AT&T Android Phone without SIM - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I would like to buy and Android phone that is on AT&T but, more of an iPod Touch. Not for a data phone or on contract just the phone without the sim.
Is this possible?
What might I need to do?
Any other things I should know?

Of course this is possible
You may search in the internet for instance on amazon.com
Or u can go to your mobile phone store and ask there
I think you can close the thread

Okay, well I wasn't sure if it would be like some phones that would say SIM REQUIRED or Emergency Calls only and you would have to insert a sim.

you can buy an android pad.

yeah thats what i would suggest u too
of course u can use the phone without a sim if you have wifi u can go to the internet and you can call people over voip applications

Related

[Q]X10 on 50$ AT&T unlimited pay as you go plan

Hello everybody, recently AT&T released a new pay as you go plan which is 50$ a month for unlimited everything. Unfortunately the unlimited data does not work on smartphones which is disappointing.
I recently switched to this plan because 50$ a month for unlimited everything is a great deal, what I was wondering was if someone could find a way to allow data to work on this plan\phone.
When you try to use firefox or similar browser it just says the page cannot be displayed, on the facebook android app it gives you a message that tells you data was refused.
I would gladly donate 20$ to anyone who could figure this out, and give me the fix. it seems like something a developer would know how to fix so if anyone has any ideas shoot them at me. If one of them works they will get a nice 20$ donation Thanks.
It sounds like AT&T itself is blocking the data connection.
Sent from my x10 Platinum
Exactly, but it doesn't block the connection if my pay as you go sim card is in a non-smart phone. There must be something that tells at&t you have a smartphone, and maybe there's a way to stop that.
What a rip off, i pay 15 bucks a month for unlimited.data
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
Cell service providers such as AT&T have the ability to know what phone you are using through your sim card.
so it'll be hard to find a way around it, but it's not impossible.
Sent from my x10 Platinum
It's because it's an x10a from at&t if so it's the IMEI that gave it away they have a log of all there numbers if you call an be real nice they will give you the unlock code for free (I did it and it was free any one can on at&t) Then flash a Stock rom and then wait a month or so an cancel that sim and go to another store or have your friend start up another sim. A wahoo
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
I don't think unlocking the phone changes your phone's IMEI number, if that's what you are wondering.
I used to have a Nokia E72 that covered AT&T's 3G frequency bands but never sold by AT&T. I don't use that any more but when I did, it worked with their $15 unlimited data plan (for a post-paid plan) that can only be used for dumb phones. It seemed then that AT&T didn't recognize the E72's IMEI # as a smartphone.
I don't know if this works on GoPhone plans now.....
SacredUser said:
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO But it's worth a try. Unlock it an update to like Wolfs 2.3.3 x10i and if nothing else you'll have a unlocked bad ares phone
hasei said:
I don't think unlocking the phone changes your phone's IMEI number, if that's what you are wondering.
I used to have a Nokia E72 that covered AT&T's 3G frequency bands but never sold by AT&T. I don't use that any more but when I did, it worked with their $15 unlimited data plan (for a post-paid plan) that can only be used for dumb phones. It seemed then that AT&T didn't recognize the E72's IMEI # as a smartphone.
I don't know if this works on GoPhone plans now.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you sign up though you sign up using a sim, not an imei. so your account is only linked to your sim card.
I have switched phones three times and all I did was pop my sim into a different phone.
I think though that it recognizes you are using 3g or hspa data and that is why it blocks it. Aren't those plans for gsm only?
Its about what APN you connect via. Have a look @ this. Settings > Wireless and networks > Mobile Networks > AT&T and you'll need to configure the apn ... I have no idea which one ... But well , thats all I can help .
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
scoobysnacks said:
when you sign up though you sign up using a sim, not an imei. so your account is only linked to your sim card.
I have switched phones three times and all I did was pop my sim into a different phone.
I think though that it recognizes you are using 3g or hspa data and that is why it blocks it. Aren't those plans for gsm only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you're right your account is linked only to your SIM card otherwise you won't be able to swap phones. But at least on AT&T they seem to be able to recognize if a smartphone (sold by AT&T) is being used.
