Related
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll get Verizon VoLTE -- but not Wi-Fi nor video calling.
Yes, you can have Verizon voicemail.
Those answers are based on the carrier unlocked LG G6 US997 released earlier this year, from people who have it and use Verizon. You should go over there and ask some questions. That will be the best predictor of the LG V30 US998.
I pasted some of the answers from actual users below.
jiggyman said:
I received mine and activated it yesterday. VoLTE works perfectly. No Video/WiFi Calling though. I love this phone! No bloatware!
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VOICEMAIL
gillim74 said:
How do you get verizon vm working on the us997 everytuing else works but vm
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Click to collapse
htcnext said:
Getting unlocked phones working on Verizon is still more difficult than it should be. Hypothesis: reps at the local stores don't get a commission on unlocked activations and do get commissions on carrier phones. If you want to avoid technical stuff suggest calling Verizon and threatening to switch to T-Mobile if they can't get it to work, do not go to local stores.
Regarding voicemail, I went with youmail from the play store. You might also be able to get the Verizon voicemail app working, I did not try that since I do not want any lame carrier apps on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gillim74 said:
Thanks for the response.got it working after calling verizon!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
duke69111 said:
What did you have to do to get the VVM working on VZW? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gillim74 said:
Had to call them and have them reset the network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the fm radio. My Verizon branded G6 has the fm radio enabled, you just need to plug in headphones. It works with NextRadio and the LG radio app that I know of. The Verizon version needed files pulled and edited from xda forums to get LG's app working as it does not come with it preinstalled. It wasn't hard to install. An install of NextRadio from the play store just worked. The unlocked version probably includes the LG fm app. NextRadio is pretty snazzy, while the LG App is pretty bland and basic.
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
johnp357 said:
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting a phone has nothing to do with battery life. It's just becoming admin of your own phone. The owner of the phone.
Rooting a phone will let you use your hotspot without carrier's permission.
If you mean custom kernels might favor performance over conserving battery vs stock kernel, you have a point. Which might make you have to charge battery more frequently. Thus shorter battery life over a several years period..
However, that is changing! Newer CPU governors like Alucard do a very good job of balancing performance and battery.
One thing you could do is root and run stock firmware, with an xposed module or app that will let you have your hotspot. Again, root by itself does not affect battery life.
ChazzMatt said:
Rooting a phone has nothing to do with battery life. It's just becoming admin of your own phone. The owner of the phone.
Rooting a phone will let you use your hotspot without carrier's permission.
If you mean custom kernels might favor performance over conserving battery vs stock kernel, you have a point. Which might make you have to charge battery more frequently. Thus shorter battery life over a several years period..
However, that is changing! Newer CPU governors like Alucard do a very good job of balancing performance and battery.
One thing you could do is root and run stock firmware, with an xposed module or app that will let you have your hotspot. Again, root by itself does not affect battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL.... trust me. viper4android, hotspots, trying all sorts of mods, and yes messing with kernels, changing OS every other week... battery life will get shot... every time, so yes it will... just comes with the territory.
regardless of how you try to fine tune the kernel to conserve. but I'm ok with all of it. I will just be bummed not to get the $200 card and the VR thing. So I guess I have to decide in the next 6 days how important hotspot is vs $300 worth of stuff.
johnp357 said:
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get this phone? Did hotspot work out of the box with unlimited grandfathered Verizon plan or will we have to get root?
wonderrx said:
Did you get this phone? Did hotspot work out of the box with unlimited grandfathered Verizon plan or will we have to get root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. it did not. I'm jimmy rigging it by using the wifi extender to trick the hotspot to working but it requires that you connect to a wifi first. data isn't needed on the connect. it's hokey but works almost all the time. so I am now content. LG disabler squashed everything else so the phone is pretty snappy.
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having only used rooted phones for the past 10 years or so, I had a similar quandary, although some of the particulars were different. The arguments in favor of the VZ branded phone were earlier release date, wifi calling, $200.00 discount, and EARLIER RELEASE DATE (I have a thing for immediate gratification). The arguments in favor of the US998 were choice of handset colors and the most important factor: ability to root.
I opted for the VZ LG V30 and have been very hapy so far. As far as the OP's concerns, I can say that the ability to insert a micro SD card eliminates that need for internal storage in excess of 64gb, which is plenty anyway. Also, the LG package disabler (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/guide-make-v30-faster-smoother-t3693083) and the FM Radio apk (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/themes/lg-fm-radio-app-download-verizon-v30-t3689294) resolve the bloatware issue and FM receiver issue respectively.
As far as my concerns, the LG package disabler also accomplishes some of the same goals that for which I would want to root my phone. One of the main reasons that I root my phones is too be able to block ads, and I have accomplished that by disabling Chrome and installing Samsung internet beta, as well as by supporting developers by purchasing ad free versions of the apps which I use frequently or finding ad free versions of apps when they are available.
I've mostly gotten over the fact that my phone is silver, especially since it's always in a case anyway.
al4d said:
Having only used rooted phones for the past 10 years or so, I had a similar quandary, although some of the particulars were different. The arguments in favor of the VZ branded phone were earlier release date, wifi calling, $200.00 discount, and EARLIER RELEASE DATE (I have a thing for immediate gratification). The arguments in favor of the US998 were choice of handset colors and the most important factor: ability to root.
I opted for the VZ LG V30 and have been very hapy so far. As far as the OP's concerns, I can say that the ability to insert a micro SD card eliminates that need for internal storage in excess of 64gb, which is plenty anyway. Also, the LG package disabler (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/guide-make-v30-faster-smoother-t3693083) and the FM Radio apk (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/themes/lg-fm-radio-app-download-verizon-v30-t3689294) resolve the bloatware issue and FM receiver issue respectively.
As far as my concerns, the LG package disabler also accomplishes some of the same goals that for which I would want to root my phone. One of the main reasons that I root my phones is too be able to block ads, and I have accomplished that by disabling Chrome and installing Samsung internet beta, as well as by supporting developers by purchasing ad free versions of the apps which I use frequently or finding ad free versions of apps when they are available.
I've mostly gotten over the fact that my phone is silver, especially since it's always in a case anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have friends who are required to have carrier-branded phones and who cannot root. That's a well written post I'll share with them.
As for color choice I'm hoping LG will sell us the "open market" US988 in black V30+ configuration (or V30+ at all), but I'm becoming skeptical.
Interesting counterpoint, al4d.
There's also the matter of OS update timeliness. And security updates -- do they ever come from the the manufacturer? It seems like only carrier-specific releases get the media buzz.
