Hey guys,
I was pretty sure the H932 was global, right? I'm not seeing any cell phone signal on my H932. On boot it's saying "Sim unlock pin" and I put in my PIN, and it says "unlock successful."
I went from 20s Full+ Magisk to the 04/09 build of Havoc. Did I do something wrong? Do I have to flash radio or something too?
Edit: I think what's going on is I can't connect to a network other than T-Mobile.
I've been on Red Pocket GSMA (AT&T) for over a year, using a H932 which was SIM/carrier unlocked using the Device Unlock system app. Also used it in Europe with full LTE on local SIM cards. Phone is stock ROM (various versions).
Only problems I had were when the phone was re-locked coming back from LG repair, and took some struggling with T-Mobile to get it unlocked again. I had to perform an engineering menu reset to get it to connect properly to Red Pocket GSMA after that. See the last post in this thread for the steps. Of course you have to be on stock ROM with stock recovery for that reset and the Device Unlock app to work...
If you haven't had it working with stock ROM yet, I think you may have to go back and complete the unlock there.
Of course you also need to enter Red Pocket's APN.
Edit: Where did you get that SIM unlock pin? If you haven't seen it working with stock ROM, it probably doesn't work. I understand many dubious vendors like to sell T-Mobile pins that don't work, because this phone only fully unlocks using the Device Unlock app.
TheDannemand said:
I've been on Red Pocket GSMA (AT&T) for over a year, using a H932 which was SIM/carrier unlocked using the Device Unlock system app. Also used it in Europe with full LTE on local SIM cards. Phone is stock ROM (various versions).
Only problems I had were when the phone was re-locked coming back from LG repair, and took some struggling with T-Mobile to get it unlocked again. I had to perform an engineering menu reset to get it to connect properly to Red Pocket GSMA after that. See the last post in this thread for the steps. Of course you have to be on stock ROM with stock recovery for that reset and the Device Unlock app to work...
If you haven't had it working with stock ROM yet, I think you may have to go back and complete the unlock there.
Of course you also need to enter Red Pocket's APN.
Edit: Where did you get that SIM unlock pin? If you haven't seen it working with stock ROM, it probably doesn't work. I understand many dubious vendors like to sell T-Mobile pins that don't work, because this phone only fully unlocks using the Device Unlock app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried my regular PIN I use for everything on my phone. It said "successful" but it doesn't work.
Ah, so I have to completely undo my root. Joy.
So basically the steps would be
1) Revert to stock
2) Try SIM unlock through the T mobile app
Is that correct?
What is red pocket's APN?
TPMJB said:
I just tried my regular PIN I use for everything on my phone. It said "successful" but it doesn't work.
Ah, so I have to completely undo my root. Joy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can probably keep root. You have to be back on stock firmware. Two different things.
TPMJB said:
So basically the steps would be
1) Revert to stock
2) Try SIM unlock through the T mobile app
Is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash back to full stock TWRP flashable zip and keep root.
TPMJB said:
What is red pocket's APN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://help.goredpocket.com/hc/en-...igure-my-device-for-use-with-Red-Pocket-GSMT-
---------- Post added at 08:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:04 AM ----------
TPMJB said:
I was pretty sure the H932 was global, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Global? No. Not unless it's carrier unlocked/SIM card unlocked/network unlocked (all the same thing) from T-mobile. T-mobile H932 is locked to U.S. T-mobile network -- but might work with other T-mobile/Deutsch Telecom companies in other countries, if you are a T-mobile customer.
To carrier unlock you need T-mobile phones you need their permission through their unlock app. Sometimes 3rd party unlockers can carrier unlock, but not guaranteed. One member on here bought this phone from T-mobile, carrier unlocked it, and it reverted when he updated to Oreo -- and even T-mobile couldn't unlock it.
ChazzMatt said:
No, you can probably keep root. You have to be back on stock firmware. Two different things.
You can flash back to full stock TWRP flashable zip and keep root.
https://help.goredpocket.com/hc/en-...igure-my-device-for-use-with-Red-Pocket-GSMT-
---------- Post added at 08:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:04 AM ----------
Global? No. Not unless it's carrier unlocked/SIM card unlocked/network unlocked (all the same thing) from T-mobile. T-mobile H932 is locked to U.S. T-mobile network, but might work with other T-mobile/Deutsch Telecom companies in other countries.
To carrier unlock you need T-mobile's permission through their unlock app. Sometimes 3rd party unlockers can carrier unlock, but not guaranteed. One member on here bought the phone from T-mobile, carrier unlocked it, and it reverted when he updated to Oreo -- and even T-mobile couldn't unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotchya! Thanks for the help! To use T-Mobile's app I'm about 90% certain you have to have the stock laf and not twrp. I can try installing stock rom 20s though. Last time I tried using it I had it freeze at the T-Mobile screen, though.
It wasn't too hard to root, and I got it for only $110 and the thing is otherwise mint. If an H930 was even $50 more I would have picked that up instead, but I got this phone at a steal.
TPMJB said:
Gotchya! Thanks for the help! To use T-Mobile's app I'm about 90% certain you have to have the stock laf and not twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may be right. I"m not a T-mobile customer. I just know you have to be on "stock", but not sure if that also includes stock recovery.
TPMJB said:
It wasn't too hard to root, and I got it for only $110 and the thing is otherwise mint. If an H930 was even $50 more I would have picked that up instead, but I got this phone at a steal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's harder than using WTF, especially for native US998 or H930 where you don't even have to Frankenstein. Plus for LS998 or H931, converting to US998 DOES carrier unlock those. T-mobile H932 can't use WTF and can't Frankenstein.
ChazzMatt said:
You may be right. I"m not a T-mobile customer. I just know you have to be on "stock", but not sure if that also includes stock recovery.
Well it's harder than using WTF, especially for native US998 or H930 where you don't even have to Frankenstein. Plus for LS998 or H931, converting to US998 DOES carrier unlock those. T-mobile H932 can't use WTF and can't Frankenstein.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I know. I also have an LS998 converted to US998. Same with my wife. I got a VS996(?) for her friend that I also converted to US998. Oddly, of those three phones the VS996 doesn't have the warning splash screen that the bootloader is unlocked. This is probably the sixth phone I've got my hands on with two prior ones having....not so good results, haha. But I learned a lot. Mainly that these are hard to take apart, and deep scratches aren't really fixable.