A few years ago when AT&T only had a $30 unlimited data plan for smartphones or $15 ulmimited for dumbphones, they started forcing subscribers who use the $15 plan for smartphones switch to correct data plans. Many AT&Ters discussed this issue then and the only conclusion drawn based on their experience was that it was through their IMEI #.
hasei said:
Yeah you're right your account is linked only to your SIM card otherwise you won't be able to swap phones. But at least on AT&T they seem to be able to recognize if a smartphone (sold by AT&T) is being used.
A few years ago when AT&T only had a $30 unlimited data plan for smartphones or $15 ulmimited for dumbphones, they started forcing subscribers who use the $15 plan for smartphones switch to correct data plans. Many AT&Ters discussed this issue then and the only conclusion drawn based on their experience was that it was through their IMEI #.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm but if you never gave them your imei they would have no way of knowing...
I would say it has to do with either your apn, the bands you're using (and the fact that you're using 3g/hspa), or just they can recognize the pure volume of data you are using.
They have ALL the IMEIs for the phone from the manufactures and from the ones that are or where on their network and when you use your phone it comes up in their system like if you call in to support and they ask for it there just checking to see if it's the right one. So you can try an app like Privacy Blocker to change your IMEI I do not know if it will work but it is an option in the app ( not on the phone just on out going signals for apps ?) An if it does work PLEASE post it in the forum.
Good luck to us all if it does .
Patricks_book said:
They have ALL the IMEIs for the phone from the manufactures and from the ones that are or where on their network and when you use your phone it comes up in their system like if you call in to support and they ask for it there just checking to see if it's the right one. So you can try an app like Privacy Blocker to change your IMEI I do not know if it will work but it is an option in the app ( not on the phone just on out going signals for apps ?) An if it does work PLEASE post it in the forum.
Good luck to us all if it does .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not correct at all....
the imei does not pop up, I worked for a phone company before.
Unless you sign up with a phone and have given it to them, they do not have your imei...
If the phone was first purchased from AT&T then they have the IMEI. Or just like when an app has access to your account it can read your IMEI your sim card can read your IMEIs it's connected too your phone number contract/pay as you go. Anyone of them even Wally world (Walmart) who ever you get a sim card from can read your sim card/IMEI.
SacredUser said:
So Patricks_book you're saying all I have to do is unlock my phone and data will work on my smartphone even though the 50$ unlimited everything plan doesn't allow smartphones to have unlimited data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a bullsh!t plan. I got this plan, got data to work just fine, but had alot of trouble with it. ie- Market apps, took FOREVER to download.. That was the first downfall. Yesterday morning, I noticed my phone was in Edge mode. I proceeded to reset it, change the Network options in the debug menu, and play with the APN. This morning.. Still Edge. My conclusion? They obviously shut off my 3G. Now, The problem I have with this, is that I havnt used over 100 mb of data yet, and it hasnt even been a week since I got this service. Stay away from this plan.. GARBAGE. Now, as much as I loathe paying an EXTRA 20 bucks a month, Im taking the dive and goin with TMobile. I need my 3g....
I just kind of skimmed over this post (new here) and this alone made me sign up cause I just order X10 recently.
I have this question though; if is not IMEI# that at&t block you with, then is it possible a reflashing could fix it? I have heard of people use different firmware versions; like my old phone, Ericsson K850i there was just plain K850 version (no 'i') that could get 3G I think.
But assume I install new Sony 2.3.3 Android on my X10, would be the key to get around at&t unnoticed ja?
I too have unlimite 50usd plan and tried to use on HTC Aria that was brand with at&t junk. That did not work But I have not try to root it (updated to 2.2 already ) so I not know if reflash would have fix it or not.

phone service sharing via wifi

so right now i have an android phone (skyrocket), and an iphone 4s i got as a gift...i would like to use both as i have some apps from work taht only work on iphones, and i also have apps that are only available on android.
i dont want to have 2 service agreements, so i was wondering if there was a way to share phone service (data and/or voice) between phones with only 1 of them having a sim card?
anyone? really want to get something like this... and woudl pay to have it coded
You could ask the carrier for a cloned sim card, otherwise I don't think so, and cloning a sim card yourself is illegal btw
Sent from my ice cream powered Nexus S
yeah i doubt the carrier will clone my sim lol...and i wanna go the legal route
Simple answer is no. It can't be done unless you swap the sim card between phones.

