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Understanding the iPhone 5C/5S All-In-One AT&T/T-Mobile/Verizon Model

KPOM said:
I had that issue when I tried out a T-Mobile SIM in my "Verizon" iPhone 5s. For whatever reason when it changed to the T-Mobile carrier settings it didn't add the APN to the LTE profile. I typed it in manually and then it came up.
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M5RahuL said:
Would you mind posting your APN settings for LTE ? Just wanna see if they're the same as mine... I do get LTE on TMO on my VZW IP5S

Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Those settings are not needed. It connects to T-Mobile LTE without any APN settings in the LTE (Optional) field. Sometimes you just have to reset the network settings with a T-Mobile SIM installed. If the phone doesn't restart, do so manually and 99% of the time it will connect to T-Mobile LTE. Now the iPhone antenna doesn't seem to pickup the T-Mobile LTE signal as well indoors as my HTC One but it works well when I'm out and about.

Cheers,
 
Has anyone confirmed if Target or Walmart will sell iPhone 5s device only?

What about a Verizon store?
 
Has anyone had problems using Verizon 5S with T-Mobile network?

Hi Folks-

I'm a current VZW customer with a non-smartphone, planning to get a 5S, but I don't want to use the normal upgrade option, because I want to be able to leave VZW and go to T-Mobile (for better pricing). BUT I also want to be able to come back to VZW, in case service with T-Mo is bad. (I live in Wash.DC.)

Has anyone had any real problems or issues using a Verizon 5S on T-Mobile's network?

Any *current* (October, I guess) advice for actually getting a 5S in days or weeks rather than months, without signing a new contract? (My choice is probably less desirable model: 16Gb in black/gray.)

Thanks!
-Sean
 
I have updated the main post - simplified it a bit more - hope its easier to understand as I have cleaned up some information and reorganized it.
 
Sean-in-DC said:
Hi Folks-

I'm a current VZW customer with a non-smartphone, planning to get a 5S, but I don't want to use the normal upgrade option, because I want to be able to leave VZW and go to T-Mobile (for better pricing). BUT I also want to be able to come back to VZW, in case service with T-Mo is bad. (I live in Wash.DC.)

Has anyone had any real problems or issues using a Verizon 5S on T-Mobile's network?

Any *current* (October, I guess) advice for actually getting a 5S in days or weeks rather than months, without signing a new contract? (My choice is probably less desirable model: 16Gb in black/gray.)

Thanks!
-Sean
Click to expand...

I bought a device only verizon 5s at an apple store and no problems using it on t mobile. I have pretty good LTE coverage but this depends on coverage in your area.

Since you might go back to Verizon, then you should look to only purchase the Verizon model since it gives the most versatility going from any GSM carrier and Verizon with just one phone.

Use the online checker to see if they have the gray verizon in stock. When you go to purchase it do NOT ask for the unlocked Verizon 5s instead you want to purchase a device only verizon 5s. Don't even utter the word unlocked in front of the salesperson.

I bought 2 gold device only Verizon phones 2 days ago, had no online reservations just walked in. YMMV since some people are getting turned away and the stores are insisting that an online reservation is needed first. GL.
 
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I'm about to pull the trigger on a gold iPhone 5s on Verizon. I am currently an AT&T customer and plan to use it on AT&T. The store that has stock (TWO UNITS!) will ONLY sell them today as online with instore pickup. The store is 3 hours away so that's my only option. I've contacted verzion and have a copy of the chat, they say I can purchase the phone plus the ETF and be done with my contract with no other fees (if I do it within a couple days or sooner).

That's my plan. I'm trying to verify with you guys that it'll work on another verizon account IF i use this method. They don't blacklist the ESN or anything if you pay the ETF without seeing your contract to full term, do they? And reports of Verizon iphones that are NOT purchased as device only still are able to work on ATT/TMo GSM networks without any hacking or unlocking, yes?

I'll see if the apple store will "cancel" my order and sell it to me as a device only walk in, especially since I'll only be able to get it about 30 min before close. But on the phone both a rep and a manager "confirmed" that they would go back as "open box" items and would NOT be able to be resold to me then at full retail... so i may just have to hold a contract for a day or two and then cancel with Big Red and be charged..

Also, anyone know if you return an iPhone that has been opened (but is in perfect condition) within the 30 day window gets you full credit back on the original payment method? Or just instore credit?



UPDATE: WELL CRAP! SOLD OUT NOW. FREAKING DAMN. Anyway, can you still verify/confirm? I'll keep an eye open and maybe another phone will popup within a 200 mile range in the next few days...

Extra edit: I figure the Boise, ID store has gold iPhones probably every day since they're shown available for in store pick up ALMOST every night. It's just too far for me to go... 5hr drive >.<
 
Just to be clear, if I purchase an At&t 5s for 649.00 from Apple.com (I still had to put in my phone number, billing zip and social), it is considered retail price and should be GSM unlocked on all GSM networks worldwide, correct?
 
