No WiFi calling on unlocked LG G8 ThinQ ?
breakone9r
Newbie

I've got an unlocked LG G8 ThinQ, purchased online from a well-known, and reputable retailer (B&H Photo)

At the time, I was with T-Mobile, and this phone worked fine there, and WiFi calling worked fine as well.

 

Now I've switched to Verizon, and while the phone works on the Verizon network, the WiFi calling option has just ... disappeared altogether.

There are several spots in my home where I either have no service, or spotty service. (T-Mobile was the same, but WiFi calling handled that no problem)

What gives??

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  • LG

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17 Replies
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

breakone9r We have sent you a private message. Please be on the lookout for it. We are ready to help you. DoloresK_VZW

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geraldorigo
Newbie

Good Morning,

I have a similar question, I purchased my G8 ThinQ unlocked and everything appears to be working  but Wi-Fi calling.  Is this option available on this unlocked phone?  I called the customer support line, activated the phone properly and mentioned this feature and was informed that it is supported.  Please confirm, I live in an area with very spotty coverage and Wi-Fi calling in the home is always used.

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NewOldcustomer
Contributor - Level 2

@geraldorigo wrote:

Good Morning,

I have a similar question, I purchased my G8 ThinQ unlocked and everything appears to be working  but Wi-Fi calling.  Is this option available on this unlocked phone?  I called the customer support line, activated the phone properly and mentioned this feature and was informed that it is supported.  Please confirm, I live in an area with very spotty coverage and Wi-Fi calling in the home is always used.


Don’t know why they didn’t just publish a reply.  Your t-mobile branded device will not get WiFi calling.

Both At&t and Verizon expect you to bring or buy a carrier android to use WiFi calling.  Very few exceptions.  

Google unbranded/factory purchases and unlocked will

Samsung unbranded/factory unlocked US version of the S9 and S10 series I believe all work.  Can’t vouch for older models.  

 

 

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

geraldorigo, ensuring you're able to utilize the Wi-Fi Calling on your device is essential. I am happy to assist you today. To review the eligibility requirements for this feature, please refer to the following link here (#1 under "eligibility requirements"): http://spr.ly/6604EC9Ag. What steps have you taken with activating this feature on your device? To ensure you have efficient coverage to activate this feature, please provide your zip code and intersection closest to where you are try to use the service. 

 

KevinM_VZW

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geraldorigo
Newbie

KevinM_VZW,

When I activated the unlocked device on the network I called in to make sure all of the information was correct.  I mentioned to the service representative about HD Calling and Wi-Fi callingm they stated that Wi-Fi calling is activated but I do not see it as an option to turn on or off, only HD voice which is turned on.

I do meet the eligibility requirements for Wi-Fi calling.  To answer your question, my zip code is 10527.  Please let me know if this can be turned on, it appears that it is successful for some.  Thank you.

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NewOldcustomer
Contributor - Level 2

@geraldorigo wrote:

KevinM_VZW,

When I activated the unlocked device on the network I called in to make sure all of the information was correct.  I mentioned to the service representative about HD Calling and Wi-Fi callingm they stated that Wi-Fi calling is activated but I do not see it as an option to turn on or off, only HD voice which is turned on.

I do meet the eligibility requirements for Wi-Fi calling.  To answer your question, my zip code is 10527.  Please let me know if this can be turned on, it appears that it is successful for some.  Thank you.


  In order to use Wi-Fi calling on AT&T or Verizon you must have a carrier branded android phone or a Google pixel three or 3XL. Your unlocked or t-mobile phone cannot use WiFi calling. 

 

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

I appreciate the details provided, Geraldorigo. Was the device you are attempting to use Wi-Fi Calling ever activated on a different service provider network? Can you verify if you have any of the following services active on your phone:

  • Ringback Tones
  • Call Filter
  • Company Name ID
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geraldorigo
Newbie

Community Manager,

This device was never activated on another carrier, I double checked my configuration and the only products I have activated are HD Voice and Share Name ID.  I still would like a confirmation on Wi-Fi calling on unlocked devices, specifically the LG G8 ThinQ. 

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mama23dogs
Legend

@geraldorigo wrote:

Community Manager,

This device was never activated on another carrier, I double checked my configuration and the only products I have activated are HD Voice and Share Name ID.  I still would like a confirmation on Wi-Fi calling on unlocked devices, specifically the LG G8 ThinQ. 


Unless that phone boots with the Verizon big red circle, it will not get WiFi calling.  Neither Verizon or At&t allow non carrier branded androids to access WiFi calling, with the Pixel 3/3 xl the only exception.   
If CRS were actually reading your post, they would have confirmed that after your first post and not strung you along for 2 weeks.  

geraldorigo
Newbie

Gotta love the Verizon's quick responsiveness here.. It's unfortunate that one of the biggest carriers in this country won't allow the Wi-Fi calling feature on unlocked devices, same with AT&T.  It will appear that once the merger between Spring and T-Mobile come through and they are going to eat VZW's lunch.. sad to say.  Not sure if I can even return this unlocked device now. 

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mama23dogs
Legend

@geraldorigo wrote:

Gotta love the Verizon's quick responsiveness here.. It's unfortunate that one of the biggest carriers in this country won't allow the Wi-Fi calling feature on unlocked devices, same with AT&T.  It will appear that once the merger between Spring and T-Mobile come through and they are going to eat VZW's lunch.. sad to say.  Not sure if I can even return this unlocked device now. 


Newoldcustomer answered the question way back on 9/9.  
Verizon has made exceptions for the factory unlocked Samsung S10 and Note 10.   So it's progress, just not good enough 
  Android  Phones made for other carriers, and unlocked, may work, but not Wifi calling.  

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

geraldorigo, we never want to leave you without answering all of your questions. All unlocked/non-Verizon Wireless brand devices do not have access to Wi-Fi calling. I truly apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. AliciaD_VZW

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mama23dogs
Legend

Well hit the easy button.  🤨.   Why couldn't that be confirmed for the OP 2 weeks ago?   
'It instills confidence when employees understand the question and post a reply.  

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m67master
Newbie

I'm having the same issue with my Samsung S8.  The HD/wifi calling is on my account but doesn't show up on my phone at all.

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mama23dogs
Legend

@m67master wrote:

I'm having the same issue with my Samsung S8.  The HD/wifi calling is on my account but doesn't show up on my phone at all.


I was successful taking a previously locked to At&t Samsung S8 to Verizon prepaid, and Wifi calling worked.  But the phone also made the full conversion.  Did yours?  Does it boot with the big red circle ?

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

You can learn more about Wi-Fi Calling on your device when visiting the link provided here:http://spr.ly/66081yXUK. AngelG_VZW

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

I'm sorry you are having issues with your S8 and Wi-Fi calling. Let's look further into this. Where did you get the S8? Is it an unlocked device? Has this feature worked in the past?

JoeL_VZW

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