HTC Desire X Using home WiFi only (UK)

I cannot see a forum for this phone so I hope this is the correct place.
I've never used a smartphone before & googling this question gets me lots of Americans talking about being hunted down by Verizon for not using their data package. As I'm in the UK most of what they are talking about is irrelevant to my situation.
I would be buying a SimFree phone to use with my trusty old virgin PAYG sim card. It has no data plan. I want to use my sim card for calls but use my router via the Desire X's WiFi at home for the internet like I do with my Nexus 7.
Is this possible? How? Thanks.
PS. Mention US 'carriers' especially Verizon & I will chop you up & feed you to the badgers!
Love
Mrs Hedgehog
Rock-&-Roll-Hedgehog said:
I cannot see a forum for this phone so I hope this is the correct place.
I've never used a smartphone before & googling this question gets me lots of Americans talking about being hunted down by Verizon for not using their data package. As I'm in the UK most of what they are talking about is irrelevant to my situation.
I would be buying a SimFree phone to use with my trusty old virgin PAYG sim card. It has no data plan. I want to use my sim card for calls but use my router via the Desire X's WiFi at home for the internet like I do with my Nexus 7.
Is this possible? How? Thanks.
PS. Mention US 'carriers' especially Verizon & I will chop you up & feed you to the badgers!
Love
Mrs Hedgehog
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is entirely possible. Just buy the phone, put your SIM-card in it and disable "Mobile Data". When you first turn the phone on though, make sure that you are at home so you can connect to the wireless network for the Google set-up stuff. Beyond that you can use the phone as a phone when you are out-and-about and as a smart-phone when you are within range of a wireless network.
SimonTS said:
Yes it is entirely possible. Just buy the phone, put your SIM-card in it and disable "Mobile Data". When you first turn the phone on though, make sure that you are at home so you can connect to the wireless network for the Google set-up stuff. Beyond that you can use the phone as a phone when you are out-and-about and as a smart-phone when you are within range of a wireless network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly apologies for not getting back to this straight away I've been offline.
Secondly thank you very much for that. That is exactly the information I needed. I was really worried it wasn't possible. Thanks for taking the time to respond. :good:
.

T-MOBILE is BLOCKING my P769 sim from the network. Fix?

