# Bringing you own phone to Verizon **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 8, 2015, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824 "2015-12-08T16:02:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2015, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/1 "2015-12-08T16:02:55Z")
We’re likely going to switch back to Verizon in the coming months. I talked to Verizon and they said we could use our existing phones as long as they were 4G. Then I went online. . . They have this “checker” where you enter your phones MEID, and both of our phones were found to be “not compatible with the Verizon Wireless network.” I’m suspicious about this “checker.” Is there anybody out there that has brought a 3rd party phone to Verizon? Or anybody that would test the checker? ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2015, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/2 "2015-12-08T16:16:22Z")
> [@tullsterx](#): > > We’re likely going to switch back to Verizon in the coming months. I talked to Verizon and they said we could use our existing phones as long as they were 4G. Then I went online. . . > > They have this “checker” where you enter your phones MEID, and both of our phones were found to be “not compatible with the Verizon Wireless network.” I’m suspicious about this “checker.” > > Is there anybody out there that has brought a 3rd party phone to Verizon? > > Or anybody that would test the checker? Verizon does use different networks than most other wireless companies. Frequencies and bands differ, and 2g/3g data and voice use CDMA, not GSM. [Pretty good recent guide on the issue.](http://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/Can-I-use-my-verizon-sprint-phone-on-a-different-network) Upshot: Verizon-compatible phones are a distinct thing, and if your phone isn’t specifically Verizon compatible it probably won’t work on a Verizon network. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2015, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/3 "2015-12-08T16:29:38Z")
What model of phone, and what network did you have it on? ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2015, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/4 "2015-12-08T20:18:50Z")
Sprint HTC One M7 Samsung Note 3 From what little I’ve read, seems like they could work. Might take some alteration though. ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2015, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/5 "2015-12-09T05:10:29Z")
Please pardon my bump. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2015, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/6 "2015-12-09T07:34:05Z")
I am curious why you why you are suspicious it’s a well known fact the Verizon phones are not compatible with other networks and vice versa. It’s been that way pretty much forever. The chances of a non Verizon phone being compatible with the Verizon network is very slim in most cases. > [@](#): > > I talked to Verizon and they said we could use our existing phones as long as they were 4G. I have found Verizon phone tech advice to swing from clueless to very sharp. There seems to be no in between. I suspect you were given bad counsel I had never heard that all 4G devices will work on a Verizon network. ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2015, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/7 "2015-12-09T15:11:05Z")
I suppose I’m suspicious because Verizon is a mobile phone company that probably makes more money by selling you a Verizon phone than by letting you bring a 3rd party phone to their network. ---
**Author:** ![boffking](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/858c86/32.png) [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2015, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/8 "2015-12-09T15:42:57Z")
> [@tullsterx](#): > > I suppose I’m suspicious because Verizon is a mobile phone company that probably makes more money by selling you a Verizon phone than by letting you bring a 3rd party phone to their network. I seriously doubt this. I work for a VOIP company. We sell the phones slightly above cost. Almost all our money comes from service contracts and carrier kickbacks. We install and maintain the phone systems. We also help the client choose a line plan, and the carrier gives us a commission for every month they keep the plan. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2015, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/9 "2015-12-09T15:51:27Z")
> [@tullsterx](#): > > I suppose I’m suspicious because Verizon is a mobile phone company that probably makes more money by selling you a Verizon phone than by letting you bring a 3rd party phone to their network. neither of the “CDMA” carriers (Verizon and Sprint) will activate a phone not originally intended for use on their network. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2015, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/10 "2015-12-09T16:00:34Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > neither of the “CDMA” carriers (Verizon and Sprint) will activate a phone not originally intended for use on their network. Yeah usually the carriers lock the phones to their network, and I believe the phone radios even have different frequencies for Sprint vs. Verizon networks. I’m not sure if those frequencies are hardware or software. Also I read that Verizon won’t activate a phone if the ESN/IMEI isn’t on their list, and it wouldn’t be if it’s a Sprint phone. [According to this discussion](http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-htc-one/help/sprint-htc-one-m7-verizon-network-t2818281) you may be able to use a donor phone to switch the serial number, but that apparently is questionably legal and probably a LOT of trouble. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2015, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/11 "2015-12-09T16:44:06Z")
