Can't wait to get this lovely watch in a couple of weeks. I am still on the fence whether or not I will get an extra sim card for the watch. I have a Note 4 which is ALWAYS with me, so I am not sure how useful it will be to have a standalone sim in the GS. Even when I go mountain biking, I have a very secure holder for the Note 4 on the bike frame. Do i really need a sim?
ozaghloul said:
Can't wait to get this lovely watch in a couple of weeks. I am still on the fence whether or not I will get an extra sim card for the watch. I have a Note 4 which is ALWAYS with me, so I am not sure how useful it will be to have a standalone sim in the GS. Even when I go mountain biking, I have a very secure holder for the Note 4 on the bike frame. Do i really need a sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you not from the states......but for me I went with ATT since it was the cheapest out of the 4 major carriers and all I was going be connected was via bt to my Sprint Note2. So if you are going to do the same and connect BT just get the lowest priced GS. "Sim or No Sim"
I might in the future have my brother put the GS on his att plan and just pay him on the side for usage, but that is just a thought if I really wanted to go solo for some reason. Here in the states, Att has a way better coverage then Sprint, so when I am out of Sprint range the GS will have Att coverage for emergencies..e.tc.....or need to get a hold of someone.
Unknown Zone said:
I see you not from the states......but for me I went with ATT since it was the cheapest out of the 4 major carriers and all I was going be connected was via bt to my Sprint Note2. So if you are going to do the same and connect BT just get the lowest priced GS. "Sim or No Sim"
I might in the future have my brother put the GS on his att plan and just pay him on the side for usage, but that is just a thought if I really wanted to go solo for some reason. Here in the states, Att has a way better coverage then Sprint, so when I am out of Sprint range the GS will have Att coverage for emergencies..e.tc.....or need to get a hold of someone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having two different carriers for coverage in dead spots is a lovely idea. That is a great selling point for having a sim in the GS. I never realized there was a no-sim version available. However, since I will be receiving this as a gift, I will most probably be getting the sim version. Is there any diminished functionality by not having a sim (provided phone is in range)?
ozaghloul said:
Having two different carriers for coverage in dead spots is a lovely idea. That is a great selling point for having a sim in the GS. I never realized there was a no-sim version available. However, since I will be receiving this as a gift, I will most probably be getting the sim version. Is there any diminished functionality by not having a sim (provided phone is in range)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No diminished functionality with the phone with you and no activated sim in the watch that I know of. At all.
Sim or No Sim...... GS are the same, the only reason we have both version is because GSM carriers are "Sim" and CDMA carriers are "Non Sim".
Unknown Zone said:
Sim or No Sim...... GS are the same, the only reason we have both version is because GSM carriers are "Sim" and CDMA carriers are "Non Sim".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I get it now.
ozaghloul said:
Can't wait to get this lovely watch in a couple of weeks. I am still on the fence whether or not I will get an extra sim card for the watch. I have a Note 4 which is ALWAYS with me, so I am not sure how useful it will be to have a standalone sim in the GS. Even when I go mountain biking, I have a very secure holder for the Note 4 on the bike frame. Do i really need a sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a sim card (T-mobile) But I doubt I'd use it it's just an emergency number nice to have never know when you may use it. You don't need one if you buy it outright you'll always have the option to add a sim later on
I went with a payg sim from h20. Costs me 10 dollars for 90 days just as a backup.
ozaghloul said:
Can't wait to get this lovely watch in a couple of weeks. I am still on the fence whether or not I will get an extra sim card for the watch. I have a Note 4 which is ALWAYS with me, so I am not sure how useful it will be to have a standalone sim in the GS. Even when I go mountain biking, I have a very secure holder for the Note 4 on the bike frame. Do i really need a sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it's a question of "need", as much as a... "nice-to-have".
I have the T-Mobile version w\sim ($5\mo.) I also have a Note 4 which is usually in my grasp. BUT...There's times when the separate line has it's benefits.
e.g. 1. Walk away from my desk,leaving my phone behind.] The phone instantly forwards to the GS when it senses it's out of Bluetooth range or not connected to WiFi. (never miss a call...:laugh:)
e.g. 2. Streaming music without your phone. With T-Mobile's free music streaming, you can stream music without incurring any data charges. (Milk,Pandora,etc) GS doesn't support Pandora yet Connect a bluetooth headset or speaker to the GS and leave your phone behind (if you like).