Hi!
Rooted with cmahendra's offline Lelus method (and to anyone who's done that, my hat is off to you).
**SHORT VERSION**
Sim goes into the L9. I get bars that show network availability, however I am not able to connect/make/receive phone calls.
**DETAILED VERSION**
Starts like this: I have my CM rooted Aria that works a-ok as far as the network. Phone message memory getting full all the time and incoming texts bounce back, with no way of knowing who sent them. Can't have that, so I buy a stock L9.
Sim works. I want to have Wi-Fi calling, which is the *only* reason I bought the L9. Wi-fi calling is not working: call up T-Mo and they say I need to give a 911 address and all will be well. Ok, done.
Sim works. But no Wi-Fi calling still. Call up T-Mo and they say "Ohhh! you need a "3G-B" (I don't think that stands for gigabyte) sim card" Ohhh and what's your phone model etc etc. I tell them "it's a no-brand phone I got overseas," they don't need to know the model: they didn't with the CM Aria. They're clicking settings on their screen other side of the phone while we're talking: I can feel it.
Sim *stops* working. Need a working phone, so let L9 aside and get a stock T-mo S2. Same issue, cell network not connecting.
Let me show THEM! Ha! I'll unlock it. Unlocked the S2.
Sim still doesn't work.
Put the Sim back in the rooted/unlocked Aria? Network works.
What settings do they have in their stock phones that disallow network connectivity, because in the CyanogenMod Aria I have the phone fully works, GPS, tether, etc etc. In their stock-from-T-Mobile phones, network = nada.
Thank you for reading.
imadiamond said:
Hi!
Rooted with cmahendra's offline Lelus method (and to anyone who's done that, my hat is off to you).
**SHORT VERSION**
Sim goes into the L9. I get bars that show network availability, however I am not able to connect/make/receive phone calls.
**DETAILED VERSION**
Starts like this: I have my CM rooted Aria that works a-ok as far as the network. Phone message memory getting full all the time and incoming texts bounce back, with no way of knowing who sent them. Can't have that, so I buy a stock L9.
Sim works. I want to have Wi-Fi calling, which is the *only* reason I bought the L9. Wi-fi calling is not working: call up T-Mo and they say I need to give a 911 address and all will be well. Ok, done.
Sim works. But no Wi-Fi calling still. Call up T-Mo and they say "Ohhh! you need a "3G-B" (I don't think that stands for gigabyte) sim card" Ohhh and what's your phone model etc etc. I tell them "it's a no-brand phone I got overseas," they don't need to know the model: they didn't with the CM Aria. They're clicking settings on their screen other side of the phone while we're talking: I can feel it.
Sim *stops* working. Need a working phone, so let L9 aside and get a stock T-mo S2. Same issue, cell network not connecting.
Let me show THEM! Ha! I'll unlock it. Unlocked the S2.
Sim still doesn't work.
Put the Sim back in the rooted/unlocked Aria? Network works.
What settings do they have in their stock phones that disallow network connectivity, because in the CyanogenMod Aria I have the phone fully works, GPS, tether, etc etc. In their stock-from-T-Mobile phones, network = nada.
Thank you for reading.
Sim goes into the L9. I get bars that show network availability, however I am not able to connect/make/recieve phone calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What the heck are you asking? I don't see any understandable questions in your message. I see you blowing off steam.
It does look like T-Mobile cooked your sim. You may need a new one.
Call them again and ask for "Customer Retention" through the automated system. Those people are more knowledgeable. A new sim should be free if they killed it.
Also, a data plan is not required for wifi-calling.
T-Mobile will give you a SIM regardless. They are always free.