Lastly, I'm sort of holding out for the Oreo release, just to ensure LG put all their best efforts into it. It would be a shame if 8.0 lands and it's a half-baked mess full of bugs.
Hey @ChazzMatt
Recently I've noticed that I have petty crappy signal and trouble with getting a GPS lock. I remember from the turbo having to flash a modem.
I'm running Stock LG at the moment purely for the camera, is there anything you recommend doing? Ive noticed I cant even change the apn settings.
When I hacked from US998 to VS996, I saw there were more "bars" being shown. Note, however, that "bars" can be changed to reflect different signal levels, so it may not actually be getting more/less signal. If I were careful, I would have looked at the numeric signal, but I missed checking that.
I'm running VS996 on our phones now, partly because of the VoLTE support as well... and all of that is working, so that's good.
I don't think you can flash just a "modem"... but I am interested to hear if this can be done...
Diego1751 said:
Hey @ChazzMatt
Recently I've noticed that I have petty crappy signal and trouble with getting a GPS lock. I remember from the turbo having to flash a modem.
I'm running Stock LG at the moment purely for the camera, is there anything you recommend doing? Ive noticed I cant even change the apn settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oreo now locks you out of APN settings (it knows what best, supposedly) but you can use an app Shortcut Master or Shortcut Master Lite to manually edit APN settings. Here's how to edit APN using that app. Of course that is NOT the V30 -- but it's still the same technique, and you would want to populate with your own APN information, not what they are using for their carrier. Here are instructions for Verizon on LG V30, at least for MMS.
As for modems, I know there are AT&T and Sprint TWRP flashable modems posted, but not sure about Verizon. You can fire up LGUP and manually flash VS996 modem partitions via DL Partition method, if you want to try that modem. Just UNcheck all partitions except for modems.
My question/problem. What/why do I have a good 4 bars (of 5 bars) of data signal normally, but, when I decide to dial and make a telephone call, the signal strength goes to barely one bar as soon as I hit the dial button on the phone? I have not moved myself or the phone's location. The call may dial, but goes in and out and, more often than not, drops the call. At the same time, if I receive a call from someone, it is normally a much better signal, and does not drop or go in and out.
I am on Verizon phone (vs996) Frankenstein to us998 30b (pie). I have recently tried android 10 roms (Havoc, POSP). I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not? Very frustrating when trying to call someone.
Any thoughts or explanations or, hopefully, fixes?
Thx
gimpy1 said:
My question/problem. What/why do I have a good 4 bars (of 5 bars) of data signal normally, but, when I decide to dial and make a telephone call, the signal strength goes to barely one bar as soon as I hit the dial button on the phone? I have not moved myself or the phone's location. The call may dial, but goes in and out and, more often than not, drops the call. At the same time, if I receive a call from someone, it is normally a much better signal, and does not drop or go in and out.
I am on Verizon phone (vs996) Frankenstein to us998 30b (pie). I have recently tried android 10 roms (Havoc, POSP). I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not? Very frustrating when trying to call someone.
Any thoughts or explanations or, hopefully, fixes?
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using Verizon on US998 firmware, then you don't have access to VoLTE (which is phone calls over LTE, Voice over LTE). LTE started out as a data-only service but for actual phone calls, carriers were still using 3G HSPA or CDMA (Verizon, Sprint). When making a phone call, phones temporarily bump down to 3G, and then jump back to LTE after the phone call is over.
With the VoLTE protocol, that finally allowed phone calls with LTE. It added VOICE capability to LTE.
However, different carriers treat VoLTE differently. T-mobile allows VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling for US998 phones, while AT&T and Verizon are more stingy. They reserve VoLTE mostly for their branded phones running their carrier firmware.
I'm an AT&T customer and I've never had VoLTE because I've never used a branded AT&T phone. For me, on AT&T, when I make a phone call I am bumped down temporarily to AT&T HSPA. Then, after the phone call, it jumps back to LTE.
If I were to flash the AT&T TWRP flashable zip, possibly I could enable that. But it's not just firmware, it's also a setting on the carrier side that has to be enabled.
Bottom line, what's happening is you are seeing you STRONG LTE signal. But when you make a phone call, you are being temporarily bumped down to Verizon CDMA. However, Verizon is in the process of dismantling all their CDMA towers. That's why your CDMA signal is so weak. Verizon plans to shutdown CDMA entirely by end of 2020. After that, you will need VoLTE to make phone calls on Verizon.
Since you have an actual VS996, you can flash the VS996 TWRP-flashable zip. Once on that firmware, see if VoLTE is enabled on your account (carrier side setting) and see if when you make phone calls you stay on LTE and are not bumped down to CDMA?
Thx, Chazz. So, it's a Verizon thing? Not necessarily something I caused by going back and forth trying out the different Android 10 roms. Good to know. I will try the 996 rom later today, since I don't need the Hotspot for a couple of days. As always, you've been very helpful, thx. :good:
gimpy1 said:
Thx, Chazz. So, it's a Verizon thing? Not necessarily something I caused by going back and forth trying out the different Android 10 roms. Good to know. I will try the 996 rom later today, since I don't need the Hotspot for a couple of days. As always, you've been very helpful, thx. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, especially if you see strong LTE signal before making the phone call. Control freak Verizon (mostly) only allows VoLTE on Verizon firmware with Verizon branded phones. There may be exceptions (maybe Pixel phones?) and I know the ZTE Axon 7 (not a branded Verizon phone) somehow got VoLTE not only on ZTE stock firmware but also on LOS ROM -- but I believe ZTE paid Verizon to allow that. It's the exception that proves the rule.
Here's a a more in depth article about Verizon CDMA being shut down end of this year.
https://grantcountyreview.com/content/verizon-wireless-postpones-its-shutdown-3g-cdma networks
when Verizon closes its 2G and 3G networks at the end of 2020, 3G phones will become obsolete and non-VoLTE LTE phones will not be able to make or receive calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You DO have a Verizon VoLTE capable phone -- a Verizon VS996 -- but for V30 only on Verizon firmware. If you were using T-mobile with US998 firmware, you would have no problems with VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. T-mobile is more open than Verizon about such perks.
I don't get VoLTE with AT&T on US998 firmware, but AT&T has no plans to end 3G HSPA anytime soon.
Chazz, I thought I would give a quick update. Late Last night/early this morning, I switched to vs99630c. I have made two phone calls, one to Florida, one to Washington state. Both connected and sounded so much better than when with the us99830b Rom. Even though both dialers had a little HD in the upper left hand corner. This Rom kept the same 3 or 4 bar designation for the signal strength. Much happier with it. Even though I don't have a hotspot (may have to pay the $10(?)or so to set it up, if I decide to stay on here.
