Factory Unlocked S10 5g? - Samsung Galaxy S10 5G Questions & Answers

I thought the S10 5g was only sold by Verizon. This eBay ad says it's the unlocked model though. Is it legit?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...526055?hash=item469893aea7:g:7pMAAOSww6Nc9fSF
Item number 303207526055

It reads in the auction description that it's from Verizon.
Verizon does not (sim lock) their phones so I'd say it's legit.

enginuity2 said:
I thought the S10 5g was only sold by Verizon. This eBay ad says it's the unlocked model though. Is it legit?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...526055?hash=item469893aea7:g:7pMAAOSww6Nc9fSF
Item number 303207526055
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 5g model is sold through Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. You can also buy it through the Samsung website. All phones are locked to their specific carrier, no unlocked phones are sold in the US. Not sure if it may be an unlocked model from a different country?

This is actually not true per say, I have the Verizon model and it works with any SIM I have put into it. It just gives you a message that "this is not a Verizon SIM", still works fine. You can clear the message also.

I have unlocked mine with one of those unlock services online.

shollywood said:
This is actually not true per say, I have the Verizon model and it works with any SIM I have put into it. It just gives you a message that "this is not a Verizon SIM", still works fine. You can clear the message also.
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So I bought a Samsung S10 5g from Verizon and was activated on it's Network for more than 48 hours and I was told it's an unlocked device. I tried an At&t sim and it was giving me a message" that the device cannot be activated on another carrier at this moment"(something like that). So I called Verizon and they informed me the device is unlocked. So the tech unlocked it again and I received a text message saying that the device will be unlocked once I insert a non Verizon sim. So I did and still giving me that message and it's killing the signal. So I tried a TMobile sim and it worked. With no message or error. Can anyone shed light or advise me on what to do now?
Thanks

Related

[Q] Sprint Moto X displaying "invalid SIM"

I have a Sprint moto X that was a gift from someone in the US, all my local SIMs that I've inserted are displaying "invalid SIM" and it's not asking for any unlock code either, do anyone know what's wrong and possible solution. Thanks
The phone is simlocked and does not prompt for an unlock card like a GSM phone. I believe only Sprint can unlock it.
I think Sprint requires a device to be active for 90 days on their service before it can he unlocked. You can try calling though. The only CDMA carrier in the US that sells LTE devices that are already GSM unlocked is Verizon.
19Interpol said:
I think Sprint requires a device to be active for 90 days on their service before it can he unlocked. You can try calling though. The only CDMA carrier in the US that sells LTE devices that are already GSM unlocked is Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay, I'll try and contact Sprint

CDMA unlock Verizon Note 8 for Sprint?

Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks
f2000sa said:
Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon phones are all carrier unlocked. I'm using a Verizon Note 8 on T-Mobile right now.
Couple questions:
1. Have you double checked to make sure the IMEI is clean and clear? If its blacklisted on Verizon, it won't work on any US carrier.
2. Do you have a nano SIM from Sprint that's already activated?
3. Have you tried flashing either the unlocked firmwareor the Sprint firmware on it?
Thanks, Mr. Orange645
The phone was bought brand new a month ago from Best Buy , and used on Verizon for a month. Phone paid off and no contract. IMEI should be clean. I did a check on Ting with the IMEI , and it can be used for GSM.
I have two nano sims from Sprint, both activated and un-activated. The problem is that Sprint can not add the IMEI to their system. I called Samsung and gave the IMEI, and was told that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. I wonder whether there is way to do CDMA unlocking.
I did not try to flash unlocked ROM. I think that IMEI on sprint network is the first step.
So you have a nano SIM that's already activated with Sprint? It's in a Sprint phone right now and has service?
If So, put the activated SIM in your Note 8 and see if you have service.
Sprint shouldn't have to activate your phone, just the Sim. That's how you can buy the Unlocked version from Samsung.com and stick your Sprint SIM in it and have service.
Sprint uses CDMA, and have to add the IMEI to their system to make it work. Also tried the activated sim, with no luck.
There is no "CDMA unlocking," it's either carrier unlocked or it's not. And ALL Verizon LTE Devices are Carrier unlocked.
f2000sa said:
Is there such a thing as CDMA unlocking? Samsung said that it is carrier-locked to Verizon. Verizon said they no longer lock phones. I could not get it activated on Sprint. They do not accept the IMEI.
Is there any way to make it working on Sprint? Please help. Got stuck with a phone that can not be used. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried simply factory resetting the device first and then booting up for the first time with the activated Sprint sim in.
Maybe try flashing Sprint firmware?
IMEI is hard-coded. For CDMA, it must be added into Sprint systems. Unless GSM, only a SIM is necessary.
Did Sprint not provide some sort of reason/explanation as to why they are unable to add the IMEI? If they can't do it, surely they can tell you why.
CDMA networks are finicky -- Sprint's in particular -- when it comes to bringing over other carrier devices (even ones with compatible hardware). Some good info in here:
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhon...y-verizon-sprint-phone-on-a-different-network
f2000sa said:
IMEI is hard-coded. For CDMA, it must be added into Sprint systems. Unless GSM, only a SIM is necessary.
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I believe someone is giving you false information. You should be able to place an activated SIM card into the phone and start using it. That's how the unlocked Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Note 8 all work. You buy them unlocked and use them on whichever carrier you want, including Sprint. That's how my Nexus 6 worked on Verizon, before I switched to T-Mobile. Verizon also uses CDMA, and they didn't have to add any IMEI into their system. You just put the activated SIM into the phone.
I could take a Verizon SIM and put it into my T-Mobile S8+ right now, and it would activate and get service.
But to answer your original question again, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS CDMA UNLOCKING. The phone is either carrier unlocked, or its not. And the Verizon Note 8 is 100% carrier unlocked.
I beginning to suspect you bought a Note 8 with a bad IMEI, if you got it used.
EDIT: I MAY BE WRONG (don't tell my wife, she never hears me say that)
After doing some research on Reddit, it looks like others ran into the same issue as you. The unlocked version and the Sprint version will work, but none of the other carrier Note 8s are eligible for BYOD. Which is stupid, since they are all exactly the same hardware.
I'd try this:
Use ODIN to flash either the Unlocked 950U1 firmware, or the Sprint 950U firmware. Then place the Sprint SIM card in the phone to see if it activates upon start up. If it doesn't then you may be hosed. If that's the case, sign up for T-Mobile. LOL.
Thanks all for the useful information and help. The error they encountered is that they could not load the ESN to the Sprint PLBL database. They got error like incompatible, or unsupported device etc.
Sprint will not add other carries phone to their system. If IMEI is from Verizon it will never work with active or inactive SIM. Only way if it was factory unlocked phone bought from Samsung.
Did anyone find a solution to this? Moved to Sprint BYOD two days ago with my Verizon note8 and it won't work. The phone keeps asking for a Verizon since. I am at second Sprint repair center as I type this. Please tell me it can be fixed. Thanks.
I am in the same boat, Paid off my wife's Iphone7+ and my Note 8 with Verizon and then tried to BYOD with sprint and they are unable to activate. Verizon informed me that their devices are 100% not locked and Sprint has no clue.
You could try other carriers like straightalk or tmobile maybe even metro pcs but it will not work with sprint. They are a pain and don't allow other carrier phones on their network.
I purchased a Verizon Note 8 , which was paid off and unlocked. Successfully activated on Sprint using my existing Active Sprint sim card.
Everything looks good, just one major issue, I am stuck with 3G internet. Still not able to get 4G LTE on Sprint.
[/COLOR]
OriyaGuru said:
I purchased a Verizon Note 8 , which was paid off and unlocked. Successfully activated on Sprint using my existing Active Sprint sim card.
Everything looks good, just one major issue, I am stuck with 3G internet. Still not able to get 4G LTE on Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to enter sprints apn bro then you will have 4G.
I have the reverse issue. I have the opportunity to get a good deal on a Sprint Note 8, but I want to use it on Verizon. Assuming the device is not blacklisted, would there be any issue with this? Buying a sprint-branded phone and using it on Verizon's CDMA network? Are all the bands the same? I get 3 checkmarks on willmyphonework.com (but they didn't have the Note 8 yet, just the Note 7)

Does sprint unlock their phones now?

