile network? How are the LTE speeds? and the 3g as well.. as I think it misses some of Tmobiles bands. How is the calling quality on T-mobile and reception? Does it have the new band 12 compatible with the new Tmobile band 12? Do you know if it they have root access already? and of course... what about wifi calling? I am assuming this feature does not work with this phone. We appreciate answers to those questions.

spaniolo said:
That is great, now... can you pleae report how well the S6 active from AT&T works on the T-mobile network? How are the LTE speeds? and the 3g as well.. as I think it misses some of Tmobiles bands. How is the calling quality on T-mobile and reception? Does it have the new band 12 compatible with the new Tmobile band 12? Do you know if it they have root access already? and of course... what about wifi calling? I am assuming this feature does not work with this phone. We appreciate answers to those questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is compatible with attached t-mobile bands except 12. Band 12 does not concern me that much since I am an in area that does not have it. Speeds otherwise are the same as tmobile.
There is no WiFi calling option as this is exclusive to t-mobile. I am keeping an old phone tmobile around for when I travel international and use WiFi calling.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

So far...very frustrating
spaniolo said:
That is great, now... can you pleae report how well the S6 active from AT&T works on the T-mobile network? How are the LTE speeds? and the 3g as well.. as I think it misses some of T mobiles bands. How is the calling quality on T-mobile and reception? Does it have the new band 12 compatible with the new Tmobile band 12? Do you know if it they have root access already? and of course... what about wifi calling? I am assuming this feature does not work with this phone. We appreciate answers to those questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Received the unlock code and it worked like a charm, however everything else has been an issue. T-mobile set me up with a sim card and activated it and I can make calls fine, but the data is TERRIBLY slow. As in, I used to get 10mbps easily all around Charlotte (my home city) but now I'm getting MAYBE .88mbps. Also, the top where it says "lte" keeps disappearing and just showing the bars and the data cuts off completely. I'll make a call, and then after I hang up, the symbol comes back for a little while. I've reset the APN settings, done them manually with some info I found online, but it's still an issue. If anyone could help me, that'd be amazing.
Also, not software related, the actual screen has an issue. It's not the worst thing ever, but in direct sunlight there is a box around the screen about .25 inches in from the edge. It's almost like the glue they used to attach the glass to the screen isn't clear, but nearly clear. It shows up best on a white background with direct sunlight and the back-light turned up all the way, but it's visible on everything but black. VERY annoying.
I'm going to keep working with it (have factory reset twice now) for a couple of hours, but if it doesn't get figured out I have to return it. I use the phone for work and I literally cannot be without a stable connection.

hoodlum54 said:
Received the unlock code and it worked like a charm, however everything else has been an issue. T-mobile set me up with a sim card and activated it and I can make calls fine, but the data is TERRIBLY slow. As in, I used to get 10mbps easily all around Charlotte (my home city) but now I'm getting MAYBE .88mbps. Also, the top where it says "lte" keeps disappearing and just showing the bars and the data cuts off completely. I'll make a call, and then after I hang up, the symbol comes back for a little while. I've reset the APN settings, done them manually with some info I found online, but it's still an issue. If anyone could help me, that'd be amazing.
Also, not software related, the actual screen has an issue. It's not the worst thing ever, but in direct sunlight there is a box around the screen about .25 inches in from the edge. It's almost like the glue they used to attach the glass to the screen isn't clear, but nearly clear. It shows up best on a white background with direct sunlight and the back-light turned up all the way, but it's visible on everything but black. VERY annoying.
I'm going to keep working with it (have factory reset twice now) for a couple of hours, but if it doesn't get figured out I have to return it. I use the phone for work and I literally cannot be without a stable connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you take a screen shot or post your APN settings? I have no issues using on tmobile
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