I was hoping to convert this one to a global phone and give to my old man. It was supposedly a bad IMEI phone, but it comes up on the global whitelist and isn't blacklisted at all. We'll see if my unlock goes well tonight.
TPMJB said:
I was hoping to convert this one to a global phone and give to my old man. It was supposedly a bad IMEI phone, but it comes up on the global whitelist and isn't blacklisted at all. We'll see if my unlock goes well tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the sake of discussion the comments below assume it has a bad IMEI...
____
If it does have a bad IMEI, then T-Mobile is not going to unlock it for you. You may need to try unlocking service. Good luck.
Here's the caveat... Even if you do get it carrier unlocked by unlocking service (and it still has the same IMEI), you will not know if the unlocking is successful until you try a non-U.S. SIM card outside the United States. Because all U.S. carriers will still have the phone blacklisted due to the bad IMEI.
As you know, "bad IMEI" is when people either don't finish paying for the phone or don't pay for their contracted term of service. Or the phone is reported lost or stolen.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
For the sake of discussion the comments below assume it has a bad IMEI...
____
If it does have a bad IMEI, then T-Mobile is not going to unlock it for you. You may need to try unlocking service. Good luck.
Here's the caveat... Even if you do get it carrier unlocked by unlocking service (and it still has the same IMEI), you will not know if the unlocking is successful until you try a non-U.S. SIM card outside the United States. Because all U.S. carriers will still have the phone blacklisted due to the bad IMEI.
As you know, "bad IMEI" is when people either don't finish paying for the phone or don't pay for their contracted term of service. Or the phone is reported lost or stolen.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad IMEI is solely in the case of theft. If someone didn't finish paying for their phone/service, it will be listed as "financed". I think this is a fairly new thing as before I'm pretty sure it was just blacklisted altogether regardless. But I have a "financed" phone that is just blacklisted for Sprint and works on every other carrier.
I'm fairly certain if I can't unlock through the T-mobile app, none of the unlocking services will work either. I would probably have to do *something* *something* Octopus which is more time and effort than I'm willing to put in. I do this for fun/short-term profit and neither would be the case if I had to pay for software. I already went down that road with CDMA-Workshop, many moons ago.
If I put in my red pocket SIM and it's not unlocked, I get no service. That's a fine test whether the unlocking worked or not.
Related
Hey all,
After getting tired of being screwed over by Sprint for a really long time I'd like to move to T-Mobile. I stopped by the store today and they put a SIM in my phone and it got no data, no text, and no voice. The phone is (allegedly) unlocked by Sprint. I'm the only owner, the IMEI is clean.
I don't understand this since it has GSM bands.
Should it be possible to move this phone from Sprint (CDMA) to T-Mobile (GSM) out the gate? If so any advice I should give the people behind the counter?
If not, is there any magic I can do? I've been searching a lot through this forum and see something about a "frankenphone." https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg...ssflashing-t3780969/post76510671#post76510671
If I follow these directions, it looks like I can make my phone a US998 instead of LS998. Will T-Mobile accept that? Will there be any issues? Would it still work on Sprint too?
cjshrader said:
Hey all,
After getting tired of being screwed over by Sprint for a really long time I'd like to move to T-Mobile. I stopped by the store today and they put a SIM in my phone and it got no data, no text, and no voice. The phone is (allegedly) unlocked by Sprint. I'm the only owner, the IMEI is clean.
I don't understand this since it has GSM bands.
Should it be possible to move this phone from Sprint (CDMA) to T-Mobile (GSM) out the gate? If so any advice I should give the people behind the counter?
If not, is there any magic I can do? I've been searching a lot through this forum and see something about a "frankenphone." https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg...ssflashing-t3780969/post76510671#post76510671
If I follow these directions, it looks like I can make my phone a US998 instead of LS998. Will T-Mobile accept that? Will there be any issues? Would it still work on Sprint too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will work with either carrier once flashed to us998 (will be unlocked). I "unlocked" my phone also by Sprint. It worked while on nougat but the ls998 Oreo update relocked it.
I flashed to US998 and still using Sprint without any issues. Follow the Frankenstein thread, then the wtf thread if you want root also.
JWnSC said:
I flashed to US998 and still using Sprint without any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the help and my phone is now US998 but on Sprint I only see 3G, no LTE. Any ideas why? Maybe some setting I need to fiddle with?
cjshrader said:
Thank you for the help and my phone is now US998 but on Sprint I only see 3G, no LTE. Any ideas why? Maybe some setting I need to fiddle with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you bootloader unlocked and rooted?
See the Sprint thread created by @JWnSC.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/us998-to-ls998-sprint-lte-root-t3802310
ChazzMatt said:
Have you bootloader unlocked and rooted?
See the Sprint thread created by @JWnSC.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/us998-to-ls998-sprint-lte-root-t3802310
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah perfect, I see now.
I'm going to T-Mobile right now will I need to do something like this for their bands too or is this just some Sprint nonsense?
Edit: T-Mobile put a SIM in and it showed 4G but when I tried to go to a website it popped up a T-Mobile website that said this phone has an invalid data plan. Does that mean it worked and the phone just needs to be on a plan or it didn't work?
cjshrader said:
Ah perfect, I see now.
I'm going to T-Mobile right now will I need to do something like this for their bands too or is this just some Sprint nonsense?
Edit: T-Mobile put a SIM in and it showed 4G but when I tried to go to a website it popped up a T-Mobile website that said this phone has an invalid data plan. Does that mean it worked and the phone just needs to be on a plan or it didn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's for Sprint users.
Don't need that for T-Mobile or AT&T if you're on US998.
Sprint users need it because Sprint is strict about what phones are allowed on their network. Even though US998 is the official carrier unlocked model V30, Sprint won't "authorize" it. So, Sprint users have to flash back some stuff...
ChazzMatt said:
That's for Sprint users.
Don't need that for T-Mobile or AT&T if you're on US998.
Sprint users need it because Sprint is strict about what phones are allowed on their network. Even though US998 is the official carrier unlocked model V30, Sprint won't "authorize" it. So, Sprint users have to flash back some stuff...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again so much ChazzMatt. Your posts here and elsewhere have been very helpful.
Do you know anything about what I mentioned in my edit? This is the last barrier for me swapping to T-Mobile. The person behind the counter said this means the phone won't work, but I've found them not to be too knowledgeable and they just dismiss every Sprint phone out of hand. I'm wondering if the phone line was actually tied to a T-Mobile plan (It isn't yet) then the data would work fine. Or does putting a T-Mobile SIM in there simulate that already?
cjshrader said:
Thanks again so much ChazzMatt. Your posts here and elsewhere have been very helpful.