I reached out to sprint for the unlock code to unlock my phone. The rep, via chat, told me that my phone is already unlocked to be used locally and internationally. I asked him to give the code anyway just in case, and he said "Unlocking code or MSL code is only for older devices that are not unlock capable."
I thought only Verizon's phones were sold unlocked. Has sprint started doing this as well on new phones?
Aloupha said:
I reached out to sprint for the unlock code to unlock my phone. The rep, via chat, told me that my phone is already unlocked to be used locally and internationally. I asked him to give the code anyway just in case, and he said "Unlocking code or MSL code is only for older devices that are not unlock capable."
I thought only Verizon's phones were sold unlocked. Has sprint started doing this as well on new phones?
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Click to collapse
No its uicc locked domestically if purchased through sprint until paid off, internationally yes its capable of using any sim on non domestic towers.
Once fully paid off etc you can ask for it to have a uicc unlock so it will accept a att sim etc.
I bought it brand new off eBay. Maybe that's why the agent said it is already unlocked?
Team DevDigitel said:
No its uicc locked domestically if purchased through sprint until paid off, internationally yes its capable of using any sim on non domestic towers.
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A friend of mine tried to put a different sim on his Sprint phone outside of the USA and couldn't. He had to call Sprint to unlock it.
Aloupha said:
I bought it brand new off eBay. Maybe that's why the agent said it is already unlocked?
A friend of mine tried to put a different sim on his Sprint phone outside of the USA and couldn't. He had to call Sprint to unlock it.
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Click to collapse
Is it a SM-950U or U1 ?
U1 is unbranded version and pre-unlocked. The U is the carrier variant.
The U would have been locked unless purchased full retail and active on a account atleast 50 days per sprint policy.
Sprint technically dosnt have to unlock it if it dosnt meet their guidelines.
https://www.sprint.com/en/legal/unlocking-your-sprint-device.html
Did you try inserting another SIM card in your Note 8 and see if you can place a call?
If it works with a card other than Sprint, it should work even abroad.
How to check if your phone is actually locked or not: https://www.unlockunit.com/blog/how-to-check-if-your-phone-is-network-locked/
Team DevDigitel said:
Is it a SM-950U or U1 ?
U1 is unbranded version and pre-unlocked. The U is the carrier variant.
The U would have been locked unless purchased full retail and active on a account atleast 50 days per sprint policy.
Sprint technically dosnt have to unlock it if it dosnt meet their guidelines.
https://www.sprint.com/en/legal/unlocking-your-sprint-device.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a SM-950U
"Did you try inserting another SIM card in your Note 8 and see if you can place a call? "
I don't have one to try it. Otherwise, that would have been one of my first tries.
mine got unlocked automatically after ~50 days last fall
i didn't contact them or anything, one day it just ... happened
it was paid in full from Samsung since they had that sweet trade-in deal for Note7 owners
Aloupha said:
I reached out to sprint for the unlock code to unlock my phone. The rep, via chat, told me that my phone is already unlocked to be used locally and internationally. I asked him to give the code anyway just in case, and he said "Unlocking code or MSL code is only for older devices that are not unlock capable."
I thought only Verizon's phones were sold unlocked. Has sprint started doing this as well on new phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to wait 50 days, and it automatically unlocked. No lease, no payments.
Apparently the only way is to call them, If I buy this phone used would I have any chance of unlocking it in the future ?

