Invalid sim message when switching unlocked lg g5 to metro pcs

[Android Central Question]

I have an unlocked lg g5 sprint phone. I am trying to switch it over to metro pcs. When I put the metro pcs sim card in the lg g5 it says invalid sim card. The sim card works in my lg k20 plus from metro pcs though. I have been to metro pcs and sprint. They could not figure out the problem. I was able to get the phone to work for about 1 min one time. I made a phone call and a few text messages from metro pcs came through from earlier that day when they were testing my phone. Any suggestions? I have tried putting a new metro pcs sim card in the lg g5. It still says invalid sim card.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Go to Settings>Mobile Networks and look for a Network Operators option. Make sure Metro or T-Mobile is selected. Also, under Preferred Network Type, make sure it isn't set to CDMA.

 

[adickers]

I have tried this before and again now. When I click on Network Operator, it does nothing. It doesn't even take me to another page. It shows all zeros for the IP address. I've also clicked on Set up APN for data services and it says no APNs with no option to add or edit. I've also tried to do a system update onPRL, profile and firmware but get an "Authentication error. Please try again later." message everytime. I also tried to unlock the UICC. I received the authentication message for this as well. I'm not sure what else to try.

 

[B. Diddy]

Hmm. There often seem to be more problems with CDMA phones (i.e., Verizon and Sprint) when you try to bring them to a GSM carrier. Sprint confirmed that the phone is carrier-unlocked?

 

[adickers]

Yes they did a few times.

 

[B. Diddy]

Rewind a bit -- can you confirm that you also checked the Preferred Network Type menu option? I assume you did, but you didn't specifically mention it, so I'm just double-checking.

 

[adickers]

Im not sure. How do I get to this?

 

[B. Diddy]

It's typically in the same menu as the Network Operators option (usually Settings>Mobile Networks​, perhaps under an Advanced subheading).