Cscottrun said:
Just to be clear, if I purchase an At&t 5s for 649.00 from Apple.com (I still had to put in my phone number, billing zip and social), it is considered retail price and should be GSM unlocked on all GSM networks worldwide, correct?
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I believe that is still considered the opposite. If you have to put in your account info (Phone #, billing, social) it's considered locked because it's tied to your account.

Your only bet is buying it from an Apple Store as "Device Only". That way it has no association with your account. At full price, it's unlocked.
 
Macguy76 said:
I believe that is still considered the opposite. If you have to put in your account info (Phone #, billing, social) it's considered locked because it's tied to your account.

Your only bet is buying it from an Apple Store as "Device Only". That way it has no association with your account. At full price, it's unlocked.
Click to expand...

At any time one pays for a device in full, they will not be asked to input any account information and the device will be unlocked (AT&T - however T-Mobile locked phone may have slight requirements).

Note if you are going to pay full price you might as well pick up the Verizon iPhone 5S if its available at your local store as it is identical to AT&T/T-Mobile/GSM version with the added CDMA support.
 
Satnam1989 said:
At any time one pays for a device in full, they will not be asked to input any account information and the device will be unlocked (AT&T - however T-Mobile locked phone may have slight requirements).

Note if you are going to pay full price you might as well pick up the Verizon iPhone 5S if its available at your local store as it is identical to AT&T/T-Mobile/GSM version with the added CDMA support.
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Yea, I was under the impression that you no longer could walk in a buy the phone and that it had to reserved online.
 
Cscottrun said:
Yea, I was under the impression that you no longer could walk in a buy the phone and that it had to reserved online.
Click to expand...

Even then, at the end of the day IF you are paying full price, no matter how you reserved it etc. The iPhone unlock will be place.
 
I've read everything and know nothing. Guess since things are changing each day. If someone could please help. I want to buy the 32 or 64 and use aio. Question: can a granny do this? I get the phone, Verizon version since I may have to go back (if they ever get a prepaid plan wo the extra line (40$) a month charge) because of coverage in the places I go. Tell me what happens next..I open the box...how does aio get into the 5s?
 
Sandz said:
I've read everything and know nothing. Guess since things are changing each day. If someone could please help. I want to buy the 32 or 64 and use aio. Question: can a granny do this? I get the phone, Verizon version since I may have to go back (if they ever get a prepaid plan wo the extra line (40$) a month charge) because of coverage in the places I go. Tell me what happens next..I open the box...how does aio get into the 5s?
Click to expand...

Get a sim card from aio and put it into the phone.
 
Satnam1989 said:
You can get any iPhone 5S - According to Apple the iPhone 5 A1429 which had bands 1,3,5 for LTE was listed as supported for Italy, now the 5C and 5S all support bands 1,3,5 so you can get any iPhone 5S you want and take it there and it'll work.

Pick up a:
1) Verizon
2) AT&T or T-Mobile or GSM SIM unlocked if you can.

DO NOT GET SPRINT MODEL.

Any/All 5C/5S will work in Italy 100%
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Satnam, that's an awesome wrap-up that u did, thank u :)
OK, I've read this thread carefully from the beggining, as well as many other sites and I have a few questions, might be silly or asking again but I'm kind of lost in all those models, bands and frequencies .. and iphone is not cheap to make a mistake :/
So I'm in Croatia, it's Vipnet carrier, one of the two major providers, so what u get by them is as good as u can get here. Its GSM network, and as far as I know, 4G or LTE is still sci-fi here, maybe they do advertise it, but I think its just in theory. Many times u don't even have 3G, but it switches to EDGE, even less, u have no signal. Iphone specs can state whatever, but its down to the carrier what of it u can actually make use of.
That considered, my monthly plan is unlimited talk and data for 25 USD, which, as I see, is lot less than what ur having in US.

So I need a new iphone to use in Europe, and have 2 options.
1. Buy a 't-mobile unlocked' iphone 5s from Apple, and put my sim in it.
2. Get a used Verizon iphone 5, and put my sim in it.

