AT&T wifi calling on unlocked 4 XL - Google Pixel 4 XL Questions & Answers

Long story short, I swapped my sim from my unlocked ATT 2 XL to the 4 XL and it fired right up with wifi calling and HD voice. I gave my wife the 2 XL and when I swapped her sim from her iphone I had to call ATT to get her hotspot working. The 2 XL is now in business but during that process they killed wifi calling on my 4 XL. I called again and they gave me the runaround about it being an unlocked device and that's a feature reserved only for ATT phones. I explained that it was working prior and they couldn't seem to figure it out. They said they were going to send me a software push that could take up to 24 hours and if that doesn't work, I'm out of luck. Anyone have any ideas on how to get wifi calling back? I appreciate it.

No resolution here, but same issue. though I had my sim in samsung phones most recently. At first, visual voicemail wasn't working either. I called, gave IMEI, and VVM started working a few minutes later. As far as wifi calling, they said my imei didn't show my phone as being LTE capable (or something to that effect). He knows pixels and couldn't understand why I was getting that error. He said he would submit a ticket to get it figured out. That was Thursday.

I had this problem also when I switched to AT&T when using a Verizon LG V30 flashed to AT&T software. Wifi-calling would not work, and their CS said only AT&T phones support it. Their system checked your IMEI and kills wifi-calling if it's not one of their phones.
Only solution is to get an official AT&T branded Pixel 4 XL.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Well this will suck. Anyone else confirm that unlocked pixel 4s don't have wifi calling on ATT?

Works fine on mine.
WiFI calling & HD Voice.

That blows, I have t mobile WiFi calling on my OnePlus 5t. Unlocked, not purchased from the carrier. Maybe it's time to switch provider

I can confirm that is DOES work on my unlocked Pixel 4XL and my wife's unlocked Pixel 3. Upper left corner says AT&T Wi-Fi Calling and when in a call, you see the WiFi signal meter by the call timer.

wattsja said:
I can confirm that is DOES work on my unlocked Pixel 4XL and my wife's unlocked Pixel 3. Upper left corner says AT&T Wi-Fi Calling and when in a call, you see the WiFi signal meter by the call timer.
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Thanks I though it would be strange that it worked on the unlocked 3xl and not work on the 4.

It worked fine when they still had my Sim tied to my 2XL. Once they updated my imei it killed it. Still not working, I'll keep trying.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

crazy3gz said:
It worked fine when they still had my Sim tied to my 2XL. Once they updated my imei it killed it. Still not working, I'll keep trying.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might try talking to their tech support to see if they can add your imei to their system to allow wifi-calling.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

MicroMod777 said:
I had this problem also when I switched to AT&T when using a Verizon LG V30 flashed to AT&T software. Wifi-calling would not work, and their CS said only AT&T phones support it. Their system checked your IMEI and kills wifi-calling if it's not one of their phones.
Only solution is to get an official AT&T branded Pixel 4 XL.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an unlocked Pixlel 4XL, upgrading from a 3 XL. But I have had WiFi calling on my 2XL, and 3XL and now on my 4XL.

MicroMod777 said:
You might try talking to their tech support to see if they can add your imei to their system to allow wifi-calling.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had a ticket open for a few days. This morning I get a text saying the ticket was resolved and to call. I tested wifi calling again first, but still same error. When I call I got directed to the retention dept. They said they were giving my $5 off my bill indefinitely, as long as I keep my unlimited plus plan. Then my ticket came up and I got transferred to tech support. They said they were not able to add the imei and my phone was not showing as VOLTE capable. The tech i talked to said she knew that was BS so she opened the ticket back up saying they would just have to add the imei on the backend. After a couple more return phone calls they said it's not supported because I didn't buy it from them. I've been with AT&T for many years, since they were Cingular. With the $5 off, my bill should only be about $80, plus I get HBO for free. That's not much more than what tmobile or google fi would be, but I really feel like leaving because of this ****.