hal3146 said:
Can you take a screen shot or post your APN settings? I have no issues using on tmobile
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called T-mobile and they had me manually enter 2 different sets of settings to try and get it to work, and the 2nd set was stable but wasn't fast. Then she pushed my device some settings (didn't know they could do that) and I installed them when prompted. That's the settings I'm using now. The connection is stable, but speeds are not like what they were (coming from an S5 so missing band 12 isn't the issue I unless I'm mistaken). Thank you so much for your help.
Here are the screenshots. My old phone used "fast.tmobile.com" but this one uses epc.tmobile.com. Not sure what the difference is. http://imgur.com/a/5pddQ

hoodlum54 said:
I called T-mobile and they had me manually enter 2 different sets of settings to try and get it to work, and the 2nd set was stable but wasn't fast. Then she pushed my device some settings (didn't know they could do that) and I installed them when prompted. That's the settings I'm using now. The connection is stable, but speeds are not like what they were (coming from an S5 so missing band 12 isn't the issue I unless I'm mistaken). Thank you so much for your help.
Here are the screenshots. My old phone used "fast.tmobile.com" but this one uses epc.tmobile.com. Not sure what the difference is. http://imgur.com/a/5pddQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is fast-tmobile I think that is your problem. Google tmobile APN settings and try them
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Galaxy Notes 8 Unlocked Version vs T-Mobile Version

Which is the better version for Galaxy Note 8 when purchasing directly from Samsung.com.
Should I get the unlocked version or the T-Mobile version? Which version get the update more frequently and faster? I read from reddit forum once that if you purchase the T-mobile verion directly from Samsung, it will be locked to T-mobile. And there is no way to unlock through T-Mobile? Is it correct?
Thank you very much

You don't owe them any money on it, so they should be able to give you the code.
The big difference will be in loss of functionality.
Unlocked versions don't work with carrier specific features like WiFi calling and in some cases, tethering.
It's one of the reasons why I ordered the AT&T version instead of the unlocked version.
I actually use WiFi calling a lot.

rjohnstone said:
You don't owe them any money on it, so they should be able to give you the code.
The big difference will be in loss of functionality.
Unlocked versions don't work with carrier specific features like WiFi calling and in some cases, tethering.
It's one of the reasons why I ordered the AT&T version instead of the unlocked version.
I actually use WiFi calling a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy the carrier specific and get the unlock code do you still get the wifi calling and hotspot
Sent from my SM-N910P using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2

the unlocked variant will not have video calling for sure, and no carrier specific apps. It should still have wifi calling though. my unlocked s7 edge had wifi calling, just no video calling. keep in mind that you may be able to flash the t mobile firmware on the unlocked variant like in the past on the s7 and s8's. totally safe without tripping knox. now if you get the t mobile branded note 8, you be able to unlock it after 40 days. long as you don't owe a balance to t mobile.
---------- Post added at 09:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:12 PM ----------
people think you don't have wifi calling but you do in the settings. they wifi calling toggle was missing but the settings are still there in the settings menu.

cherylbaker said:
If you buy the carrier specific and get the unlock code do you still get the wifi calling and hotspot
Sent from my SM-N910P using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my S8+, I have the AT&T version that I got from Samsung. I got it unlocked through AT&T. The Wifi calling and HotSpot both still work.

Also i beleive there's a work around for the video calling on the Unlocked s8+ versions. So there will be one for the Note 8.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

may not have 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM technologies
I believe that there is a question whether the unlocked version has 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM technologies.
the 8s t-mobile had 4x4 mimo and 256 qam whereas the unlocked version of the 8s did not have those features
RyanSe7en said:
Which is the better version for Galaxy Note 8 when purchasing directly from Samsung.com.
Should I get the unlocked version or the T-Mobile version? Which version get the update more frequently and faster? I read from reddit forum once that if you purchase the T-mobile verion directly from Samsung, it will be locked to T-mobile. And there is no way to unlock through T-Mobile? Is it correct?
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

koyanishi said:
I believe that there is a question whether the unlocked version has 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM technologies.
the 8s t-mobile had 4x4 mimo and 256 qam whereas the unlocked version of the 8s did not have those features
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It comes with the Sprint higher bands so maybe the other carrier bands will be there.

