Hi,
I have an Ouku Night tablet (device description available at Lightinthebox) that I purchased with a flexible data plan for tablets from Telus Canada. At the time I got the plan, I asked if this plan (designed for tablets) would work in a phone aswell and the answer from the rep was positive.
As expected, I found the tablet too big to carry everywhere so I got an unlocked HTC Inspire to be used as a smaller tablet. It worked for a while but now Telus tells me it is not a tablet so the plan won't work. They are not able to provide definitions of the differences between tablets and phones. I called 3 different reps to get the info without any success.
Here is my question: what makes a device appear as a phone or as a tablet to a carrier ? I do not want a phone plan with my devices, I just want to be able to access internet from everywhere I go.
Other question: is there a way to make a phone appear as a tablet to the carrier ?
Thanks for helping me better understand the android platform on those aspects.
I hope this can help future readers:
As I discovered from other readings, carrier finds out which phone you are using by its IMEI. There is a debate whether it is legal/illegal to change such a number but most people will advise it is illegal. XDA won't support threads about changing IMEI.
Now I still wonder if phones from China on ebay will show a phone IMEI or some unknown device type imei to the carrier which can be considered as tablet. Is there portion of the IMEI that states if it's a phone or SIM capable tablet ? If so, how can I better understand the IMEI pattern so I know how it is going to be considered by Telus Canada.
Thanks again.
Related
Recently got the new HTC ONE through Telus and little over a couple days it has been stolen from me.
I'm wondering now if there is any way for me to track it on regular google account and facebook has been setup on it, but the phone does have a secure security code to unlock the screen.
Does the carrier have anyway of finding this if someone tries to stick in another SIM? Granted they are also a telus user or am I hooped on this one?
I'm assuming a person with the right know-how or buddy could likely access the boot load reset the thing and unlock it and use it, but i'm hoping this isn't the case and I can still track it via some other way?
Thanks,
V
HTC use to offer the ability to track your phone if it was powered on. Or you could remotely lock and/or wipe the device. This was through the HTC sense website. I don't know if they still offer this feature or not. If they don't I'd recommend calling your carriers support line and see what they can do.
Sent from my Nexus 10
I doubt anything's gonna come about this. Phones get lost or stolen every day and even with todays technology very few get found or returned. Also police have better things to do then track someone's lost phone. And I say lost better than stolen because how are you sure that the phone was stolen and not lost? Did you get held up or did the person physically took it off for you?
I would suggest getting insurance next time.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Short answer: No.
Android has no built-in phone tracking capability. This is something you need to have installed yourself on the phone, or something the manufacturer includes. HTC used to do this, but no longer offers the feature.
Report your device stolen to the carrier (you may also report it to the police, but they won't do anything), so that when someone uses it on the network, they won't be able to. Most carriers will not alert you that your device has been found or anything like that. They simply blacklist the IMEI and that's it. If you don't have insurance, then you are pretty much on your own.
Your carrier may offer their own location tracking capability that you can add to your account, and that may allow you to track the phone (if they haven't already wiped the phone and removed your SIM card). Check with your carrier.
prjkthack said:
Short answer: No.
Android has no built-in phone tracking capability. This is something you need to have installed yourself on the phone, or something the manufacturer includes. HTC used to do this, but no longer offers the feature.
Report your device stolen to the carrier (you may also report it to the police, but they won't do anything), so that when someone uses it on the network, they won't be able to. Most carriers will not alert you that your device has been found or anything like that. They simply blacklist the IMEI and that's it. If you don't have insurance, then you are pretty much on your own.
Your carrier may offer their own location tracking capability that you can add to your account, and that may allow you to track the phone (if they haven't already wiped the phone and removed your SIM card). Check with your carrier.
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What does blacklisting the IMEI do? Could the individual just unlock it with a internet bought code and jam in any sim card and make it work after the fact? Or by blacklisting it if someone brought it to TELUS would they then be able to seize it as a stolen/ lost phone?
Thanks for all your comments and help thus far, it is greatly appreciated.
vincent-h said:
What does blacklisting the IMEI do? Could the individual just unlock it with a internet bought code and jam in any sim card and make it work after the fact? Or by blacklisting it if someone brought it to TELUS would they then be able to seize it as a stolen/ lost phone?
Thanks for all your comments and help thus far, it is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blacklisting an IMEI will not allow someone to use that device on the network. This is something that has only recently caught on in the United States. T-Mobile and AT&T now block IMEIs that have been reported stolen/missing, while Sprint and Verizon have been doing it for a while. When you put your SIM into a blocked phone that tries to run on a supported network, you'll get a message that says the phone cannot be used.
Of course, this depends on your carrier. You may want to ask what your carrier does with lost/stolen IMEIs, as they may have different policies.
get on computer>google play> download lookout security or plan B...this would only work if the device is turned on and has data connection...plan B should get the gps location and send the map to your email address..