Do you know anything about what I mentioned in my edit? This is the last barrier for me swapping to T-Mobile. The person behind the counter said this means the phone won't work, but I've found them not to be too knowledgeable and they just dismiss every Sprint phone out of hand. I'm wondering if the phone line was actually tied to a T-Mobile plan (It isn't yet) then the data would work fine. Or does putting a T-Mobile SIM in there simulate that already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work on T-Mobile, if you converted to US998.
I put my AT&T SIM into an LS998 V30+ converted to US998 and it works, of course.
As to why T-Mobile SIM card doesn't immediately work, is the SIM card activated and on a plan -- or new SIM card you just stuck in the phone? It seems to be unactivated card, from what you describe...
ChazzMatt said:
As to why T-Mobile SIM card doesn't immediately work, is the SIM card activated and on a plan -- or new SIM card you just stuck in the phone? It seems to be unactivated card, from what you describe...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I don't know. I just ask them if we can put a SIM in and see if it will work and then they disappear and come back with a SIM. I assume it's a demo SIM, I didn't see them take it out of a package but maybe she did in a back office.
I WAS able to make calls, that would imply it's active on a plan right?
cjshrader said:
Honestly I don't know. I just ask them if we can put a SIM in and see if it will work and then they disappear and come back with a SIM. I assume it's a demo SIM, I didn't see them take it out of a package but maybe she did in a back office.
I WAS able to make calls, that would imply it's active on a plan right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you saw 4G LTE on the signal icons and you made phone calls, yeah it worked.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
cjshrader said:
Honestly I don't know. I just ask them if we can put a SIM in and see if it will work and then they disappear and come back with a SIM. I assume it's a demo SIM, I didn't see them take it out of a package but maybe she did in a back office.
I WAS able to make calls, that would imply it's active on a plan right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If flashed to US998 it will work. You are essentially changing the phone from a LS998(carrier locked) to US998(carrier unlocked). Just make sure the apns are correct.
Don't bother flashing Sprint stuff back unless you intend use on Sprint. The apns are greyed out on the Sprint stock rom anyways
Tell them it is a US998..
JWnSC said:
If flashed to US998 it will work. You are essentially changing the phone from a LS998(carrier locked) to US998(carrier unlocked). Just make sure the apns are correct.
Don't bother flashing Sprint stuff back unless you intend use on Sprint. The apns are greyed out on the Sprint stock rom anyways
Tell them it is a US998..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. It's no longer a Sprint LS998. It's a US998 now.
You'll just confuse T-mobile employees by trying to explain...
Hey all,
Sorry it's taken me a while to reply but I did want to wrap this up. Thanks to your info, I felt like it was safe to go ahead and swap. We have a T-Mobile plan now and I have the SIM card and everything is working great so far. Once again, thank you so much for your guide so that I could get around what was effectively a simple software issue locking me to Sprint and keep my phone.
I only have one last question. My phone is giving me a popup about an OTA update. Can I take that or will it mess up the US998 change I made?
Edit: Whoops I'm dumb, it wasn't an OTA update it was just giving permissions to upgrade the apps. I'm good now!
cjshrader said:
Hey all,
Sorry it's taken me a while to reply but I did want to wrap this up. Thanks to your info, I felt like it was safe to go ahead and swap. We have a T-Mobile plan now and I have the SIM card and everything is working great so far. Once again, thank you so much for your guide so that I could get around what was effectively a simple software issue locking me to Sprint and keep my phone.
I only have one last question. My phone is giving me a popup about an OTA update. Can I take that or will it mess up the US998 change I made?
Edit: Whoops I'm dumb, it wasn't an OTA update it was just giving permissions to upgrade the apps. I'm good now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does WiFi Calling work on T-Mobile with US998 Oreo?
jdgesmlls said:
Does WiFi Calling work on T-Mobile with US998 Oreo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I've used it successfully in the past
I have an unlocked Sprint lgv30 Plus. It's an LS998. Switched it over to T-Mobile it has a T-Mobile SIM card in it everything works with the phone like LTE and SMS just not MMS. Tried a few times with the techs at T-Mobile and they can't seem to find the problem. Can anybody help with this problem? Thanks in advance
Is it bone-stock otherwise, or have you bootloader unlocked or rooted or rommed to get to LS998?
schwinn8 said:
Is it bone-stock otherwise, or have you bootloader unlocked or rooted or rommed to get to LS998?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand bone stock but it was purchased from Sprint and nothing was done to it it's stock from Sprint. Nothing worked with the T-Mobile SIM until we got it unlocked from Sprint and we created the APN for T-Mobile. We tried all suggested APNs and still everything works but MMS.
Well, if it was purchased from Sprint, then they should be held responsible... it's their phone and ROM after all. TMo merged with Sprint, so it's their problem as well... not yours.
Without rooting the phone, there isn't a lot we can do here on XDA, because the manufacturers and carriers have locked you out of such things anyway. Once rooted, there are things we can try, but this should be your last recourse... it's their problem, make them fix it. If they can't then they should give you a replacement phone that works... after all, that's what you paid for.
Stinkflyz said:
I don't understand bone stock but it was purchased from Sprint and nothing was done to it it's stock from Sprint. Nothing worked with the T-Mobile SIM until we got it unlocked from Sprint and we created the APN for T-Mobile. We tried all suggested APNs and still everything works but MMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always convert to US998 and see if that works to get MMS. There are many T-mobile customers on US998 firmware.
I spoke with T-Mobile and they said there's nothing they can do and they're only offering me $21 for the phone so I would like to do what I can to get it working such as routing and putting on us998 but I don't know how
Stinkflyz said:
I spoke with T-Mobile and they said there's nothing they can do and they're only offering me $21 for the phone so I would like to do what I can to get it working such as routing and putting on us998 but I don't know how
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...ar-instructions.3790500/page-10#post-76584629
That's surprising. How long ago did you buy this phone? I would certainly put up a much bigger stink with them, as they sold you a defective product. Of course, if it's been a while, then I misunderstood... your initial post implied it was a recent purchase.
Anyway, as for rooting it, use the WTF thread (as mentioned by ldeveraux above). The key is you must read it carefully and completely... multiple times... and on a PC NOT ON THE PHONE. The post is long, but the post is very clear and details ALL the paths you would need to take. You may not need to follow all of them, so you do the ones that apply to you, one by one. Print out the post, and have it handy to use a a checklist to go through the process.
