I've done some research on the topic but am having a hard time finding a definative answer on the topic.
I bought my phone thru Verizon (paid in full) intially to ensure I would keep my unlimited data plan. Since this purchase I've discovered that T-Mobile has s $30/mo plan that fits my lifestyle just fine. My intent is to sell my plan (craigslist/ebay/etc) to get out of our contract and make some $$$ on the side.
When I bought this phone 1 of the major draws I saw was that, even though it's a Verizon phone, it wasGSM compatible. I've read plenty of posts about users throwing in a ATT sim card and being good to go. On the tmobile side of things, the results aren't as clear.
So.... Long story short, I'm looking for a definative answer if the Verizon GS4 will fully work on T-Mobile's GSM network and if so, where might one find some guidance on what I need to do if there are any necessary steps involved.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Plain and simple... No, the Verizon GS4 will not work on Tmobile. Verizon is cdma and tmobile is gsm. It will not work
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
teqknique said:
I've done some research on the topic but am having a hard time finding a definative answer on the topic.
I bought my phone thru Verizon (paid in full) intially to ensure I would keep my unlimited data plan. Since this purchase I've discovered that T-Mobile has s $30/mo plan that fits my lifestyle just fine. My intent is to sell my plan (craigslist/ebay/etc) to get out of our contract and make some $$$ on the side.
When I bought this phone 1 of the major draws I saw was that, even though it's a Verizon phone, it wasGSM compatible. I've read plenty of posts about users throwing in a ATT sim card and being good to go. On the tmobile side of things, the results aren't as clear.
So.... Long story short, I'm looking for a definative answer if the Verizon GS4 will fully work on T-Mobile's GSM network and if so, where might one find some guidance on what I need to do if there are any necessary steps involved.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a VZW customer and I work at T-Mobile. I've tried popping in my manager's T-Mobile micro sim-card into my VZW S4. The voice service worked flawlessly but there was neither 3G nor 4G connectivity. No idea why.
jkuczy16 said:
Plain and simple... No, the Verizon GS4 will not work on Tmobile. Verizon is cdma and tmobile is gsm. It will not work
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WRONG! I'm using a Verizon GS4 on AT&T HSPA+ right now.
izgil82 said:
I'm a VZW customer and I work at T-Mobile. I've tried popping in my manager's T-Mobile micro sim-card into my VZW S4. The voice service worked flawlessly but there was neither 3G nor 4G connectivity. No idea why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you change the APN's?
T-Mobile is NOT GSM. The only way would be change the apn settings to see if it will work.
Okay I guess I made a mistake, sorry for causing any confusion. Guess you really do learn something new everyday lol
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
sk337sk337 said:
WRONG! I'm using a Verizon GS4 on AT&T HSPA+ right now.
Did you change the APN's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I read Verizon S4 will work with AT&T H+, but not T-mobile.. they only get edge even with the APN changed
TheAxman said:
T-Mobile is NOT GSM. The only way would be change the apn settings to see if it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait what? T-mobile is gsm..
TheAxman said:
T-Mobile is NOT GSM. The only way would be change the apn settings to see if it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah they are GSM
Sent from my LG-P880 using Tapatalk 2
So I am right about tmobile being gsm
Sent from my DROID RAZR
These questions are tricky. Work!? You have to define that word before you get your answer. Voice works and so as data IF you add APN manually (or if it comes automatically from T-Mo). Now by data you mean 2G(EDGE)? 3G(HSPA)? 4G(LTE)? It also depends on whether you are in an area where T-Mo has re-farmed 1900 HSPA. If you are in one of these areas then you got 3G for data. If not, 2G for you. No 4G anywhere for this phone on T-Mo.
teqknique said:
I've done some research on the topic but am having a hard time finding a definative answer on the topic.
I bought my phone thru Verizon (paid in full) intially to ensure I would keep my unlimited data plan. Since this purchase I've discovered that T-Mobile has s $30/mo plan that fits my lifestyle just fine. My intent is to sell my plan (craigslist/ebay/etc) to get out of our contract and make some $$$ on the side.
When I bought this phone 1 of the major draws I saw was that, even though it's a Verizon phone, it wasGSM compatible. I've read plenty of posts about users throwing in a ATT sim card and being good to go. On the tmobile side of things, the results aren't as clear.
So.... Long story short, I'm looking for a definative answer if the Verizon GS4 will fully work on T-Mobile's GSM network and if so, where might one find some guidance on what I need to do if there are any necessary steps involved.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is %100 possible. It's involved...to the extent that it might not be for those who aren't willing to turn their phone into a PDA.
In this post I explain (condescendingly, because some guy was so sure it wasn't possible) that phones nowadays are capable of multiband...because it's just not cost effective for manufacturers to produce one phone for CDMA, then one for GSM, one for LTE, one for AWS bands, etc etc...you get the picture. If you look up the specs of the chips in the S4 (probably the same across the carriers) you'll see that it's a pentaband phone.