If you're a techie to any degree...And you obviously are (Note 4\GS owner)...You'll find lots of reasons to have it. :good::good::good:
I am with Tmobile, and in the USA. The sim/plan/line only cost me $5/month. That was a no brainer for me!
---------- Post added at 09:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:46 PM ----------
ozaghloul said:
Can't wait to get this lovely watch in a couple of weeks. I am still on the fence whether or not I will get an extra sim card for the watch. I have a Note 4 which is ALWAYS with me, so I am not sure how useful it will be to have a standalone sim in the GS. Even when I go mountain biking, I have a very secure holder for the Note 4 on the bike frame. Do i really need a sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on 2 wheels 98% of the time. Motorcycle and bicycle. As with my Note 3 and Gear 2, the Note 3 is either in a belly bag or back pack.. Gear on my wrist.. Note 4 and Gear S will be same way.. I had a get off on the bicycle a couple months ago, and by luck I didn't have the Gear 2 on, and I had my Note 3 in a back pack. At about 25mph I signal to move over to another lane, my bad luck was in doing a head check on the lane I am entering and making a hand signal with one hand, and one hand on the bar, right as I made the signal, I hit a min-pothole, with one hand on the bar, and at 25mph, I couldn't recover. I went down fast and hard(helmet on too).. I came out with some bruises. The bike, bartape got torn and some minor scratches. BUT, I was wearing my black Pulsar Chronograph watch. That took a scaring across the face. I would hate to see what would have happened to my Note 3 if it was bar mounted. Going to brave it with the Gear S just try to be aware of potholes..
I went with the SIM, which is one of the main selling points for me. Not as much for the phone as the data. For $5/month, I felt it was a no-brainer. More than that and I might have had second thoughts. It has already been quite useful to me, mainly since my GS5 can automatically send notifications to the phone when it's not connected via BT. I actually forgot my phone today when we left the house, but had the watch on. I got all my email alerts, etc., which was quite nice. I also leave my phone on my desk at work often, and when I get about half way through our building it switches to cell data. All in all, I'm happy with that feature.
I don't have a sim in mine.
I used to have the Gear 1 and basically have just replaced the Gear 1.
I always have my phone with me, so BT is not a problem.
Also, I like that it reminds me if I leave my phone somewhere as it vibrates and notifies me when it loses the BT connection.
I hardly make any actual calls on my phone anyway, maybe if I did, having the stand alone phone might be handy. From what I understand, phone calls using the watch sim sound better because it is not going via BT.
The main things I am using are notifications, controlling the music on my phone, checking my schedule and the fitness tracking.
Related
Hello, I own a Galaxy Note PRO 12.2 LTE but it is a bit inconvenience to use it to make phone calls sometimes. I am considering to buy the Gear S making/receiving phone calls and also as a device to notify me to check my Note PRO 12.2 whenever somebody sends me message. (Easier to type on a large device.)
I heard that the speaker of the phone is located at the back of the watch. Since that area touches the wrist when the user is wearing it, I wonder if it makes it difficult to hear the voice of the other person. Also, do other people hear the user's voice clearly? Is there any noise cancellation system? Any experience appreciated. Thanks.
The device is not out yet so we really cant answer your question. I dont think you can use the Gear S as a stand alone phone 100% of the time though. Watching the intro video it showed calls being forwarded to the Gear S. That makes me think that you have to have your main phone on.
Did you say you can make calls from your LTE Note Pro? If so I would like to know how to do this. That would be a nice set up then if you can use that as your phone.
I thought that it functioned as a standalone phone? Sure you can connect them and call though your phone, but that is not what I would want.
I have owned one since 15 October. I was fortunate to get a free unit but had to pay full price for a Note 4.
I am using it with a multi-sim service, ie 1 phone number, multiple sims. This is so I can share my data quota and still have both my Note 4 and Gear S active without the need for a wifi hotspot.
The primary SIM is on the Gear S, and it is only tethered to the Note 4 if I want to download apps or updates. I make and receive calls on the Gear S WITHOUT needing a separate phone, but I am using a bluetooth headset with it.
If you don't use a headset, the speaker is serviceable in a quiet room or if you're in the car, since it's somewhat muffled. One odd behavior I found is that even though you have a headset, it defaults to the built in speaker all the time. I have to quickly anwer the call and tap the headset icon to switch it to the headset.
