Bought unlocked V30+, but it's former LS998 - LG V30 Questions & Answers

Posting this PM conversation here as I prefer to answer in threads so others with same issue in the future can also be helped.
DDragons said:
Chazz,
I'm not sure what the difference is or what my options are at this point.
I picked up a LG V30+, which I thought was a US998 or at least that's what it says on my phone (Hardware Info). But when I ran the iemi # it comes back as an LS998.
Honestly don't know what the difference is and wouldn't care except for the fact that I can't send SMS text msgs. Seems like everything works even receiving SMS msg's just can't send. Oh and it turns out I can't see/view the SMSC #, which I guess is a big deal in regards to sending SMS msg's.
So I've been browsing through this site and you seem to be well versed and would like your opinion/advise if I may.
Q1) Will updating the firmware help?
> Says I'm @ Rev 1.0
Q2) Will updating the software help?
> says I'm at US99810d and Android Ver 7.1.2
Any suggestions/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dirty D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ChazzMatt said:
What carrier are you using?
I'll post your question in the forum and reply more there, so other people can be helped also.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DDragons said:
I'm on Cricket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GENERAL INFO
Yeah, most new and "mint" (like new) US998 V30+ on the market right now (eBay, even Wal-mart) are former LS998 which have been converted to US998 by 3rd party wholesalers trying to offload excess LS998 V30+ stock. Basically like our Frankenstein but probably done though Octopus box or some mass version of that.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I've noticed they often will convert to US998 but leave on Nougat for some reason. Maybe their Octopus box can't do Oreo for some reason? To me, that's a half-finished conversion! When I do it, I go all the way to Oreo!
Sometimes they will actually claim "US998" in the listing -- while other times they will say "unlocked V30+" but then list the US998 bands (which are different from the Sprint LS998 bands), so you assume it's a US998. Neither is technically incorrect, nor lying. It IS now a US998, and it does now have US998 bands... The BEST way I have seen is where they claim "UNLOCKED LS998" -- and when you get it, it's of course converted to US998, as that's the only way to unlock an LS998.
Caveats with former LS998 converted to US998:
If you use Verizon you would run into issues ACTIVATING a new SIM card with a former Sprint phone. You would need an already-activated Verizon SIM card. That's the only quibble I have with the converted LS998, where the origin is not fully disclosed. It doesn't bother me as I use Prepaid AT&T, but I have to warn others.
Sprint customers can't use it on Sprint, as it's no longer really an LS998. Sprint won't allow US998 (even former LS998) on their network. But advertising an "unlocked" LS998 might be attractive to a Sprint user who is thinking of switching to another carrier in the future or to buy a phone that can easily be re-sold. They should be told upfront it's a FORMER Sprint LS998.
None of the sellers are lying; it's just a hard situation to describe if you're not familiar with the V30.
Recently in December, I wanted a new (original) US998 V30+ with warranty as a backup, as I had given away all my converted LS998 V30+ > US998 V30+. My wife and I have original US998 V30/V30+, but I alway like having a new backup in a box in case of emergency. So, I specifically bought NEW US998 V30+ from online Wal-mart. Or thought I did! When I picked it up at local Wal-mart I found it's new V30+ all right -- but converted from LS998.... I kept it anyway, as I know it will work fine. But this time I was specifically wanting an "original" US998, even though I had bought converted ones before and had converted two myself.
Anyway, the point to all this is yes, you have a former LS998 converted to US998. So, do several of my friends and my wife used one for awhile. They all work fine on AT&T network. Cricket runs on AT&T network, as it's an AT&T-owned MNVO.
____
SOLUTION #1
What is possibly the issue is your Cricket APN. Go to your mobile settings and check your APN against this:
https://apn-settings.com/us/cricket-wireless-apn-settings/
You are still on Nougat, so you should be able to edit your APN settings. On Oreo that capability is locked out, but there are workarounds on Oreo and with root you can still edit APN on Oreo, I believe.
SOLUTION #2
Another option you can try is Master Reset. Sort of like a factory reset but more powerful.
With your device powered off, press and hold the Power button and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.
When the LG logo appears, quickly release and then re-hold the Power button while keep holding the Volume Down button.
Let go of the buttons when the onscreen menu appears.
When you see the option to Delete all user data (including LG and carrier apps) and reset all settings message prompt, press the Volume Down button to highlight Yes.
Then press the Power button to reset the device.
Wait until the reset is complete then reboot your device. If it’s able to boot up successfully, proceed with the initial setup.
SOLUTION #3
As far as the SMSC #, not sure why you can't view it, but the US998 (which you have now) has Hidden Menu which lets you delve deep into various settings. BE VERY CAREFUL in the Hidden Menu. You can mess up stuff, especially if you try to enable additional LTE bands. Don't do that. In the US998 that option doesn't really enable additional LTE bands, but instead locks you on ONE band (which may or may not work).
I've never had to view SMSC #. I stick in my SIM card and the phone works -- even former LS998 converted to US998. So, I'm not sure that's your issue. More likely the APN settings?
SOLUTION #4
Next, you are on very old version of Android. Nougat. At some point, you do need to update to Oreo as it brings lots of fixes and more features.
This thread below is where the stock KDZ are posted. You can use LGUP to update to newer firmware.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/us998-lg-v30-us998-us99820a040330-kdz-t3786337
The other reason I am mentioning this is because instead of "upgrade", you can use an option called "refurbish". Refurbish re-builds EVERYTHING while also updating the firmware. It's possible whoever converted your LS998 to US998 botched something, which is why your SMS doesn't work. Using this refurbish option will lay the foundation again, totally rebuilding your firmware.
After you use that "refurbish" option, then in the future just choose "upgrade".
___________
Good luck!

