I have an unlocked Xperia Z2 tablet with ATT. The data plan works perfectly, and the tablet has its own phone number. The IMEI number is that of a phone and tablet so I have to pay a higher charge for the line and it supposedly has unlimited calls and messaging.
Here's the problem though. All of the apps that come with the device which could conceivably be used to send an SMS message or make a phone call are Verizon exclusive and require a contract with Verizon to use. I attempted to install message or phone apps, but the Google Play Store sees it as a tablet and not a phone and won't provide those and I'm unsure if any apk files would work around it. I don't need to be able to make phone calls, but I do need to be able to send text messages to the tablet and not to any other device. Simply spoofing the number isn't going to be enough. It has to have its own unique number. I know that the hardware is supposed to be capable of doing that, but I can't seem to get anything on it that will work.
What are my options? I know once I get it properly rooted I can delete those apps, but how do I get them replaced?
Also, something I'm curious about. The only 4G bands this is tablet gets on the AT&T network are H++. Why doesn't it go any higher for the latest high end tablet?
EDIT: I used this tool(I'm not allowed to link anything here, even though I was allowed to link in a previous post?) to download the APK for handcent and then moved it to the tablet and installed from there. It had no problem installing, but when it asked to be made default it got stuck in a loop trying to allow it. After I eventually selected to skip it said certain features won't be available until it is default. (I hated the whole default thing that was added in 4.4. On my phone it keeps me from using multiple messaging apps properly) and I was able to SUCCESSFULLY send a text! I checked the phone and it was send as an SMS message from the phone number of the tablet. I was also able to reply without any problems.
The only issue now is declaring the default messaging app, which I don't appear able to do. The Verizon message app is the default and probably locked itself as such. ugh. Anyone have any suggestions?
Oh, and it told me "Voice calling not supported" so I don't know if the tablet itself is incapable of making calls or if it's another bug introduced by Verizon.
Related
EDIT: 11:15pm 9/25/2012 - ISSUE RESOLVED, SEE BOTTOM OF POST FOR SOLUTION
Okay, relevant information first:
Evo 4G LTE on Sprint
HBOOT 1.15 S-ON HTC DevUnlock
Current ROM CM10 Nightlies
Sprint-Google Voice integrated number
Now for the issue:
Texts can not be sent through the messaging app. When attempting to send a text, it will say "sending..." for a few seconds, then I get a notification saying "message not sent". Clicking on this notification takes me to the messaging app where the failed message has a red triangle next to it. When I long press the failed message, it comes up with a menu, and when I click "view details" it says "Error Code 98".
This happens both when connected to WiFi and when not connected to WiFi. It also happens both in my home town, and another town 45 minutes away (meaning the issue doesn't seem to be with the particular tower).
The last successful text sent or received was on Sept 13th.
Calls still operate as normal.
No changes were made by me between when my SMS was working properly, and when it stopped working. (Same ROM, Recovery, Kernel, etc). I haven't downloaded any SMS apps (handscent, gosms, etc) that could be interfering with the messaging app. I DO have the Google Voice app, but I had that when SMS was working properly as well, and the GV app hasn't been updated since March (meaning it shouldn't have changed how it was behaving).
Other peculiar behavior:
In addition to not being able to send texts via the messaging app, it seems that my number is also unable to receive texts. When texts are sent to my number, my phone does not receive them and they also do not show up in my Google Voice inbox. The sender is given no notice that the text has not been received. I am able to send texts from the Google Voice app, and others successfully receive them. When I send a text to myself from the Google Voice app, I receive it in my Google Voice app, but not in the stock messaging app (even though my Google Voice app settings say that texts will be received via the messaging app).
Things I've Tried (Updated: 3pm EST, 9/25/2012 ):
* Turning it off and on again
* Updating CM10
* Changing Google Voice settings (though it's possible I overlooked a setting)
* Factory Reset, Reflash ROM
* Flash Sense ROM, Update Profile/PRL
* Flash different AOSP ROM (Paranoid Android)
Things I've Not Tried (in order of how willing I am to do the things):
* Using an alternate SMS app (GoSMS, Handscent, etc)
* Un-integrating (and Re-integrating) Google Voice
* Giving the EvoLTE a relaxing bubble bath, to calm it down
* Flash Stock, Unroot, Update Radio
So, does anyone know what might cause this problem, and/or how to resolve it?