As to battery life, at best it lasts from about 9am to 6pm, at worst, with several calls, it lasts till around 3pm.
You COULD actually adjust the strap and wear BOTH the charger and watch together, having a huge bulky item on your wrist hahahaha, but it will extend your battery by at least a couple more hours.
I will be happy to answer any other questions.
Have you tried to use a Web browser? If so can you practically do some surfing?
Are those scratches or smudges on the face of the watch? I thought the watch came with gorilla glass. If not, I'll be purchasing a screen protector for the watch.
You can check the [REVIEW] thread for the Gear S and more pics in my G+ post link right at the top of the first post.
Those are smudges from somewhat sweaty hand :π
Sent from my Mediapad X1 7D-501L using Tapatalk HD
rfs830 said:
The device is not out yet so we really cant answer your question. I dont think you can use the Gear S as a stand alone phone 100% of the time though. Watching the intro video it showed calls being forwarded to the Gear S. That makes me think that you have to have your main phone on.
Did you say you can make calls from your LTE Note Pro? If so I would like to know how to do this. That would be a nice set up then if you can use that as your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used to use my Ipad as a phone with a App called Line2.
I have used Google Voice, Talk a Tone and Textfree with voice on my Samsung WiFi tablets in the past I was able to make and receive calls on my tablet. I have the tab S LTE now I'm hoping to pair the 2 tab S and gear S so I can have one simple card for the both and keep my Note 4 separate
joytest said:
I have owned one since 15 October. I was fortunate to get a free unit but had to pay full price for a Note 4.
I am using it with a multi-sim service, ie 1 phone number, multiple sims. This is so I can share my data quota and still have both my Note 4 and Gear S active without the need for a wifi hotspot.
The primary SIM is on the Gear S, and it is only tethered to the Note 4 if I want to download apps or updates. I make and receive calls on the Gear S WITHOUT needing a separate phone, but I am using a bluetooth headset with it.
If you don't use a headset, the speaker is serviceable in a quiet room or if you're in the car, since it's somewhat muffled. One odd behavior I found is that even though you have a headset, it defaults to the built in speaker all the time. I have to quickly anwer the call and tap the headset icon to switch it to the headset.
As to battery life, at best it lasts from about 9am to 6pm, at worst, with several calls, it lasts till around 3pm.
You COULD actually adjust the strap and wear BOTH the charger and watch together, having a huge bulky item on your wrist hahahaha, but it will extend your battery by at least a couple more hours.
I will be happy to answer any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know which features from the Gear S i wont be able to use if i only have the Gear S connected via bluetooth?
I ask because i emailed my carrier sprint and they told i can buy the Gear S out right without a sim card but wont be able to use some features the Gear S as to offer.
rmont23 said:
Do you know which features from the Gear S i wont be able to use if i only have the Gear S connected via bluetooth?
I ask because i emailed my carrier sprint and they told i can buy the Gear S out right without a sim card but wont be able to use some features the Gear S as to offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I also have Sprint what features will we miss since it is an uicc card which is not a real SIM card. I had planned to but it outright like the above poster
Uniquebarbee said:
+1 I also have Sprint what features will we miss since it is an uicc card which is not a real SIM card. I had planned to but it outright like the above poster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sprint didn't emailed me back with a answer.
Maybe he was just saying that so i can buy with a plan.
rmont23 said:
sprint didn't emailed me back with a answer.
Maybe he was just saying that so i can buy with a plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh OK I don't want a 2 Year contract just for this gear S when I payed in full my Note 4 if you can keep me updated if Sprint decides to email you back that would be cool. I may just have to hold on to my gear 2 until someone sells the gear S on Craigslist/Swappa
Sure NP.
I got my gear 1 from swappa good deals there.
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
rmont23 said:
Sure NP.
I got my gear 1 from swappa good deals there.
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my gear 1 from there as well but this one requiring a sim card or uicc card does this mean we have to have a separate number for the gear S on Sprint because it has 3G only. I heard at&t/t-mobile can use the sim card with the same number. But the uicc card is tired to one device only I wonder if this will change somehow
joytest said:
I have owned one since 15 October. I was fortunate to get a free unit but had to pay full price for a Note 4.