I'm not sure as I am unrooted, but most carriers block network access via files in the EFS folder. This folder is VERY delicate. Anything improperly changed here can render a phone useless. If the SIM works in another device, it's not the SIM. Have you tried a different SIM in your phone?
Also, if you're blocked from network access, when you make a call, you should be prompted with, "We're sorry, but this device has been blocked from network access." If you do not get that prompt, then there is something wrong with the phone itself, be it software or hardware.
Looks like the L9 isn't registering in their system. Where did you buy the phone, blacklisted perhaps?
As for fried your sim, why does it still work in the Aria.
As for 3G-B, you probably need a newer sim, others call it a 4G sim... They should send you one free or pick one up free at a local tmo..
Thanks so far folks...
clockcycle said:
Looks like the L9 isn't registering in their system. Where did you buy the phone, blacklisted perhaps?
As for fried your sim, why does it still work in the Aria.
As for 3G-B, you probably need a newer sim, others call it a 4G sim... They should send you one free or pick one up free at a local tmo..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You hit the nail on the head exactly clockcycle, it's not registering. Something *in* the phone is not letting it connect, because my sim works successfully in any and every other unlocked phone I have, blackberrys, GMS world phones, the rooted Aria, but in the two "newer-released phones-- the L9 and the S2-- it doesn't work.
Phones are legit. Craigslist and brand new. Worked perfectly until calling T-Mobile for "support". The sim is fine and the goal is to keep it and not get a new one. It works.
My strong guess is that if I put a different rom that is *not* stock, the phone will work fine. It worked fine in the beginning, until I called them to address the wi-fi calling issue and they started poking around in my account, asking questions and clicking on things. I didn't want to address the wifi-calling issue too much because we could go off on a tangent.
You're right kevev, it didn't look like there was a 100% clear question. A lot of story though, to make sure there aren't 50 posts of did you do this and id you do that. A full story gives everyone the most info they need to understand the situation instead of "yo! my phone is not connecting!" which we see sometimes .
So the more clear question is:
"I am experiencing carrier settings *in* my L9 that are blocking me from connecting fully to the network on a perfectly fine sim card, how can I get around these settings and what/where are they."
I think tribalartgod understands what I'm getting at most completely. The inside-the-phone-settings. When the sim is in the phone I have bars, but when going to make a call the screen message is "emegency only". Can't try different sims in the L9 because of the need to cut the sim down. Also the L9 is not unlocked, just rooted. My guess is a de-bloatwared rom is the fix. Looking for answers from people more knowledgeable than me which is most likely all of you. Thanks again!
Craigslist, new, boxed, doesn't gurranty they aren't blacklisted.
BUT, the Aria uses a miniSim, the L9 uses a microSim. Did you cut your Sim yourself? It might be misaligned, cut wrong.
It's less than $2 to get it unlocked..
It sounds like its IMEI blocked dude. This can happen with various insurance or installment plan scams, even to brand new devices. There are options to still use the phone, but you are hosed on T-mobile. I have a blacklisted L9 because the previous owner quit paying his EIP, but it's unlocked so I used it on an AT&T MVNO connected to an AT&T MicroCell (I wanted WiFi calling too, but that won't happen with a blacklisted IMEI). Until you've gone to T-Mobile's chat support and ask the if the IMEI is clean, writing long posts in this thread is futile, and it is pretty clear everybody in this thread THINKS they know what they are talking about, but nobody has simply asked T-Mobile about the status of the IMEI, which takes two seconds.