Also, I have just seen a 99630c debloated Rom someone has made, that I might try in the next day or so.
I so wanted to try the android 10 Roms, but I just had too many small issues (reboots, no hot spot, system ui crashes, etc.).
Thnx, again for your help and guidance.
gimpy1 said:
Chazz, I thought I would give a quick update. Late Last night/early this morning, I switched to vs99630c. I have made two phone calls, one to Florida, one to Washington state. Both connected and sounded so much better than when with the us99830b Rom. Even though both dialers had a little HD in the upper left hand corner. This Rom kept the same 3 or 4 bar designation for the signal strength.
Much happier with it. Even though I don't have a hotspot (may have to pay the $10(?)or so to set it up, if I decide to stay on here.
Also, I have just seen a 99630c debloated Rom someone has made, that I might try in the next day or so.
I so wanted to try the android 10 Roms, but I just had too many small issues (reboots, no hot spot, system ui crashes, etc.).
Thnx, again for your help and guidance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you are now probably using Verizon VoLTE, which is using LTE signal -- not the increasingly degraded CDMA signal Verizon will completely shut off December 31, 2020.
Verizon is probably already deprecating those towers -- leaving just enough, like when you're on the highways.
ChazzMatt said:
Then you are now probably using Verizon VoLTE, which is using LTE signal not the increasingly degraded CDMA signal Verizon will completely shut off December 31, 2020.
Verizon is probably already deprecating those towers -- leaving just enough, like when you're on the highways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really want volte and vowifi for my unlocked us998. The only way to have that is to flash the vs rom, which is 30c? I'm on US99820h, what do I lose by going to the vs rom? Is there a vs 20h variant?
ldeveraux said:
I really want volte and vowifi for my unlocked us998. The only way to have that is to flash the vs rom, which is 30c? I'm on US99820h, what do I lose by going to the vs rom? Is there a vs 20h variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, we have Oreo VS996 KDZ. It's actually "20k", because it took Verizon two attempts to fully release LG V30 Oreo. And they released a couple extra updates for Verizon related bugs. So, although it's equivalent to US998 20h, it's a higher letter.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/vs996-lg-v30-verizon-vs996-t3865398
You need to have VoLTE enabled in your Verizon account, besides flashing this firmware. It helps to have it already enabled from a Verizon branded phone. But sometimes a helpful store rep willing to bend the rules can do it for you.
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, we have Oreo VS996 KDZ. It's actually "20k", because it took Verizon two attempts to fully release LG V30 Oreo. And they released a couple extra updates for Verizon related bugs.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/vs996-lg-v30-verizon-vs996-t3865398
You need to have VoLTE enabled in your Verizon account, besides flashing this firmware. It helps to have it already enabled from a Verizon branded phone. But sometimes a helpful store rep willing to bend the rules can do it for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the Pie variants were not great, lots of broken features? Or was that just the US998 versions? What were the tradeoffs to staying on Oreo?
ldeveraux said:
I thought the Pie variants were not great, lots of broken features? Or was that just the US998 versions? What were the tradeoffs to staying on Oreo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You asked for Verizon Oreo equivalent to US998 20h and that's what I gave you.
I'm not recommending Pie for US998.
Verizon Pie may be a lot better. I don't know. Someone using Verizon Pie will have to answer.
ChazzMatt said:
You asked for Verizon Oreo equivalent to US998 20h and that's what I gave you.
I'm not recommending Pie for US998.
Verizon Pie may be a lot better. I don't know. Someone using Verizon Pie will have to answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I misread, somehow thought the ROM you linked was Pie. My bad. I know dirty flash is never recommended, but could I get away with it here? What do I lose by going with the VS ROM over the US998? Apparently the only things I have to gain are VOLTE and possibly VVM?
ldeveraux said:
I misread, somehow thought the ROM you linked was Pie. My bad. I know dirty flash is never recommended, but could I get away with it here? What do I lose by going with the VS ROM over the US998? Apparently the only things I have to gain are VOLTE and possibly VVM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have VoLTE already enabled in your Verizon account?
You'll lose the no bloatware experience, but you can fix that with Titanium Backup.
As for dirty flashing, you can try... If it doesn't work, then you have to factory reset and clean install. Don't forget to reflash Magisk.
ChazzMatt said:
Do you have VoLTE already enabled in your Verizon account?
You'll lose the no bloatware experience, but you can fix that with Titanium Backup.
As for dirty flashing, you can try... If it doesn't work, then you have to factory reset and clean install. Don't forget to reflash Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I logged into my VZW account and after 8745 menus, finally found the HD Voice section. It says it's "Active", so I should be good for the VS ROM yes?
ldeveraux said:
I logged into my VZW account and after 8745 menus, finally found the HD Voice section. It says it's "Active", so I should be good for the VS ROM yes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like, yes.
I had to do a few steps to manually activate HD/VOLTE on my VS996 phone when I was on VZ. I documented the steps somewhere here (using ShortcutMasterLite). I know at least one other member here used the same steps on his phone. I'm thinking you'll be fine once you're on VS996.
I have not switched to Pie... still running Oreo. I have heard too many issues with Pie, so I have no desire to bother. I can't imagine VZ's Pie release is any better than Pie US998. VZ is too lazy to do anything else right, so why would they bother fixing what's wrong on US998.
Just want to quickly update this thread. I dirty flashed the VS99620K.zip in TWRP, then immediately flashed the latest Magisk zip. Everything updated perfectly, installed about 10 VZ apps, and I now have VOWIFI (and can send/receive texts!), though haven't been able to check VOLTE as I'm currently in a dead zone.
I'd already had HD calling active on my account, but can't select the option to also enable Video Calling. It says I need to contact support. I chatted multiple times with VZ support who claim it's active, though every time I try to enable it, it gives me the same error. What is this option, and do I need it? I'm pretty sure I was able to use Duo, Skype, Zoom, etc before the ROM update, am I spinning my wheels here?
