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Unlocked Note 20 Ultra no 5G option

dejanl

Hi,

I ordered the unlocked Galaxy Note 20 Ultra directly from Samsung. Before this phone, I had Galaxy Note 10+ 5G. On the old phone, in the network settings, I had an option with 5G/LTE/HSPA/GSM and I was able to connect to 5G network (where available). On the new phone, I do not have an option with 5G at all. Do I need to get a new SIM card or activate a new phone so that I can get this option?

Comments

Verizon_Support

Thank you for getting in touch with us! We want to make sure your phone is working as it should. What cellular plan do you have with us? Different plans offer different options. Is your new phone up to date on the latest software?

Tabitha_VZW

dejanl

This phone line is on Get More Unlimited 5G UW. The phone has received updated last week from Samsung. This being an unlocked phone, I didn't receive any updates from Verizon.

TMichaelU28

I'm in the same boat. We need the update from Samsung to activate Verizon's new 5G signals.

TMichaelU28

I just talked to Samsung. It's being produced now. They said by the end of Oct 2020, we should be getting the update to enable the Verizon 5G just released.

Verizon_Support

I hope you get the update soon TMichaelU28. I'm sorry we don't have a date for the unlocked version. I hope this is an option soon.

JoeL_VZW

xldaverx

then question is when will the unlocked note 20 ultra get the 5G update. ????

realtor_nancy

I chatted with Samsung tech support today and that person assured me we would get the update for the unlocked note 20 ultra's. Said they were done in batches by IMEI numbers and could not give timeline, but assured me I would definitely get it on my unlocked phone.

Verizon_Support

xldaverx, I know how important software updates are to your phone. Our goal is to make sure you device stays up to date and performs optimally. However, please keep in mind that we are not the software developer and that the manufacturers send us the updates for the devices. The link below provides details about the most current software update for that device. Does this help?

http://spr.ly/6604G7Mrn

dejanl

That page provides information for Verizon version on Note 20 Ultra, not for unlocked version.

Verizon_Support

Where are you attempting to use your device? Also what is the current software that you have?

dejanl

Fallow this guide if you want to enable nationwide 5G on unlocked Note 20 Ultra:

Service Mode Guide

Access Service Mode

To access service mode screen, first download the Google Phone App from the Play Store (Phone by Google-Caller ID & Spam Protection is the official Play Store Name)

After installing the phone app, open it up and select set as default *Note* You will only need the Google phone app to access service mode-Once all the changes are made you can keep using it or change back to what you were using*

Another pop-up will show and select the Phone (blue icon) and set as default. Go to the dial pad icon in the bottom right corner and dial the following:

*#*#27663368378#*#*
When you dial the last * in the string above, the service mode menu will automatically show. YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO HIT THE CALL ICON BUTTON TO MAKE A CALL AT ANY POINT.

Enable all LTE and 5G Bands
*NOTE* Remember whenever navigating through the menus that the android back button on your device will automatically exit you back to the dialer. To go back, you must use the 3 dots menu at the top and select Back.

To enable all the LTE Bands go to:
1-Option 2-UE Setting and Info
2-Option 1-Setting
3-Option 2-System
4-Option 9-Next Page
5-Option 9-Next Page
6-Option 9-Next Page
7-Option 9-Next Page
8-Option 1-Set LTE Band Config
9-Option 1-Set Default LTE Band

This should enable all the LTE Bands for the country that the firmware installed is from and the available roaming bands that are set in the firmware.

For the 5G Bands go back (using the 3 dots in the top) until you see UE setting menu and the 2 options for Protocol and System then:
1-Option 1-Protocol
2-Option 9-NR5G
4-Option 3-NR5G Prune Status
Here you will see a [1] Remove NR5G PRUNE option as the last line. Select that option. If you visit this menu later, it will show a * next to NR5G PRUNE is Removed and the option will change to [1] Restore NR5G PRUNE, in case you want to go back.

Enable DSS

Now that all the bands are enabled, you have to enable the DSS setting. Get back to UE SETTING MENU with Protocol and System options and:
1-Option 1-Protocol
2-Option 1-AS
3-Option 9-Next Page
4-Option 9-Next Page
5-Option 2-NR DSS CONTROL
6-Option 1-NR DSS ENABLE

Just reboot the phone after this and this should be all that is needed to enable all LTE and 5G Bands and DSS!