I am using it with a multi-sim service, ie 1 phone number, multiple sims. This is so I can share my data quota and still have both my Note 4 and Gear S active without the need for a wifi hotspot.
The primary SIM is on the Gear S, and it is only tethered to the Note 4 if I want to download apps or updates. I make and receive calls on the Gear S WITHOUT needing a separate phone, but I am using a bluetooth headset with it.
If you don't use a headset, the speaker is serviceable in a quiet room or if you're in the car, since it's somewhat muffled. One odd behavior I found is that even though you have a headset, it defaults to the built in speaker all the time. I have to quickly anwer the call and tap the headset icon to switch it to the headset.
As to battery life, at best it lasts from about 9am to 6pm, at worst, with several calls, it lasts till around 3pm.
You COULD actually adjust the strap and wear BOTH the charger and watch together, having a huge bulky item on your wrist hahahaha, but it will extend your battery by at least a couple more hours.
I will be happy to answer any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the mini opera browser will work just using bluetooth connection not with a sim card?
rmont23 said:
Do you know which features from the Gear S i wont be able to use if i only have the Gear S connected via bluetooth?
I ask because i emailed my carrier sprint and they told i can buy the Gear S out right without a sim card but wont be able to use some features the Gear S as to offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think except for actual calling and SMS, there shouldn't be anything you can't do as a tethered device. In fact you can even make "proxy" calls and sms since it is treated as an extension of your phone when connected via bluetooth.
Ok thank you.
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
Are you able to take the Sim card out of your phone and put it in the watch for standalone use? Also, can you trim a micro Sim to a nano Sim? I've trimmed a standard Sim to a micro Sim before, just not a micro to a nano.
I just want to be able to swap the Sim from phone to watch and watch to phone when I want to and avoid having to put a plan on the watch.
On at&t at least, you can do that.. Not sure about other carriers. Trimming a micro to nano is possible, but the contacts on a micro are larger than they are on a nano, so you have to cut it precisely to avoid having a part of the contacts exposed at the edge. Then you need to get a really good nano adapter b/c the cheap ones don't fit well, and can catch the sim pins on the phone & ruin your sim tray
Had anyone tried moving their SIM card from phone to watch and back again? Sometimes I'd like to leave the phone at home but still be able to make a call in a pinch.
I was thinking about going to AT&T store to swap my micro SIM card for a nano SIM card. Then I'd use an adaptor to put the card back in my Note 3.
Thanks.
Kory
Hey, I have a S5 and plan on putting a nano sim in it. I already ordered the adapter and waiting for it to come in.
I plan on walking into att and asking for a nano sim. I have an iPhone 5 to carry in if they ask why.
But i don't plan on daily swaps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
The best would be to clone your sim, but that's illegal of course
Yeah, I know. Not doing anything illegal in here.
But i did walk into at&t and got a new nano sim and ordered the adapter for really cheap online for my Galaxy s5.
It all works and easy to switch back and forth. I'll go for a run tomorrow and try streaming Milk misic, while rumning gps and S health.
I
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
ampm325 said:
Yeah, I know. Not doing anything illegal in here.
But i did walk into at&t and got a new nano sim and ordered the adapter for really cheap online for my Galaxy s5.
It all works and easy to switch back and forth. I'll go for a run tomorrow and try streaming Milk misic, while rumning gps and S health.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So have you done this? Is everything working okay when you switch back and forth?
I was able to pop in the sim. Run, stream milk music, and S health. BUT, it wouldn't sync the S health data, for that run with my phone.
I think the optimum setup for me is to use the Nike app and music stored on the watch for my runs. Streaming milk burns the battery, and I need the power if I have to call for help.
My runs can be hazardous, so I have been focusing, lighting, self defense, and layering up against the cold.
ampm325 said:
Yeah, I know. Not doing anything illegal in here.
But i did walk into at&t and got a new nano sim and ordered the adapter for really cheap online for my Galaxy s5.
It all works and easy to switch back and forth. I'll go for a run tomorrow and try streaming Milk misic, while rumning gps and S health.
I
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead of constantly doing this, why note just order a H2O SIM and get a basic plan for it.
You can get a 90-day plan for $10. It's probably all that you need, assuming you don't burn through data like crazy on the watch. Seems a lot more sensible than switching SIMs around constantly and risking damage to the phone. Those SIM adapters are all kinda risky in my opinion. I had to repair an S4 that one of them damaged a few months ago.