Also, independent of this upgrade, my motion GIFs in any text app don't move. I thought it might have something to do with the non-VZ specific kernel, but after flashing, still just shows a static picture.
ldeveraux said:
I'd already had HD calling active on my account, but can't select the option to also enable Video Calling. It says I need to contact support. I chatted multiple times with VZ support who claim it's active, though every time I try to enable it, it gives me the same error. What is this option, and do I need it? I'm pretty sure I was able to use Duo, Skype, Zoom, etc before the ROM update, am I spinning my wheels here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you the account holder? Some people can't get to it as they are just user.
https://community.verizonwireless.c...video-calling-feature-is-disabled/td-p/853001
I'm not sure what Verizon video calling is. I'm guessing some Verizon-only video chat -- like Apple's FaceTime is only for iOS? If you are already using Duo, Skype, Zoom, it would seem you don't need it. But you do make sure you have voice over LTE (VoLTE, called "HD calling" Verzion) --before end of this year.
ChazzMatt said:
Are you the account holder? Some people can't get to it as they are just user.
https://community.verizonwireless.c...video-calling-feature-is-disabled/td-p/853001
I'm not sure what video calling is. I'm guessing some Verizon-only video chat -- like Apple's FaceTime is only for iOS? If you are already using Duo, Skype, Zoom, you don't need it. But you do need to get voice over LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am the only user on this account, so definitely the account holder. After more wasted chats with VZ, they said that since my phone is not VZ branded, it's not eligible for Video Calling, which apparently is exactly as you described; Facetime for non-iphone Verizon users. I don't need that, as you said all my other platforms work fine.
How do I determine if VOLTE works? Like I said, I'm in a dead zone now, but going out to a good cell region in a few hours and can check then somehow. I did confirm that I can make calls and text over WiFi, so that's half the battle. How to check VOLTE?
ldeveraux said:
How do I determine if VOLTE works? Like I said, I'm in a dead zone now, but going out to a good cell region in a few hours and can check then somehow. I did confirm that I can make calls and text over WiFi, so that's half the battle. How to check VOLTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you have Vo-WiFi that means your VoLTE is also activated. They seem to be packaged together.
If you make a call in a good signal area, see if the "4GLTE" icon stays on when you make the call. It may even change to VoLTE icon? or HD calling icon? A Verizon user can probably tell you better. But the key is to see if there are any status bar icon changes and what they are. Also see if there is any information in the dialer GUI during the call, where you click on the dialer timer.
Yeah, don't talk to VZ. They're too stupid to help and downright liars. Your phone will work fine on their network even if it's not VZ branded (I've used US998 and H931 phones on VZ without issue).
On my phone, I did have to do some setting changes in SML (ShortcutMasterLite) to get VOLTE working. I don't think most people have to do that, but I did... and I agree, I think that got VOWIFI working as well. I'm guessing you have both, too... just need to try it. If not, you can force-activate it as I documented earlier (via SML).
Hi all,
Thanks to all you guys who make these devices perform far and beyond, and then hold a dumbass's hand such as myself and walk me through the steps to do the same.
I have a V30 I am working on. I had a previous one but my little boy slobbered into the charge port as well as dropped it 1000 times and the touch screen finally quit. So I am working on a new one while I use the old Turbo back up.
Here is my dilemma.
I have a grandfathered VZ unlimited data plan that I pay 153 bucks a month for. Depending on the month, I may exceed 30-50 GB on my Hotspot, but it really doesn't happen very often.
With my previous V30, I was running US998. Native tethering with 998 works great but of course there is no Volte, and from what I understand I am going to have to be on VS996 by December because of the network changes. The only problem is on VS996, my hotspot doesn't pass VZ's subscription check.
Has anyone out there gotten Hotspot capabilities on VS996? I have tried every trick I can find on the forums to get it to work, to no avail. I think my situation is growing ever more unique because most people are on a newer plan and don't have to worry about the sub check. I am not going to pay VZ another 30 bucks a month for the sub, (and I have never had to thanks to you all).
So my options are:
Keep my current plan and use PDA net for computer internet and throw my sim in my old Turbo when I need to Roku, etc.
Keep my current plan and roll with US998 until Dec and then maybe try a different phone with native tethering capabilities?
Change my VZ plan. I really don't think I need the true unlimited plan anymore. I would solve my V30 hotspot issues as well as save myself about 100 dollars a month.... But dammit it's kind of the principle of the matter. I like having the ENDLESS data capacity at my disposal!
Thank you for any and all suggestions!
I understand your dilemma. Couple of choices I can think of:
1) Switch to an MVNO such as Red Pocket that will give you what you need at a better price, and which works with US998. If you really need Unlimited everything, there is the following for $60/month using either AT&T (GSMA), Sprint (CDMAS) or Verizon (CDMA) as your carrier. (These are just their names for the networks, since they're not allowed to name the carriers.)
https://www.redpocket.com/plans/add/M060
I use them (although much more meager $60/year plan) with US998 on GSMA, which works great, not throttled, tethering, VoLTE. Their plans include WiFi Calling too, but I haven't been able to make it work on GSMA unless I flash a H931 ROM. There may be a way, I'm still experimenting.
2) Get a much slimmer plan that includes only what you need on the phone, such as 3GB at $19/month or $8GB at $30/month, available on the same networks. Links below:
https://www.redpocket.com/plans/add/M020
https://www.redpocket.com/plans/add/M030
Then complement that with a separate Data Only plan for your Turbo, such as $40 for 20GB/month, although only available on GSMA (AT&T).
https://www.redpocket.com/gsma/add/b040
3) Stay on Verizon with the above plans using CDMA as network. They give you VoLTE and WiFi Calling, as long as your phone supports it, but require a VZ IMEI to activate. I would *expect* that you can get at least VoLTE and tethering working on US998, although I haven't tried on VZ. But they ARE officially included in the plans.
4) Deep dive into IMS settings on US998 (through the hidden menu) and see if you can't get VoLTE working. It doesn't show up in the Network menu, but you can enable an icon in the statusbar to confirm when it's working. See my post linked below (and the following discussion) for what I did to make it work.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg...tock-firmware-los-based-t4138223/post83155603
5) Get a VS996 (or Frankenstein a US998) for your phone needs and complement it with a separate Data Only plan in your Turbo instead of tethering.
In other words various combinations I could think of. The only thing I cannot tell you is if GSMA (AT&T, which I have) has good reception in your home. And if CDMA (Red Pocket on VZ) provides the same speed you're used to on VZ postpaid.
V30 remains an awesome phone for the price, but newer models may be more compatible as the carriers switch over their networks.
For what you're currently paying at VZ, you could buy another V30 every month
You might want to see if the old hack to disable the subscription check works on the VZW rom.
* Open "build.prop" in the system folder.