EDIT: Solution below
STORY:
I called Sprint Support, and had them reactivate my old phone (Evo4G running a CM9 alpha), by giving them the MEID for that phone. At this point I powered the phone back on, and called an activation number that they had given me (888-546-0314). On a Sense ROM, I would have simply updated my profile, instead of calling the number. We then tried SMS on the reactivated phone, and it worked (also, texts began showing up in Google Voice again at this time). I turned off my Evo 4G LTE, then I gave him the MEID for it and had him switch my number back to that phone. After he said he had switched it, I powered the Evo 4G LTE back up, and updated the profile, which I was able to do since I was still on Viper4G (note: I had to update the profile via WiFi, it might have worked over data, but it was taking longer than expected so we cancelled and just use WiFi for the update). Once the profile had updated, I called the test number again to confirm that the phone was activated. When I tried SMS, it worked as it should, including sending a copy to Google Voice.
TL;DR:
1. Find an old phone
2. Write down the MEID of both phones
3. Find a third phone to use to call Sprint (since you'll be activating/deactivating the other phones throughout the call)
4. Call Sprint Customer Support (888-211-4727), and punch the appropriate numbers until you are talking to someone
5. Have them switch your number to the old phone's MEID. Make sure the old phone is activated.
6. Have them switch your number back to the new phone's MEID. Make sure the new phone is activated.
7. Texting should be working on your new phone again.
Notes: The old phone may not be necessary. It may be enough for the Sprint Service Rep to deactivate your phone and then reactivate it. But I figured I would write out the EXACT method that solved the problem for me, since I am positive that this method has worked at least once. I have neither the means nor the desire to recreate the problem, so I will have to leave testing of other methods to the next person that experiences this problem.
Update: Clean flash of Paranoid Android did NOT resolve the issue. Still getting "Error Code 98".
So, this tells me/us this is not an issue with CM10 (which is not surprising, since I have no idea how what ROM I have flashed would keep Google Voice from receiving the texts as well).
This may sound odd but try moving the time up an hour or back an hour, error 98 is a problem with home agent, it's a sprint network error. I don't know of anything else that's helped
Try calling sprint and ask them if they can do anything. When I went s-off I had to call them bc my calls and text had errors. Data worked though.
They pushed something that fixed it in less than 10 seconds. Just wanted me to verify my account.
I tried changing the time 1 hour forward, and 1 hour backward, neither of those resolved the issue.
On hold with the Sprint tech department (it's taking longer than 10 seconds, but hopefully they figure out how to fix it.)
EDIT:
Mini-Update: Flashed Viper4G (a sense ROM), problem persists.
Updated profile and PRL while in Viper4G, problem persists.
Was told by Sprint technical support to press ##6-digit-MSL-here# and edit something, then reboot. Did that. Problem persists.
SOLUTION
The problem has been resolved, and the OP has been edited to include the method used to solve the problem.
If this was a game, Anthonicia would win for being closest (though it took closer to 2 hours on the phone with Sprint to fix the issue, if we include all four calls I made, 20-30 minutes if we only include that final one).
So... I recently got a replacement used Fascinate for my original unit that had a shattered screen. It has GeeWiz 4.2.2 loaded on it and I really like it. Damn near perfect... except for one thing and I'm not even sure/don't think it's the phone/ROM.
My texting issue is related to MMS. I can send any text... short, extended/pages long, picture texts (MMS) and I can receive all except long texts. And it's only an issue with my wife. She can write a book. LOL After doing more testing with other people, it seems to be a thing with Pageplus and Verizon. My wife is on Pageplus. I'm on Verizon...for now. My son is also on Verizon and has the same issue. I had a friend who is also on Pageplus send me a long text and it failed too. If I have someone on Verizon send me a extended text (over 140 characters) and comes thru fine. Only Pageplus customers seem to have the issue and it's only to my phone. I can have my wife send a long text to a friend who on Verizon and it goes thru fine.
The failure is on the senders side too. The senders phone will says failed to send. I don't get anything on my end. This is only to my phone.
I've searched and haven't found but a couple of references to a similar problem and no solutions. One possible thing that I haven't followed up on yet is this.... This phone was on Pageplus. I activated it on Verizon. Verizon shows no issues on their end at all but I'm wondering if Pageplus still has something in their system from the previous owner with this ESN. It's only Pageplus people that have this issue sending texts to my phone. They can send to other Verizon phones. And this is only long/extended texts that are 140 characters or more. Short texts and picture texts work fine. Oh....and if the sender attaches a pic to the long text, I will receive it.
It really weird. Wondering if anyone has seen anything similar or has any ideas. My next step is to call Pageplus support to see if they can help. I was also going to re-activate my old phone to verify the problem goes away. I welcome any insights.