I left att specially for this reason when I first got my pixel..... No other phone company has a rule that u can't utilize all the advanced carrier features unless you buy the phone from them.
I never tested but I suspect if you get an att branded phone that has WiFi calling on and operational and then just swap the SIM I to your P2XL without telling att it should work.
It's a provisional flag that needs to be activated.... It may happen automatically or you could ha e them manually do it for the att branded phone..... My assumption is that when you transfer the SIM to the P2XL the provisional flag won't turn off unless the carrier manually alters you account again... Like adding hotspot or something.
And what's even worse is you can buy an iPhone from the Apple store and wifi calling works.... I told them that is discrimination. They had no answer.....

I have an unlocked Pixel 4 XL and wifi calling has always worked just fine.

AT&T sucks for things like this. And now since AT&T offers the Pixel 4 they force AT&T customized firmware even if you buy the phone from Google. It looks like it's the Nexus 6 all over again. AT&T will likely be involved in updates now too even if the phone was bought from Google. It would have been better if AT&T didn't offer the Pixel 4. My Pixel 2 XL on AT&T gets updates from Google right away but no wi-fi calling.

bsg411 said:
I left att specially for this reason when I first got my pixel..... No other phone company has a rule that u can't utilize all the advanced carrier features unless you buy the phone from them.
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Click to collapse
Actually Sprint is/was like that because I didn't have WiFi calling, voLTE, or their visual voicemail on my Pixel 2 XL. Now, I surprisingly have all three with my Pixel 4 XL.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

EeZeEpEe said:
Actually Sprint is/was like that because I didn't have WiFi calling, voLTE, or their visual voicemail on my Pixel 2 XL. Now, I surprisingly have all three with my Pixel 4 XL.
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Yeah.... It's not fair. If we paying for the service and to use a carrier's network, why penalize a customer for not buying the phone thru the carrier.... Especially when they dont penalize people for buying the iPhone outside the carrier.

bsg411 said:
Yeah.... It's not fair. If we paying for the service and to use a carrier's network, why penalize a customer for not buying the phone thru the carrier.... Especially when they dont penalize people for buying the iPhone outside the carrier.
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Click to collapse
Curious but how did you setup your phone? Did you go through the eSIM method? I saw AT&T was an option along with Google Fi and Sprint. I was surprised to see Sprint there and during the setup I got the visual voicemail option. Not saying that setup is what gave me WiFi and voLTE as well but just wondering.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

EeZeEpEe said:
Curious but how did you setup your phone? Did you go through the eSIM method? I saw AT&T was an option along with Google Fi and Sprint. I was surprised to see Sprint there and during the setup I got the visual voicemail option. Not saying that setup is what gave me WiFi and voLTE as well but just wondering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the regular sim option. But I ended up leaving att because of this issue plus I wanted to see if I got better cellular reception on Verizon in general.... and my Verizon bill is cheaper than the att one was. But Ionly have a 5GB + rollover data plan versus a 6GB plan on att.

I want to follow this since I am done with AT&T branded phones. They only way I might get the Pixel 4 is through Google directly and I want Volte and Wifi calling, otherwise there is no point.
I hope that AT&T/Google will get many complaints and fix this nonsense.
Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] Nexus 6 on Verizon

