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Is an unlocked verizon iPhone 7 going to work with T-Mobile network?

I am waiting to buy an iPhone 7. I am currently using T-Mobile, but I will probably be using CDMA based network when I am spending my winter in China. Does anyone know if an unlocked verizon iPhone 7 is going to support T-Mobile network? Thanks a lot

Posted on Sep 7, 2016 4:18 PM

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39 replies

Apr 26, 2017 12:57 AM in response to Zhongyuan Zhang

I worked at a Verizon call center, from my experience there I know that IPhone 7 and 7 plus will not transfer from the T-Mobile network to the Verizon network. I had issues relating to this that I had escalated to offline technical support teams. From the explaination I got Apple had a software function that effectively locked the phones on the initial network.

May 31, 2017 6:17 AM in response to Medular

If the phone was bought directly from Verizon, or was bought directly from Apple, it should work in Egypt. However, if it was bought from any other store (such as Best Buy) it will be locked to the first carrier it was used with in the US, and it will not work outside the US. You can contact Verizon via their website and ask if they will unlock it.

Oct 8, 2017 3:14 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

i I also have an iPhone 7 plus red 128gb that is not accepting any other sim except Verizon, how do i confirm whether this iPhone is Locked or Unlocked?


I have tried with AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint sim cards and all i get is "Sim Not Supported" error.


Plus it will not even activate with any of the networks besides Verizon, meaning i can't even go to the home screen.


Thanks

Oct 8, 2017 9:57 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

I bought it online.


I called Apple and the representative told me that this is phone is locked and you should call Verizon to get it unlocked...

He checked in his system through my IMEI #.


I called Verizon and they tell me that their iPhones are never Locked, they all ship Unlock, but their could be differences with other network settings and that is probably why the iPhone isn't accepting the other network sim cards and that there isn't any way to unlock it...


I called my service provider AT&T and the rep was also confused why the iPhone isn't accepting an AT&T Sim card, she was like it should work. But she couldn't find a solution for me either.


The iPhone isn't black listed either, its clean ESN. Stuck with this piece of hardware.

Sep 7, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Zhongyuan Zhang

If you look at the following:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/


iPhone 7 seems to have 2 different CDMA models:

model A1660 (CDMA) iPhone 7

model A1661 (CDMA) iPhone 7 Plus


and 2 different GSM models:

Model A1778 iPhone 7

Model A1784 iPhone 7 Plus


My guess is the Verizon (CDMA) models won't work on T-Mobile GSM network. At the very least the LTE data connection won't work. Not sure about voice. T-Mobile and AT&T models may support LTE data in both networks.

Sep 7, 2016 7:29 PM in response to ShagCA

But A1660/1661(Verizon) support exactly the same LTE bands as the A1778/1784(GSM) model, plus the support of CDMA and TD-SCDMA, according to the tech specs page... It's weird why AT&T and T-Mobile are not listed on the Verizon models. I really want to have the CDMA support. I will order a full price unlocked Verizon version and see if my T-Mobile network works.

Sep 7, 2016 9:02 PM in response to Zhongyuan Zhang

Yes, the Verizon models of iPhones (all of which are unlocked) should work on TMobile. Whether or not they will work on a CDMA carrier in China is a different question. Generally, CDMA providers only allow phones on their networks that were sold for use on their network. Also, some carriers in China use what's sometimes called "WCDMA". That wouldn't be supported. I would consult the Chinese carrier for more information.

Sep 8, 2016 7:57 AM in response to Zhongyuan Zhang

Yes they appear to support the same bands. From tech specs page https://www.apple.com/iphone-7/specs/

Models A1778 and A1784 do not support CDMA networks, such as those used by Verizon and Sprint.


I know that's now what you're asking but at least we have confirmation the GSM models won't work on CDMA network.

Zhongyuan Zhang wrote:


I will order a full price unlocked Verizon version and see if my T-Mobile network works.

I guess that's the only way to find out. Let us know when you have it.

Sep 9, 2016 1:17 PM in response to Zhongyuan Zhang

Yes, but the reverse is not true of TMobile/ATT phones. Literature from Apple's on website, located here:

http://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program

"

Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T or T-Mobile and an iPhone for Sprint or Verizon Wireless?

iPhone offers the same innovative features regardless of the wireless carrier you choose. If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use 3G cellular technology for voice services and either 3G or 4G LTE cellular technology for data services. iPhone can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. If you buy iPhone with AT&T or T-Mobile, it will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. If you buy an unlocked iPhone with Verizon or Sprint, it will work on AT&T or T-Mobile. An iPhone activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE."

Sep 9, 2016 2:46 PM in response to jscheurer

If you look at the specs for each phone, you'll note that the CDMA variants support the very same GSM bands that the ATT and Tmobile phones do. That, coupled with the other text I've taken directly from Apple should help you with your answer. Also, the chart you are referencing isn't entirely accurate. Here's how I know:

I presently have an iphone 6s plus model A1634, which, on that chart is listed an ATT phone. It doesn't state that verizon is a supported carrier. I know that's not the case though because I bought this phone unlocked from ATT and then switched to verizon in january. Long story short, I don't disagree that it's confusing, but I don't think the chart you are referencing tells the whole story. I believe my first answer is still accurate.

Is an unlocked verizon iPhone 7 going to work with T-Mobile network?

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