Moto g5splus: need new sim card to use in USA

[Android Central Question]

I have arrived stateside with this phone from Australia. Will it work with local SIM cards? I tried online with a few prepaid plans but no luck.

Moto G5sPlus (XT1805)
It has a dual sim slot

Baseband version
M8953_52.61.07.98R
SANDERS_EMEADSDS_CUST

If you need any other info, please ask.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! It should be ok: https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g5s_plus-8699.php

Please register on this forum, which will allow you to engage in discussion more easily, as well as post images. https://forums.androidcentral.com/ask-question/409154-join-android-central-community.html

 

[mustang7757]

How did you try online prepaid, esim?

 

[kodlu]

@B. Diddy and @mustang7757, I have now registered and this was my question. You say it should be no problem. I have tried to get prepaid SIM online with BYOD and for a few of them (Mint, Verizon, cannot remember who else) once I enter the IMEI number, it says it is incompatible with their network.
The IMEI is [redacted by Mod]

 

[B. Diddy]

Hmm, band support should be fine, but sometimes carriers will require phones to be approved for their network (Verizon especially). Can you try with T-Mobile? https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/bring-your-own-phone

I edited out your IMEI -- that's something you don't want to share publicly.

 

[mustang7757]

@B. Diddy and @mustang7757, I have now registered and this was my question. You say it should be no problem. I have tried to get prepaid SIM online with BYOD and for a few of them (Mint, Verizon, cannot remember who else) once I enter the IMEI number, it says it is incompatible with their network.
The IMEI is [redacted by Mod]

Welcome to AC!
Ok so both sim are physical , it should work with TMobile,Att or a GSM carrier or sub carrier as most international device are gsm , i wouldn't try CDMA like Verizon

 

[mustang7757]

You might not get 5g if the device is capable most you see 3g or 4g

 

[kodlu]

So, apparently it doesn't work with T-Mobile, or AT&T or Boost or Tello. When I clicked on what's the problem I was sent to a link about 3G shutdown. However, I do know that this phone works in Australia with LTE and 4G. Any ideas what to do next?

 

[mustang7757]

So, apparently it doesn't work with T-Mobile, or AT&T or Boost or Tello. When I clicked on what's the problem I was sent to a link about 3G shutdown. However, I do know that this phone works in Australia with LTE and 4G. Any ideas what to do next?

Yes if it's closed down 3g then you have 4g but TMobile or Att should work , if not then buy a cheap phone and use it here , places like Walmart, Best buy should carry them

 

[B. Diddy]

It may be that the phones support the 4G bands, but don't support VoLTE on those carriers. If they don't support VoLTE, the carriers won't allow the phones to work on their network. It sounds like you're out of luck with that phone, sorry!

 

[kodlu]

I wonder if I can check whether the phone supports it, via Settings or something like that. Or go in in person, though would the sales people be competent to check this? Would it be possible to just get a prepaid sim at say a T-mobile sales point, load the minimum amount, and see if it works?

 

[B. Diddy]

Probably the easiest way to check is with those online compatibility checkers -- is that how you found out it's not compatible T-Mobile, AT&T, Boost, and Tello?

 

[kodlu]

Yes that's how I found out. However I have seen discussion elsewhere that some providers were telling their customers their phones weren't compatible, when they actually were.

 

[mustang7757]

Yes that's how I found out. However I have seen discussion elsewhere that some providers were telling their customers their phones weren't compatible, when they actually were.

U can get prepaid plan probably run around 25.00 to test one carrier out , I would stick with TMobile first choice next ATT

 

[kodlu]

Is it worth looking for a T mobile dealership/sales point near me, or just order online and have a go? Do they typically have technically competent people there?

 

[mustang7757]

Is it worth looking for a T mobile dealership/sales point near me, or just order online and have a go? Do they typically have technically competent people there?

Usually they are ok , stop by a store and talk with them