I got my Nexus 6 from Google Play yesterday YA! i put my SIM in it and bingo 4G and service on Verizon! the one problem is I have no Data when on a phone call, I feel like I just went back a few years in time I'm reading i have to have advanced dialing 1.0 turned on, I was able to find this setting on my Verizon account and turned it on but 24 hours latter still no data when on a call
Thoughts?
Next question. Since I bought this phone outright from Google (ouch on my checking account) I have the freedom to move to any company. Sprint is out of the question since there service in Denver area is real bad. Dose AT&T or T-Mobile support Data and calling at the same time if Verizon dose not work for this?
Advanced calling 1.0 is not yet supported for the nexus 6 even if you turn it on in your account. Have to wait for vzw to enable it for this phone.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Amore514 said:
I got my Nexus 6 from Google Play yesterday YA! i put my SIM in it and bingo 4G and service on Verizon! the one problem is I have no Data when on a phone call, I feel like I just went back a few years in time I'm reading i have to have advanced dialing 1.0 turned on, I was able to find this setting on my Verizon account and turned it on but 24 hours latter still no data when on a call
Thoughts?
Next question. Since I bought this phone outright from Google (ouch on my checking account) I have the freedom to move to any company. Sprint is out of the question since there service in Denver area is real bad. Dose AT&T or T-Mobile support Data and calling at the same time if Verizon dose not work for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once VoLTE is enabled you can talk and use data at the same time. on Verizon.
Amore514 said:
I got my Nexus 6 from Google Play yesterday YA! i put my SIM in it and bingo 4G and service on Verizon! the one problem is I have no Data when on a phone call, I feel like I just went back a few years in time I'm reading i have to have advanced dialing 1.0 turned on, I was able to find this setting on my Verizon account and turned it on but 24 hours latter still no data when on a call
Thoughts?
Next question. Since I bought this phone outright from Google (ouch on my checking account) I have the freedom to move to any company. Sprint is out of the question since there service in Denver area is real bad. Dose AT&T or T-Mobile support Data and calling at the same time if Verizon dose not work for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 6 does not support Advanced Calling 1.0 on Verizon (yet). On AT&T and T-Mobile, I have confirmed that it works fine on both. Bummer, huh? But many of the new Android phones do not support this on Verizon (again...yet). Patience is not my greatest virtue, so I'm back to using my iPhone 6 on Verizon and my Nexus 6 on T-Mobile for that reason
Cheers,
-Collin-
CollinFX45 said:
The Nexus 6 does not support Advanced Calling 1.0 on Verizon (yet). On AT&T and T-Mobile, I have confirmed that it works fine on both. Bummer, huh? But many of the new Android phones do not support this on Verizon (again...yet). Patience is not my greatest virtue, so I'm back to using my iPhone 6 on Verizon and my Nexus 6 on T-Mobile for that reason
Cheers,
-Collin-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe i will switch to T-Mobile and see how the service is.
Amore514 said:
Maybe i will switch to T-Mobile and see how the service is.
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Click to collapse
It's fine near downtown, but gets crappy the further you go out. Head to the mountains and it's terrible.
Schaweet said:
It's fine near downtown, but gets crappy the further you go out. Head to the mountains and it's terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should i try AT&T first?
For Colorado I'd stick with VZW and ATT as they are the two reliable outside the Metro areas. Yeah, I'd try ATT before TMO.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X
Does anyone know if a specific app or firmware will be needed to be pushed to the phones to get their advanced calling feature, data and voice at the same time? Or, do they flip a switch and it will work already on the unlocked nexus 6? I am concerned that if I buy a job Verizon nexus 6 that it will one day not have a chance of going to me.
funkpod said:
Does anyone know if a specific app or firmware will be needed to be pushed to the phones to get their advanced calling feature, data and voice at the same time? Or, do they flip a switch and it will work already on the unlocked nexus 6? I am concerned that if I buy a job Verizon nexus 6 that it will one day not have a chance of going to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A software update will be required in order for VoLTE calling to work. No saying if/when that will happen.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk 2
I switched to T-Mobile from ATT and I couldn't be happier. Before that I had Verizon and so far I have no regrets my service is 7x faster then ATT LTE where I live. I tested my wife's S5 on LTE (ATT) it had 5mbs down and 1mbs up. My Nexus 6 on T-Mobile had 40down and 20up. Plus I can still use data while calling and its unlimited. These speeds aren't perfect, but I live in the middle of nowhere.
This should all be resolved once Vzw gets the N6 in stock on the 26th.