* Look for or add at the bottom
net.tethering.noprovisioning=true
* Reboot and see if you can enable hotspot/tether without a subscription check.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have tried the build.prop edit on VS99630b with no luck. I know another user @schwinn8 has had success with this trick on Oreo 20k I believe. It's looking more and more like I'm just going to give up my plan for a cheaper one. My wife and I are saving for a house and every little bit would help! Unfortunately where I live (rural Montana) Verizon is far and wide the best carrier to go through due to their coverage so looks like I'm stuck with them for now!
I may try going back to 20k and see if the build prop trick works on it because I'll hate myself if I don't at least try
kfa670 said:
Unfortunately where I live (rural Montana) Verizon is far and wide the best carrier to go through due to their coverage so looks like I'm stuck with them for now!
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You're NOT stuck with Verizon as far as your plan, even if they have the only network where you live. One of the points I was trying to make is that most of Red Pocket's plans are available on any of the four big networks, including Verizon.
So you could get a $60 Unlimited Everything plan using the same network you now have. That's $90 saved every month. Or you may be able to save more if you don't need 30-40GB every month, by combining a lower allotment cell plan with a Data Only plan for your WiFi/tethering needs.
If you're willing to lock in a rate for 12 months, there are annual plans which provide further savings. They're often on sale if you have patience to watch them for a while.
Really, I'm not a salesman for these guys, just a user on a low budget. My wife too
As I mentioned, TW is the winner for me - uses VZ towers and is low cost (my wife and I have unlimited calling, and 30GB "fast" data (after that it's like 1x speed or something, so it's technically unlimited, but useless at those speeds). We don't use that much, and we pay about $60 for our two lines.
As for the build.prop change, interestingly enough, I tried running hotspot on my wife's phone, and it just worked... I checked her build.prop and she does NOT have the noprovision in there anywhere. As I mentioned in PM, I didn't have it before, and when I tried to use hotspot it originally told me I had to activate that... clearly that is no longer the case. (TW allows tethering now, but they didn't originally).
Like others suggest, I say switch carriers and be happy - you'll be on VZ towers, and save cost. And not have to deal with the liars at VZ (who will likely tell you your V30 can't be used on their network, even though it can). Win-win.
Thanks again for the input. I guess ive never really researched any providers outside verizon but i know for a fact that ATT doesnt work well here but obviously we are talking other carriers that use VZ towers. Will start looking into this...
I agree verizon is a bunch of crooks.
I am now currently using the V30 with Micromods debloated VS996 pie Rom. No hot spot of course but everything is working butter smooth. Its so much faster than the Turbo its laughable but hey, that old girl gave me 5 years of solid service!
Has anyone ever tried the A.I.S ir A.I.X roms ? Where does a guy even download or acquire these? I did some brief searching but couldnt find but a few references to Telegram, which I joined and briefly tried to find where to download either one but I'm fairly tech incompetent and ran out of time... Would A.I.X be worth looking into and where would i find it?
kfa670 said:
I am now currently using the V30 with Micromods debloated VS996 pie Rom. No hot spot of course but everything is working butter smooth. Its so much faster than the Turbo its laughable but hey, that old girl gave me 5 years of solid service!
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I LOVED the 2014 Moto Quark. Droid Turbo was the Verizon variant, but I had three of the "international" Moto Maxx (also sold as Moto Turbo) XT1225 which had more LTE bands (including all of AT&T's LTE bands), no CDMA bands, and all had 64GB internal memory. Some of the Verizon Droid Turbo XT1254 had 64GB, but most people in 2014 bought the 32GB version from Verizon.
Used it daily for 3 years before I got the V30. I researched for a year to find a worthy replacement and the 2017 V30 (especially the 128GB V30+) seemed to be the spiritual successor to the Moto Quark (Droid Turbo, Moto Maxx, Moto Turbo). The V30 Joan series is something the Motorola of 2014 would have made if they hadn't been sold to and cannibalized by Lenovo.
kfa670 said:
Thanks again for the input. I guess ive never really researched any providers outside verizon but i know for a fact that ATT doesnt work well here but obviously we are talking other carriers that use VZ towers. Will start looking into this...
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Right. You would still be using Verizon while not directly paying Verizon.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) use the major carriers towers but offer their own branded service. They are paying AT&T, Verizon, T-mobile (and now Sprint) wholesale prices, then packaging it for you. Some are carrier specific -- like T-mobile or Verizon only. Others use all 4 (now 3) major carriers.
All are not alike.
Some MVNOs try to hide the underlying carrier, as if it makes no difference (but it does, due to geographical differences). 2 years ago my mother's Net10 flip phone stopped receiving texts. (Don't freak, I know it was her phone not the service.) But rather than replace the phone, their customer service script entailed sending a new SIM card. OK... But I told them, it HAS to be an AT&T tower SIM card like she has now. They sent a T-mobile SIM card. She can't get T-mobile where she lives. Then, their replacement to the replacement never arrived. Tired of Net10's crap, I gave her one of my spare US998 V30 phones, and put her on my AT&T Prepaid account. (Lot less money than "regular" AT&T postpaid, if you already own your phone. It seems to be a well-kept secret. Just stay away from AT&T Prepaid "unlimited" plans. Explained below.)
My point, which I almost buried, is there are good MVNOs and bad ones. Some of the bad ones don't tell you clearly WHICH major carrier you are using. The good ones do and let you choose. Some that use Verizon towers may make you use Verizon branded phones (with Verizon IMEI) if you get their "Verizon" SIM card. Others don't care and will let you use Verizon as long as your phone is compatible. Like say, a Sprint LS998 V30+ Frankensteined to a US998. Or LS998 V30+ Frankensteined to a VS996.
If you have a native VS996 V30, then that requisite won't matter. But many Verizon customers bought LS998 V30+ (128GB) and converted them to US998 or bought them off eBay already converted to US998. (Those will never have Verizon-eligible IMEI.) BUT with an already-activated Verizon SIM card -- like switched over from Droid Turbo -- until now that didn't matter. :silly: (I am not sure whether your current phone is native VS996 or one just flashed to VS996 firmware?)
Since Verizon 3G CDMA is shutting down, those people are facing a choice by end of 2020:
* Run stock VS996 firmware on their non-Verizon branded V30 to get VoLTE with their Verizon SIM cards.
OR
* go to an "Verizon" MVNO which will still give them both Verizon service and VoLTE, especially if the "Verizon" MVNO allows non-Verizon branded phones.
OR
* go to another major carrier or carrier MVNO if geography allows.
Total Wireless recommended by @schwinn8 for example allows carrier unlocked phones for their Verizon SIM card and some plans have hotspot.