Don't quote me here- i BELIEVE the watch doesn't even need to be SIM-unlocked to use H2O. That's the case with most AT&T devices and H2O because they use the same network and similar APNs. I got my AT&T Gear S unlocked on day one though so I can't test that for you. You can also call AT&T or go on their site to request the unlock code if needed, assuming it was bought off-contract.
I was using T-mobile for a while but at $20/month after fees it just wasn't worth it. H2O all the way for me.
edouble312 said:
Instead of constantly doing this, why note just order a H2O SIM and get a basic plan for it.
You can get a 90-day plan for $10. It's probably all that you need, assuming you don't burn through data like crazy on the watch. Seems a lot more sensible than switching SIMs around constantly and risking damage to the phone. Those SIM adapters are all kinda risky in my opinion. I had to repair an S4 that one of them damaged a few months ago.
Don't quote me here- i BELIEVE the watch doesn't even need to be SIM-unlocked to use H2O. That's the case with most AT&T devices and H2O because they use the same network and similar APNs. I got my AT&T Gear S unlocked on day one though so I can't test that for you. You can also call AT&T or go on their site to request the unlock code if needed, assuming it was bought off-contract.
I was using T-mobile for a while but at $20/month after fees it just wasn't worth it. H2O all the way for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No don't need a unlock att gear with h2o......i also went h2o....just pop in the sim....they walked me on the apn settings at the dealer store and I was good to go. The only thing we could not get was mms...but that was not big deal for me.
I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
burtonfamily101 said:
I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy unlock gs from ebay.....just make dammm sure it will work on your gsm network. If it will, yes you can swap the sim from the phone to the gs....but the risk of breaking something is much greater...if you know what I mean. You can always go pre-paid.
Example: Pri att/unlock to use on tmobile.......it might work....people are saying they are having trouble with unlock gs and vice versa with Pri tmobile/unlock to att. But I think it is a hit and miss, cause I have a unlock att and I can go tmobile network any time with no issues.....as of now I am on pre paid h2o (att network) for when I want to go remote and leave the phone at the house while jogging.
Thank you for the reply and sorry for my late one. So ive found a few on ebay that say unlocked. So what I would need to do is get a sim from h2O as prepaid use that when I set up the watch from my AT&T s4?
With h2o you dont really need a unlock gs if you get an att gs......since it runs off the att network. You should not have an issue since your s4 is also running on the att network.
Unknown Zone said:
With h2o you dont really need a unlock gs if you get an att gs......since it runs off the att network. You should not have an issue since your s4 is also running on the att network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I posted on a similar thread- $10 gets you 90 days, 100 megs with H2O's cheapest pay-as-you-go. I take the watch to the gym on remote connection every few days since january-- I've used about $1.70 of the $10 credit from getting notifications and few calls routed to the watch.
Since you'll be buying the watch off contract- go ahead and submit that request for the unlock from AT&T anyway, even though h2o works on locked att devices. It'll make it worth a little more for resale down the road, plus it's free and easy to do so- you just need a non-att/h2o sim card.
btw, if there's no huge hurry for cell coverage on the watch, you can get H2o and simple mobile SIMs on amazon for one penny & free shipping. Get a simple mobile one so you can unlock the watch with it.
make sure you get a nano-sim
edouble312 said:
Yep. I posted on a similar thread- $10 gets you 90 days, 100 megs with H2O's cheapest pay-as-you-go. I take the watch to the gym on remote connection every few days since january-- I've used about $1.70 of the $10 credit from getting notifications and few calls routed to the watch.
Since you'll be buying the watch off contract- go ahead and submit that request for the unlock from AT&T anyway, even though h2o works on locked att devices. It'll make it worth a little more for resale down the road, plus it's free and easy to do so- you just need a non-att/h2o sim card.
btw, if there's no huge hurry for cell coverage on the watch, you can get H2o and simple mobile SIMs on amazon for one penny & free shipping. Get a simple mobile one so you can unlock the watch with it.
make sure you get a nano-sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep forgetting the unlock code can be asked when bought out right after the new ruling went into affect. I don't have att nor tmobile as my phone carrier and bought the att gs since it was the cheapest of them all and needed coverage as a second carrier when out of phone range (I have sprint on the note2).....also since it has a sim....it could be unlock...etc. I was telling cyper the other day.....I too was afraid of the data usage, but after 2 to 3 months the gs eats data like a bird.......I bought the $100/1yr and I am sitting at 97.00 (since Dec) cause I was not sure how the gs with going to eat data..etc. I am going to have to down grade when it is time to reboost next yr..lol. I might go with the $10/90 days next time around.
burtonfamily101 said:
I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use a family shared plan and you don't have that $10 access charge.