---

Tonight I will edit the post above to clarify and organize better. I offered four different solutions, but it's not as coherent as it could be.

---

@ChazzMatt you are very helpful and I think we all greatful to have you in v30 community. You're the best bro! ??

---

ChazzMatt said:
Tonight I will edit the post above to clarify and organize better. I offered four different solutions, but it's not as coherent as it could be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done.

---

ChazzMatt said:
Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so heres what/where im at.
1) I was able to view and edit the smsc # when the sim was in my old LG device. So i did so and then moved it to my new LG (V30+)
2) Checked & edited the APN
3) Changed the network node from Global to LTE/GSM/UMTS
4) Downloaded LGUP & upgraded
5) Nothing changed on the hardware side - still @ Rev 1.0 but on the software side i'm now at US99820b and Andriod Ver 8.0.0. Its to late to test tonight but tomorrow i'll attempt to send SMS & MMS messages.

---

ChazzMatt said:
Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. On the XDA app Solution #1 and #2 don't even show. You have to read on web browser.

---

DDragons said:
Okay so heres what/where im at.
1) I was able to view and edit the smsc # when the sim was in my old LG device. So i did so and then moved it to my new LG (V30+)
2) Checked & edited the APN
3) Changed the network node from Global to LTE/GSM/UMTS
4) Downloaded LGUP & upgraded
5) Nothing changed on the hardware side - still @ Rev 1.0 but on the software side i'm now at US99820b and Andriod Ver 8.0.0. Its to late to test tonight but tomorrow i'll attempt to send SMS & MMS messages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good on APN and the LTE/GSM/UMTS choice.
You only updated to US998 20B (for now) because you intend to unlock the bootloader and root?

---

ChazzMatt said:
Good on APN and the LTE/GSM/UMTS choice.
You only updated to US998 20B (for now) because you intend to unlock the bootloader and root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well to be perfectly honest, im already out of my comfort zone. Didnt want to make/take to many changes/chances... Not having any experience in this realm to begin with. It was a leap of faith to begin with.
Do appreciate the knowledge share provided for such a novice like me.

---

ChazzMatt said:
Good on APN and the LTE/GSM/UMTS choice.
You only updated to US998 20B (for now) because you intend to unlock the bootloader and root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm not sure of the need or benefit of upgrading from US998 20B to whatever the latest is (appears to be 20G), but should I get the courage to do so, what would the process be?
Would it be as simple as plugging in the phone to the computer and then launch LGUP, selecting upgrade and the 20g kdz? If so I'd be more inclined to do so if their are substantial benefits for doing so.