WiFi calling

Pixel 2 owner here, and one of the things the P2 lacked was the ability to enable WiFi calling.
My house is unfortunately a deadspot for my carrier, however they all support WiFi calling where it uses my WiFi to provide me with my network access
Does anyone know off the pixel 4 supports this?
Evostance said:
Pixel 2 owner here, and one of the things the P2 lacked was the ability to enable WiFi calling.
My house is unfortunately a deadspot for my carrier, however they all support WiFi calling where it uses my WiFi to provide me with my network access
Does anyone know off the pixel 4 supports this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel 2 has wifi calling. I had no issues with tmobile
Oh ok. Must just be my carrier that doesn't support it for the pixel 2(Three)
WiFi Calling works on FI with my 2X. I too rely on it when I I'm home.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
WiFi calling works with FI on 4XL
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Evostance said:
Oh ok. Must just be my carrier that doesn't support it for the pixel 2(Three)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on three too, I had WiFi calling enabled on my P3XL and it also works on my P4XL if that helps you.
Demolition49 said:
I am on three too, I had WiFi calling enabled on my P3XL and it also works on my P4XL if that helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you buy them from Three?
Out of interest, if you went on Three via contract, what deal did they give you?
Evostance said:
Did you buy them from Three?
Out of interest, if you went on Three via contract, what deal did they give you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I buy my phone's outright from Google play store and sell my old devices on eBay. One year I bought a pixel from CPW but they are annoying with the warranty process, so went back to Google.
I also have a sim only deal on three, right now I'm on the unlimited data/texts/calls plan for 24 months. £10 first 6 months and £20 last 18 months of the contract. It averages out to £17.50 a month. Before this I was just on a rolling monthly for £23 a month everything unlimited.
Demolition49 said:
I buy my phone's outright from Google play store and sell my old devices on eBay. One year I bought a pixel from CPW but they are annoying with the warranty process, so went back to Google.
I also have a sim only deal on three, right now I'm on the unlimited data/texts/calls plan for 24 months. £10 first 6 months and £20 last 18 months of the contract. It averages out to £17.50 a month. Before this I was just on a rolling monthly for £23 a month everything unlimited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, i think because 3 never actually sold the 2, they dont support WiFi calling on it. They sold the 3 and 4, hence why its supported
Evostance said:
Pixel 2 owner here, and one of the things the P2 lacked was the ability to enable WiFi calling.
My house is unfortunately a deadspot for my carrier, however they all support WiFi calling where it uses my WiFi to provide me with my network access
Does anyone know off the pixel 4 supports this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi Callilng works on ATT on Pixel 4 XL. Just thought I would let you know.
Evostance said:
Hmm, i think because 3 never actually sold the 2, they dont support WiFi calling on it. They sold the 3 and 4, hence why its supported
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is probably exactly it. I am enjoying my P4XL, recommended if you are thinking about it
Well I use Total Wireless that's on Verizon's network and I can't find anywhere to turn on Wifi-Calling.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
I'm on ATT.
For both the Pixel 3XL (since release) and now the 4 XL, wifi calling has worked without any issues.
Crazypinoy9 said:
I'm on ATT.
For both the Pixel 3XL (since release) and now the 4 XL, wifi calling has worked without any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yours ATT branded?
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
MicroMod777 said:
Yours ATT branded?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you weren't talking to me, but I have a unlocked 3xl on ATT and wifi calling has always worked. Can't speak on the 4xl as mine is currently a ATT version so obviously wifi calling is working as it should.
jaben2 said:
I know you weren't talking to me, but I have a unlocked 3xl on ATT and wifi calling has always worked. Can't speak on the 4xl as mine is currently a ATT version so obviously wifi calling is working as it should.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, any Verizon users getting their Wifi-Calling working?
MicroMod777 said:
Well, any Verizon users getting their Wifi-Calling working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see the option to enable it, anyone else?
burmjohn said:
I dont see the option to enable it, anyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have the Verizon Pixel 4 model, or Google Direct unlocked?
MicroMod777 said:
Did you have the Verizon Pixel 4 model, or Google Direct unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google direct unlocked... Also noticed like my LG V30 I don't get texts or internet while on a call.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
burmjohn said:
Google direct unlocked... Also noticed like my LG V30 I don't get texts or internet while on a call.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, we can probably flash the Verizon firmware once it gets released. That's what I want to try next.