I got the Note8 from Samsung because of the Note 7 discount. Initially I was going to get an unlocked version as I'll be travelling internationally early next year. But I switched to the TMo version because that will ship Sept 11 while the unlocked version will ship Sept 21. No other reason.
Yes, I am that anxious to get it early.

koyanishi said:
I believe that there is a question whether the unlocked version has 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM technologies.
the 8s t-mobile had 4x4 mimo and 256 qam whereas the unlocked version of the 8s did not have those features
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking it will since Att, and Verizon are rolling out 4x4 mimo, and 256 qam.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Doubt the T-Mobile version will ever be rooted, so that is something to take into account when considering the unlocked version vs TMobile.
Not sure I would want to pay $900 for a phone that I can't root.

well I bought a T mobile variant from Samsung. T mobile rep told me today that they can unlock it as soon as I get it in. even if I owe Samsung money. long as you don't owe money to t mobile, they can unlock it. so my previous statement was false.
---------- Post added at 05:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:17 PM ----------
mardukeme said:
Also i beleive there's a work around for the video calling on the Unlocked s8+ versions. So there will be one for the Note 8.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do yo have a link to the work around? just curious to read about it

I ordered two from Samsung website, the effin unlocked version aint gonna ship until first week of October? WTF T Mobile version sept 14 shipping.

black96ss said:
well I bought a T mobile variant from Samsung. T mobile rep told me today that they can unlock it as soon as I get it in. even if I owe Samsung money. long as you don't owe money to t mobile, they can unlock it. so my previous statement was false.
---------- Post added at 05:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:17 PM ----------
do yo have a link to the work around? just curious to read about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a feeling u must of spoken to a newbie rep... they will give u a hassle and probably say to put $200 or $300 down if u owe money on the phone.. but they have been given smoother unlocks lately if the phone has been paid off by sometimes unlocking after a few days to a week...

I heard that there is no way to unlock the T-mobile version when buying from Samsung.com? People are having problem trying to unlock it through T mobile

RyanSe7en said:
I heard that there is no way to unlock the T-mobile version when buying from Samsung.com? People are having problem trying to unlock it through T mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My S8 Plus, I bought off eBay, the person bought it of Samsung.com
when I got it in June, the next day I went to a T-Mobile store and put insurance, and I tried to do the device unlock and it didn't work, went to my account to check the phone status and the imei didn't show, and till today it doesn't show but it has been added, and it doesn't unlock status either my account,
but I called T-Mobile to add the imei and after trying to convince the rep to please put the order in, she said call Samsung, I said politely please I don't want to go through a runaround, they will tell me to call u, when u get the phone they release it with the unlock code, happened to me with HTC years ago, I said speak with ur manager, she put me on hold for a while, and they put my request in to add the imei, I waited 3 days then called back cause I didn't see the imei added, but T-Mobile said the order went through and they can see my imei, and trying to convince another newbie rep, he passed me to his supervisor to my surprise without getting disconnected, the supervisor gave me his word he would take care of it and that I wouldn't have to call back, I tried the device unlock 2 times a day.. the 3rd day it unlocked.. took about 6 to 7 days.. this phone unlock was the fastest ever for me in T-Mobile..

mdiaz33685 said:
My S8 Plus, I bought off eBay, the person bought it of Samsung.com
when I got it in June, the next day I went to a T-Mobile store and put insurance, and I tried to do the device unlock and it didn't work, went to my account to check the phone status and the imei didn't show, and till today it doesn't show but it has been added, and it doesn't unlock status either my account,
but I called T-Mobile to add the imei and after trying to convince the rep to please put the order in, she said call Samsung, I said politely please I don't want to go through a runaround, they will tell me to call u, when u get the phone they release it with the unlock code, happened to me with HTC years ago, I said speak with ur manager, she put me on hold for a while, and they put my request in to add the imei, I waited 3 days then called back cause I didn't see the imei added, but T-Mobile said the order went through and they can see my imei, and trying to convince another newbie rep, he passed me to his supervisor to my surprise without getting disconnected, the supervisor gave me his word he would take care of it and that I wouldn't have to call back, I tried the device unlock 2 times a day.. the 3rd day it unlocked.. took about 6 to 7 days.. this phone unlock was the fastest ever for me in T-Mobile..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is quite a hassle to unlock it. I'm not so sure that I will be that lucky like you are. Let see