> [@tullsterx](#): > > I suppose I’m suspicious because Verizon is a mobile phone company that probably makes more money by selling you a Verizon phone than by letting you bring a 3rd party phone to their network. There’s relatively little profit in phones to the carriers vs the income from the service plans. You’re going to need new phones so budget about $ 25 - 35 each per month for acquiring the new smart phones or you can buy them outright for 600 - $800 each and not have the amortized payment. ---
**Author:** ![Jake\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Jake\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Jones)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/12 "2015-12-11T03:14:29Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > neither of the “CDMA” carriers (Verizon and Sprint) will activate a phone not originally intended for use on their network. Not true. Both carriers have lists of compatible devices they will activate on their networks. Devices must be unlocked, but your statement is false. I can use my Nexus phone on Verizon, Sprint, AT&T or T-Mobile. I’ve checked. Carrier subsidies are pretty much history and phones are trending to multi-frequency for use on CDMA and GSM networks. Your IMEI/MEID/ESN number can fail a check for two reasons. It’s technically incompatible or it’s locked. Your device could be compatible but locked by Sprint. Verizon gives zero fucks about device revenue. They want to sell you service. If your devices fails the ID check, call Verizon and ask if they would pass if your current carrier unlocked them. If so, and you’re out of contract with Sprint, call Sprint and ask them to unlock the devices. You’re not getting subsidies on your next phones from Verizon or Sprint. The best you can get is 24 months at 0% interest. Just something to keep in mind as you consider your next steps. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Last\_Glacial\_Maximum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bc79bd/32.png) [@Last\_Glacial\_Maximum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Last_Glacial_Maximum)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/13 "2015-12-11T19:12:59Z")
FWIW, My Son bought his I-Phone off of Amazon and he just made sure that the description of the phone stated that is was “Verizon Compatible”. It was. No problems at all when we brought it to our local Verizon store. . ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/14 "2015-12-11T19:26:56Z")
> [@Jake\_Jones](#): > > Not true. Both carriers have lists of compatible devices they will activate on their networks. Devices must be unlocked, but your statement is false. I can use my Nexus phone on Verizon, Sprint, AT&T or T-Mobile. I’ve checked. Carrier subsidies are pretty much history and phones are trending to multi-frequency for use on CDMA and GSM networks. Your IMEI/MEID/ESN number can fail a check for two reasons. It’s technically incompatible or it’s locked. Your device could be compatible but locked by Sprint. > > Verizon gives zero fucks about device revenue. They want to sell you service. If your devices fails the ID check, call Verizon and ask if they would pass if your current carrier unlocked them. If so, and you’re out of contract with Sprint, call Sprint and ask them to unlock the devices. You’re not getting subsidies on your next phones from Verizon or Sprint. The best you can get is 24 months at 0% interest. Just something to keep in mind as you consider your next steps. Good luck. Thanks. I’ll have to try that. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2015, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/15 "2015-12-11T21:15:26Z")
The change a few years back regarding CDMA was driven by the FCC requiring “4G” LTE bidders on spectrum to open things up a bit. CDMA-only devices didn’t use to have SIM cards (which makes portability theoretically a lot easier). If they use the new spectrum, they should. But even if you have the latest CDMA phone with a SIM card slot YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/16 "2015-12-15T17:19:37Z")
> [@tullsterx](#): > > Thanks. I’ll have to try that. Well, Verizon just told me our phones were not compatible with their network. Beforehand, I talked with Sprint and they ended up giving us these “MSL codes” which they said another carrier could use to unlock and “register” our phones to their network. Apparently not. . . . I still don’t trust Verizon. . . ---
**Author:** ![lazybratsche](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@lazybratsche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazybratsche)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/17 "2015-12-15T17:53:50Z")
While I too am loathe to trust the average cell phone salesdrone, in this case they’re almost certainly right. To take the Samsung Note 3 as an example, there are actually several variants. If you got it from Sprint originally you probably have the SM-N900P (scroll down to [“alternative variants” here](http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-3_id7984/fullspecs)). However, the Verizon variant is SM-N900V and is the only version that has the antennas and electronics to connect to 800 mhz and 1900 MHz CDMA and 700 MHz band 13 LTE on Verizon’s network. Thus, while your SM-900P may have the physical capability to connect to part of Verizon’s network (1700 and 1900 MHz LTE), it won’t connect to all of it. Most likely your other phone also has network-specific variants. It’s almost certainly nothing you can modify or upgrade either; the difference is probably down to which wireless chips were soldered in. ---
**Author:** ![tullsterx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824/18 "2015-12-15T18:08:14Z")
Well, thanks. That makes sense. It just feels like a bait-and-switch, especially when you hear different things from different support techs. And we’ve researched new phones and aren’t compelled to switch to any of them. Seems smart phone advancement has slowed in the last couple of years.