unlocked devices 101

[zigzag03]

Forgive what will seem like a silly question, but could someone explain or refer me to an explanation of what to do with an unlocked device? I'm looking at an unlocked tablet and wondering what verizon is going to think if I want to get it onto their network. Thanks and a very happy holiday to all, zz03

 

[paperwastage]

A) your device must support Verizon's lte network bands. Verizon uses bands 13,4 and 2(2 isn't that widely deployed by Verizon). Forget about getting CDMA support

Most devices skip band 13 support cause very few networks use 13

B) Verizon won't activate or support your device. You could always get a preactivated sim card(use another lte tablet to activate it), insert sim to device, and it should work.

If there are any network issues, Verizon will claim they can't help you at all

If you get a recent unlocked apple tablet, its fine(almost all apple tablets are accepted officially on Verizon's network)

 

[Artdeco]

Verizon has been the absolute worst dealing with getting an unlocked tablet activated for me. I sold an iPad (they're all unlocked) on swappa, and they made the buyer's life miserable activating it. I ended up intervening directly with the tech several states away, told them there was no reason to not activate it, and by the way, why the hell did Verizon allow me to activate it several states away for a year?

If the tech will work with you, they can just use a demo tablet in the store to activate the SIM card, but only if they're willing to do their damn job. Verizon wants the IMEI in their database to activate.

 

[Olivas]

Can't seem to find the exact same thing on Verizon's site, but both Tmobile and AT&T have pay as you go data plans you can use with tablets. You simply order a SIM off their site (cheap generally in the $5 range, but often on sale for little to no cost), and activate it online once you receive it. Pay for it when you want use, pay this month, skip the next 2, pay and use the next.

Done this a Tab S for AT&T and iPad Air 2 for TM, no problems with either.

 

[zigzag03]

Thank you all. Can you tell me what happens with a device like this in regards to text messaging or other phone related subjects? Would the texts coming to my phone also potentially come to the tablet or is the mobile connection simply to allow streaming or email when wi-fi is not an option? The unit I wanted was a refurb LG kitkat for $65 and is lte compatible or so it says.

 

[Olivas]

Yes, mobile cellular connection is only to provide data services when not connected to wifi.

SMS/MMS text messages would only go to your phone, however if using something like Google hangouts and signed in with your account on both device, then yes would receive message on both.

 

[zigzag03]

Thanks Olivas

 

[Artdeco]

You can use What's App, Google Voice, Skype, or any of a number of messaging apps on it. One of the perks of iMessage is you can use an iPad or iPod Touch with it.

 

[paperwastage]

Verizon has a messaging app that mirrors your actual text messages and allows you to send (uses your phone number)

Not on Verizon, never used it, dunno if it can be installed on nonverizon devices. Search for "Verizon messages" on the play store



What's the lg device model number? Doubt it has bands 13

(think you're looking at LG G Pad V410 AT&T)

 

[zigzag03]

yes sir you are correct it is indeed the v410

 

[paperwastage]

yes sir you are correct it is indeed the v410

UMTS 850/1900/2100, LTE Bands 2, 4, 5, 17, and CA*

no band 13... only 2+4+5+17

https://fccid.io/document.php?id=2306473



you really don't want to open the wormhole of getting a non-verizon tablet on verizon....

 

[zigzag03]

Thanks PW this is principally for the wife to use at the kitchen counter instead of squinting at her phone to read email. I'll have to figure a way to move her texts over to it in a timely fashion and if I can do that she'll get some good use out of it.