Short story long...I come from a time where there wasn't a "It's not possible"...my job bought me a VZ S4 which I plan on using with my Tmobile simcard...because I don't feel like carrying a Nexus 4 AND an S4...I'll post my progress in the forums for all to benefit from. Until then...
I only tested it for a few minutes.... but I did get lte on it but not sure about aws... on T-Mobile. Sorry I couldn't do a more extensive experiment.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Yes it is possible. And it is actually not that much work.
#1 be rooted
#2 put in tmobile sim and restart phone (cant change apn with vzw sim)
#3 change the apn settings for voice and data to t mobile (google it)
I have been using a verizon i545 S4 on tmobile for 3 weeks now. I have voice text and 4g h+ data.
The S4 is global, even if verizon tries to lock it down.
justda said:
Yes it is possible. And it is actually not that much work.
#1 be rooted
#2 put in tmobile sim and restart phone (cant change apn with vzw sim)
#3 change the apn settings for voice and data to t mobile (google it)
I have been using a verizon i545 S4 on tmobile for 3 weeks now. I have voice text and 4g h+ data.
The S4 is global, even if verizon tries to lock it down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how are you getting 4g? I'm only getting 2g ;-; i'v ebeen asking everywhere but everybody seems to think it cant be done i guess? I just get ignored by the usually helpful community.
I am also on hyperdrive, have you looked at their coverage map? And what apn are you using tmobile has 3. Standard phones, smart phones, and I believe one for hipsters aka apple? The proper apn starts with fast. (Its 645 in the morning google it yourself)
Another thing to consider, you might be getting 4g or h what ever, t mobile is half as fast as verizon. I had to use xposed framework to turn on the proper icons.
The steps I posted are all I did, other than being on hyperdrivre rom. Try setting to gsm as your preffered network?
Im sorry people have ignored this and claim its impossible, the tmobile guy in store actually got his manager to come use my phone after I got it working in front of him in store. The store manager told the employee I must be some super hacker and this isnt possible for normal people. All i did was imout the apn and the sim nothing crazy.
justda said:
Yes it is possible. And it is actually not that much work.
#1 be rooted
#2 put in tmobile sim and restart phone (cant change apn with vzw sim)
#3 change the apn settings for voice and data to t mobile (google it)
I have been using a verizon i545 S4 on tmobile for 3 weeks now. I have voice text and 4g h+ data.
The S4 is global, even if verizon tries to lock it down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this always work with straight talk... I am now rooted
silentshadow310 said:
Will this always work with straight talk... I am now rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is already a guide for straight talk here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2672843
Drake9897 said:
how are you getting 4g? I'm only getting 2g ;-; i'v ebeen asking everywhere but everybody seems to think it cant be done i guess? I just get ignored by the usually helpful community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I have been out of the loop for a while with work and such... Did you ever get your 4G or LTE to work properly?
silentshadow310 said:
Will this always work with straight talk... I am now rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What this guy said above this comment. I know nothing about straight talk, and someone already wrote a guide on how to do it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2672843:good:
I have a rooted phone with jelly beans rom I am able to ADD Networks to the ROM Software also I can do it with HIAPN Software. But nothing works. What am I doing wrong. Its a Verizon i605 Note 2 which I would like to Try STRAIGHT TALK using AT&T Towers. I have tried 2 different At&t straight talk SIMS. Neither one will bring up SIGNAL on my screen. The last card I bought says for At&t compatibly phones or UNLOCKED GSM Phones. My phone is UNLOCKED am I imputing the wrong DATA in the APN Info area can someone help me here find what is causing my problem. Frank [email protected]
The only CDMA-based phones that work on Straight Talk are the ones that Straight Talk sells directly. The "bring your own phone" method only works with GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile) phones.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
I have a Verizon fascinate I flashed to mimic a straight talk CDMA phone. Works great. I'm actually here now because I want to know if I can do the same with a note 2
How do I unlock a Verizon Galaxy S4 to use with Straight Talk?
orgndnr said:
How do I unlock a Verizon Galaxy S4 to use with Straight Talk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's getting to be time for a sticky about this. Search the forums for "Straight Talk" - using their SIMs is pretty easy.
The Verizon Galaxy S4 is not SIM locked. Install the SIM, set the APN, and done.
k1mu said:
It's getting to be time for a sticky about this. Search the forums for "Straight Talk" - using their SIMs is pretty easy.
The Verizon Galaxy S4 is not SIM locked. Install the SIM, set the APN, and done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have but don't understand. I have zero knowledge/experience.
orgndnr said:
I have but don't understand. I have zero knowledge/experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure how to respond to this, but here's a try.
You change from one carrier (Verizon is a carrier) to another (Straight Talk is another carrier) by removing the Verizon SIM from your phone and installing a Straight Talk SIM into your phone. A "SIM" is a Subscriber Identity Module that tells your phone what carrier to use and what your phone number is.