They do not charge extra just for a new line? Thanks though I will contact AT&T and find out now to be 100% before I shop on ebay.
2 different networks
Unknown Zone said:
I keep forgetting the unlock code can be asked when bought out right after the new ruling went into affect. I don't have att nor tmobile as my phone carrier and bought the att gs since it was the cheapest of them all and needed coverage as a second carrier when out of phone range (I have sprint on the note2).....also since it has a sim....it could be unlock...etc. I was telling cyper the other day.....I too was afraid of the data usage, but after 2 to 3 months the gs eats data like a bird.......I bought the $100/1yr and I am sitting at 97.00 (since Dec) cause I was not sure how the gs with going to eat data..etc. I am going to have to down grade when it is time to reboost next yr..lol. I might go with the $10/90 days next time around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking to do the EXACT same thing you did. I have sprint, sprint version is about 399 in the store but I can get the international unlocked for 253.00 I can send you the link if anybody needs it off amazon. The challenge of course is sprints restrictive network so I have 2 questions, 1st when your phone is paired can you receive calls when tethered and talk through the watch and 2nd when you popped the sim card into the watch did you have issues using it as a stand alone device?
eternal22x said:
I am looking to do the EXACT same thing you did. I have sprint, sprint version is about 399 in the store but I can get the international unlocked for 253.00 I can send you the link if anybody needs it off amazon. The challenge of course is sprints restrictive network so I have 2 questions, 1st when your phone is paired can you receive calls when tethered and talk through the watch and 2nd when you popped the sim card into the watch did you have issues using it as a stand alone device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, when tethered you can receive calls and talk through watch. Only at&t & T-Mobile Gear S watches have sim card slot (GSM). So if your looking to use the watch as standalone on Sprint network (not sure if your talking wifi or 3G network) , assuming your talking 3G network via Sprint there would be no SIM card required. Are you talking standalone via wifi/no 3G plan or standalone as connected to the Sprint 3G network with the $9.99 plan?
**The previous persons comments are very misleading and I think confuses anyone who reads it. In order to even use the device via Sprint 3G they will need your IMEI number NO SIM CARD.**
I paid the cost for Sprints Gear S which didn't bother me, although I'm using it connected to the $9.99 plan as well as tethered to my phone. Its also much easier to get a warranty replacement device. This thread seems so off topic I'm confused if previous poster is talking with 3G plan or not considering the OT was no plan.
well my plan is to bypass sprint all together and use a prepaid AT&T h20 nano sim card on the watch. This way I use sprint when tethered and AT&T when using as a stand alone watch phone if that makes any sense. Again this is a gamble as I ordered the international South Korean unlocked version, Ive seen one or 2 posts on this being a possibility but I will update if it does work, if so this option may save many people money and frustration of being tied to one network.
---------- Post added at 06:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 PM ----------
Unknown Zone said:
If you buy unlock gs from ebay.....just make dammm sure it will work on your gsm network. If it will, yes you can swap the sim from the phone to the gs....but the risk of breaking something is much greater...if you know what I mean. You can always go pre-paid.
Example: Pri att/unlock to use on tmobile.......it might work....people are saying they are having trouble with unlock gs and vice versa with Pri tmobile/unlock to att. But I think it is a hit and miss, cause I have a unlock att and I can go tmobile network any time with no issues.....as of now I am on pre paid h2o (att network) for when I want to go remote and leave the phone at the house while jogging.
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I am attempting to do this with a T-mobile note 4 and a South korean unlocked GS from amazon I will update if it does work. On a side note the seller had their prices listed as low as $235.00 New and the day after I purchased it they bumped their prices back up to $319.00!! (I was at the right place at the right time i guess)
eternal22x said:
well my plan is to bypass sprint all together and use a prepaid AT&T h20 nano sim card on the watch. This way I use sprint when tethered and AT&T when using as a stand alone watch phone if that makes any sense. Again this is a gamble as I ordered the international South Korean unlocked version, Ive seen one or 2 posts on this being a possibility but I will update if it does work, if so this option may save many people money and frustration of being tied to one network.