Mike
PS - Sorry this is my first post. Can't believe I've been on this board this long and haven't posted before but this is a daily stop for me for years now.
Creepingdeath2 said:
So... .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you checked the settings in the "Messaging" app itself, seems I recall a converting sms to mms or some setting that deals with that...
hhp_211 said:
have you checked the settings in the "Messaging" app itself, seems I recall a converting sms to mms or some setting that deals with that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that had more to do with outgoing texts than incoming but I will try it later and report back.
So I looked in the settings of stock texting app and it doesn't have the "convert long sms to mms" option but I'm running 8sms in Default mode, which basically just themes the stock app and adds a couple more setting/features....one of which IS "convert long sms to mms". It was doing this before I started using 8sms so it's not the app. I'll try the change and post back results.
I tried turning that option on but it had no effect. Open to other suggestions. Still need to call Page plus support yet too,
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
maybe try a different ROM to make sure it's not just an issue with GeeWiz? roll back to a stock ROM and see if that fixes anything... also use the right ROM, you know, eh03 for vzw devices, etc.
Or possibly try another texting app or even hangouts will do sms/mms...
It sounds like page plus is possibly not splitting the message into 2 sms or not converting a long sms to a mms unless it explicitly contains a picture,,,
I would think that is software settings
That also could potentially be the sender's messaging app not converting it to mms and/or not splitting the message into 2 sms.
I know you said there were multiple people sending you stuff,, to they both have the same app?
Let me try to clarify the scenario....
My phone is a Fascinate with Geewiz 4.2.2 ROM activated on Verizon (for now LOL).
I have several people on Pageplus that can't send me an extended text message, meaning a text message over 140 characters. One is an iPhone 4, one is a Fascinate on Superclean ROM, and the last is a Fascinate on Geewiz 2.9. If any of them try to send me a message that longer than 140 characters, it fails to send on THEIR end. I never see it. These same 3 people can send the exact same text that fails to other Verizon phones with no issue.
My phone was originally a Verizon phone that was then switched to Pageplus. When I got it, I put it back on Verizon.
It seems to me that this is an issue with Pageplus, almost like there's some information in their system still that sees my phone as inactive and refuses to send it. The texts fails on the senders end almost like they don't have service. I need to take a chunk of time and call Pageplus support and see if this is even a possibility. Regular texts and picture messages sent from those same phones DO make it thru. I can send all forms of SMS/MMS with no issues. It's only receiving and only from Pageplus customers. If a Verizon customer sends me an extended text, it comes thru no problem.
I would think if it's the ROM, the problem would be evident regardless of the carrier the message was sent from. How could a ROM single out a specific message from a specific carrier? I'm not saying it's possible but it seems like this is a system issue on Pageplus side.
Thanks for the suggestions. It helps validate the steps I've taken and my thought process to solve it.
Well, I spent about 2hrs on the phone between Pageplus and Verizon tech support. Each blamed the other for the issue but ultimately Verizon is looking into it. Made to Level 3 support for whatever that is worth. Supposed to get a call back after they pour thru whatever they have to look thru. We'll see. They all agree that if the phone can receive EMS texts (Verizons extended text message protocol), the phone itself can't distinguish between carriers. The settings for each are the same. Since Pageplus and Verizon use the same system/network, it SHOULD work and can't really be my device. It's something on one of their networks.
Oh... and nobody has ever heard of something like this ever happening....which gives me great confidence that it will get resolved... LOL
Latest... tech support has been less than helpful... SURPRISE! LOL
They said that my phone is rejecting the messages but can't explain how Verizon Extended messages get thru but not Pageplus...which uses the exact same system. Not sure what else to do than maybe try a different ROM to see if it really is Geewiz or not...or maybe swap a device on the account too.
Creepingdeath2 said:
Latest... tech support has been less than helpful... SURPRISE! LOL
They said that my phone is rejecting the messages but can't explain how Verizon Extended messages get thru but not Pageplus...which uses the exact same system. Not sure what else to do than maybe try a different ROM to see if it really is Geewiz or not...or maybe swap a device on the account too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely try other roms... Not surprised about Verizon support lol...
Hey guys,
As with the rest of you I too probably spend a bit too much time on my phone haha so when i saw the announcement of the Nexus 9 i had me start to think about the idea of using it to replace my phone and maybe since the tablet is so big ill spend more time doing other things than carrying it around. I use my phone for almost entirely internet related stuff ( social media, Stocks, news, whatsapp) and occasional texting and phone calls..