If you're not sure, you can certainly ask on that thread. Keep in mind, MANY people have used this process without issue, so if you're missing something it's likely in the post, and you just need to be more careful reading it. In reality, you should have no questions, as everything is in there... so please make the effort to read it carefully, multiple times, and follow the instructions. It's not difficult... just very specific and precise.
Stinkflyz said:
I spoke with T-Mobile and they said there's nothing they can do and they're only offering me $21 for the phone
so I would like to do what I can to get it working such as routing and putting on us998 but I don't know how
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may not have to unlock bootloader and root just to get T-mobile MMS. I would first just try installing US998 firmware.
If that works, then later you can decide whether you wish the total control over your phone that root brings.
You would need to do some of this anyway for the "WTF" boootloader unlock and root method, but right now you don't have to do it all.
You just need to follow the Frankenstein instructions and first flash Nougat US998 (very old, but necessary), then do a Master Reset (explained in the instructions) to stop any bootlooping. Then you would install US998 firmware more recent like Oreo 20H US9998 (very stable, lot of fixes and improvement).
After that, put in your T-mobile SIM card and see if you get MMS. With US998 firmware you will now have these bands:
US998
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12(17)/13/20/25/66
As I said before, we have lots of T-mobile users on US998 firmware. So, surely they are getting MMS.
If that works to solve your problem and then you still wish to unlock bootloader and root, in the WTF Instructions you would have to do some of those same steps anyway (Nougat US998 and Master Reset), but would just TEMPORARILY use an earlier version of Oreo US998 (like 20a or 20b) before moving on to US998 20h.
Follow the "Frankenstein" instructions linked above. Read in a web browser, not an app. There's also several Trouble Shooting Steps at the bottom of that post.
This same issue happened to me, as well, except the problem was only with sending or receiving from apple devices. MMS and pictures worked fine to and from android devices. I purchased a V30+ from sprint back in 2017. Switched to T-Mo in Jan., 2021. My V30+ is stock. T-Mo's solution was to replace my V30+ with an LG Velvet as they could not figure this out and didn't want to be bothered. Was told it was my device and going from CDMA to GSM. I really like my V30+ and would love to find out how to get MMS working again so I can return this Velvet within the 14 days I have. Is it true if changing from LS998 to US998 that you lose VOLTE and WiFi Calling? These are important to me and would hate to loose those features but would also love to get the DTS audio. Any help is appreciated.
1hollowell1 said:
This same issue happened to me, as well, except the problem was only with sending or receiving from apple devices. MMS and pictures worked fine to and from android devices. I purchased a V30+ from sprint back in 2017. Switched to T-Mo in Jan., 2021. My V30+ is stock. T-Mo's solution was to replace my V30+ with an LG Velvet as they could not figure this out and didn't want to be bothered. Was told it was my device and going from CDMA to GSM. I really like my V30+ and would love to find out how to get MMS working again so I can return this Velvet within the 14 days I have. Is it true if changing from LS998 to US998 that you lose VOLTE and WiFi Calling? These are important to me and would hate to loose those features but would also love to get the DTS audio. Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's NOT true with T-Mobile. US998 supports T-Mobile VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling. Or at least they do with older SIM cards. Someone with newer SIM card says something may have changed. But that person had an MVNO SIM card, not official T-Mobile SIM card. Another MVNO said his SIM card still works just fine.
Follow the Frankenstein instructions, change to US998 Nougat, then Master Reset, then US998 Oreo 20h.
I tried looking at the Franken phone instructions and being a newbie I did not understand them so they're no use to me I've rooted phones in the past but I don't understand the instructions
Hi! Thanks for stopping by. So, I bought a V30 VS996 from Ebay. It was carrier locked to verizon, so I thought I'd try to unlock the bootloader on it. and was thinking the whole process would be pretty simple...
I'm now dozens of pages into reading, and honestly, now I'm a bit lost.
I'm on capped internet and have 100kbps downloads right now, so downloading any new files is a bit painful. So I'm hoping someone can just tell me what to do here... I'm afraid to brick my phone... Anyways the situation:
Downloaded and installed LGUP from one of the guides here, flashed US99820h_00_0318.kdz onto the phone, and was caught in a reboot loop. When trying to do the '"Hard Reset" part of the process, I was met with a Factory Data Reset Disabled by Kill Switch screen.
So I have this reboot loop situation, and somehow have now managed to get the phone into USB Firmware Update Mode (this feels like a major victory).
Can anybody tell me which firmware to flash onto the phone to make the phone work again, and point me to a ''dummies' guide? Youtube etc; so I can try doing the whole process again? Do I need to flash this with VS firmware not US firmware or something? ZZZ... maybe I'm just too old and stupid to tangle with phone unlocks now...
Hopefully this all makes sense, and I'm giving the right information...
Thanks in advance for any help!
P.S. I'm in New Zealand, not the US if this matters at all...
"Carrier Locked" is different from "Bootloader locked". Carrier locking locks the phone down to a particular carrier's SIM card. Unlocking the BL won't fix that. Carriers lock the phone this way because they often sell phones (at least in the USA) with contract plans. They won't unlock the phone until it's paid-off... that way people can't run off with the device to another carrier and stop paying the contract (which covers the cost of the phone).
If you're really carrier locked, then that phone won't work on another carrier (maybe there's some nefarious way to do this, but we can't talk about that here on XDA anyway, and I don't know how those work). So, are you sure you're CARRIER locked?
So, are you sure you're CARRIER locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply schwinn8, No, I am not sure this is carrier locked. The phone just told me that it wasn't a Verizon sim card when I put mine in, and no connectivity. Is there somewhere I can check if it is really carrier locked? Website etc?
P.S. I tried reflashing the US998 procedure a second time, and somehow this time it worked. Perhaps because the LGUP software was in refurbish mode this time. I don't know.
Thwwack said:
Thanks for your reply schwinn8, No, I am not sure this is carrier locked. The phone just told me that it wasn't a Verizon sim card when I put mine in, and no connectivity. Is there somewhere I can check if it is really carrier locked? Website etc?
P.S. I tried reflashing the US998 procedure a second time, and somehow this time it worked. Perhaps because the LGUP software was in refurbish mode this time. I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything is working okay now, and the sim is working. Not sure what happened before, guessing it was a simple problem that was solved by a factory reset. I'll go ahead and delete this thread. Seems redundant now.