You asked about unlocking. You don't have to, since the phone will accept a SIM from any carrier.
For data to work, your phone has to be configured to use your new carrier's network. That's configured by setting up the Access Point Name corresponding to that new carrier.
The "Search" suggestion was because there's already an active thread in this forum discussing using Straight Talk on the I545. Since this is not a tutorial site, you should follow that thread and ask questions there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50880216
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
k1mu said:
I'm not sure how to respond to this, but here's a try..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't have explained it better myself. Alot of people get so grumpy about "noobs" coming in and asking questions.
+1 to you for not chewing him out for asking a noob question.
At Least he put it in the Q&A section though not in a general or dev. thread right...
orgndnr said:
How do I unlock a Verizon Galaxy S4 to use with Straight Talk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight Talk Wireless uses the AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint networks. You want to check with Verizon to see if you can register your phone with Straight Talk using the Verizon network. Just go to the Straight Talk Wireless web site.
You’ll enter your phone’s serial number and your location and check if it is possible to transfer your phone to Straight Talk. I have never used a Verizon phone on Straight Talk. They also use the Sprint network. You might want to confirm with Straight Talk support that they won’t register your phone on the Sprint network. I looked it up, your phone should be a SCH-I545 model, which I doesn’t look like its compatible with Sprint. You can call them and ask.
I’ll also mention that as far as I know the Straight Talk’s Verizon network is 3G only, not 4G LTE. Supposedly, Verizon doesn’t allow any of the prepaid cellular services to use their LTE network. If you get 4G LTE service where you live on Verizon, you may notice a difference in data speeds. If your S4 is still active on Verizon, install the SpeedTest app, and see what types of data speeds you are getting on Verizon.
You don’t need a SIM card to use your phone on Straight Talk. In the US, we use two different cellular technologies: CDMA and GSM. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. Since there is not AT&T service where you live it doesn’t matter but If you want to use a Verizon phone on the AT&T or T-Mobile network your phone model needs to be compatible with the network you want to use it on and the phone needs to be SIM unlocked.
You might want to take a look at Verizon prepaid as well.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions or need more help. I’d also love to hear how it works out for you.
I currently have a Sprint HTC 4g LTE. It is rooted, boot loader is unlocked, and it is S-Off. I'm currently using Sprint. However, I was thinking about switching to Straight Talk. They said they would have no problem putting my phone on their network. However, I pretty confident that when they put my phone on Straight Talk, I will still be using Sprints towers. Is there a way to request or flash my phone where I can use this Sprint phone on a the Verizon towers since they both use CDMA? Any help or guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Page Plus..
OR Verizon Pre-paid are other options. StraightTalk is Sprint only I believe.
I've flashed mine to Verizon Pre-paid and haven't looked back. Everything works perfectly. You will need to download a voicemail app (I use YouMail) and configure your MMS protocols (there's a tutorial in the General thread if you search Verizon MMS).
jwalkinc said:
OR Verizon Pre-paid are other options. StraightTalk is Sprint only I believe.
I've flashed mine to Verizon Pre-paid and haven't looked back. Everything works perfectly. You will need to download a voicemail app (I use YouMail) and configure your MMS protocols (there's a tutorial in the General thread if you search Verizon MMS).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information, but Straight Talk actually uses all major phone providers, At&t, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon towers. In order to access those towers though, you have to have a phone from that company so that is my dilemma of trying to get a Sprint phone to work on a Verizon network. I looked at the tutorial that you are refereeing to. I'm not 100% sure this will work for me or not since I want to use straight talk.
I have a Verizon Galaxy Note 2 that I am trying to get to work with AT&T. The phone is rooted and I have the awesome N3BULA rom installed. AT&T is now cheaper so I am switching over. Verizon is just too darn expensive.
I went by my local AT&T store and picked up a new SIM card, brought it home and put in my phone. Called AT&T and activated the sim card on my plan (they said for some reason the IMEI was showing a tablet, I explained it was a global phone and they activated the card). I was told to turn the phone off and wait 5 minutes and turn back on and it would be working.
When I turn the phone on I am not showing a signal, all I am getting is a circle with a slash through it. Hate to call them back before I check to see if there's anything else I need to do to get it working. I have added the APN information but still no go.
Anyone have any suggestions? Many thanks in advance.
Tim
Did you flash a ATT rom?
droidstyle said:
Did you flash a ATT rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, didn't think I needed to. Thought others had just put in an at&t sim card and started using their phones.
No go into settings, more settings, mobile networks, network mode. Change it to gsm
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Tried switching to both GSM and Global and neither had any affect. Could it be the custom rom changed the radios and caused this?
I doubt. The i605 has a different radio from all the other note 2 iirc. Hmm screen shot your apn settings and post them. I'm using my i605 on at&t on a Verizon rom
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk