Background: Work bought me an S4, but they use Verizon...I use T-Mobile. I must solve this issue. (Plus it's been so long that since I've even opened my QXDM/QPST that I almost...almost forgot how to use it, man, I miss it)...
This is more of a running log to potentially help others in their endeavors. This is an advanced topic...by today's standards. There is a LOT you need to know before just jumping in on this...unless you're like me and don't mind bricking a device for the sake of learning...then, carry on.
BTW, As you can clearly tell..I don't do super formatted frilly assed colorful posts...
ONWARD!!
What is known so far:
1. The modem MDM9615m is capable of anything...(Maybe even making you tea).
2. Using either 2009031920090615 or 2010031619780721 as the 16 digit PW in QXDM allows you to use "Software Backup" to backup and restore QCN files...(Both work, only one puts the phone offline)
4. The AWS band method that is floating around here (337_aws.qcn) doesn't work...it actually breaks the phone. (more on that later)
5. Putting your backup on again leaves whichever fields the 337 file had intact...so say you put the 337_aws.qcn file onto the phone, it stops working...however, you restore your backup...and the phone starts working again but all the fields of the NV that were written by the 337 file remain. Though phone functionality is restored.
6. MDK or ME7...doesn't matter at this point...no effect on functionality.
7. Flashing an MD1 modem/NV Backup from a T-Mobile Note II (which also has the 9615 doesn't seem to work...yet)...It actually kills the phone...I'll update when/IF I revive it...
8. You can Odin your modem back...whew!
What needs to be explored:
1. Whether or not flashing (shoehorning) another carriers radio will help (or if it's even an option)...this would probably have to be a regional carrier or maybe an international (non US) carrier's radio. Usually the bigger carriers can tell the manufacturer what to leave out/put into their phone...
2. Which NV Items need to be modified in order to get AWS (maybe even LTE) working.
3. Can a backup of another phone....let's sayyyy a T-Mo S4...be made and dumped onto the i545.
4. What complications are there? Is this permanent, can the phone be put back to "normal"? etc. etc.
5. If, as a last resort, we can edit the current parameters that are in the NV of a stock i545 to simply "reroute" (work with me here)...what bands it uses for which function...(this is the most tedious...but most undoable method...that I can think of....so far).
Troubles I've already ran into:
As mentioned before...after you write the 337_aws.qcn file to the phone it's pretty much set in stone...for now. When this happens, the modem starts boot looping...I'm sure this is due to bad parameters since the 337_aws.qcn file was probably from a 9215, i545 uses a 9615...you will not be able to access it again in QPST/XDM...
You'll have to get into Settings, More Networks, Mobile Networks, Network Mode, and select GSM/UMTS...this will keep the modem alive for you to be able to play with it again.
So far that's it. I've only been able to start messing with this phone in the past day or so...so, I'm sure this thread will be my dumping ground for my progress/findings/ideas...etc. Again, I encourage anyone that wants to help....to do so. I'm always open for collaboration.
This is where I start filtering down and organizing what I'm doing.
I believe that the best course of action right now is to utilize the 9615m radio from a Note 2...and perhaps a ROM from a T-Mo S4...
The main reason is because when you flash the 9615 modem but still use a VZ Rom...it tries to force it into a "WCDMA Preferred" selection. Which as we know...isn't an option in the menu. However, it's still trying...but I think the ROM doesn't know what to do at that point (could be way off here). I'm thinking that there has got to be a specific combination that needs to be used....for example...a Note 2 modem with a Tmobile ROM and NV backup? or that...but with a VZ NV backup...
I'm not a programmer/rom guy, (I'm more RF engineering etc...), so I don't know if there are things in the ROM itself that dictate which options are available and how the modem is used...
More exploration to be done...
Build.prop indicates to the system what network options should be available
Tmo rom looks like the way to go
On these newer phones the modem dictates pretty much everything else network-wise
CNexus said:
Build.prop indicates to the system what network options should be available
Tmo rom looks like the way to go
On these newer phones the modem dictates pretty much everything else network-wise
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That's good information....I tried running Paranoid Android but it wouldn't boot and any other rom told me that the device ID was wrong. I'm going to look into bypassing that check and try some more...
It hasn't been fully proven/disproven but it seems that there may be a "hard" block for US CDMA devices to use US GSM.
It can certainly see it but won't connect based on the threads I read.
But I don't think anyone has documented it in thorough detail what has and has not been tested.
Now if that setting is in NV data and can be modified... you may have a shot.
But if it's something hard coded and/or physical (QFuse) it may not be possible.
Q: Would it not be easier to find someone to swap with you? Or sell the device and get a Tmo?
garwynn said:
Q: Would it not be easier to find someone to swap with you? Or sell the device and get a Tmo?
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Haha, leaps and bounds! easier, but what's the fun in that? How will we learn what can and can't be done if we take the easy way? Plus...maybe someone runs into a stellar deal and can't afford a full priced S4...they might nab a VZ one for cheap...this could potentially help a lot of people...
This is more to learn than anything...
Any progress?
Any progress with this? I'm in the same boat.
Thats a shame. Would be nice to have found out if a CDMA S4 could be fully used with GSM network.
blackhand901 said:
Any progress with this? I'm in the same boat.
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ThunderBob
Galaxy S4 SGH-M919 - GoldenEye 8.0 - XXUDMI1
HTC One - Stock
blackhand901 said:
Any progress with this? I'm in the same boat.
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I've been stalking the internet for weeks to try and see if i can pick up all of T-Mobile's hspa frquencies in my area cause I'm tired of edge and I know the hardware is there i just don't want a brick. would rather 2g over a brick.
I have been on tmobiles 4g network with my i545 for 2 weeks now... I have had zero issues.
You an only get
justda said:
I have been on tmobiles 4g network with my i545 for 2 weeks now... I have had zero issues.
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HSPA on this divi e. Not LTE.
It makes me confused that band 4 LTE is locked on the phone
I always thought verizon had the open access regulation from FCC and that's the reason all verizon LTE phones are gsm unlocked
in fact some posts indicates it's CDMA unlocked also. Some CDMA carriers use R-uim card such as China telecom,and people were able to insert the ruim and have cdma working.
From this post, it seems verizon only had the regulation on LTE 700 band 17, not AWS band 4?
or is it just because verizon hasn't really deployed AWS LTE yet, so the relative software hasn't been released yet?
michael3770 said:
It makes me confused that band 4 LTE is locked on the phone
I always thought verizon had the open access regulation from FCC and that's the reason all verizon LTE phones are gsm unlocked
in fact some posts indicates it's CDMA unlocked also. Some CDMA carriers use R-uim card such as China telecom,and people were able to insert the ruim and have cdma working.
From this post, it seems verizon only had the regulation on LTE 700 band 17, not AWS band 4?
or is it just because verizon hasn't really deployed AWS LTE yet, so the relative software hasn't been released yet?
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just for clarification, Verizon uses LTE 700 B13 not B17. According to Samsung and some other website Verizon S4 support LTE B4 and B13. and according to the guy in this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44206677&postcount=20 he is using or have used VZW S4 on T-mobile LTE.
This is one of the oddest things I've ever run into.
I can put a T-Mobile Sim in the phone and it works almost like it was a Verizon Sim with the exception of needing to switch it to global mode when prompted.
If I stick a GSM Metro PCS Sim that I am currently using on the M919 it wont connect to anything except Wifi.
I hate locked bootloaders.
What about with custom roms?
dennis5pia said:
just for clarification, Verizon uses LTE 700 B13 not B17. According to Samsung and some other website Verizon S4 support LTE B4 and B13. and according to the guy in this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44206677&postcount=20 he is using or have used VZW S4 on T-mobile LTE.
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Sorry that was a typo, yep att use b17 and vzw use b13
Verizon is going to deploy a second LTE network using AWS spectrum in congested areas
Why you guys don't install "android data tool" to be able to enter the *#*#4636#*#* menu so you could set LTE only to see if Verizon S4 pick up T-Mobile LTE?
If you are rooted and have access to write system data you could edit the "sale_code.dat" file under system/csc and change from VZW to SPR, AWS or any other code, so you can have more network mode options under mobile network settings.
Just for some clarification... This is done on Stock Touchwiz rom or is the device rooted and / or rommed and loki-d
Thanks,
Eric
So I can put a verizon sim card in my tmobile Gs4?I thought Verizon didnt use sim cards like tmobile and at&t.my tmobile Gs4 is unlocked so basically I just need a Verizon sim card and a Verizon plan. Thanks!!!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I don't think that works that way. Verizon is a CDMA carrier and T-Mobile a GSM carrier. Verizon sim card is for LTE only (LTE is GSM based technology). Voice works over CDMA radio which T-Mobile S4 lack of it. T-Mobile sim works on Verizon S4 because Verizon S4 is CDMA/GSM/LTE capable.
xda23 said:
So I can put a verizon sim card in my tmobile Gs4?I thought Verizon didnt use sim cards like tmobile and at&t.my tmobile Gs4 is unlocked so basically I just need a Verizon sim card and a Verizon plan. Thanks!!!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
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*I also have a Verizon branded Samsung galaxy s4 that I am currently using on T Mobile. I put my tmobile sim in it and it works just fine after I changed the APN settings to the T mobile settings so I would get the data, MMS and picture messaging, et cetera et cetera. However I recently noticed that Verizon just released a major firmware update that will update it from the most current version that we all have: Android version 4.2.2 with firmware/baseband:I545VRUAM(E)7 TO Android 4.3= with firmware/baseband :I545VRUAM(J)7. anyways, this new firmware... Allegedly, once it is applied not only does it update the android version,..but it is supposed to unlock all of the of the available AWS - LTE bands that the phones hardware is quite capable of and other technologies that a lot of other carriers use for their high speed data. So effectively once the update date is applied... instead of getting only a 3G UMTS BAND 3 or H+ (HSPAP) BAND 15, The phone should effectively be getting 4G and or LTE, or the capability of using other bands in a lot of areas using T-mobile(or other GSM carriers) on the phone. I have not yet downloaded and applied the update to my phone because I'm a bit hesitant. My phone is working fine now and the maximum data speed I get is either 3G/UMTS BAND 3 or a Idle on 3G and H+ (HSPAP) BAND 15 when data is active, however I would love to be able to get the other bands on my phone. I'm just a bit concerned that I wonder if when the new firmware update is applied will it possibly put a restriction or sim card/GSM/ or other type of carrier lock on the phone that was never there before? Effectively not allowing me to use the tmobile sim card in the Verizon Galaxy S4 any longer? So I just wanted to reach out to other people in the same situation to see what firmware version others are using thats allowing use of a tmobile sim card, and anyone who has successfully done the new firmware update and are still able to use the tmobile (or other carriers sim cards) in the phone with no new negative issues or restrictions or locks. Thanks so much I'd appreciate any feedback. -Rob
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Works without any problem, nothing gets blocked.
SCH-i545 (S4) Rooted VRUEMJ7 4.3
So u have actually tried using a tmobile or other carriers gsm sim for domestic use after the MJ7 update, and it still works fine like before for you? Thanks ! I appreciate your help!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thanks
FNM
Im using it internationally. works perfect
So, after the new update since it is a verizon phone you're telling me that there's still no problem with putting a local t mobile samsung in the phone and using it as I have been? Thanks
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
I'm leaving Sprint for T Mobile with my S9+ SM-G965U. Will I need to flash new firmware specific to T Mobile other than swapping SIMs? I'm referring to Wifi Calling, visual voicemail and other useful features. Does T Mobile load up the bloatware like Sprint? Thanks.
Troy1288 said:
I'm leaving Sprint for T Mobile with my S9+ SM-G965U. Will I need to flash new firmware specific to T Mobile other than swapping SIMs? I'm referring to Wifi Calling, visual voicemail and other useful features. Does T Mobile load up the bloatware like Sprint? Thanks.
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TMobiles firmware will download when you install the TMO Sim card.
Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk
tengen31 said:
TMobiles firmware will download when you install the TMO Sim card.
Thanks
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In order to get the full functionality of my sprint phone on Tmobile I needed to flash the t-mobile firmware. If it was as simple as switching sim cards (after putting the tmobile sim into my phone) I should have had access to all features/services. In order to get video calling (as well as better signal strength and stability) this required me to flash the carrier specific firmware for Tmobile.
Imho it's a bit more then just "the firmware is downloaded onto the phone" by swapping the sim card. From reading on the subject (and from my own experiences) when the sim card is changed the settings/configurations that reside on the sim card are applied to the phone. This may also cause the phone to restart and apply carrier specific configurations that reside within the firmware are applied.
Your can most use the phone just fine with the sprint firmware installed, but certain Tmobile features might not work 100%. Things like the shakn/stir, video calling and perhaps signal configurations will most likely (I know video calling and signal enhancements did on mine) require the Tmobile firmware.
Personally I would suggest flashing the U1 firmware, factory resetting the phone and flashing the Tmobile firmware. That is what I did and I have had nothing but great results on the Tmobile network.
IMHO I noticed less bloatware with the Tmobile firmware then with Sprint's firmware
So I bought the XQ-BC72 model and flashed US firmware. Earlier this year I was able to do this on the Xperia 5 II and it worked perfectly. The 5 II was also the Chinese/Asian model that I flashed to US firmware.
So has anyone managed to use the asian model on verizon with or without flashing US firmware?
UPDATE: I called verizon tech support and got them to add the IMEI number to my phone line. This along with a 4G sim card has allowed me to get LTE on this phone and sending/receiving texts works too. Sweet. Will try getting VoLTE or VoWIFI to work, but I highly doubt it.
UPDATE 2: LTE/4G only worked where I originally set it up (at work, within their WiFi range). Very odd behavior. As soon as I left work, service was gone. Connecting to any other WiFi did not bring back service. As soon as I got back to the office, the service came back. This is so weird. I did all this on a 4G sim card. Will try using a 5G sim card before giving up and getting a US version or staying on the OnePlus 8T.
UPDATE 3: I got Verizon to work on the XQ-BC72. I flashed from the US Firmware to Taiwan Firmware (TW). You will still need a sim card that is provisioned as CDMA-less by verizon (you can do this over the phone or chat on their website) while inserted into a phone that verizon supports (such as your currently phone most likely if you already use Verizon). Then just switch out the sim card into the Sony and should be good to go.
You're brave to be a guinea pig here, and it's much appreciated. I'd love to purchase the bc72 but am too worried about compatibility with Verizon. Please update us on your progress or lack thereof, I'm sure I'm not the only one interested in the outcome
delfuhd said:
You're brave to be a guinea pig here, and it's much appreciated. I'd love to purchase the bc72 but am too worried about compatibility with Verizon. Please update us on your progress or lack thereof, I'm sure I'm not the only one interested in the outcome
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Well I got it to work for a little bit. Basically, it only worked while I was at work within the range of my works WiFi (this is where I set up the phone by chatting with verizon). As soon as I left work, I lost LTE and it would not return until I went back inside the building (yes I was still in range of the service signal). Its very odd. Connecting to any other WiFi outside of work did not bring back LTE/service.
I will attempt to get a 5g sim card and try again but I doubt I will get better results. I am currently using a verizon 4G sim card which works perfectly in OnePlus 8T (which was converted from TMobile to Global)
See update 3 above if anyone is interested in using the international model (XQ-BC72) on Verizon. Benefits of this route is you can use the Gray color model as well (not just black and purple that the US model allows) and you can also get the one with 512gb storage (internal storage is almost always faster than SD cards). Downsides are warranty is probably gone, no 5G or VoLTE support most likely.
So I have an issue with my current tablet that is locked to T-Mobile not getting any data using a normal phone sim. I'm not about to risk buying a different T-Mobile locked tablet or even one with T-Mobile Firmware as I have a feeling I will run into the same issue, and I can't get any clear answers about it.
Does it make sense for me to buy an ATT Unlocked S7 and use a T-Mobile Phone SIM in it then? Surely an unlocked Tablet from another carrier wouldn't get caught in the data-only SIM mess right? Or are there other ways around this issue? Ironically all I really need is data, but I need to be able to use a normal phone sim from my T-Mobile plan.
Usually t-mobile doesn't care if you use tablet plan sim cards inside phones but it does limit the usage of phone plan sim cards inside tablets.
So with tablet from popular/well known brands, no matter if it's from another carrier or a factory unlocked version, you are almost certain to be detected by t-mobile and it will either block the tablet or limit the speed to 3g speed, especially with those free phone lines with unlimited data.
You would better go with an imported tablet not dedicated for US market.
armyofbear136 said:
So I have an issue with my current tablet that is locked to T-Mobile not getting any data using a normal phone sim. I'm not about to risk buying a different T-Mobile locked tablet or even one with T-Mobile Firmware as I have a feeling I will run into the same issue, and I can't get any clear answers about it.
Does it make sense for me to buy an ATT Unlocked S7 and use a T-Mobile Phone SIM in it then? Surely an unlocked Tablet from another carrier wouldn't get caught in the data-only SIM mess right? Or are there other ways around this issue? Ironically all I really need is data, but I need to be able to use a normal phone sim from my T-Mobile plan.
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I bought unlocked att samsung tab s7 5g. Problem is that you get to use lte but not 5g
Last update is from June 2021. I'm still on Android 11