So right now I am on bell Mobility in Canada and would like to continue using my current phone plan and number so Google voice or text plus are not very useful to me. I am also not worried that there are not microphone or in-call speaker built into the tablet as i use Bluetooth headsets.
Anyways to get to my questions.... Will I be able to text using hangouts just like I do on my phone now? If not is there a solution?
Am I able to install a dialer to make phone calls through my carrier? If not what can i do? is root needed?
Thanks in advance guys!
I would think the LTE version will do all of this for you, and no don't think you need to be rooted.
Here's where I see the problem with your plan of fulfilling your phone needs with a LTE Nexus 9:
Many carriers treat SIM cards for phones differently than SIM cards for tablets. Even though they're physically identical, the IMEI associated to each SIM allows them to define what each SIM is allowed to do, and those that are classified to be used on a tablet are set to only be able to use DATA services but not VOICE services, which means that if you choose to keep your number associated to that SIM in particular, it would be converted as data-only and won't be able to receive phone calls. I'm not certain this is the case for every carrier, so I suggest you find out with your specific carrier by talking to one of their tech representatives.
As for SMS messaging, I'm not 100% sure but I think data-only SIMs allow for receiving texts but don't let you send out texts, HOWEVER, now that Android has merged google voice with hangouts which allows for your phone messages to be sent through google hangous, I can't tell for sure if this would allow you to override that restriction and be able to send through the tablet (you'd need to find out, again, talk to your carrier).
Good luck!
Unless there is something I am missing here, with hangouts, hangouts dialer and a data sim you should be able to do it all. Texts and calls. I set up a mate 2 with just a data sim and hangouts - works like a charm on att/mvno.
T-Mobile USA has a family plan, where you can add a phone line for $20 with 10GB data. If you add a tablet instead then its $20 with 2GB data. i.e. T-mobile is penalizing tablets. This is really very odd as the tablet can do LESS than the phone (i.e. can't talk). Many phones have as many pixels as tablets. So not as if the tablet will somehow consume more than a phone. Anyhow...
If you were to take a phone SIM, Tablet fastboot modify your IMEI to a phone IMEI (e.g. a broke's phone IMEI) , would it then work on the network and be treated as a phone?
For some reason the call and text on my Tab S7+ and S10+ isn't always working. When I make a call using the Tab S7+ I see a message saying "No network connection" but on my S10+ the call is being made but hangs up because it could not transfer to the tablet. I can't get any incoming calls either but get a missed call notification after they hang up. I cleared the cache and data on both the phone app and call & text app and it worked for a day. Now not even clearing the cache and data works. I don't know what the issue could be. Anyone have these issues?
I have the sprint version of the Tab s7. There’s no option to turn on calls and text from other devices. It came with a messenger app but no dialer. I’m confused. Am I unable to make Calls. I have the note 10+
That's another strange issue. Does Spring allow this service? I read that some providers in the US don't support this feature. I'm still having issue getting it to work 100%. I even cleared the cache partition on my phone thinking there might be something in there that is corrupt. Funny thing is sometimes I make a call on my Tab S7+ and get the no network connection but after a minute or two my phone stays its making a call from the Tab S7+. So there is a delay for some reason. Could this be something with the Samsung servers?
AndroidArtTech said:
That's another strange issue. Does Spring allow this service? I read that some providers in the US don't support this feature. I'm still having issue getting it to work 100%. I even cleared the cache partition on my phone thinking there might be something in there that is corrupt. Funny thing is sometimes I make a call on my Tab S7+ and get the no network connection but after a minute or two my phone stays its making a call from the Tab S7+. So there is a delay for some reason. Could this be something with the Samsung servers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They said Verizon and ATT doesn't have the feature. I dont even have a phone dialer. Sprint told me to contact Samsung. Samsung said its sprint.
What I don't understand is why does it matter what service provider you have. From my understanding this feature works like this; (1) I make a call on my tablet (2) it goes through my home wi-fi to Samsung's server (3) Samsung server sends the number to my phone and initiates the call.
So why would the service provider care or even know if I directly make the call from my phone or it gets remotely dialed by Samsung.
AndroidArtTech said:
What I don't understand is why does it matter what service provider you have. From my understanding this feature works like this; (1) I make a call on my tablet (2) it goes through my home wi-fi to Samsung's server (3) Samsung server sends the number to my phone and initiates the call.