REVIEW (05/2020)- Total Wireless Review: Cheap Cell Phone Plans on Verizon’s Network
https://clark.com/technology/total-wireless-review/
Plans and Pricing
Total Wireless recently added an “unlimited plan” that provides 25GB of high-speed data for $50 a month.
This budget carrier also offers a number of single and family data plans. I chose the unlimited talk, text and 5GB of data plan that costs $35 a month or $33.20 with auto-refill, plus taxes and fees.
One of the volunteers at Team Clark’s Consumer Action Center made the switch from Verizon to Total Wireless. He told me that he lowered his bill for two lines of service from $130 to $60 a month — an annual savings of $840!
For those who use Wi-Fi at home and work, the 5GB data plan is probably the best choice. Customers can also buy 5GB of add-on data for $10 that rolls over from month-to-month.
All Total Wireless plans include unlimited talk and text, and some plans now support mobile hotspot.
Total Wireless supports Wi-Fi Calling on some devices, but my carrier unlocked Moto G6 didn’t allow me to test this feature.
However, I was able to try its Enhanced 4G LTE Mode, which appears to be another name for VoLTE (Voice over LTE). Once enabled, I could talk on the phone and use data at the same time.
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RedPocket recommended by @TheDannemand is an excellent MVNO for AT&T (using the GSMA SIM card. The A means AT&T). Great "annual plans" for Red Pocket -- for ALL MAJOR CARRIERS -- on ebay. See this note about VoLTE on Red Pocket "Verizon". ("CDMA SIM" is their code word for "Verizon".)
Q: Is this change limited to Red Pocket Mobile?
A: No. This change effects all MVNOs using the same underlying carrier as the Red Pocket CDMA network (i.e. Verizon).
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So, seems like this will affect all "Verizon" MVNOs?
AT&T Prepaid (sold and serviced in AT&T stores) is another excellent source for AT&T. The only caveat is their "unlimited" plans are capped to lower LTE speeds, while their 8GB plan and lower is completely uncapped (70 - 90 Mbps).
kfa670 said:
Has anyone ever tried the A.I.S ir A.I.X roms ? Where does a guy even download or acquire these? I did some brief searching but couldnt find but a few references to Telegram, which I joined and briefly tried to find where to download either one but I'm fairly tech incompetent and ran out of time... Would A.I.X be worth looking into and where would i find it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A.I.X. -- based on stock LG V30 Pie -- is found on the V30 Telegram thread. It's like stock on steroids. A.I.S. was the Oreo based version. You have to ask for permission to access the specific A.I.X. thread, maintained by the dev. You have to follow the installation instructions completely. To be honest, it's not for beginners. For instance, he replaces Google Play app with a modified one and as a result you can't accept Google Play app updates until he makes a newer one. If you have any problems with the ROM, don't complain. Make sure you've read all the documentation. If you complain, the dev will ban you.
A few things I would add about Red Pocket:
1) They are not ALLOWED to name the carriers whose networks they use. I presume because the carriers consider their brands so precious, they don't want MVNOs to use them in their marketing (as in "we provide service on the Verizon network").
2) While they are indeed pretty great on AT&T (GSMA) I think their T-Mobile service (GSMT) is an even better choice for US998 users as the phone fully and easily supports VoLTE and VoWiFi (WiFi Calling) on the TMO network, with proper Network settings menus and all. On GSMA (and I presume other networks too) you have to rely on the hidden menu to configure it. Unfortunately T-Mobile has become more protective of their service and is currently not available on all Red Pocket plans.
3) I can confirm what ChazzMatt posted that you need a Verizon IMEI to activate Verizon service on Red Pocket (CDMA). I tried a few months ago to switch my plan from GSMA to CDMA using my US998 (converted from LS998) but the system refused based on the IMEI. The agent quietly confirmed that I would need to activate on a VZW phone, then move the SIM over. I wish I had made that switch last year before before their policy changed, but back then I had H932, which doesn't support CDMA. While AT&T has decent reception in my home (better than TMO) it is not as good as it was two years ago. I would expect VZW to be better.
4) When I first got my US998 early this year, I checked its IMEI on their website, and it was compatible with GSMA (AT&T), GSMT (TMO) and CDMAS (Sprint). The Device Compatibility Check is no longer on their website, so I cannot confirm it now.
5) You can switch between the different carriers available on your plan, as long as your phone supports it. You do this through their Customer Service Chat, preferably on the last day of the plan month, since you lose the remaining days of that month. You need an unused SIM card for the carrier you want to switch to. If you don't have one from a starter kit, you'll have to order it from their website ($5 free shipping). Note that old SIM cards can NOT be re-used, so if you need to switch back, make sure you have an unused SIM card.
6) VoLTE is officially provided on all networks. See this. VoWiFi (WiFi Calling) is officially provided on GSMA (AT&T), GSMT (TMO) and CDMAS (Sprint), but NOT CDMA (Verizon). See this. Of course it has to be supported by the phone on the chosen network, but Red Pocket does NOT restrict access to these features. You simply ask them to enable them on your account. GSMA (AT&T) VoLTE works on my US998, but NOT on my wife's H932 (at least not easily). I have not been able to make VoWiFi work on US998 ROM, but it DOES work when flashing H931 ROM on the same phone. Others have confirmed that both VoLTE and VoWiFi work with US998 on TMO. I would definitely try a switch to CDMA (Red Pocket Verizon) with my US998 if I had a VZW IMEI on which to activate. It might work right out of the box (again, since Red Pocket DOES provide it). Otherwise I have enough experience now messing with IMS settings that I think I might be able to make it work.
7) Tethering with US998 works on GSMA by adding "dun" to the APN type. Others have confirmed that it works on genuine Verizon, and we can assume it will work on CDMA, CDMAS and GSMT as well.
8) One benefit I haven't mentioned in previous posts is that international calling is not only supported but FREE on all their plans: As long as you have minutes, you can call most of the world on those minutes at no extra cost. OTOH, sending international SMS has always been unreliable, for some reason.
9) Starting earlier this year Red Pocket began pushing iPhone sales, and downplaying BYOD, which I find annoying. I wonder if the carriers are squeezing them and they're looking for alternate revenue sources.
Alright, there's my Red Pocket write-up. All I can think of
I am on Verizon 's unlimited data plan with my v30 vs996 Frankensteined to us998. So, I will have to permanently go to the vs996 at the end of the year, as you are. Right now we (my wife and I) use her phone as our hot spot paid thru Verizon. We do not have a router for internet services. We pay Verizon for that service. When we first subscribed to it, it was $10.00 a month (not sure what it is now). We also use my phone as a Hotspot for free until the end of the year. I will then check to see if I can subscribe my phone as a hot spot, too, hopefully for the $10.0 per month.