Bought T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL. If I get Verizon will Wi-Fi calling work?

Pretty much like the title states.
I have a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL that currently has both AT&T and T-Mobile service on it. Rather than paying for two carriers, I'd like to just get Verizon as it seems to work everywhere here. T-Mobile is spotty as hell but the data is WAY faster than my AT&T.
I tested a friends Verizon SIM and did some speed tests but I forgot to test Wi-Fi calling which I will need inside my work building. That works on T-Mobile just fine but I can't get it working on AT&T. I see you can bug AT&T but no since if I just go Verizon anyway.
Thanks!
kdoggy said:
Pretty much like the title states.
I have a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL that currently has both AT&T and T-Mobile service on it. Rather than paying for two carriers, I'd like to just get Verizon as it seems to work everywhere here. T-Mobile is spotty as hell but the data is WAY faster than my AT&T.
I tested a friends Verizon SIM and did some speed tests but I forgot to test Wi-Fi calling which I will need inside my work building. That works on T-Mobile just fine but I can't get it working on AT&T. I see you can bug AT&T but no since if I just go Verizon anyway.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The TMO pixel 4 runs the same firmware as an unlocked phone bought straight from Google. If Verizon offers wifi calling on their plans you should have no issues.
the.emilio said:
The TMO pixel 4 runs the same firmware as an unlocked phone bought straight from Google. If Verizon offers wifi calling on their plans you should have no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WELL you would think but have you seen the AT&T thread about Wi-Fi calling on the unlocked Pixel 4 XL? GOOD LORD!
SO it seems AT&T blocks Wi-Fi calling on devices not *sold* by them so people are spending hours on the phone arguing with them and spoofing IMEI's to get it working. Some people are getting it done, others are sitting a wall and AT&T won't help.
Just wondering if Verizon pulls the same crap.
The AT&T thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/help/att-wifi-calling-unlocked-4-xl-t3991909
kdoggy said:
WELL you would think but have you seen the AT&T thread about Wi-Fi calling on the unlocked Pixel 4 XL? GOOD LORD!
SO it seems AT&T blocks Wi-Fi calling on devices not *sold* by them so people are spending hours on the phone arguing with them and spoofing IMEI's to get it working. Some people are getting it done, others are sitting a wall and AT&T won't help.
Just wondering if Verizon pulls the same crap.
The AT&T thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/help/att-wifi-calling-unlocked-4-xl-t3991909
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow. Sucks to be with ATT lol. Hopefully Verizon isn't a PITA for ya.
kdoggy said:
WELL you would think but have you seen the AT&T thread about Wi-Fi calling on the unlocked Pixel 4 XL? GOOD LORD!
SO it seems AT&T blocks Wi-Fi calling on devices not *sold* by them so people are spending hours on the phone arguing with them and spoofing IMEI's to get it working. Some people are getting it done, others are sitting a wall and AT&T won't help.
Just wondering if Verizon pulls the same crap.
The AT&T thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/help/att-wifi-calling-unlocked-4-xl-t3991909
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have never had an issue with WiFi calling on any of my pixels - OG bought from Google and my 4XL from Amazon both have wifi calling (on unlimited plan).
T
I have Pixel 4 XL on T-Mobile and wifi calling works just fine. Can't tell you the spped since I never treated that but I use it inside the hospital where I work at since my cellular signal isn't the strongest
Belfire29 said:
I have Pixel 4 XL on T-Mobile and wifi calling works just fine. Can't tell you the spped since I never treated that but I use it inside the hospital where I work at since my cellular signal isn't the strongest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is T-Mobile variant on android 10 root able?
jerryspring said:
Is T-Mobile variant on android 10 root able?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know as long as your phone isn't owed money... Meaning your not doing payments and you own the phone outright than yes. There is a setting under developer options called OEM Unlocking to unlock the phone from T-Mobile. Once unlocked from T-Mobile it will always unlock the bootloader.
At least that is what I read. I'm not sure how to do any of that anyway with rooting and such. I'm still trying to figure out how to screen recording on this phone.
Curious... Did an unlocked t mobile pixel 4 XL end up working fine on verizon? Like regular calls and data?