Thwwack said:
Thanks for your reply schwinn8, No, I am not sure this is carrier locked. The phone just told me that it wasn't a Verizon sim card when I put mine in, and no connectivity. Is there somewhere I can check if it is really carrier locked? Website etc?
P.S. I tried reflashing the US998 procedure a second time, and somehow this time it worked. Perhaps because the LGUP software was in refurbish mode this time. I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That Verizon phone is not "carrier locked". U.S. carrier Verizon however insists upon giving you a nag warning that you don't have a Verzion SIM card every time you reboot. However, another SIM card will still work. Verizon does that to scare you into thinking it's carrier locked -- something they promised the U.S. FCC they would no longer do (a few years before the V30 was released).
You can solve that by flashing US998 Open Market firmware over your VS996. You will no longer see that nag screen and will actually have more LTE bands.
Thwwack said:
Everything is working okay now, and the sim is working. Not sure what happened before, guessing it was a simple problem that was solved by a factory reset. I'll go ahead and delete this thread. Seems redundant now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I see you fixed the issue.
ChazzMatt said:
Ah, I see you fixed the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for stopping by ChazzMatt it's kind of like being in the presence of royalty. Got a bit of a kick out of it.
Your amazing guides saw me through, and I now feel like something of an expert. Cheers
Not really sure what happened or why it worked that time, I was doing the downgrade in a no cell coverage zone, that could have had something to do with it. The old owner may have remembered to take some protections off it, maybe, or it was just simply the refurbish mode thing...
ChazzMatt said:
That Verizon phone is not "carrier locked". U.S. carrier Verizon however insists upon giving you a nag warning that you don't have a Verzion SIM card every time you reboot. However, another SIM card will still work. Verizon does that to scare you into thinking it's carrier locked -- something they promised the U.S. FCC they would no longer do (a few years before the V30 was released).
You can solve that by flashing US998 Open Market firmware over your VS996. You will no longer see that nag screen and will actually have more LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty classic way to do business. Effective I bet.
The sim definitely didn't work at the time. Might have been something in the settings I didn't know about, or something went haywire with the old owners factory reset.
Hello everyone,
First i want to thank everyone at XDA Forum community for being a great resource of information and providing great community support.
I purchased Moto G Power 2021 (Android 11), locked to verizon. I am trying to unlock it to be used on other carrier such as tmobile and for traveling. I came across websites that sell the unlock code.
However the problem is when NON-Verzion sim card is inserted in the phone, its does not ask for sim unlock code. Therefore not sure how to carrier unlock the phone.
If someone has insight how to go about network sim unlocking the phone, that will be very helpful and greatly appreciated. thank you
i'm in the same boat
Verizon is a cdma network and boost is a gsm network. The radio files included in your Verizon firmware probably aren't capable of connecting to a gsm network as the two networks operate on different frequencies and I assume employ different connection/communication protocols. You MIGHT could flash the firmware from boost for the same model, but even doing that could be frought with problems like if the boost firmware is older then anti rollback protection wouldn't allow it to boot when flashed, and I'm not sure if the Verizon and boost versions have exactly identical hardware, which could cause massive problems even if it did flash and boot. For example, this model phone has like 3 different touchscreens and using a firmware with the wrong touchscreen drivers would render the touchscreen useless. If you're determined to carrier unlock, be ready to do some serious digging and read everything you possibly can before doing anything that could have irreparable consequences. Best of luck
mine is a cricket, I'm trying to go to T-mobile, same protocol, just don't want to pay the extra $$$
sajk420 said:
Hello everyone,
First i want to thank everyone at XDA Forum community for being a great resource of information and providing great community support.
I purchased Moto G Power 2021 (Android 11), locked to verizon. I am trying to unlock it to be used on other carrier such as tmobile and for traveling. I came across websites that sell the unlock code.
However the problem is when NON-Verzion sim card is inserted in the phone, its does not ask for sim unlock code. Therefore not sure how to carrier unlock the phone.
If someone has insight how to go about network sim unlocking the phone, that will be very helpful and greatly appreciated. thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the model number of it?
I'd imagine you maybe could flash the firmware for the carrier you want to switch to using the fastboot flash method, the rescue tool will only flash your phone's official firmware. But you can download different builds for different carriers off of lolinet and if they don't work you could flash the correct firmware to get back to where you are now. You might flash your official fw with the vendor stuff from the other carrier's rom if flashing the whole firmware doesn't take or isn't compatible in some way.
iBowToAndroid said:
What's the model number of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello sorry for late reply due to work i been busy.
its Motorola Moto G power (2021) XT2117-3.
Jason Hugg said:
I'd imagine you maybe could flash the firmware for the carrier you want to switch to using the fastboot flash method, the rescue tool will only flash your phone's official firmware. But you can download different builds for different carriers off of lolinet and if they don't work you could flash the correct firmware to get back to where you are now. You might flash your official fw with the vendor stuff from the other carrier's rom if flashing the whole firmware doesn't take or isn't compatible in some way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello thank you for your advice, unfortunately i don't have much experience in flashing different firmware. Also i think it causes too many problems, which are difficult to fix. Therefore i was hoping if there is a way or hidden menu i gotta go into will activate the phone to ask for unlock code when different sim in inserted.
aerowerks said:
mine is a cricket, I'm trying to go to T-mobile, same protocol, just don't want to pay the extra $$$
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile is much cheaper in comparison to other carriers. I think once the phone is unlocked it will work pefectly.
When you insert a non-cricket sim card does your phone ask for network unlock code?
sajk420 said:
Tmobile is much cheaper in comparison to other carriers. I think once the phone is unlocked it will work pefectly.
When you insert a non-cricket sim card does your phone ask for network unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it does. it is network locked and "not eligible" for unlocking.
I called Cricket, but they won't unlock it because it hasn't been on their network for the six months they want.
I bought the phone really cheap on ebay for its long battery life., it's damaged (bent as if someone sat on it) but works fine, no cracked screen or anything else. I want to use it on my T-mobile account.
aerowerks said:
yes, it does. it is network locked and "not eligible" for unlocking.
I called Cricket, but they won't unlock it because it hasn't been on their network for the six months they want.
I bought the phone really cheap on ebay for its long battery life., it's damaged (bent as if someone sat on it) but works fine, no cracked screen or anything else. I want to use it on my T-mobile account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a G Power 2021 from Cricket, then no, your device does NOT ask for an unlock code when you insert a non Cricket SIM
iBowToAndroid said:
If you have a G Power 2021 from Cricket, then no, your device does NOT ask for an unlock code when you insert a non Cricket SIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it does not ask for a PIN to use it like a tablet.