So why would the service provider care or even know if I directly make the call from my phone or it gets remotely dialed by Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I had a chat with Sprint again and they said the service has been disabled on all their tablets. I would have to download a 3rd party app to make calls. It does have a mess
Disabled on the T-Mobile S7+ as well. Went in through ADB and could not find the packages for this anywhere. Samsung said in marketing this tablet that it was not available on the Plus at launch, but that was the fine print. Just above that it said it was available, period. Hoping it shows up with the Android 11 update, whenever that shows up.
da_ferreira said:
Disabled on the T-Mobile S7+ as well. Went in through ADB and could not find the packages for this anywhere. Samsung said in marketing this tablet that it was not available on the Plus at launch, but that was the fine print. Just above that it said it was available, period. Hoping it shows up with the Android 11 update, whenever that shows up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint told me that they will no longer support making calls from the tablet. Apple tablets are still able to do this. I'm so angry about this. I've downloaded a phone app and now I have to use a new number with it... I hate it
Nkirkendoll said:
They said Verizon and ATT doesn't have the feature. I dont even have a phone dialer. Sprint told me to contact Samsung. Samsung said its sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works with AT&T if you use an unlocked (XAA) phone.
AT&T only blocks it on the carrier version.
I have a Note 20 Ultra that was an AT&T carrier phone. I changed CSC to XAA and loaded U1 firmware and Call and Text on other devices is now available and working be tween my Tab S7 and my Note 20 Ultra.
Also, the calls do not get routed through Samsung. The link between the two devices is authenticated via Samsung, but the hand off is local (peer to peer) via your Wi-Fi connection.
Since you were able to get call and text on other devices working by changing firmware, did you loose the ability to make wifi calls? I have a S10 (AT&T carrier version) that I would like to keep the wifi-calling and also enable the call and text on other devices feature. Any suggestions?
I bought this device ~2017 from Sprint for my elderly mother so she could stay connected with the family. One of the features was she could use it to text. She took to that like a fish in water, which made us happy. They did not have WiFi, so it was strictly cellular data. There was no voice, but that was not a problem. It had been working fine until...we got a Tmobile SIM in the mail. (Due to the merger of Sprint with TMobile.). This was supposed to be required due to the 3G retirement.
I installed the SIM. Everything seems to be fine. But then we notice the SMS stopped working. I called Sprint, they did some sort of reset and SMS started working. I went away in victory. But then an hour or so later we noticed SMS no longer worked. Skipping some steps, I took it to the store. We installed a new TMO SIM card. SMS worked again--for 5-15 min, then stopped. They did a warranty replaced of the tablet. Same thing. It first worked (send and receive texts) for <15 min, then failed. They would not allow me to go back to the Sprint SIM card.
I had the manager escalate this through their tech support. After a week or so, the answer came back: SMS is not supported on tablets.
This must be a policy. Certainly it can work. But it seems to be a restriction/problem on the carrier side. However I am not convinced it is really a policy and not just laziness.
What I am seeking from this forum is to learn the following:
A) Does anyone have SMS working on this device (SM-T978U).
B) If SMS works, what carrier do you have.
Alternately, I am looking for a work around that works seamlessly. Anything convoluted will not work for her. She also has an Alcatel GO flip 4. She now has WiFi.
You may want to look at an App like TextFree or Google Voice.
I can report that this was a carrier created problem. The explanation I received was that after the TMO Sprint merger, they pushed out PLMN's that allowed the devices to use the best available resource (TMO or Sprint), I am told. When the Sprint resources could no longer be accessed with the new TMO SIM card, the SMS no longer worked. If others had this problem, it may now silently be fixed. They need to push out an new PLMN and then "cancel" the location to forces the device to take the new PLMN. Works fine now.
My frustration is that the lower levels of tech support are really just customer service to help you use your phone. A rant on the whole experience is not worth anyone's time. For me, a chance encounter with a TMO employee in a local bar was required. Once I got to people with the appropriate level of technical knowledge, the problem was solved quickly.
The answer to the question in the title is 'YES'.
This is not a T-Mobile only issue. None of the US carriers allow LTE/5G tablets to text using SMS or RCS. I am not sure why. I had the LTE Tab S5e on Verizon and at no point could I text directly from the tablet using its number. I had to either use Google Voice or some other third-party app.
I now have the WiFi Tab S7 and the only way I can text is to pair it via Google Messages to my S22 Ultra or to use Google Voice.
The upside to using Google Messages is that I can use the same number on both devices. The only downside is occasionally I have to re-pair Google Messages.
I just bought a used T-Mobile Tab S7. I can sms with stock messaging app.