---

DDragons said:
So I'm not sure of the need or benefit of upgrading from US998 20B to whatever the latest is (appears to be 20G), but should I get the courage to do so, what would the process be?
Would it be as simple as plugging in the phone to the computer and then launch LGUP, selecting upgrade and the 20g kdz? If so I'd be more inclined to do so if their are substantial benefits for doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's almost that easy. However, since there's such a large range of changes (especially to audio framework) form 20B to 20G, best to do it in stages. "upgrade" to 20E, reboot, let it settle a few minutes. "Upgrade" to 20F, reboot, let it settle, same with 20G, done.
I wasn't sure exactly what LGUP method you used to get to 20B from Nougat -- whether "upgrade", DL Partition or "refurbish". If the latter two you could have gone straight from Nougat to 20G. But now that you are on 20B, and you want to use "upgrade" (to keep your settings and data), do in those stages.
Since 20B, camera is improved, front and rear. DTS audio framework is introduced. While you still need root to fully enable it, hopefully that will be fixed by LG in upcoming update. Other fixes. Here's the changelog for US998 20F alone.
change log:
- DTS: X 3D stereo effect function has been added.
- New Always On Display options
- Selfie camera portrait mode
- Improved accessibility.
- Improved keyboard performance
- Improved the delay of keyboard input when installing multiple market apps at once.
- Photo display error in some apps since Google's latest security patch has been improved.
- Improved to keep app aspect ratio settings after app updates.
- Improved the phenomenon that fine lines are displayed on some screens when power saving mode is executed.
- Google Security Update has enhanced your phone's security.
Most of the list is found here in the link below -- plus the AOD and selfie camera portrait feature are from public reports. The AOD I verified myself, but the selfie thing seems to be subtle.
But there were other changes between 20B and 20F, and maybe more changes with 20G.

---

ChazzMatt said:
Good on APN and the LTE/GSM/UMTS choice.
You only updated to US998 20B (for now) because you intend to unlock the bootloader and root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright talked me into it and now at 20g.

---

Bought unlocked US998 V30+, but it's former LS998 -- HOW TO UPDATE?
I'm adding onto this already-created post as it's still relevant. The person below also bought a US998 V30+ and found it's former LS998 V30+ converted to US998, but is still on older US998 Nougat firmware. The dealer/wholesaler probably did via Octopus box or something similar, while we use Frankenstein conversion via Dev Patched LGUP. But we always "finish" the process by then updating to Oreo. So, it's basically an "unfinished" Frankenstein conversion.
They don't have the SMS issue the first person had in this thread, but it's still same underlying issue. LS998 V30+, now on Nougat US998 and they want to update to current Oreo firmware...
Hi ChazzMatt,
I have a question. I am hoping you are willing to help me.
I have an LG V30+ unlocked mobile phone. It says US998 but I just found out that it is actually LS998 (I typed in the IMEI into this website to check what it truly was and it came back as LS998).
The vendor that sold it to me changed the firmware to US998 and I guess removed all the Sprint bloatware or whatever from the phone.
All is totally fine – the phone works great – no issues – I love it and for the low price I got it for it is fine…Except, because of the above, I do not receive any OTA updates.
See attached screenshots of my phone, it is out of date in terms of software and OS and from what I learned from online posts I will never receive any OTA updates.
Is this a problem? Should I update it manually? Can I?
Thank you for your help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chazzmatt said:
Yes, most US998 V30+ nowadays being sold are already-converted LS998 V30+. You can update to most recent US998 Oreo KDZ via our Dev Patched LGUP.
Later tonight I'll answer more fully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the only way to carrier unlock a Sprint LS998 V30+ is to convert it to a North American V30/V30+ carrier unlocked version, using a process which we call Frankenstein. The US998 is the most popular firmware to convert LS998 to, as besides being carrier unlocked is also the only North American V30-series variant with fastboot flash commands (which are necessary if you ever want to unlock bootloader, install TWRP custom recovery and root). The remainder of this answer is on the assumption you do NOT wish to root at this time, but merely wish to update to most current US998 V30/V30+/V30S firmware.
SOLUTION
You can go to the US998 KDZ thread and use Dev Patched LGUP to update to US998 20G KDZ (most current US998 firmware at the moment). Dev Patch LGUP is attached to post #1 of that thread, and there are instructions on how to install LGUP, with screenshots on how to use it.
However, in this instance I would recommend using Dev Patched LGUP in "Refurbish" or "Partition DL" (choosing all partitions) mode -- which while it will wipe out your data, will probably present the least problems. There are a lot of audio framework changes with most recent US998 firmware (especially with 20F and 20G) and if you use "Update" mode (instead of "Refurbish" or "Partition DL") you would have to update in stages to 20E, then 20F, then 20G. Best to do it in one step, with "Refurbish" or "Partition DL".
In the future, with other KDZ you would merely use "Update" mode, which WILL keep all your data. It's like receiving OTA updates, but you would be flashing it manually.
MORE INFORMATION
Just for more information (if you are interested) you can also read this Frankenstein Instructions post, on how to convert from LS998 to US998 Oreo -- but several steps have already been done for you. You are already on US998 Nougat. The only step left is to update to US998 Oreo. In that post, you would be on Step #4. Ignore that it says to use "Update" mode. In this instance, I think you should use Refurbish or Partition DL mode. You can use "Update" in the future.
Hope this helps.