Verizon Note 9 on AT&T

If I get a Verizon note 9 can I just pop an Att sim into it and it will work. I know there may be differences between voice and data but Basically is the Verizon NOTE9 GSM unlocked like past Galaxy phones were?
I read a Verizon forum where the Verizon rep said that the note 9 is GSM unlocked but she said AFTER it has been activated on Verizon.
To make matters more confusing she linked to a Verizon page that basically said all Verizon's post pay phones are GSM 4G unlocked (nothing about activation first).
Anyone can help me here? Thinking of getting a cheap one of eBay to use mainly overseas and ATT or wherever else.
Yes. The Verizon models are unlocked. And it's the same exact hardware as the ATT version. My recommendation is to flash either the U1 or the ATT firmware though. Otherwise you'll get the Verizon boot animation and Verizon bloatware.
The ATT firmware will allow you to use WiFi calling and VOLTE.
The unlocked U1 firmware will be clean and have no carrier bloat.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yes. The Verizon models are unlocked. And it's the same exact hardware as the ATT version. My recommendation is to flash either the U1 or the ATT firmware though. Otherwise you'll get the Verizon boot animation and Verizon bloatware.
The ATT firmware will allow you to use WiFi calling and VOLTE.
The unlocked U1 firmware will be clean and have no carrier bloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Henhen59 said:
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also looking for that definitive answer as I want to get the Verizon Note 9 for overseas use. I read that it will be unlocked after activation as they were having armed robberies at stores and other inventory locations. I was going to buy the Sprint model but it cost almost $150 to unlock.
Henhen59 said:
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
djohne said:
I'm also looking for that definitive answer as I want to get the Verizon Note 9 for overseas use. I read that it will be unlocked after activation as they were having armed robberies at stores and other inventory locations. I was going to buy the Sprint model but it cost almost $150 to unlock.
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Click to collapse
Verizon started that with the Pixel 3, after the Note 9. The Note 9's from Verizon are unlocked. Even with the Pixel 3, once it was activated with a Verizon SIM, it was then automatically carrier unlocked. So if you buy a used VZW Note 9 from eBay, its already been activated on Verizon, so no worries.
Just be careful buying off eBay. If its still under contract and the seller stops making payments, it will be blacklisted.
Why buy a Verizon version to use on AT&T?
What is the advantage over getting an AT&T or carrier unlocked version?
pizza_pablo said:
Why buy a Verizon version to use on AT&T?
What is the advantage over getting an AT&T or carrier unlocked version?
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Click to collapse
They buy on Verizon because Verizon offers better deals. Then they want to use the devices on other networks. But since Note only has A firmware, not B, it's an annoying process for those who haven't flashed before.
AS to your second question: ATT doesn't allow Wi-Fi Calling nor voice over LTE on unlocked devices. So many ending putting up with their bloat in order to get those features.
CrazyApe18 said:
They buy on Verizon because Verizon offers better deals. Then they want to use the devices on other networks. But since Note only has A firmware, not B, it's an annoying process for those who haven't flashed before.
AS to your second question: ATT doesn't allow Wi-Fi Calling nor voice over LTE on unlocked devices. So many ending putting up with their bloat in order to get those features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh, I would think any Verizon deal would require using Verizon service.
Thanks!
pizza_pablo said:
Huh, I would think any Verizon deal would require using Verizon service.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, they do require service. But people either don't read or think they've found some way around it.
CrazyApe18 said:
Oh, they do require service. But people either don't read or think they've found some way around it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ha! Hard to outsmart big red.
pizza_pablo said:
oh ha! Hard to outsmart big red.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It used to be easier. Verizon would often offer buy one get one free on Samsung and LG devices. You had to sign up for new service and put the phones on a payment plan. But the second phone uses to actually be free, not just bill credits. And you could pay off the first one and cancel your service.
I one time bought four Galaxy S7s when they were brand new, started four lines of service with Verizon, then paid off the phones and cancelled the service. Then I sold all four phones and netted about a thousand dollar profit off the deal.
Did the same thing with the LG G4 with Verizon when they offered $600 prepaid gift cards for each phone you bought.
Now Verizon, like all other carriers, lock you in with bill credits.
As they say, all good things must come to an end.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Verizon started that with the Pixel 3, after the Note 9. The Note 9's from Verizon are unlocked. Even with the Pixel 3, once it was activated with a Verizon SIM, it was then automatically carrier unlocked. So if you buy a used VZW Note 9 from eBay, its already been activated on Verizon, so no worries.
Just be careful buying off eBay. If its still under contract and the seller stops making payments, it will be blacklisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted them for overseas use, actually ended up getting a great deal on 2 ATT note 9s, under $500 each n paid $18 to unlock
Verizon note 9 on AT&T
I'm using an unlocked Verizon note 9 512gb 8gb ram on AT&T and amazingly everything works. Wifi calling, video calling, volte. Even went to UbreakIfix and they installed Android 10 onto the phone. When I put the Sim card into the phone it loaded all the AT&T software on the phone and I was good. The great thing about Verizon unlocked phones are that they have the full CDMA and GSM capabilities so you can use them on any carrier. It wasn't a hassle at all to do.

Factory unlocked but it has a regional lock

Hi all,
Recently I bought a NOTE 9 SM-N960F/DS 128GB (FACTORY UNLOCKED) 6.4" Exynos. over ebay during Thanksgiving.
I never activated and I thought it is network unlocked as well but when I came to a different country and inserted a new sim it saying "Invalid sim car" and asking to enter a unlock code??
My seller not responding and also it crossed grace period to return.
Samsung support says I have to call Malaysia at least 10 minutes to unlock it which is not possible to for me to travel there.
ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
File a claim through PayPal and get your money back.
I got my Note 9 direct from Samsung, there was a warning on the box (the actual seal) it states it was made for the European market and to use it internationally first a European operator SIM needs to be inserted and make a total of 5 minutes of calls before it will unlock for international service providers.
So it's not that they are region locked it, they are just trying to make them stay in the market they are intended or sold as second hand.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
File a claim through PayPal and get your money back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have 180 days to put in claim via PayPal. So you should be ok!
Unlocked regional using Samsung Code Reader App. Thank you very much.
/bin/ said:
Unlocked regional using Samsung Code Reader App. Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could you explain that please...?
Network Unlocked but gives Invalid SIM outside USA
Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a Sprint Note 9 SM-N960U which was advertised as Network unlocked, but when I received the phone in Qatar and inserted my SIM it gave me "Invalid SIM". It often gives me " Insert UICC that came with the device". Can someone guide me to how can I unlock this phone? Also I need to know do I have to root the phone to Unlock it?
Thanks and regards,
ggalal said:
Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a Sprint Note 9 SM-N960U which was advertised as Network unlocked, but when I received the phone in Qatar and inserted my SIM it gave me "Invalid SIM". It often gives me " Insert UICC that came with the device". Can someone guide me to how can I unlock this phone? Also I need to know do I have to root the phone to Unlock it?
Thanks and regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible to root the N960U
Your best bet is to call Sprint and pray the phone is paid off and they will unlock it for you.
Looks like is sim lock and you need to unlock it. Try on Google note 9 unlock and use a reputable site see if it helps.

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