My unlimited plan is thru a business/government plan, though. I don't know if that is why we pay only $10/month or not.
It would be nice if we could keep it the way it is now, but it doesn't appear so.
gimpy1 said:
I am on Verizon 's unlimited data plan with my v30 vs996 Frankensteined to us998. So, I will have to permanently go to the vs996 at the end of the year, as you are. Right now we (my wife and I) use her phone as our hot spot paid thru Verizon. We do not have a router for internet services. We pay Verizon for that service. When we first subscribed to it, it was $10.00 a month (not sure what it is now). We also use my phone as a Hotspot for free until the end of the year. I will then check to see if I can subscribe my phone as a hot spot, too, hopefully for the $10.0 per month.
My unlimited plan is thru a business/government plan, though. I don't know if that is why we pay only $10/month or not.
It would be nice if we could keep it the way it is now, but it doesn't appear so.
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If you have "genuine" Verizon with official hotspot, couldn't you just use the VS996 ROM and stay that way? It should give you VoLTE, WiFi Calling (I presume), and official hotspot. Something I am missing here?
Yes, I guess I could. But, it does not give me the hot spot at no cost. There is a charge for using the hot spot. ($10.00 last I looked). My wife's phone is an iPhone. Her phone does have the official Hotspot from Verizon at a cost of $10.00 per month. I have not checked the pricing, etc., in a couple of years, but my options at the time were:
1. get my internet thru another carrier at a cost, using a router (I originally had internet thru Qwest-, but, had problems with them and their support, which upset me - - another story, so discontinued them and went totally with Verizon).
2. get Verizon's hot spot device at a cost of $40 per month + a charge for the device itself ($200.00 + it seems?).
3. Use either my phone and/or my wife's phone as the hot spot. ($10.00 per month per phone).
We went with option 3. Use my wife's phone as a hot spot. That way, she always has the option to take/use it anywhere with her iPhone. I also have that option on us998 at no cost.
There are pros and cons with this option, but it's the least expensive for me right now. I do have 4 lines on my plan and pay over $240. a month for my plan.
I do not know how Verizon will work when it changes. I suppose I can have my phone as a hot spot as along with my wife's for the same charge, but have not checked. Or not. But, then if she travels and I stay home, I would be unable to connect another device to the internet (new computer or iPad).
Again, I am on a business/government plan. Which does have its perks.
Sorry for the long winded post.
I understand now. That bit about $240/month was the missing context :laugh:
Why not get a hotspot device from Verizon for $40/month to provide WiFi for the house, then get MUCH cheaper plans on Total Wireless or Red Pocket for the four phones, including only the allotments you actually need. Unless you need Unlimited Everything on all four lines, you'll still save money AND have the convenience of permanent WiFi.
Edit: Of course for the WiFi you could also get a Data Only plan on Red Pocket or TW, using a US998 or other device for the tethering.
Well, I've been on this plan for a few years now. I'm not real sure how that would work, since we have the government account. I just haven't checked. That would also affect the two other lines (not at home here).
Except for on here, I have never heard of the Red Pocket option.
And, last, but not least, I have to have the OK of my wife :>(=). She already does not trust me and my "hacked" phone. She won't let me touch our brand new computer, yet. I want to "clean" it up. (do away with bloat and advertisements, etc.).
So....
I will check into it, but, everything has to be cleared (for Verizon's part) thru our government contract person.
Anyway, I'm sorry, did not mean to hijack the thread from the OP. I thought he might check the option of using his phone as a hotspot for a minimal charge?
gimpy1 said:
And, last, but not least, I have to have the OK of my wife :>(=). She already does not trust me and my "hacked" phone.
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Ha!
As you know, your "hacked" phone gives you free hotspot (at least for now).
With my wife, it's when it's something she needs. Then she asks for my help. "I know you can figure it how to do this..."
Until then she pretends my hobbies are a waste of time.
VoLTE should work on Verizon if you have the US998...
jptV30 said:
VoLTE should work on Verizon if you have the US998...
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Click to collapse
VoLTE works for T-Mobile on US998. No one has been able to do it on Verizon with a US998 V30 that was not originally a Verizon branded VS996. Have you?
ChazzMatt said:
VoLTE works for T-Mobile on US998. No one has been able to do it on Verizon with a US998 V30 that was not originally a Verizon branded VS996. Have you?
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I am on a Verizon MVNO and VoLTE has been working on my US998. I have read others who are direct Verizon customers saying the same thing. Just to be clear, I am talking about a true US998 and not a phone crossflashed to US998...
jptV30 said:
I am on a Verizon MVNO and VoLTE has been working on my US998. I have read others who are direct Verizon customers saying the same thing. Just to be clear, I am talking about a true US998 and not a phone crossflashed to US998...
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Interesting.
Yes, direct Verizon customer on native US998 and still on US998 firmware is what we're talking about.
I plan to keep updating this XDA forum thread with what I find out about this problem, potential solutions, and hopefully what solves it. Hopefully this will be useful to those with the same or similar problem.
Please excuse typos...
The Solution
The reality is, prevention is the best solution here, do a bunch of research to make sure you don't encounter this problem. Read the rest of the post to better understand.
Original
Thank you in advance for reading this and helping me. (I also posted this in r/LGG8X, and am posting it here because some people don't have accounts with both. The more people that see it, the better, if by chance someone has ideas, wants to help, and has time to post the ideas)
It seems like a lot of people are having this issue, so maybe someone might have an idea.
I bought this phone to replace my Xiaomi Mi 9 (which was on the fritz, turning itself off randomly), about 1.5 weeks ago. I did my research and reasonably concluded that this phone has LTE band 12 and VoLTE; also it would be foolish of LG to not to have that. I could not find the VoLTE or Wifi Calling switches anywhere in the settings app, or in the phone app. I then dialed " *#*#4636#*#* " which opened up the "Testing Settings" (as usual). I click on the "Phone Information" tab, scroll down and find both the VoLTE and Wifi Calling switches, which are, to my dismay, greyed out.
I called Ting and they said, (after getting the IMEI), that this doesn't have LTE band 12, therefore no VoLTE. That confused me, because like I said, my research before buying had already concluded that it has band 12. The Ting rep said that's all he could do for me, so we ended the call. I did another 30 mins of research, again concluded it has band 12 with VoLTE. I also called LG themselves, and the rep there confirmed that this phone has band 12 with VoLTE, they also said "we would be more than happy to verify that the phone works with you carrier through phone conferencing". I asked the rep about about the previously mentioned VoLTE and Wifi Calling switches being greyed out, and they said that's because the phone has those 2 capabilities, but the carrier has to enable them.