Perry977 said:
get on computer>google play> download lookout security or plan B...this would only work if the device is turned on and has data connection...plan B should get the gps location and send the map to your email address..
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works only with Android 2.1-2.3! But maybe a good one for these Version!
Did you try Android Device Manager to locate it? It's in the settings menu on the play store website.
vincent-h said:
Recently got the new HTC ONE through Telus and little over a couple days it has been stolen from me.
I'm wondering now if there is any way for me to track it on regular google account and facebook has been setup on it, but the phone does have a secure security code to unlock the screen.
Does the carrier have anyway of finding this if someone tries to stick in another SIM? Granted they are also a telus user or am I hooped on this one?
I'm assuming a person with the right know-how or buddy could likely access the boot load reset the thing and unlock it and use it, but i'm hoping this isn't the case and I can still track it via some other way?
Thanks,
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the future try an app called Cerberus anti theft, it's a really great app to have. It has a free week trial so you can try it out, after that it cost $2.99 euro which is a little under $5 in US, also it's a one time fee and not a subscription. Just go online and track your phone and do many other things.
I just got an L9 (LG-P769) on Monday and while I'm not 100% certain about this, because the version I got is the prepaid version (in the white/pink T-Mobile box that plainly mentions all the prepaid plans on it and has the flip-cover lid), there appears to have been or still is another version that comes in a black/grey box without all the fluff (a more traditional style phone box, if that makes any sense) that is supposedly the contract version of the phone.
I have a microSIM for T-Mobile (the phone came with one that hasn't been activated and I have no need to use it since I already have a microSIM for T-Mobile with the $30/month unadvertised plan that's so popular) but, I'm trying to confirm some information that I've been reading about in various places:
Some users state the prepaid version of the L9 is factory unlocked and ready to go for any provider (as one might expect or hope), while some are saying it's locked up tight as a drum, and then other people say there's that potential difference between the prepaid white/pink box version and the black/grey box contract phone - it's a bit odd because I was at a T-Mobile store earlier today and the CSR plainly stated "we don't do contracts anymore" so, perhaps the black/grey boxed versions are just the same thing and they were the models manufactured before T-Mobile kicked into prepaid gear back in April.
I just don't know the answers at the moment so I figured I'd ask if there is a way to confirm an L9 is carrier/network unlocked without having a competitor's microSIM to check it with. I know about the 3845#*769# service menu code, so I'm wondering if one of those hidden menu items might provide the info I'm looking for, or if there's some other method I can use to confirm it for sure - but again, I don't have any other microSIMs I can use, like one for AT&T or whatever, all I have is the two T-Mobile microSIMs at this point.
If anyone knows a method to confirm the locked/unlocked network status without putting in a different microSIM, I'm all ears... errrr... eyes I suppose since this is a text-based communication medium.
Hey guys. i have what will probably seem like a super noob question for everyone. I have only EVER been on CDMA networks, and only just started tmobile a year ago. and ive only had one phone there, so idk how these things work.
I want a Sony Xperia Z Ultra LTE (GPE or not, idc) but obviously it isnt sold by tmobile. since ive never had to deal with unlocked phones, i ask you all this:
If i buy one from someone on craigslist/ebay, is checking the serial number important like it is on CDMA networks? also, in order to activate my phone, i assume all i do is pop in the sim, but does that move my insurance and Tmobile JUMP plan over to the new device as well?
Sorry for noobing it up guys. lol any help is much appreciated.
First of all, this should be in the Q&A section.
Second, yes, check the IMEI number before you buy it, and the SIM should automatically be activated once you pop it in the Ultra. I can't give you an answer on the insurance part since i'm not american, so i don't know these things work over there.
I am not sure how important checking the imei number on this device would be since since is not a carrier branded device ( many do not even know this phone exists) . Now to the 2nd part: I believe your insurance and jump program will not transfer to the ultra because it is not sold by T-mobile and that program it is only effective with t-mobile branded hardware. My 2 cents. hope it helps. Thanks
Hi all ---first post---need some help.
----Sorry in advance for any Newbness.
I bought my LG G5 on Kijiji----was originally from Bell---had it unlocked to use on Rogers and was working fine.
5 days later, the phone was not connecting to the Rogers network---I called Rogers and was advised that my IMEI was blacklisted/Stolen phone.
Scrambling for a solution, I Found someone on eBay in India who "repaired"/Changed the IMEI and the phone is now working on Rogers network again.
But When I go to check for software updates it tell me "Your phone is not registered yet"
My question is----Anyway possible way to get Rogers or Bell's Android updates on this phone?
Many thanks in advance for your help/Ideas.
Probably not OTA style, but you should be able to download the KDZ file and flash it manually.
Side note, talking about changing IMEI numbers on here is against the rules i think.