Note that T-mobile requires you to have the device active on their line before you can request to Unlock the device. So if you aren't a Tmo customer and plan to just get that phone and unlock it, you're in for a surprise. Here's the bigger question, and it may be my ignorance so please be kind. Why do you want to unlock a TMO branded phone ASAP, if you are a TMO customer?
Unlock requirements
We provide mobile device unlock codes free within two business days (or provide further information about timing) for eligible devices.
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported to T-Mobile as lost, stolen, or blocked.
The account associated with the device must not be canceled, and be in good standing.
You have requested no more than two mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Unlocking terms outlined below.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.

rile1564 said:
Note that T-mobile requires you to have the device active on their line before you can request to Unlock the device. So if you aren't a Tmo customer and plan to just get that phone and unlock it, you're in for a surprise. Here's the bigger question, and it may be my ignorance so please be kind. Why do you want to unlock a TMO branded phone ASAP, if you are a TMO customer?
Unlock requirements
We provide mobile device unlock codes free within two business days (or provide further information about timing) for eligible devices.
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported to T-Mobile as lost, stolen, or blocked.
The account associated with the device must not be canceled, and be in good standing.
You have requested no more than two mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Unlocking terms outlined below.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I dont want to unlock it right away. In the future, I will travel out of the country. I will need to unlock it to use it when I'm out of the country. I'm just afraid that I cannot unlock them at all because I read some posts from Reddit. People said that T-mobile refuses to unlock their T-mobile phone purchasing from Samsung.com. And it is easier to re-sell it in the future if I need to

RyanSe7en said:
No, I dont want to unlock it right away. In the future, I will travel out of the country. I will need to unlock it to use it when I'm out of the country. I'm just afraid that I cannot unlock them at all because I read some posts from Reddit. People said that T-mobile refuses to unlock their T-mobile phone purchasing from Samsung.com. And it is easier to re-sell it in the future if I need to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlock them right away, cause I paid for my phone, I want it unlocked that's all... they shouldn't be locked anyways, for 900 to 1000 dollars, be for real, and then they want u to have it active for 40 days and paid off, one time they made me pay around 200 extra, I told them I gonna pay it off in 2 weeks, was waiting on my check, and paid 400, they send the unlock code, now its with the device unlock feature but not for the Note 4, the device unlock didn't come with that model.
I travel outside to the DR and use a local sim, not to get charged 20 cents a minute.
you can sell it for a few more dollars when selling it. tmobile phone r better for the frequencies handle almost all carriers internationally and US.
just be polite, tell them to add the imei if its from Samsung, just say they told me to call you, please I don't want to go through a runaround.. blah blah,,, but politeness will get u sooner most of the times...

Question S21 ultra tmobile locked help

Hi Everyone,
So i just bought the s21 ultra t-mobile from samsung.com. As i understand it, the device is locked to tmobile simcard. I have an att sim card and would like to understand my options if i want to continue to use att sim card.
Since i will have device paid in full,
1. Can tmobile unlock the device for me even though i have no account with them?
2. If they will not unlock it, is my option to then get a prepaid card top it with 100 dollars work with phone for couple months then switch back to att after they unlock?
3. Is there a shorter way, like when i receive device can i just flash unlocked firmware and that would make me able to use any sim?
I am just looking for the following
1. Unlocking device
2. Having wifi call as with this weird att\tmobile combo as i understand it i will not have wifi calling? so flashing unlocked\att should help? but given tmobile unlocks my phone
Thanks alot for your help