I need it network unlocked so I can use it with different carrier.
i downloaded the RETUS rom, i'll try to flash it and see what happens
sajk420 said:
Hello thank you for your advice, unfortunately i don't have much experience in flashing different firmware. Also i think it causes too many problems, which are difficult to fix. Therefore i was hoping if there is a way or hidden menu i gotta go into will activate the phone to ask for unlock code when different sim in inserted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the issue of why it's not asking for unlock code may be two fold. For one, since you mentioned you bought the phone locked to Verizon, was it purchased from them or was this a second hand purchase like ebay/FBMarketplace etc? Because either way you'll have to meet the carrier minimum requirements for unlocking a device, the former scenario of you having bought the device yourself being much easier to deal with than the latter case.
Second, as was mentioned here earlier, you may be dealing with different hardware. I'm not sure if the G Power 2021 all contain the capabilities to run all network frequencies or not. But if it's hardware restricted or dissimilar to other models in kind based on network carriers & OEM agreements, you might not be getting the chance to input an unlock code because the third party SIM inserted may simply have no way of being recognized by the device, either from a software vendor blob limitation, a hardware radio restriction or lack of capable hardware, or both!
I know this is an old one, but was a solution ever found? Currently stuck with Moto G Power 2021 as well, locked to cricket. It doesn't prompt to enter a code either.
scorp006 said:
I know this is an old one, but was a solution ever found? Currently stuck with Moto G Power 2021 as well, locked to cricket. It doesn't prompt to enter a code either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only free solution is to meet all of Cricket's requirements, and have them do it for you. Otherwise a 3rd party company can do it, for a fee
iBowToAndroid said:
Only free solution is to meet all of Cricket's requirements, and have them do it for you. Otherwise a 3rd party company can do it, for a fee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds better honestly. I'm open to using a 3rd party company, but point me in the right direction if possible. I've been looking, but no idea what service to use if the moto g power isn't asking for a code.
EDIT: Actually, I finally found someone at a reasonable price to do it, and it worked, phone unlocked. They used USB Redirector and did their thing. Took all of 10 minutes. Now I just need to flash a different rom to rid myself of the cricket bloatware.
Have you tried another sim card in your phone, I'm pretty sure these all come unlocked by default. Mine was bought at US Cellular & I'm using a prepaid Verizon service by simply throwing the new sim card in the phone. It works perfectly as it did with US Cellular with no setup or changes required. I believe all moto g power phones do this I had a regular moto g power not 2021 that was on Verizon I switched to straight talk the exact same way.
Matiaco said:
Have you tried another sim card in your phone, I'm pretty sure these all come unlocked by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect.
iBowToAndroid said:
Incorrect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, another random question, but is there no way to update without unlocking the bootloader? LMSA? Just making sure.
I am on red pocket service. I just received an email stating I do not have VOLTE enabled and may lose service. Supposedly, I should be able to enable VOLTE. I reached out to customer service in the past and they stated it is active on their side. Their website says I should be able to see it under settings -> mobile network; but I see not options for VOLTE. I have had **** service the past few months, with texts not being sent despite it showing bars or texts incoming taking a while; I wonder if this is related. Can anyone please help me?
I am on Android 8.0.0
Kernel 4.4.78
Version: US99820h
If it helps, VoLTE plus app says VOLTE is enabled. Do I need to be concerned? Is there any reason my service seems to run like crap? It's red pocket GSM-T. Had many people tell me calling me goes straight to voicemail, I get texts late, for confirmation texts I often have to restart the phone to get the texts to come through... Any fix to this? Should I switch to a different image and go onto a different set of towers/service?
Many V30 phones require the carrier's ROM to operate VOLTE. For example, when I was on Verizon, I had to have VS996 to get VOLTE to work. I also used it on Total Wireless (which is a VZ MVNO) for the same reason.
I'm guessing your GSM-T means you're on TMo, so you may need a TMo ROM to get VOLTE to work. US998 is a world-phone ROM, so it's not carrier specific, which may be why it doesn't work.
As for the general operation, you should be fine on US998 for all other functions... so if you're having issues then there may be something else going on.
You might also just need some updates - 20h is nougat level, which is ancient. You may need to move to Oreo... which worked great for me on my V30 in the past.
schwinn8 said:
Many V30 phones require the carrier's ROM to operate VOLTE. For example, when I was on Verizon, I had to have VS996 to get VOLTE to work. I also used it on Total Wireless (which is a VZ MVNO) for the same reason.
I'm guessing your GSM-T means you're on TMo, so you may need a TMo ROM to get VOLTE to work. US998 is a world-phone ROM, so it's not carrier specific, which may be why it doesn't work.
As for the general operation, you should be fine on US998 for all other functions... so if you're having issues then there may be something else going on.
You might also just need some updates - 20h is nougat level, which is ancient. You may need to move to Oreo... which worked great for me on my V30 in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, do you think I would need switch to a newer ROM, specifically for tmobile? I have been on us998 since buying it, always had some issues with texts coming in late and connectivity (although not as bad as when I had a S5 on Ting's t-mobile network). I had called and been told VOLTE is active with red pocket twice in the past, but despite always being on wifi I've still had people tell me I do not always come in clear when talking on the phone.
Can you point me to a newer ROM you used? I can try updating and messing with the phone later this month.
You can't use my ROM (VS996), as it was for Verizon. I doubt that will work for you. You need to find the proper on for your carrier (TMobile most likely) and see if that fixes the issues. All my ROMs I sourced from this website/forum, so you just need to search the V30 section here.
Note, when switching ROMs, you will need to wipe it so be prepared with backups for your data.
SuperUser1010 said:
So, do you think I would need switch to a newer ROM, specifically for tmobile? I have been on us998 since buying it, always had some issues with texts coming in late and connectivity (although not as bad as when I had a S5 on Ting's t-mobile network). I had called and been told VOLTE is active with red pocket twice in the past, but despite always being on wifi I've still had people tell me I do not always come in clear when talking on the phone.
Can you point me to a newer ROM you used? I can try updating and messing with the phone later this month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just be careful NOT to flash H932 ROM on your device, it will brick your phone.
You could try updating to us998 Pie ROM and see if it helps.
tech_infinity said:
Just be careful NOT to flash H932 ROM on your device, it will brick your phone.