---

Thanks for the great advises Chazz. I was looking for a phone for my dad and your posts made me decided to get the LG V30 for him. I'm still waiting for the phone to come but I'm pretty sure that I got one of these converted ones. I've been reading your posts about converting, rooting, enable DTS. From what I understand, I will need to:
1/ Start at step #4 in the Frankenstein instruction (using REFURBISHED and 20b to obtain unlock bootloader) if my phone already has Nougat.
2/ Upgrade to the latest Oreo 20g
3/ Follow this post to root https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/help/unlocking-rooting-twrp-magisk-step-step-t3745006
4/ Follow this post to Enable DTS https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/enable-dts-3d-stereo-lg-v30-variants-t3887139
5/ Enjoy it.
Is it in the right order or did I mess up between step 2 and 3? Is there any root level adblock? Thanks. I'm using the s9+ but I'm really excited about the V30.

---

hytl said:
Thanks for the great advises Chazz. I was looking for a phone for my dad and your posts made me decided to get the LG V30 for him. I'm still waiting for the phone to come but I'm pretty sure that I got one of these converted ones. I've been reading your posts about converting, rooting, enable DTS. From what I understand, I will need to:
1/ Start at step #4 in the Frankenstein instruction (using REFURBISHED and 20b to obtain unlock bootloader) if my phone already has Nougat.
2/ Upgrade to the latest Oreo 20g
3/ Follow this post to root https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/help/unlocking-rooting-twrp-magisk-step-step-t3745006
4/ Follow this post to Enable DTS https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/enable-dts-3d-stereo-lg-v30-variants-t3887139
5/ Enjoy it.
Is it in the right order or did I mess up between step 2 and 3? Is there any root level adblock? Thanks. I'm using the s9+ but I'm really excited about the V30.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#3 is incorrect. Outdated instructions with old TWRP. Those Instructions were for official bootloader unlock code from LG, which we don't need. We no longer need LG permission to root our phones, plus only a few phones were even eligible under that program. A converted LS998 would not be, nor even most US998.
You want the WTF Instructions. You would use this to unlock bootloader, install TWRP custom recovery and root.
You would merely update from US998 Nougat to US998 20B, install TWRP, and follow the instructions to finish rooting.
After bootloader unlock, TWRP and root on 20B, I would then update to TWRP-flashable zip US998 20G in stages. 20E, 20F, then 20G due to the huge audio changes. (The alternative to this would be to refurbish to 20G, but then you would have to reinstall TWRP and re-root. Let's not do that.)
@JohnFawkes actually has DTS enabled on US998 20F and US998 20G TWRP-flashable zips, through build prop edits -- but you would still need to install the DTS Equalizer.
You have the right idea, just changing the order a bit.

---

ChazzMatt said:
#3 is incorrect. Outdated instructions with old TWRP. Those Instructions were for official bootloader unlock code from LG, which we don't need. We no longer need LG permission to root our phones, plus only a few phones were even eligible under that program. A converted LS998 would not be, nor even most US998.
You want the WTF Instructions. You would use this to unlock bootloader, install TWRP custom recovery and root.
You would merely update from US998 Nougat to US998 20B, install TWRP, and follow the instructions to finish rooting.
After bootloader unlock, TWRP and root on 20B, I would then update to TWRP-flashable zip US998 20G in stages. 20E, 20F, then 20G due to the huge audio changes. (The alternative to this would be to refurbish to 20G, but then you would have to reinstall TWRP and re-root. Let's not do that.)
@JohnFawkes actually has DTS enabled on US998 20F and US998 20G TWRP-flashable zips, through build prop edits -- but you would still need to install the DTS Equalizer.
You have the right idea, just changing the order a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the instruction. I'm going to spend this afternoon to go over all of the posts before I do anything.

