Has anyone had issues activating their unlocked S7 with VZW?

[RCM1965]

The IMEI number shows as a "Flip-phone" in their system so the call center person had to fill out a form since the IMEI number didn't conform to VZW's numbering convention...I didn't have this issue with an unlocked Moto-X Pure.

At first they instructed to take it back to Best Buy - but I argued against that.  It's unlocked...and should work.

So now I sit and wait for the call...that they were able to activate it, or they can't...  Crazy.

[Tidbits]

I thought Samsung made the unlocked versions GSM only

[Ann154]

Samsung recently announced unlocked versions that are supposedly compatible with Verizon. Samsung announces unlocked Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge devices for the US

[RCM1965]

In my eyes, the benefit of the unlocked version of the phone is: 1) you can buy it at Best Buy (and get a $75 gift card)   2) it doesn't have all of the VZW stuff on it  3) you can take it to another carrier if you so please.

[Ann154]

It is likely that Samsung hasn't provided the list IMEI numbers for these unlocked phones to Verizon much like the problem Google had earlier with the unbranded versions of the Nexus 6 and 9

[GalaxyClass]

It will work in GSM or CDMA mode however as someone pointed out the full IMEI list has not been updated fully. I have already tested one that was on Big Red and worked great!

[Ann154]

Did you use a previously activated SIM card?

[RCM1965]

Yep...it's a known working SIM card.  I also provided them with the numbers (can they be ANY smaller?) from the SIM.

It sure sounds like the IMEI numbers are from some previously used flip phones that are no longer in existence. Hard to believe with so many digits that they replicated a IMEI number.

[RCM1965]

Just to conclude this little story, I was transferred to a gentleman in technical support who was able to get the unlocked S7 activated!  His patience and knowledge is to be commended. 

So just stick with it if you run into this...you need to get to the right person. Once that happens you will be a happy customer.

He indicated that unlocked devices are new for VZW...and this experience confirms that.

[rcschnoor]

I would be curious to know if wifi/advanced calling works on this device as it is not a "Verizon" phone but an "unlocked" version.

With the Google Nexus phones, 6P & 5X, they are "unlocked" phones but are unable to utilize Verizon's version of wifi calling even when using a "known working SIM card".

To give it a try, put the phone in airplane mode, turn on wifi and try to make a call. I would be interested to know how you make out.

[RCM1965]

I just gave this a try for you.  I am prompted with a screen that says, "Airplane mode on.  Turn airplane mode off to make calls."  Cancel and OK are the options.  So I would say the result is a NO.

I also posted that this phone seems very resistant to the 4G network.  It usually has a 3G connection.

[LENNYEDGE]

they offer you another sim or just worked out the msi code or imei.just in case i go unlocked to call it my own with no branding on device. ty.

[RCM1965]

they worked out the IMEI in their system.  It's to be seen if it's truly corrected because I don't see LTE at all...

[LENNYEDGE]

turn off wifi and tellus then if you see 4glte atop

[vzw_customer_support]

Rcm1965,I wanted to check in and the device shows the Verizon Wireless LTE symbol after the Wifi was turned off? I want to make sure that your phone is working properly. Please keep us posted.

VeronicaM_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the ?Correct Answer? button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

[RCM1965 · Accepted solution]

Yes, the issue was a bad SIM.  The phone is working correctly now.  Thanks for asking.

[vzw_customer_support]

Awesome, RCM1965. We’re so glad to hear your phone is up and running again. Please feel free to reach out to us for any future assistance, http://spr.ly/6588B0bca.

DanielleR_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the ?Correct Answer? button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

[RCM1965]

Here's some more info about the unlocked S7....it appears this version of the phone is quite a bit less likely to connect to the VZW LTE 4G network.  I regularly see 3G on it.  And I spent the weekend sitting next to two other people with VZW devices that have 4/5 bars of 4G.  I will attempt to call them again today, but it seems like either the device is limited, the radio is limited, or it's not configured correctly. So far a disappointing experience.

[Ann154]

Did you check the network mode setting and verify the APN was loaded correctly?

[LENNYEDGE]

take my suggestion first.

[RCM1965]

It turns out there was something wrong with the SIM.  According to the VZW person, when you're not seeing LTE or 4G, it is generally a SIM issue.  Once the SIM was replaced, it's been working like a charm!