You could try updating to us998 Pie ROM and see if it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a us998 pie rom you recommend for me to try?
tech_infinity said:
Just be careful NOT to flash H932 ROM on your device, it will brick your phone.
You could try updating to us998 Pie ROM and see if it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw chazzmatt mention in another thread that when t mobile and sprint merged, VoLTE/VoWiFi calling on US998 firmware phones may have been lost. He suggested that changing to verizon version is a way to fix this. Is this something I may have to do? And is there a guide on how to do it? I only see switching to us998.
And this would this be the rom to flash to for android 9?
[US998][STOCK][PIE]LG V30 US998 US99830b_00_0902.KDZ
RECOVERY TIPS if you get stuck on logo while updating to this wonky US998 Pie. < Please stop asking in Telegram thread or creating new XDA threads when it's right here. We will just direct you back here. OK? ____________ * Do NOT update to Pie...
forum.xda-developers.com
@ChazzMatt is the resident expert, so you can certainly take his advice. I saw that post as well.
Converting to VS996 just means you will use LGUP to flash that ROM over your current one. The end of the WTF post/thread talks about this process as well (be sure to read that post on a computer, as phones often cut-off the bottom).
Note that this will erase your data, so backup/etc as necessary before doing that. My recommendation is to use the last Oreo version of the ROM, as Pie on VS996 had issues last time I had heard... that's the last ROM I used before switching to my other phone.
SuperUser1010 said:
I saw chazzmatt mention in another thread that when t mobile and sprint merged, VoLTE/VoWiFi calling on US998 firmware phones may have been lost. He suggested that changing to verizon version is a way to fix this. Is this something I may have to do? And is there a guide on how to do it? I only see switching to us998.
And this would this be the rom to flash to for android 9?
[US998][STOCK][PIE]LG V30 US998 US99830b_00_0902.KDZ
RECOVERY TIPS if you get stuck on logo while updating to this wonky US998 Pie. < Please stop asking in Telegram thread or creating new XDA threads when it's right here. We will just direct you back here. OK? ____________ * Do NOT update to Pie...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And in doing so, they still need an already-activated Verizon SIM card or Verizon MVNO SIM card. Verizon won't activate a SIM card with a phone that doesn't have native Verizon IMEI. But you can stick in an already activated SIM card into a v30 with VS996 firmware and it's fine. So whoever does this needs to also have an old Verizon phone for that purpose. Buy some cracked screen Verizon phone off eBay, activate Verizon or Verizon MVNO SIM card, THEN put that SIM card into Frankenstein'ed phone flashed with VS9996 (Verizon) firmware.
ChazzMatt said:
And in doing so, they still need an already-activated Verizon SIM card or Verizon MVNO SIM card. Verizon won't activate a SIM card with a phone that doesn't have native Verizon IMEI. But you can stick in an already activated SIM card into a v30 with VS996 firmware and it's fine. So whoever does this needs to also have an old Verizon phone for that purpose. Buy some cracked screen Verizon phone off eBay, activate Verizon or Verizon MVNO SIM card, THEN put that SIM card into Frankenstein'ed phone flashed with VS9996 (Verizon) firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are phone numbers attached to the sim? So I would have to: obtain verizon sim card, transfer my phone # while activating a plan on it using another phone, then place it into my current phone after flashing it into VS9996 and upgrading it to 9.0?
Yes, the phone number is attached to the SIM card.
Yes, your steps are correct - activate SIM on some other phone, then put it into the VS996.
schwinn8 said:
Yes, the phone number is attached to the SIM card.
Yes, your steps are correct - activate SIM on some other phone, then put it into the VS996.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, perhaps before I spend money to switch to verizon I should try upgrading from US99820h to US99830b using that thread I posted above? Maybe that will fix things for me. I thought I had fixed something when I updated my redpocket APN point, but I still get random loss of service where I live and work at (despite constant wifi). According to redpocket customer service, being locked into 240 MNC sim card does not change anything compared to 280 MNC.
Perusing the us99830b thread, I saw if I have TWRP installed then I must use johnfawk's image to flash. I cannot "upgrade" and keep all my data using the firmware off LG's website with LGUP. Am I understanding that part correctly? And the TWRP image for me to download is this link? Mirror Link
First, my recommendation is to stay at Oreo (20-series) ROMs. Last I recall, the V30 Pie rom had issues that were never fixed.
Secondly, yes, I don't believe you can upgrade the ROM... you will need to flash the full ROM which would erase things. That being said, since you're already converting between ROMs you will need to wipe the phone anyway, so do all the updates/upgrade BEFORE you install anything else on your phone. And, of course, backup everything you need before doing that...
schwinn8 said:
First, my recommendation is to stay at Oreo (20-series) ROMs. Last I recall, the V30 Pie rom had issues that were never fixed.
Secondly, yes, I don't believe you can upgrade the ROM... you will need to flash the full ROM which would erase things. That being said, since you're already converting between ROMs you will need to wipe the phone anyway, so do all the updates/upgrade BEFORE you install anything else on your phone. And, of course, backup everything you need before doing that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mentioned before that 20h is nougat level, but my android version says 8.0.0, isn't that oreo already?
Looking at this site: https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-us998-firmwares/
I am already at the latest Oreo software. So, several questions:
1. I could back up all my stuff and risk missing something, but I can also just create a current TWRP image and go back to where I am presently in terms of all my stuff?
2. Should I be trying a https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-vs996-firmwares/ VS99620k version? When I reboot my phone it says it is a LG V30+ThinQ and I vaguely remember the box it came with said LS998 crossed off, with it booting as a US998 phone.
3. I have an old CDMA Galaxy S3 (best phone I've had). Assuming I am able to boot it up, can I buy a verizon MVNO sim card (let's say off of TING), switch my phone # to that and pop it in the S3? Or can I bum someone else' verizon phone and do this, then give the phone back instantly?
4. If a friend has an old verizon sim card, can I use that to utilize either red pocket or ting services?
5. Then, flash this US99820h to VS99620k, swap the sim card out of the S3 into the newly flashed V30?
6. Assuming I do all this and I still see no menu for VOLTE, assuming I still have the same issues of service dropping constantly, any suggestions for moving to a new phone, or what to use to find a new phone? Many new phones seem to have lots of stuff I do not care for (fancy cameras...) and no 3.5mm jack; but I really crave a phone that is functional.
Sorry for lots of questions. But each day this phone is pissing me off more and more and reminding me to do something about it - been busy and have stuff I do not want to risk losing.