---------- Post added at 06:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 PM ----------
I am attempting to do this with a T-mobile note 4 and a South korean unlocked GS from amazon I will update if it does work. On a side note the seller had their prices listed as low as $235.00 New and the day after I purchased it they bumped their prices back up to $319.00!! (I was at the right place at the right time i guess)
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That makes perfect sense, thanks for clarifying that. Actually would like to know how that turns out for you. I just have a personal grudge against at&t/Verizon and left at&t for Sprint not long ago, so that just wasn't an option for me. How much is the line going to cost through at&t? I was thinking it was a little bit more per month unless you already have a phone line..
My wife bought me the international version of the Samsung Gear S (SM-R750W). She said that she researched and from her understanding it should work on the T mobile network. From what I've found though the consensus seemed to be it would not work, or if it did it would be spotty at best depending on the specific towers/area you were in because Tmobile utilizes different network types in different areas.
I decide to give it a shot anyway and went to the T-Mobile store where I signed up for the wearable plan and got a new nano sim card. I was crossing my fingers but as soon as they put the sim card in the watch it came to life. It looked to be working fine but as I left the store I received a text from T-Mobile stating " the SIM for your wearable devices is in an ineligible device. Services to the SIM are locked until it returned to your eligible wearable device".
I pessimistically started thinking well great, there goes that idea. But as I got into my vehicle I shut my phone down and tried to see if the watch can work on its own as a phone when unencumbered from my Note 4 bluetooth/WiFi data connections. It worked perfectly-I started calling my friends and they couldn't believe I was talking on a watch phone. Several I actually felt the call sound quality was better on the watch speaker phone compared to normally speaking on the Note 4. I called customer service but they told me they couldn't see anything and if it was working fine not to worry about it.
For the next eight or 9 hours it worked perfectly and I was using it a lot. I drove around large swaths of town and neither data nor call experienced even the slightest issue - for once I was happy to be wrong.
Eventually, as I am oft to do, I fell asleep. When I awoke this morning the watch was no longer connected to the network. It gave me a message saying it was unable to connect and did I want to scan for additional networks. I selected yes and it was able to find the T-Mobile and ATT networks. T-Mobile was selected and a "registering" notification was displayed. It took awhile but eventually said it was unable to register with the network.
I call T-Mobile and they said pretty much exactly what I expected them to say -that because it was not a T mobile device they could not ensure proper operation. But he said (and he characterized this as "good news", "light at the end of a tunnel" and "viable solution” Seriously said all 3 things.) I could either forget all about the cellular connection and just use this as a companion device OR go and buy a new Gear S from T Mobile if I really wanted that feature.
I’m truly and utterly baffled that he believed his suggestions merited the positive sayings from above. Never in my lifetime has my head been closer to exploding.
After I was finally able to speak again, I explained that it seemed unlikely to be an issue with the watch. If my Gear S was working perfectly yesterday and can still detect Tmobile & ATT networks, then something on your end seems to be preventing registration. He agree to file a ticket with the engineering team and tomorrow I should hear from them hopefully. He also told me to go and try another nano-SIM, gratis, at the Tmobile store. So today I went and as soon as I put the new card in all systems were go. I assumed that I somehow had received a bad card because here again now, data and voice are connected.
This time I didn’t even make it out of the parking lot before it notified me that that it was again unable to register with the network. There is conflicting information regarding the radio frequencies and bands that the different Gear S models have and I didn’t have high hopes. But then it actually did work, WELL, so any ideas as to what is going wrong?
Imei not recognized as a wearable device by tmo
I am also getting very discouraged with the gear s on tmo.
But I think I finally got a tech person who may have found the problem ,
He said my gear s is no longer registering because the tmo system did not recognize the Imei as a wearable, that's why when I swapped sim with a friends iPhone sim, the gear worked. Because the wearable plan will only work with that device. The rep is asking engineering to add my Imei as wearable, but it has happen yet, he did not know if they could....
perdikoylis said:
I am also getting very discouraged with the gear s on tmo.