I really love this phone, especially in comparison to the Mi 9 (even tho the Mi 9 is a good phone). I love the software better (even with the weird quirks that it has), and the value proposition is quite good. I really don't want to have to get a 3rd new phone in one year. If anyone has any ideas/help that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
[Edit]: P.S. I think this is partly a problem with LG, and partly with the carriers. I suspect that LG messed up with the IMEI/etc and other important identifiers as to what the device is, what exact version (i.e. LM-G850UM, etc) of a particular model (i.e. LG G8X Thinq Dual Screen, etc). This leads to the cell carrier's infrastructure seeing this phone as incompatible (doesn't see LTE Band 12, when it really is. The cell carriers, (from my own experience with 2 Ting Reps, and from what others have said on other forum threads), can't or won't solve this problem, even tho it may be solvable. From what I have seen on other forums, some got it solved by the cell carrier entering codes on the phone and doing something on their side. If LG and the all the networks would talk to each about this problem and get it solved if possible that would be awesome...
Update - 11/04/2020:
It seems I unintentionally bought a G8X with the Canadian rom LMG850UM20e. I am doubtful, but is the hardware the same or similar enough to flash the USA unlocked rom LMG850QM? Or is there something else I can do to make the Ting network allow VoLTE? As far as I can tell, the Canadian model still supports VoLTE LTE Band 12, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Update - 11/05/2020:
Ting says that my phone has LTE Band 12 and therefore VoLTE, but that will only work on ATT. A bit confusing because (like I said) the particular rom on my phone is Canadian (LMG850UM20e), so why ATT? The explanation for that, it seems is that ATT, (and Sprint), and the unlocked Canadian version have the same sub-model: LMG850UM. The USA unlocked version has a different sub-model (LMG850QM), the rest of the world has yet another sub-model (LMQ850EMW). There are around 15 different versions it seems; see this reddit post on the different models: (can't post the link yet) title: "Hey G8X owner, what is the submodel number and regional code of your unit? And where did you buy it from? I am trying to complete this list, also relating to timing of security updates and Android 10 release." posted in r/LG G8X
It seems like all the versions (LMG850......) have the same hardware, the only difference are the roms, which seem artificially disable certain capabilities of the phone. I am pretty sure my phone would do VoLTE just fine on Ting (or most other carriers). The thing wrong here, I think, is that the IMEI and other specific identifiers of the phone artificially show that the phone does not have the functionality, so the networks don't enable it. It also seems like LG made an agreement or something with ATT as well as Sprint (separately), to release carrier-specific version (as most brands seem to do), and that the phone would fully work on their respective networks and MVNOs, at least the versions in the LMG850UM sub model group, and the USA unlocked sub-model group. LG and T-Mobile seem to have come to no such *official* agreement, unfortunately. I am wondering any of the versions work with T-Mobile and it's MVNOs out of the box, some *modifications* may have to be done in order to get it working on TM towers. There may also be unintentional bugs in some or all roms that are possibly causing, or more likely, adding on to the problem.
Obviously, I am still trying to find my around this problem. I'm considering flashing a USA unlocked rom (LMG850QM sub-model), though not sure if that's possible, or if it'll change what the IMEI and the other specific identifiers tell the cell carrier about compatibility. I also wonder if carriers have the ability to override the artificial restrictions. There is also one report of T-Mobile supposedly fixing the same/similar problem with Sprint for a customer, see u/Veshtarii's comments on this reddit post: (can't post link yet) title: "LG G8X unlocked models having issues with US carriers." Posted in r/LGG8X. Another reddit user used a cheap Tracfone sim card to make his phone work on T-Mobile: (can't post link yet) title: "Tutorial: How to Update eBay Unlocked ATT / AT&T LG G8x" Posted in r/LGG8X. I am unsure if he also has VoLTE working.
Update - 11/06/2020
I'm done with this... It is pretty much impossible. I commented on the "Tutorial: How to Update eBay Unlocked ATT / AT&T LG G8x" post, and the OP responded and said he can't get VoLTE working, even with doing that update. The only thing that could possibly work, is flashing the USA unlocked sub-model onto it. However I probably don't know enough to do it right, but the bigger reason is that it'll probably brick it. I've realized, and should realized when I was doing the research for a new phone, that ATT and TMO's VoLTE/Wifi Calling work differently. They both use propriety coding, which they license to each brand to use in the models they both come to agreement on, and a similar agreement with each MVNO under their towers. LG and TMO seem to have made no such agreement for the G8X, therefore in all practicality, no G8X will work on any of their towers. Also, I called H2O Wireless just to see if my phone works with them, but they said my IMEI is not compatible; so I'm not the Canadian model that I have works in the US at all, that makes me think that not even the versions inside each sub-model aren't even compatible with each other. There is that one situation I mentioned, where the person who was having problems with Sprint before the merger, took it to TMO after the merger and the TMO tech fixed it for him. But I think he must've been having a different problem, because his phone is probably still technically running on Sprint towers. Sprint made the agreement with LG, so VoLTE would work in that instance. Flashing is practically not a solution for most people.
I should've done more research than I did before buying the phone. That is the moral of this story; make sure you do all your "homework" before buying any phone anywhere but the shop of the carrier you are using (or plan to use). That leads me to my number one complaint with phone brands and especially cell carriers as whole: they make it incredibly annoying, often difficult, and confusing to find a compatible phone that isn't on the carrier store. And the problem with that is that everything in any carriers' stores is everything is stupidly overpriced, and then they get you hooked with pricey deals you don't want. If you're reading this, you're most likely like me, you know better than to spend more than you have to on a phone and plan in the carrier store, you know (or at least kinda know) how to get past that. I get that cell carriers want to make money, but I tell you, this is too far. Anyways, the point is, there is no immediate solution, in other words, your only worthwhile solution is prevention, doing a bunch of research. I'm done with this... I'm returning this phone and getting the vanilla G8...
I have the LMG850QM. It has no VOLTE icons while in call even if on band 12. It uses HD+ and that will be shown in dialer during call. Internet does work while in call so believe that it is working. The switches are on like yours but greyed out. Wi-fi calling does work. By turning on airplane mode and then turning back on wifi the dialer will show that calls are being made over Wifi. The OnePlus 6T has VoWifi icons in status bar and this phone doesn't. I will say that this phone gets service in buildings where neither of my 6t's would have service.
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.