[Q] Do I still need to do periodic PRL updates via *228? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

This is my first Verizon GSM phone. I know that AT&T GSM phones don't require a user-initiated PRL update, they update automagically.
Will my new Verison S4 update its PRL automatically, or do I still need to do the ol' *228 thing every once in a while?

MysticCobra said:
This is my first Verizon GSM phone. I know that AT&T GSM phones don't require a user-initiated PRL update, they update automagically.
Will my new Verison S4 update its PRL automatically, or do I still need to do the ol' *228 thing every once in a while?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no *228 with 4G LTE devices. For the most part new PRL's are pushed to the device by Verizon, though some say you can pull your SIM card power up the device, and put the SIM back in, and that will force (if a newer PRL is out) an update.

Related

VZW Software Update?

I just recieved a text from VZW saying that there is a software update available and to do the *228 option 2 to get it. Is this an upgrade to WiMo 6.1? I'm afraid to do it since I finally finally got my 6800 exactly where I want it to be and I don't want VZW crap to screw it all up...
Thanks!
~J
jbug said:
I just recieved a text from VZW saying that there is a software update available and to do the *228 option 2 to get it. Is this an upgrade to WiMo 6.1? I'm afraid to do it since I finally finally got my 6800 exactly where I want it to be and I don't want VZW crap to screw it all up...
Thanks!
~J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt they would do an OTA update for WM6.1. This is just for the roaming features / text messaging.
Option 2 is a Roaming update utility. Option 1 is programming updates. WM6.1 won't be an over the air update. You will have to manually install it.
jbug said:
I just recieved a text from VZW saying that there is a software update available and to do the *228 option 2 to get it. Is this an upgrade to WiMo 6.1? I'm afraid to do it since I finally finally got my 6800 exactly where I want it to be and I don't want VZW crap to screw it all up...
Thanks!
~J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, post what you received exactly and the number that sent the message. I have not heard of them doing this.
Secondly, *228 option 2 only updates roaming capabilities. You will have no changes to anything but which towers your phone uses for roaming. LOL, you will not upgrade your ROM or Radio versions or anything else for that matter.
Here is the text I received...
From: 900070003788
FREE Verizon Wireless software update! In a VZW digital area, dial *228 and press SEND. Choose option 2 when prompted. This call is airtime free.
<END>
~J
Yup, that's just a "roaming update". It updates your PRL.
from wikipedia:
"The Preferred Roaming List (PRL) is a database residing in a wireless (primarily CDMA) device, such as a cellphone, that contains information used during the system selection and acquisition process. In the case of RUIM-based CDMA devices, the PRL resides on the RUIM. The PRL indicates which bands, sub bands and service provider identifiers will be scanned and in what priority order. Without a PRL, the device may not be able to roam, i.e. obtain service outside of the home area. There may be cases where missing or corrupt PRL's can lead to a customer not having service at all.
On many networks, regularly updating the PRL is advised if the subscriber uses the device outside the home area frequently, particularly if they do so in multiple different areas. This allows the phone to choose the best roaming carriers, particularly "roaming partners" with whom the home carrier has a cost-saving roaming agreement, rather than using non-affiliated carriers. PRL files can also be used to identify home networks along with roaming partners, thus making the PRL an actual list that determines the total coverage of the subscriber, both home and roaming coverage.
The PRL is built by an operator and is normally not accessible to the user. Many operators provide the ability for the user to download the latest PRL to their device by dialing the Over-the-air (OTA) feature code *228."
Great... Thanks! Guess I can safely do that at least...
I have a Verizon XV6800 but have never received any such messages from Verizon. What must I do to receive them?
Paul in Maryland said:
I have a Verizon XV6800 but have never received any such messages from Verizon. What must I do to receive them?
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Click to collapse
That message depends on the area you are in. If there is new PRL information in your area... you will get a message.

(Q)How to change PRL version?