Pixel 4XL Google Fi - AT&T Wifi Calling

I have a 4xl and we originally bought it from Google Fi and we switched to AT&T. I can't get WiFi or HD calling to work and they told me there was no way to do it unless I buy a new one from AT&T. Anyone know a fix?
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Hoshneer said:
I have a 4xl and we originally bought it from Google Fi and we switched to AT&T. I can't get WiFi or HD calling to work and they told me there was no way to do it unless I buy a new one from AT&T. Anyone know a fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to be able to have someone from AT&T support mark your phone as WiFi/HD Calling capable, they'll need to enter your IMEI into their database usually.
I did it back with my Pixel 2 XL way back when. Not all support staff can/know how to do it, so you might need to try a few times.

Issue with Activating Unlocked US Pixel 5 with T-Mobile

Curious if anyone is using the unlocked Pixel 5 with T-Mobile? I bought the unlocked Pixel 5 from Best Buy today and went to activate it with T-Mobile and they are telling me it doesn't support VoLTE or LTE Extended Range so they can't activate the device?? This is the model I bought: GA01316-US
I have T-Mobile and dropped my sim card from my og Pixel XL into my new phone (same model # as you provided). Works well, no issues at all.
I'm waiting on the arrival of my phone, but there was a message from TMobile a while back about needing a new sim card to use the 5G SA Network. Does anyone know if this applies to Pixel 5?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
I'm no expert on 5g, but the sim card I dropped in my new phone has been around since at least 2014, and I'm getting 5g in Phx.
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/latest-sim-for-great-network-experience
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
I also picked up my pixel 5 at a Best Buy in the Chicago area. Getting 5G on T-mobile just fine with a 5 year old sim.
From what I'm reading, Stand Alone is supposed to be better. You need a new Sim card for that. I have 5G everywhere with my old Sim. Probably going to get a new Sim soon
I should mention I'm a Sprint customer but I'm using a T-Mobile SIM in my current iPhone 11. I don't think that should matter though?
I'm curious if you all put your IMEI in T-Mobiles IMEI checker what does it say? When I put mine in for model: GD1YQ it tells me that it's not supported on T-Mobile. I did the same IMEI check for Verizon and AT&T and it checked out fine. This is so weird...
Newerabs said:
Curious if anyone is using the unlocked Pixel 5 with T-Mobile? I bought the unlocked Pixel 5 from Best Buy today and went to activate it with T-Mobile and they are telling me it doesn't support VoLTE or LTE Extended Range so they can't activate the device?? This is the model I bought: GA01316-US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am.
It's a long story, I won't bore everyone with it. I have replaced (tried to) my Pixel 4 XL on Thursday the 29th, which was running on an eSIM.
I called T-Mobile after work to get a new eSIM downloaded. I wasted six hours of my life with getting an eSIM with absolutely clueless technicians. I was really pissed off, T-Mobile has always been number one in customer service from my experience. They gave up and told me to visit a store to get a physical SIM. Bull****. After I told them no way I was visiting a store they wanted $25.00 US to mail me a SIM. As far as I know, it's still coming, but Customer Service in the US has removed the charges from my upcoming bill, especially after I told them I'm talking to them on a SIM-less device. If do receive the SIM, I will be depositing it in a strong metal container. My trash can.
I called back the next day during normal business hours and the eSIM deal took exactly five minutes to get done, as was my experience with my Pixel 4 XL.
Lesson learned? Hang up and call back during normal business hours to find someone with a clue. Everything you are stating that T-Mobile told you is incorrect.
After speaking with the network engineer, I learned that currently T-Mobile is both 5G SA and NSA, that's how he was seeing my connection and provisioning profile for my account, but should change soon. in some areas and they are migrating to complete SA, I am good to go with my account on with both versions of 5G. Right now NSA isn't quite as fast as SA, in theory, but not reality at this time. If I understood him correctly I was on NSA, which could simply be due to my physical location. Pulling 100Mb/s but the potential is there for 300Mb/s or better.
You can find the distinctions on:
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/latest-sim-for-great-network-experience