IMHO Sounds like the guy who you bought it from reported it stolen in order to get another phone for cheap.. you could just try calling Bell, plead your case and they might be able to reverse the blacklist.. you might have to prove you purchased it tho, so any communications between you and the seller will help.
Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone can help me out. I can receive calls, but can't make them. I've tried both wifi and cellular.
The weird thing is I called T-mobile for help and they were saying based on the IMEI I wasn't using a T-mo version and that I should get it unlocked. But it's definitely a T-mobile phone and it was working perfectly fine until today. If it was locked to some other carrier, it wouldn't have been working all this time, right?
Thanks for any help.
Where did you get your Galaxy Note 8? Did you get it from T-Mobile?
If you got it from somewhere like Ebay, then that device maybe flashed for T-Mobile, but actually came from another carrier. Check XDA on how to fix (flash) your device's cellular radio firmware to fully work with T-Mobile (that is if the IMIE number is not locked, due to previous owner's fault, like not fully paying for the Note 8, theft, etc).
If you got this device from T-Mobile, then do a manufacture warranty exchange with T-Mobile. You can request this over a phone call to T-Mobile support. Then they will send the replacement device to a T-Mobile store near you for you to do the exchange.
Always better to get your device from a trustworthy place, like your carrier's store/website/customer support phone call.
When getting a "smartphone" device from places like Ebay, you need to ask yourself why are they doing this. Why are they getting rid of a flagship like the Galaxy Note 8 so early on? If I was going for another flagship right now I would still keep the Note 8 for its unique features. So I would be suspicious of somebody giving rid of this device (Note 8) so early on. Why are they selling it for such low price right now? These are my thoughts on someone selling Note 8 right now (at this point in time) for low price: Good likelihood they messed it up by trying to root/flash ROM/flash carrier modem radio firmware, they don't want to fully pay the device off (so the device is no use to them), or they stolen the device.
Human beings are not dishonest all the time, but it does beg these questions to be asked and answered. Be so very careful in trusting people like this. Personally I wouldn't trust someone in this situation, but that is just me. Remember that they are not doing this because they are amateurs. They are very good in winning your trust.
Just saying!
JaguarXT said:
Where did you get your Galaxy Note 8? Did you get it from T-Mobile?
If you got it from somewhere like Ebay, then that device maybe flashed for T-Mobile, but actually came from another carrier. Check XDA on how to fix (flash) your device's cellular radio firmware to fully work with T-Mobile (that is if the IMIE number is not locked, due to previous owner's fault, like not fully paying for the Note 8, theft, etc).
If you got this device from T-Mobile, then do a manufacture warranty exchange with T-Mobile. You can request this over a phone call to T-Mobile support. Then they will send the replacement device to a T-Mobile store near you for you to do the exchange.
Always better to get your device from a trustworthy place, like your carrier's store/website/customer support phone call.
When getting a "smartphone" device from places like Ebay, you need to ask yourself why are they doing this. Why are they getting rid of a flagship like the Galaxy Note 8 so early on? If I was going for another flagship right now I would still keep the Note 8 for its unique features. So I would be suspicious of somebody giving rid of this device (Note 8) so early on. Why are they selling it for such low price right now? These are my thoughts on someone selling Note 8 right now (at this point in time) for low price: Good likelihood they messed it up by trying to root/flash ROM/flash carrier modem radio firmware, they don't want to fully pay the device off (so the device is no use to them), or they stolen the device.
Human beings are not dishonest all the time, but it does beg these questions to be asked and answered. Be so very careful in trusting people like this. Personally I wouldn't trust someone in this situation, but that is just me. Remember that they are not doing this because they are amateurs. They are very good in winning your trust.
Just saying!
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I bought it from someone on Swappa. He sent me the receipt with it. It was purchased from Samsung.com. The box it came in had the T-mobile logo and everything so it's weird that the IMEI isn't registered with them.
To update my situation, I tried starting in safe mode and was able to make calls so I'm told it's a third party app causing the problem. Not sure which it is since I haven't installed anything new in a while.
First do a "Factory data reset". See if that gets rid of the problem. Hopefully that would get rid the the app that is causing the issue. I just remembered that substratum (including sungstratum - Samsung addon) did weird things like this to my Galaxy Note 8. I had to do a "Factory data reset". Then install all the apps one by one, since both Google and Samsung backups had substratum within it. So I couldn't use either backups. For that reason I stay away from substratum stuff.
It is not abnormal for Samsung direct bought devices to have IMIE number not registered with carrier. Usually not a problem with T-Mobile.
If problem still exists then have the seller contact Samsung to let them know that he gave the device to you. He can say it was a gift to you. Remember to tell him to give your information to Samsung. Once that is done, then you can can get support from Samsung.
Again, if you got the device from T-Mobile this problem would have been solved so much easier and quicker. Next time think about getting the device directly from the carrier.