Message @Tmobilehelp on Twitter. They'll unlock for you. I did this recently for a couple of A71. I also confirmed with them before ordering the S21 Ultra.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out, My name is Marva and I will be working with you moving forward! I hope that overall your day is going well so far! We always want to be respectful of your time and appreciate you hanging in there with us to make sure that you're all set. I know it's important to get that device unlocked for use on other networks. Traveling is so much easier and versatility of an unlocked phone is awesome. We do have a process for devices purchased directly through the manufacturer. So yes, you are definitely able to purchase from Samsung, then you'll just need to share your device imei with us here and we can submit the request. It does take about 72 hours to complete and then you'll use the preinstalled unlock app once your request has been processed. Let me know what other questions you have abut this.
That's correct, this process is specifically for non T-Mobile customers that purchase their devices through Samsung so you'll be all set!

rmrl2008 said:
Message @Tmobilehelp on Twitter. They'll unlock for you. I did this recently for a couple of A71. I also confirmed with them before ordering the S21 Ultra.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out, My name is Marva and I will be working with you moving forward! I hope that overall your day is going well so far! We always want to be respectful of your time and appreciate you hanging in there with us to make sure that you're all set. I know it's important to get that device unlocked for use on other networks. Traveling is so much easier and versatility of an unlocked phone is awesome. We do have a process for devices purchased directly through the manufacturer. So yes, you are definitely able to purchase from Samsung, then you'll just need to share your device imei with us here and we can submit the request. It does take about 72 hours to complete and then you'll use the preinstalled unlock app once your request has been processed. Let me know what other questions you have abut this.
That's correct, this process is specifically for non T-Mobile customers that purchase their devices through Samsung so you'll be all set!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are not as accomodating with current Tmo customers.

Dai_321 said:
Hi Everyone,
So i just bought the s21 ultra t-mobile from samsung.com. As i understand it, the device is locked to tmobile simcard. I have an att sim card and would like to understand my options if i want to continue to use att sim card.
Since i will have device paid in full,
1. Can tmobile unlock the device for me even though i have no account with them?
2. If they will not unlock it, is my option to then get a prepaid card top it with 100 dollars work with phone for couple months then switch back to att after they unlock?
3. Is there a shorter way, like when i receive device can i just flash unlocked firmware and that would make me able to use any sim?
I am just looking for the following
1. Unlocking device
2. Having wifi call as with this weird att\tmobile combo as i understand it i will not have wifi calling? so flashing unlocked\att should help? but given tmobile unlocks my phone
Thanks alot for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much did you pay? I cancelled my preorder yesterday and today I tried to reorder but now the tmo version is $100 more than yesterday

If someone willing to unlock S21 bootloader on snapdragon variant PM me for unlock and testing TWRP build.

Shuthefrontdoor said:
How much did you pay? I cancelled my preorder yesterday and today I tried to reorder but now the tmo version is $100 more than yesterday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it looked the $100 off the TMO version was only for a day or so.

BladeRunner said:
They are not as accomodating with current Tmo customers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe they will unlock if the phone is fully paid off. They will also do temporary unlocks for travel.

Bobb_o said:
I believe they will unlock if the phone is fully paid off. They will also do temporary unlocks for travel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Needs to be active on a line for 40 days. They USED to be much more flexible about that but the last couple of times I've tried they've stuck firm on that.

I've had T-Mobile unlock phones for me in the past, even when the phone hasn't been active on my account for 40 days, but I have had my Tmo account for a long time with several lines and financed devices. I don't ask for unlocks often, I've maybe done 3 or 4 over the years. Last one was a Pixel 4 XL and before that it was an iPhone XS.
BladeRunner said:
Yeah, it looked the $100 off the TMO version was only for a day or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed this too, and now the Sprint version is $100 off. I would think that getting the Sprint version would work just fine on Tmo these days (especially since all US branded devices are the same hardware model), but then, would that phone be locked to Spring SIM Cards only and using my Tmo SIM would be a problem?