I didn't say 20-series was nougat... I said it was Oreo?
1) TWRP will backup everything, so you could use this as a way to "keep safe" what you have now, and maybe you can break into the ZIP and extract things here and there as needed, but I don't think you can use this as a way to restore just your programs/data... it's a whole-image that you need to restore, which includes the OS and such. But if you're already on Oreo, I don't think you need to do any of that?
2) Yes, you can apply VS99620k. I believe that's what I had on my V30 before I left it. I wouldn't pay much attention to the splash screens on bootup... they change between versions but don't really mean/do anything from what I could see. My phone started as US998 (without the "ThinQ" branding) and I believe it showed the ThinQ branding when I was on VS996.
3) Yes, you'll need an activated SIM on VZ to transfer. Yes this is one way to do it. I did something similar with my Droid Turbo. VZ won't activate anything unless the IMEI matches THEIR phone, so this is one way to get that to happen. The trick, today, is that VZ may not activate the old phone because it's not VOLTE capable, so they'll say it's not supported, so that's a risk you should be aware of. For that matter, a newer SIM also may not work on the older phone... I don't know if that's a thing or not.
4) I don't know if MVNOs will let you use VZ SIM cards. Technically, they should be able to, but my guess is they will require their "own" SIM. You'd have to ask the MVNO.
I moved to the Galaxy S10+, which is a similar size phone, has a headphone jack, and is older so it's lower cost (I think I paid $300 about a year or two ago). A few other V30 faithfuls have followed this path as well. I think ChazzMatt went to a Note because that's what ATT gave him to help him transition to a VOLTE-capable phone. I believe he's still using his V30 though.
Newer Galaxy phones lost the headphone jack. I would recommend getting yourself ready for this eventuality... it may mean just getting a dongle, which isn't convenient, or getting bluetooth adapters... but my point is that it's going away whether you like it or not, so start preparing now.
EDIT: I forgot to mention, the S10 is not rootable (at least with Snapdragon). Exynos can be rooted, but I don't know how usable those are in the USA. That's another thing you may need to get used to - not being able to root/ROM. IMO, it's not necessary anymore, and I have given up on it on my phones... and I haven't missed it AT ALL. But I know some have gotten into heated arguments with me over that... one I recall was particularly nonsensical, but whatever. If I could root, I would do that... but I don't see it as a requirement anymore.
SuperUser1010 said:
Hmmm, perhaps before I spend money to switch to verizon I should try upgrading from US99820h to US99830b using that thread I posted above? Maybe that will fix things for me. I thought I had fixed something when I updated my redpocket APN point, but I still get random loss of service where I live and work at (despite constant wifi). According to redpocket customer service, being locked into 240 MNC sim card does not change anything compared to 280 MNC.
Perusing the us99830b thread, I saw if I have TWRP installed then I must use johnfawk's image to flash. I cannot "upgrade" and keep all my data using the firmware off LG's website with LGUP. Am I understanding that part correctly? And the TWRP image for me to download is this link? Mirror Link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As @schwinn8 recommends staying on Oreo, I also concur.
1) If you have TWRP, just flash the Verizon last Oreo by John Fawkes. See link below.
LG V30 Verizon VS996-20k ROM
Working downlink mirror: VS996 20K Verizon TWRP-flashable ZIP
2) If you don't have TWRP installed -- for people who are not bootloader unlocked -- then you would flash full stock ROM VS996 20K "KDZ" file from US998. See top post in this thread. (For those who are still bootloader locked, the stock Verizon ROMs and US998 ROMs are the only ones for North America variants which are safely fully cross flashable without first having to go through the "Frankentein" conversion "Nougat" stage.)
As for spending money on Verizon to get VOLTE, there are several Verizon MVNOs that are less expensive than Verizon proper and will still do the trick. Both Visible and Total Wireless are even owned by Verizon, like Cricket is owned by AT&T.
RedPocket also offers Verizon-network SIM cards. They are also a Verizon MVNO. Which carrier service are you using with your RedPocket? They offer choice of AT&T (most common), T-Mobile and Verizon. I searched your posts in this thread and you don't say which you have -- so I assume the AT&T-linked SIM card? If you flash the last Oreo TWRP-flashable zip for Verizon, and you want to keep RedPocket, just have them ship you the Verizon-linked SIM card. You should then have VoLTE.
NOTE: You would still need to use an old Verizon phone to activate that SIM card, but then you could put it into your "VS996". I'm only suggesting a way to not have to actually switch to Verizon, you can still use Redpocket but have them send you a Verizon linked SIM once you are on Verizon firmware.
ChazzMatt said:
As for spending money on Verizon to get VOLTE, there are several Verizon MVNOs that are less expensive than Verizon proper and will still do the trick. Both Visible and Total Wireless are even owned by Verizon, like Cricket is owned by AT&T.
RedPocket also offers Verizon-network SIM cards. They are also a Verizon MVNO. Which carrier service are you using with your RedPocket? They offer choice of AT&T (most common), T-Mobile and Verizon. I searched your posts in this thread and you don't say which you have -- so I assume the AT&T-linked SIM card? If you flash the last Oreo TWRP-flashable zip for Verizon, and you want to keep RedPocket, just have them ship you the Verizon-linked SIM card. You should then have VoLTE.
NOTE: You would still need to use an old Verizon phone to activate that SIM card, but then you could put it into your "VS996". I'm only suggesting a way to not have to actually switch to Verizon, you can still use Redpocket but have them send you a Verizon linked SIM once you are on Verizon firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it, if flashing is all I have to do, this will be simple.
I was not clear, I did mean verizon MVNOs, meant more verizon in broader sense: CDMA. I am currently on red pocket T mobile. I was previously on Ting. Had similar issues on both with randomly losing service. It was bearable, but since 3G shutdown timeframe, this became a larger and more frequent issue. Currently, if I turn on data, I get Edge service (I read this is 2g?), otherwise when I am having a texting conversation, I am regularly losing service completely and do not have strong service in places where other Tmobile users have regular service.
On another note, I am looking to swap from red pocket; I spoke to customer service about call records, was told several times they would be sent to me, never received anything. Red pocket prices are hard to beat though.
I impulse bought a pixel 7 unlocked too (there were some incentives that were hard to resist). So, I will probably swap to that phone while holding onto this one and tinkering to see if it was a phone issue, US998 issue, SIM issue, service issue... then give the phone to family in a year or so.