I found this on XDA forum. It works, I just did it on my Note 20 Ultra.

CLanford

Thank you for this, dejanl!!! I just encountered the same problem on my unlocked Note20 Ultra and this procedure worked.

However, my phone is now showing that it's connected to 5G but speed tests are displaying 4G speeds. I have a 5 bar connection, and am living in the Charlotte, NC area where I know there is good 5G.

Any ideas why?

Sly83

Thanks dejanl for the info. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to look on XDA. I filled the steps and they worked perfectly. Its kinda weird that buying an unlocked phone gets you the second rate treatment .

tzabludowski

Hi I did these steps but I feel like it actually slowed down my data is that possible? Also how do I put it back to the original settings?

Blitzrn69

Did anybody resolve this problem? I dont have 5g as well. I have a 5g plan. Are still waiting for software update to unlock 5g or we are stuck without 5g.

dejanl

I posted instructions on how to get 5G working on unlocked Note 20 Ultra. It works for me without any issues.

G1031L

Search XDA... that method works flawlessly

Verizon_Support

I can understand your concerns 5G on your unlocked device. To clarify, was this purchased from Samsung directly? Are you in a 5G area? You can check here https://www.verizon.com/coverage-map/. - AlbertoR_VZW

Verizon_Support

Thank you for sharing that info. However, we want to ensure that other customers are able to activate their unlocked Note 20 Ultra on the Verizon network. We encourage them to first check the Device ID/IMEI numbers on our "Bring Your Own Phone or Device" website to see if it's compatible with our network at http://spr.ly/6603HB9s3. Verizon will provide new SIM Cards for non-Verizon devices (That are SIM Card compatible) when activating non-Verizon devices on our network. - RobertC_VZW

tzabludowski

Of course its compatible we are all using it right now on verizon?!!!

CLanford

Hi Verizon reps,

Yes I've checked the IMEI Sim Card compatibility via your site and on the phone directly with a Verizon rep. Both said it's all compatible and that I wouldn't need a new one. It was actually a sim card I swapped from my last Verizon locked Samsung Galaxy S8 and had no troubles getting on the network with this phone and that SIM. I mentioned getting a new SIM card to maybe help with 5G and the Verizon rep repeatedly told me that it would not be necessary. @vzw_customer_support
are you saying I indeed do need a new SIM to improve my 5G performance?

As stated before, I live in downtown Charlotte, NC where there is plenty of 5G. On the ultra wideband the 5G is really fast as expected. But that's a very small area and while 5G is showing up in many other areas, speed tests are in most cases pretty lackluster

JOHHAR19

I have Note 20 Ultra 5g unlocked from Samsung have had 5hrs of Conversations with both Samsung and Verizon with no positive results. Received this from Verizon yesterday.

Free Verizon Msg: Your ticket, (NRB000010350719), is assigned and being worked. Thank you for your patience. Next update within 48hrs.. I was assigned a Tech 3 support person 2 weeks ago and they have not accomplished anything in the way of a Fix so myself and 100's of Thousands of other Unlocked Note 20 owners can Benefit from Verizon 5G services as Advertised. This is a Very Bad Situation for Verizon as they have known about this problem at the Latest October 14th when I brought this to their Attention . Samsung in 2 Conference Calls with Verizon and myself explained to Verizon that this is a Verizon Problem not Samsung.

cb1vzw

Reply to JOHHAR19...Congrats johhar19...you made it to tier 3 tech and were able to open a ticket...after speaking with tier 2, I was told there was nothing left to do but try to exchange phone which we know is not the problem and of course I would have to go through weeks of more chatting and talking...basically starting this process all over again...please keep us posted on your update...thank you...cb1vzw

Verizon_Support

We know how important it is to get the services functioning on your device and we want to do everything we can to ensure that this happens. Please allow us the opportunity to delve into this, so we can get a resolution. Can you please send us a Private Message?

Verizon_Support

You shouldn't have any unanswered concerns. Are there any questions I can help address today? VCarter_VZW

Kyle25x1

This December 16th still no update from samsung or Verizon, I'm ready to drop both !