---

hytl said:
Thank you so much for the instruction. I'm going to spend this afternoon to go over all of the posts before I do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to read WTF INSTRUCTIONS on web browser, not on XDA app. XDA app truncates sections of very long posts like that.
Print out to read if you can.

---

Thank you
ChazzMatt said:
Bought unlocked US998 V30+, but it's former LS998 -- HOW TO UPDATE?
I'm adding onto this already-created post as it's still relevant. The person below also bought a US998 V30+ and found it's former LS998 V30+ converted to US998, but is still on older US998 Nougat firmware. The dealer/wholesaler probably did via Octopus box or something similar, while we use Frankenstein conversion via Dev Patched LGUP. But we always "finish" the process by then updating to Oreo. So, it's basically an "unfinished" Frankenstein conversion.
They don't have the SMS issue the first person had in this thread, but it's still same underlying issue. LS998 V30+, now on Nougat US998 and they want to update to current Oreo firmware...
Yes, the only way to carrier unlock a Sprint LS998 V30+ is to convert it to a North American V30/V30+ carrier unlocked version, using a process which we call Frankenstein. The US998 is the most popular firmware to convert LS998 to, as besides being carrier unlocked is also the only North American V30-series variant with fastboot flash commands (which are necessary if you ever want to unlock bootloader, install TWRP custom recovery and root). The remainder of this answer is on the assumption you do NOT wish to root at this time, but merely wish to update to most current US998 V30/V30+/V30S firmware.
SOLUTION
You can go to the US998 KDZ thread and use Dev Patched LGUP to update to US998 20G KDZ (most current US998 firmware at the moment). Dev Patch LGUP is attached to post #1 of that thread, and there are instructions on how to install LGUP, with screenshots on how to use it.
However, in this instance I would recommend using Dev Patched LGUP in "Refurbish" or "Partition DL" (choosing all partitions) mode -- which while it will wipe out your data, will probably present the least problems. There are a lot of audio framework changes with most recent US998 firmware (especially with 20F and 20G) and if you use "Update" mode (instead of "Refurbish" or "Partition DL") you would have to update in stages to 20E, then 20F, then 20G. Best to do it in one step, with "Refurbish" or "Partition DL".
In the future, with other KDZ you would merely use "Update" mode, which WILL keep all your data. It's like receiving OTA updates, but you would be flashing it manually.
MORE INFORMATION
Just for more information (if you are interested) you can also read this Frankenstein Instructions post, on how to convert from LS998 to US998 Oreo -- but several steps have already been done for you. You are already on US998 Nougat. The only step left is to update to US998 Oreo. In that post, you would be on Step #4. Ignore that it says to use "Update" mode. In this instance, I think you should use Refurbish or Partition DL mode. You can use "Update" in the future.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ChazzMatt. Thanks so much for the details! Oh boy - Seems doing this will erase all the data on my phone. I have had it for a few months now and not sure I want to wipe everything out. Not sure I feel confident to do the this. Is it worth it?

---

PaulaL19 said:
Thanks ChazzMatt. Thanks so much for the details! Oh boy - Seems doing this will erase all the data on my phone. I have had it for a few months now and not sure I want to wipe everything out. Not sure I feel confident to do the this. Is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't want to wipe your data, then try Upgrade mode in LGUP.
I was just giving you the answer that will definitely give you best results.
If you use Upgrade mode, you can try to go straight to US998 20G...
but if that gives you audio problems, then go to 20E, then 20F, then 20G in Update mode.
You would download and flash the various US998 Oreo KDZ from this thread with LGUP.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/us998-lg-v30-us998-us99820a040330-kdz-t3786337
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+

---

ChazzMatt said:
If you don't want to wipe your data, then try Update mode in LGUP.
I was just giving you the answer that will definitely give you best results.
If you use Update mode, you can try to go straight to US998 20G...
but if that gives you audio problems, then go to 20E, then 20F, then 20G in Update mode.
You would download and flash the various US998 Oreo KDZ from this thread with LGUP.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/us998-lg-v30-us998-us99820a040330-kdz-t3786337
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. Thank you very much.
Your help is much appreciated!!

---

I have a ls998 that was flashed to us998 and the IMEI disappeared
Can someone she'd some light on how to fix this?
Thanks