Your mileage will vary depending on your area I live and tower proximity, I live in a major city in the US, and I understand they are working with the city's downtown area as priority. He was unfamiliar with which bands the Pixel covers, but it does have the antennae to handle the higher frequencies AT&T and Sprint uses, T-Mobile is using the 600Ghz for the majority of its customers:
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network
I put my ~4 year old T-Mobile SIM card in my Pixel 5 and it's working just fine on 5G. The sim was previously in my Pixel 4, Pixel 3 before that, and Pixel 2XL, prior to that.
I didn't know you could buy an unlocked Pixel 5 from BestBuy that wasn't meant to work with Verizon or Sprint. I'm wondering if your "unlocked" phone is really meant for one of those two carriers.
bleez99 said:
I am.
It's a long story, I won't bore everyone with it. I have replaced (tried to) my Pixel 4 XL on Thursday the 29th, which was running on an eSIM.
I called T-Mobile after work to get a new eSIM downloaded. I wasted six hours of my life with getting an eSIM with absolutely clueless technicians. I was really pissed off, T-Mobile has always been number one in customer service from my experience. They gave up and told me to visit a store to get a physical SIM. Bull****. After I told them no way I was visiting a store they wanted $25.00 US to mail me a SIM. As far as I know, it's still coming, but Customer Service in the US has removed the charges from my upcoming bill, especially after I told them I'm talking to them on a SIM-less device. If do receive the SIM, I will be depositing it in a strong metal container. My trash can.
I called back the next day during normal business hours and the eSIM deal took exactly five minutes to get done, as was my experience with my Pixel 4 XL.
Lesson learned? Hang up and call back during normal business hours to find someone with a clue. Everything you are stating that T-Mobile told you is incorrect.
After speaking with the network engineer, I learned that currently T-Mobile is both 5G SA and NSA, that's how he was seeing my connection and provisioning profile for my account, but should change soon. in some areas and they are migrating to complete SA, I am good to go with my account on with both versions of 5G. Right now NSA isn't quite as fast as SA, in theory, but not reality at this time. If I understood him correctly I was on NSA, which could simply be due to my physical location. Pulling 100Mb/s but the potential is there for 300Mb/s or better.
You can find the distinctions on:
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/latest-sim-for-great-network-experience
Your mileage will vary depending on your area I live and tower proximity, I live in a major city in the US, and I understand they are working with the city's downtown area as priority. He was unfamiliar with which bands the Pixel covers, but it does have the antennae to handle the higher frequencies AT&T and Sprint uses, T-Mobile is using the 600Ghz for the majority of its customers:
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network
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So maybe try with an esim? If you put your IMEI in T-Mobile IMEI checker does it say it's compatible? This is just so mind boggling to me. I can activate it with Sprint but not with T-Mobile. It's so weird.
Newerabs said:
So maybe try with an esim? If you put your IMEI in T-Mobile IMEI checker does it say it's compatible? This is just so mind boggling to me. I can activate it with Sprint but not with T-Mobile. It's so weird.
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Click to collapse
Try getting an eSIM. Eventually, SIM cards will go away as bothersome. Do yourself a favor though, I don't know what your location is, but call T-Mobile during their normal 9-5 business hours. If your call is routed overseas, hang up and call again, or ask to speak to a US based engineer. Please don't take that the wrong way, I found that the outsourced call centers are poorly trained, and cannot perform the simplest of technical tasks. I actually had an argument with an "engineer" when he told me to scan the QR code without activating the EID in their system. Moron. He refused to listen to someone who has some understanding of cellular operations. Then he accused me of not knowing what a QR code is. This is not magic, you cannot just scan the QR code on their website and expect registration without prior entry into the system by EID.
Don't expect the reps at the stores to understand how to set up an eSIM either.