[Q] Using the Galaxy Note without a data plan?

I just got an unlocked galaxy note that I want to use without a data plan so I tried transplanting my AT&T flip phone sim to the note but I get a message saying "sim not allowed mm#3". So of course I can't make any calls other than emergency. Does AT&T restrict smart phones to use only sims that have data plans? Do I need to root and use cyanogen to get this to work? Does anyone if that will even work?
Thanks
Hish
U sure it's unlocked? That message usually means it isn't...
Use the free unlock available, I used it without issue on my note. You'll should be able to use ANY Sim with an unlocked phone, regardless of data or no data.
The Amazon seller advertises it as unlocked. That's all I can say for sure. Does the unlock you refer to require root? Would you happen to have a link to the unlock?
Thanks for the help.
icenight89 said:
U sure it's unlocked? That message usually means it isn't...
Use the free unlock available, I used it without issue on my note. You'll should be able to use ANY Sim with an unlocked phone, regardless of data or no data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little searching goes a long way sir. Googling "i717 Sim unlock xda" would have got you what you needed.
You don't need root, but you do need a custom recovery. Twrp is easily installed via Odin.
http://str8pt.blogspot.ca/2013/06/unlock-simfree-method-for-galaxy-note.html?m=1
Sure, you are right and normally I do search...everyone's run a stop sign at least once right?
Thanks for the help ice.
Hish
icenight89 said:
A little searching goes a long way sir. Googling "i717 Sim unlock xda" would have got you what you needed.
You don't need root, but you do need a custom recovery. Twrp is easily installed via Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, at&t won't let you use any smart phone without a data plan. They will just add it to your bill.
But this phone won't connect to the network without an updated sim card.
You don't need root access or network unlock to run an at&t sim, you just need a sim made for a smartphone.
rangercaptain said:
Yes, at&t won't let you use any smart phone without a data plan. They will just add it to your bill.
But this phone won't connect to the network without an updated sim card.
You don't need root access or network unlock to run an at&t sim, you just need a sim made for a smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm fairly certain you are incorrect. Its your sim card and you can put it in whatever phone you choose.
With that being said I am in Canada and on Rogers, so I can't very well confirm this. Maybe someone else can weigh in?
If an unlocked phone uses another carrier sim you get a screen to enter unlock code.
He is using an at&t sim so its going to connect to the voice/sms network automatically in an at&t branded phone if the sim is compatible.
That old flipphone sim won't work in a smartphone. The OP either needs to upgrade the sim or call at&t and have the sim reprovisioned (if they can).
---------- Post added at 12:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------
And when the OP calls at&t they will tell him to use that phone he will have to buy a data plan.
rangercaptain said:
If an unlocked phone uses another carrier sim you get a screen to enter unlock code.
He is using an at&t sim so its going to connect to the voice/sms network automatically in an at&t branded phone if the sim is compatible.
That old flipphone sim won't work in a smartphone. The OP either needs to upgrade the sim or call at&t and have the sim reprovisioned (if they can).
---------- Post added at 12:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------
And when the OP calls at&t they will tell him to use that phone he will have to buy a data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's true, I'm not disagreeing with you here on the connectivity.
The later however is false. I know for a fact LTE capable smart phones are backwards compatible with "3g only Sims" aka his flipphone sim, so what you're saying is incorrect. I work with this kind of equipment on a daily basis at work.
The later is also false. All he needs to do is go to a corporate store and say he lost his old phone and sim with it, and needs a replacement. They'll provide a new one, and link it to his existing account and merely charge him a replacement fee.
I thought Canadians were polite . . . Amigo, you're just offering your opinion, but I just went through this with at&t for my sister-in-law. She had an old HTC flipphone and wanted my HTC smartphone with a great keyboard. We put her old sim in and got that error code. We went to an at&t corporate store, and they gave us a new sim and we left with a working phone. After a day of using it she got a text message saying a two gig data plan was required. When she didn't acknowledge that, they cut off the account.
The sim was free. Don't tell me I'm wrong when you don't really know what you're talking about.
I can sim swap between my work phone which is a flip phone and an iPhone 3GS both are on at&t without any issues so I'm not sure what you guys are having trouble with. I believe what the OP is asking for would require spoofing an IMEI of a flip phone aka dumb phone.
There should be some info on how to do that in the at&t Galaxy Tab forums.
Good luck
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
You can use an old flip phone sim card in the Note. I have an older Cingular 3G Sim card (now at 8yrs old or maybe older) that I have been using in my last few smartphones. Including the Note. Worked perfectly fine. And because my phone was Canadian I was able to add the MediaNet unlimited data plan for only $10 a month. Been using it that way for years without an issue. I have even tested it in AT&T branded smartphones briefly and never had any issues.
Edit: Searching the web, that error may mean there is an outage in your area. If you physically look at the Sim Card what color, words, and pic is on the card? Sim could be worn out also. But in the end ATT will not let you use that plan with this phone for long before charging you.
rangercaptain said:
I thought Canadians were polite . . . Amigo, you're just offering your opinion, but I just went through this with at&t for my sister-in-law. She had an old HTC flipphone and wanted my HTC smartphone with a great keyboard. We put her old sim in and got that error code. We went to an at&t corporate store, and they gave us a new sim and we left with a working phone. After a day of using it she got a text message saying a two gig data plan was required. When she didn't acknowledge that, they cut off the account.
The sim was free. Don't tell me I'm wrong when you don't really know what you're talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two posts following yours confirmed what I was originally saying sir, and quite frankly I do know what I'm talking about. I work ICT for a North American wide company and regularly travel to the states supporting events that require this kind of connectivity.
As for you're sister in law, she probably got that message because a background app was attempting to use data, and it wasn't disabled on the phone, thus the text. This I have also encountered.
Back on topic, I agree there may be a network outage in your area. But if all else fails a visit to the AT&T store can't hurt. Worst case scenario just sell the note on Craig list
Lol here in the US we dont have kijiji, but an alternate called craigslist. I do believe using the sim unlock method plus deactivating data might work. Try using the phone in another area to confirm ices theory of an outage.

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