Bobsacto

A moderator of the Samsung-sponsored beta forum for the 3.0 UI/Android 11 update said that the release of the stable version for the unlocked phones is targeted for release next week. This is the software that besides everything else switches on low-band 5G service for Verizon. Hopefully that will hold true. But don't get too excited. Apparently for many 5G isn't an improvement for some worse. For me, where I live, the difference is seeing 5G in the notification bar and that's it.

HDH1

Just so everyone know, I just received the update to Android 11 and One UI 3.0 on my unlocked Galaxy note 20 ultra. Yes it does have 5g icon popping up on occasion when there is a suppose 5g signal. However in the setting, connection, mobile network, there is no option to toggle between 4g lte and 5g. It is still the same "Global LTE/CDMA LTE/GSM/UMTS/. Be mindful that 5g may not be as fast as 4g lte. In fact, for me, it is a lot slower.

Ray_cinco

Finally! 5g on my unlocked note 20 ultra 512gb. Latest software update on Android 11.

RAYSIM52

My unlocked galaxy note20 ultra 5g received the software update this morning for Android 11.

Initially when the update was complete, the 5G symbol appeared. In my area LTE+ is faster then the 5G network. I went into settings, mobile networks and network mode and the only settings to choose from are Global, LTE/CDMA and LTE/GSM/UMTS. The setting was on Global and I selected LTE/CDMA and now the phone goes to the 5G network, not the LTE/CDMA network! I reselected Global and now the phone shows LTE+. I hope it doesn't switch back to the 5G network!

RAYSIM52

Update - now It switched back to 5g! Has anyone found away to keep it on LTE/CDMA?

I gues I will be calling samsung support!

Bobsacto

As currently implemented no there is no way to force 4G on this phone. I don't know if this was a Verizon decision or not. Many have had the same desire to go back as you. Fortunately I haven't experienced a slowdown or connectivity issue with 5G. Good luck.

WhiskeyNeat501

I have the same issue with data speeds. I use QuickShortcutMaker to search for my network settings and force LTE only. It's really simple and will probably save some headaches until V gets on the ball for those "blazing fast 5G speeds."

Verizon_Support

I can understand how certain areas work better than others, Raysim52.I understand that you changed these settings. Let me know if you have any issues so we can help. AmberF_VZW

RAYSIM52

The issue is that the VZW Android 5G phone customers want the same functionality as the VZW iPhone 5g phone customers. For example the iPhone 12 pro max has three voice and data settings, 5G On, 5G Auto, and LTE.

5G On ensures that 5G is activated all the time when a 5G network is available, and LTE disables 5G all together and lets you use an LTE connection instead of a 5G connection. 5G Auto, the default setting, uses 5G only when 5G won't significantly reduce battery life.

The unlocked and the Verizon Galaxy Note20 ultra 5g have three network mode settings, Global, LTE/CDMA & LTE/GSM/UMTS. Notice there is no 5G setting. But the main issue is no matter which setting of the three is selected, the phones settles on the 5G network.

I have been working with VZW tier 2 support and they even had me swap out the 5G SIM with a 3G/4G SIM and a 4G SIM, but the phone still settles on the 5G network even without a having the 5G SIM.

Prior to VZW pushing out the Android 11 Software update the galaxy note 20 ultra 5g phone wouldn't connect to the 5G network. After the update was installed the phone won't stay off the 5G network.

Hoytster66

Any update on the release of the fix for the no 5g on unlocked version samsung phones?

RAYSIM52

Hi Hoytster66

VZW has been pushing out the Android 11 software update which now gets the Note 20 ultra 5g connected to its nation wide 5g network. The problem now is if you want to turn off 5G you can't. My experience (so far) in the New York City Metro area, the nation wide 5g network is running at have the speed of the LTE+ network. Since I downloaded and installed the Android 11 OS, I can't get back on the LTE+ network!

I recommend contacting VZW tier 2 support and request to speak to their supervisor (management staff) and complain about not having the functionality to turn off 5G in network settings.

VZW iPhone voice and data settings allows the user to select 5g Auto, 5G On or LTE. We galaxy users should have the same settings!

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