IMEI doesn't matter to T-Mobile at all. When it comes to an eSIM, they do ask you for an EID. The IMEI is either whitelisted after activation or rejected because it's on a "questionable or stolen list" The fact, as far as I understand it, report you phone stolen and the IMEI will become blacklisted. They have the IMEI and the phone is dead to the world. If someone is asking for an IMEI for an eSIM, hang up. Rest assured your IMEI will show up on their systems and your account once your phone is up and running on their network AFTER successful EID based registration.
This is why I find it incredible that people steal phones, when in reality they are stealing a paperweight.
As far as companies like AT&T, they refuse to activate phones if not on their supported list EMEI list, I told them where they can stick their IMEI and walked across the street to T-Mobile after being with AT&T forever. The last straw was refusing to let me use HD voice because didn't purchase the phone from them (IMEI related). Petty, idiotic, they lost a customer. I don't know why I didn't leave AT&T earlier, they refused to activate Nexus and Play Edition phones without a lot of drama.
Here it is, T-Mobile is bring your own device friendly, always has been, that's why IMEI is not relevant to them. AT&T can burn in hell.
Their polices may have changed since then, I wouldn't know, and I don't plan on ever finding out.
sn0warmy said:
I put my ~4 year old T-Mobile SIM card in my Pixel 5 and it's working just fine on 5G. The sim was previously in my Pixel 4, Pixel 3 before that, and Pixel 2XL, prior to that.
I didn't know you could buy an unlocked Pixel 5 from BestBuy that wasn't meant to work with Verizon or Sprint. I'm wondering if your "unlocked" phone is really meant for one of those two carriers.
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I think they have Verizon, ATT, Sprint/TM, Unlocked.
On their web site, Best Buy shows two options. Verizon and Unlocked.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
sn0warmy said:
I put my ~4 year old T-Mobile SIM card in my Pixel 5 and it's working just fine on 5G. The sim was previously in my Pixel 4, Pixel 3 before that, and Pixel 2XL, prior to that.
I didn't know you could buy an unlocked Pixel 5 from BestBuy that wasn't meant to work with Verizon or Sprint. I'm wondering if your "unlocked" phone is really meant for one of those two carriers.
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Actually, the unlocked one from Best Buy works with all carriers. It's no different than the unlocked version you can buy from Google.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
xRogerxC said:
Actually, the unlocked one from Best Buy works with all carriers. It's no different than the unlocked version you can buy from Google.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
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That's what's so weird. I don't understand why when I put in the IMEI on T-Mobiles website it says it's not supported. It's just so strange to me. Even when I call T-Mobile and try and activate they tell me it won't work. I think I'm going to go and return and try another one. Maybe I got a dud or something... I don't know how but you never know.
Newerabs said:
That's what's so weird. I don't understand why when I put in the IMEI on T-Mobiles website it says it's not supported. It's just so strange to me. Even when I call T-Mobile and try and activate they tell me it won't work. I think I'm going to go and return and try another one. Maybe I got a dud or something... I don't know how but you never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works just fine. Those guys don't know what their talking about.
My carrier, Spectrum, sells the P5 but won't activate an unlocked P5. At least not now they won't, they said in future they would, no time line.
Multiple ppl I talked all bought it unlocked and just used their old SIM and it works fine, even gets 5G in the areas where its available.
My P5 comes tomorrow and I'm just gonna pop my old SIM in and call it a day.
TokedUp said:
My carrier, Spectrum, sells the P5 but won't activate an unlocked P5. At least not now they won't, they said in future they would, no time line.
Multiple ppl I talked all bought it unlocked and just used their old SIM and it works fine, even gets 5G in the areas where its available.
My P5 comes tomorrow and I'm just gonna pop my old SIM in and call it a day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could not get the IMEI to check with Spectrum. I called them and they are sending me a new SIM. I was told I need a new one for 5G. I will verify I can activate it when I get it. I was able to verify the IMEI with the Verizon check site.

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