Questions:
--- Both r 'unlocked' for my gsm sim, just plug and play, right ?
--- Does it matter if Verizon phone that I get might still be on some contract, or I need some garanty from the owner that they r free from contract? Can Verizon shut down my phone just cuz the previous owner didnt pay off his dues to Verizon?
--- Obviously, the models and prices of those r different and one should think it over what is the better deal - moneywise.
But, technically-wise, (here try to ignore the features which r just upgrade from 5 to 5s cuz them alone r not the reason to pay a few hundreeds bucks more), as iphone 1 is GSM; and iphone 2 is CMDA with 'GSM radio' - is it full 'GMS functionality' ie does it really mean they r both offering me same if I'm running my GSM sim card in it ? Even on places where 3G is not available and there is only EDGE offered ? Guess yes, but not 100% sure lol
--- Which model should I go for if price was irrelevant?
Thanks a bunch :)
Dijana
 
djcat said:
Satnam, that's an awesome wrap-up that u did, thank u :)

Questions:
--- Both r 'unlocked' for my gsm sim, just plug and play, right ?
--- Does it matter if Verizon phone that I get might still be on some contract, or I need some garanty from the owner that they r free from contract? Can Verizon shut down my phone just cuz the previous owner didnt pay off his dues to Verizon?
--- Obviously, the models and prices of those r different and one should think it over what is the better deal - moneywise.
But, technically-wise, (here try to ignore the features which r just upgrade from 5 to 5s cuz them alone r not the reason to pay a few hundreeds bucks more), as iphone 1 is GSM; and iphone 2 is CMDA with 'GSM radio' - is it full 'GMS functionality' ie does it really mean they r both offering me same if I'm running my GSM sim card in it ? Even on places where 3G is not available and there is only EDGE offered ? Guess yes, but not 100% sure lol
--- Which model should I go for if price was irrelevant?
Thanks a bunch :)
Dijana
Click to expand...

1) iPhone 5 From Verizon = Factory Unlocked, iPhone 5S from Apple Store called "T-Mobile Unlocked" should be unlocked but I cant confirm as its not something I have tested -- your best bet is to refer to another thread on this forum and ask someone who has actually ordered the "T-Mobile iPhone 5S" rather than the "T-Mobile SIM FREEE/Unlocked" as Apple changed the term/definition of the full price iPhone 5S/5C on their website.

2) Verizon iPhone 5/5C/5S = Do not worry if its on contract or anything, it'll work.

3) All iPhone's once unlocked work equal as any other iPhone or Smartphone and they are mostly pre-configured if using on Supported Carrier's (carrier carries the iPhone as a phone it sells).

4) As for money --- I think if you can be happy with a iPhone 5, go for it, its a great phone and you can upgrade to 5S next year.
 
Satnam1989 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but what you shared are the plan to call Canada & Mexico -- not roam in Canada.
Click to expand...

No roaming or long-distance charges in the U.S. and Canada on Nationwide Plus Canada Plans

No roaming or long-distance charges in the U.S. and Mexico on Nationwide Plus Mexico Plans
 
Satnam1989 said:
1) iPhone 5 From Verizon = Factory Unlocked, iPhone 5S from Apple Store called "T-Mobile Unlocked" should be unlocked but I cant confirm as its not something I have tested -- your best bet is to refer to another thread on this forum and ask someone who has actually ordered the "T-Mobile iPhone 5S" rather than the "T-Mobile SIM FREEE/Unlocked" as Apple changed the term/definition of the full price iPhone 5S/5C on their website.

2) Verizon iPhone 5/5C/5S = Do not worry if its on contract or anything, it'll work.

3) All iPhone's once unlocked work equal as any other iPhone or Smartphone and they are mostly pre-configured if using on Supported Carrier's (carrier carries the iPhone as a phone it sells).

4) As for money --- I think if you can be happy with a iPhone 5, go for it, its a great phone and you can upgrade to 5S next year.
Click to expand...

Thank u ! I've just read the funny discussion about 't-mobile unlocked' in another thread on this forum and the bottom line is if u walk in the Apple store and ask for device only iphone, it'll come factory unlocked. If I also get a complimentary t-mobile sim, I'm fine with that.
However If I get the used Verizon phone for cheap, still didn't hear the price, I'll go for that one instead :)
D.
 
satnam1989 said:
please stop posting, as you are only going to confuse others that read your posts..... Because its clear now that you have no knowledge of the verizon iphone 5 being factory unlocked and the fcc ruling that forced verizon to unlock all smartphones that access its lte network when verizon purchased the spectrum for its great lte network.

To name a few verizon smartphones that come factory unlocked include the most popular smartphones:
Samsung s3, s4, z10, q10, iphone 5, note ii and htc one (now 5c and 5s - you will see reports soon enough)

not a myth, not a rumor, its a true fact

i unlock smartphones for people through my site, locally and on ebay, i know which phones are locked, unlocked, unlockable and where they can/cant be used.

I will say it again...stop confusing your self, just read my original post - since your first post i have clarified lots of doubts some people have.
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are u saying that a verizon iphone 5s works in any country.. With other company .. Im from argentina, and have personal.. I want to know if an verizon iphone 5s is going to work here.. Thanks
 
yami123 said:
are u saying that a verizon iphone 5s works in any country.. With other company .. Im from argentina, and have personal.. I want to know if an verizon iphone 5s is going to work here.. Thanks
Click to expand...

Buy a T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon iPhone 5s from the Apple retail store "Device Only" and it will be GSM unlocked.

It will work with Personal.
 
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