But I think I finally got a tech person who may have found the problem ,
He said my gear s is no longer registering because the tmo system did not recognize the Imei as a wearable, that's why when I swapped sim with a friends iPhone sim, the gear worked. Because the wearable plan will only work with that device. The rep is asking engineering to add my Imei as wearable, but it has happen yet, he did not know if they could....
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I guess that makes total sense, and answers my question if I could just get an Android watch phone at some point and use the same nano SIM that they gave me for my Gear S.
Could you post here if/when they added your IMEI? They were super unresponsive to my request to unlock my original Gear S (which I replaced with an ATT Gear S that ATT kindly unlocked for me), so I have little faith that Tmo are even willing to help their customers, but since I have my plan with them, I'd love to be wrong this time.
Tmo problem
Well I wish I had better news, but it is still not working, I called them back, they say they requested the engineering to add my IMEI , but who's knows if they did, they seem to have very little experience with gear s, it's very frustrating because it did work the first 2 months until I tried the sim in my iPhone. I think I have reached the end of the line ,
I might try closing acct and opening new again...
So can either buy new tmo gear s. And sell my unlocked att gear, or put mine on att,
But. I really liked the Tmo plan, and would probably had switched my other (family) lines to Tmo.
anyone have more ideas?
perdikoylis said:
Well I wish I had better news, but it is still not working, I called them back, they say they requested the engineering to add my IMEI , but who's knows if they did, they seem to have very little experience with gear s, it's very frustrating because it did work the first 2 months until I tried the sim in my iPhone. I think I have reached the end of the line ,
I might try closing acct and opening new again...
So can either buy new tmo gear s. And sell my unlocked att gear, or put mine on att,
But. I really liked the Tmo plan, and would probably had switched my other (family) lines to Tmo.
anyone have more ideas?
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Maybe try to cancel your wearbales plan, then get one again, with a new SIM and new number?
I would not buy a tmo gear S: they won't unlock it and it costs $50 more. I use an unlocked ATT Gear S on T-mo without issues, but if putting the SIM in another device caused this for you, and the SIM itself is not the problem, they must have some kind of hold/notice on your wearables plan in your account, I think?
My end goal is to purchase an unlocked Gear S and use it as an always on hotspot for another device that I always carry with me that needs wifi. I also want to use the Gear S as a stand alone phone. Iv'e seen the hack that will allow one to register it without ever using a phone.
I currently have an account with T-mobile. 2-lines, $100, unlimited voice/data - I don't want to change my plan.
Is there anyway to somehow exchange the sim from one phone (through T-mobile or other means) for a nano sim that will fit in the Gear S without changing my plan or number? - Thanks Community!
You can get a sim card cutter for under $10 on Amazon, and just cut your sim to fit. That's what I did with my SIM when I upgraded my main phone.
However, AFAIK, there is no way to make the Gear S be a hotspot.
Also, if you have a wearables plan, you get locked out of it as soon as you put the respective sim card in anything but the Gear S. I tried to use mine in the LG watch urbane, after I was assured by Tmo CS that this would work, and it completely blocked my wearables sim, which I am now waiting to get reprovisioned.
xendula said:
You can get a sim card cutter for under $10 on Amazon, and just cut your sim to fit. That's what I did with my SIM when I upgraded my main phone.
However, AFAIK, there is no way to make the Gear S be a hotspot.
Also, if you have a wearables plan, you get locked out of it as soon as you put the respective sim card in anything but the Gear S. I tried to use mine in the LG watch urbane, after I was assured by Tmo CS that this would work, and it completely blocked my wearables sim, which I am now waiting to get reprovisioned.
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Oh this sucks and I can't believe they implemented that.. I was just going to try my watch sim in the new lg watch this afternoon.. Scratch that.. Thanks for the heads up
BeameD From My LG V10... The one with the ALWAYS ON SCREEN... Watching me.. ?
chiikko561 said:
Oh this sucks and I can't believe they implemented that.. I was just going to try my watch sim in the new lg watch this afternoon.. Scratch that.. Thanks for the heads up
BeameD From My LG V10... The one with the ALWAYS ON SCREEN... Watching me..
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I know of one single person whose wearables sim did not get blocked when he moved it from his Tmo Gear S to the LG WULTE2, so there is a tiny, tiny chance that it may work for you. It didn't for me and others.