How do I change the PRL version on the Thunderbolt? I have version 13004 and my wife phone has version 15008, yet I have a much better signal than her. When the phones are next to each other I have 3-4 bars, while hers has 0-1. I remember reading *228 ruins the sim card, but correct me if I wrong. So is there any way to do this? FYI, I rooted both phones with the same files, but I don't know if that has anything to do with the PRL. Thanks in advance.
kxs783kms said:
How do I change the PRL version on the Thunderbolt? I have version 13004 and my wife phone has version 15008, yet I have a much better signal than her. When the phones are next to each other I have 3-4 bars, while hers has 0-1. I remember reading *228 ruins the sim card, but correct me if I wrong. So is there any way to do this? FYI, I rooted both phones with the same files, but I don't know if that has anything to do with the PRL. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is currently no way to do this
*228 doesent work on these phones
DS36 said:
there is currently no way to do this
*228 doesent work on these phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is the PRL in the radio of the downgrade-ruu I used to root the phones, or is it just the way the phone comes out the box and connect to the nearest tower? I ask because I already returned her first phone do to the same kind of signal issues. So is it something going on during the root process and downgrade of the firmware?

[Q] Update Roaming if rooted? Ok or not?

The Thunderbolt is the first phone that I have rooted so I am still new to this. Can I still use the Verizon *228 to update roaming or will that mess up something since I am rooted? I appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Shea
*228 doesnt work on the thunderbolt..it runs off a sim card...there has been talk that trying *228 may negatively affect the sim..your more than welcome to search...
Read somewhere that you actually can't hit *228 on the Thunderbolt--phone won't allow it. Haven't tried it myself though...as stated its supposed to screw up the phone.
Update roaming
Is it unnecessary to update the roaming on the TB?
krusty46 said:
Read somewhere that you actually can't hit *228 on the Thunderbolt--phone won't allow it. Haven't tried it myself though...as stated its supposed to screw up the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried it a couple times. It doesn't do anything. You hit 'send' and it just goes back to the dialer screen. Phone still works flawlessly.
If for some strange reason you are able to get *228 to work you will fry your SIM card. Don't do it. You thunderbolt is designed to update your roaming list (also known as PRL) every time it boots up. Hit a new city? Just reboot the phone and you should be good to go.
from what i have been reading and understand, the thunderbolt auto updates the PRL (roaming capabilities) upon boot if and updated one is available.
Sent from my rooted ThunderBolt running CM7 pre-alpha test 3, using XDA App

[Q] Will the PRL update if rooted?

We all know *228 is NOT an option for updating the PRL (Preferred Roaming List) on the Thunderbolt. I'm pretty sure I was told by a Verizon rep that when you reset the phone it automatically updates the PRL (if there is an update available). Is this true?
If PRL is updated through a reset, will it work on a rooted phone running a custom ROM?
FYI- My current PRL is 15011
Verizon rep told me the sim card manages the prl and updates it automatically
Legacystar said:
Verizon rep told me the sim card manages the prl and updates it automatically
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
I was told PRL was downloaded each time the phone powers on.
I have a 13000 series prl...

Software update? Got a message from Verizon

Just got an interesting message from Verizon...
Free Verizon Msg: Airtime FREE VZW software update! Due to network chngs, you must dial *228 in VZW coverage area, press SEND & choose Option 1 to reprogram phn
So what kind of update is this?
Don't do it. This is just a PRL update but I'm pretty sure you are not supposed to ever dial *228 with a 4g phone, you can damage your sim card
Yeah,when I had my Thunderbolt they said several times in the forum not to dial *228.The radios correct automatically and *228 might mess the phone up.
Sent from my HTC
LTE 4G Rezound
It shouldn't let you dial *228. 4G devices get their PRL automatically.
*228 won't break your SIM. It simply gives a message that it can't update.
bast525 said:
*228 won't break your SIM. It simply gives a message that it can't update.
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Click to collapse
+1. My device showed this message when I tried *228 during the outage a few days back.
Waiting for root, so I am cautious about any updates.
*228 is not necessary with LTE phones. It will just end up fragging your SIM.
zetsumeikuro said:
*228 is not necessary with LTE phones. It will just end up fragging your SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pmterp said:
Don't do it. This is just a PRL update but I'm pretty sure you are not supposed to ever dial *228 with a 4g phone, you can damage your sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know where this rumor came from, but the phone just says it can't update... it does NOT ruin or damage the sim card...
ssoares01 said:
I don't know where this rumor came from, but the phone just says it can't update... it does NOT ruin or damage the sim card...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It better not cuz the Verizon guy did it on my phone when they were figuring out why I wasn't receiving calls. Then they just said it doesn't work on 4g.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk
I've *22899 'd a few times now & nothing bad happened (also had no idea it didn't go through because it did it's normal beep-boop-hang-upy thing).
Good to know it isn't needed though.

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