Samsung smart call (caller ID and spam protection) gone on carrier versions?

[ScottRx82]

I decided to go with the T-Mobile version this year since I got $200 more trade in value for my unlocked Note 20 Ultra than had I chosen unlocked. I was pretty fond of Samsung's native caller ID and spam protection. I know T-MOBILE offers their own, but I found Samsung's to be better. It doesn't appear that the setting is there to enable it on my T-Mobile version. Is there any other way to enable it or is it exclusively for unlocked models?

 

[L0n3N1nja]

I had no idea Samsung offered that as I've always had Verizon and they strip features.

I believe you can flash unlocked firmware/software to the phone to get features like that back, but don't think it's possible with the carrier software versions.

 

[rvbfan]

Unless things have changed over the last 5 years you can. I went from carrier locked to ASOP mainly because of speed of updates.

 

[X1tymez]

Exclusive for unlocked models. On T-mobile you have to pay for it.

 

[Bingblop]

Devices with carrier provisioned firmware typically have the smart calling disabled since they offer their own spam feature that they want you to pay for. Only devices using unlocked firmware will have access to it.

Just to clarify, unlocked firmware doesn't mean the same thing as network unlocked. After your device is paid off and you unlock the network, you still won't get Smart Calling!

Anybody can get it though. If you're not rooted, you can still flash OFFICIAL unlocked firmware to replace your oem locked firmware while still retaining all oem features along with unlocked features as well. If you're rooted then you can flash unofficial firmware but that's another topic.

This is done by downloading the Odin patched tool and the firmware you're looking to flash. Then run the tool on a computer and in about 5 minutes you'll have new firmware. This process does wipe everything so backup first. Check out XDA forums for a detailed guide and list of requirements such as ensuring you're downloading the right version of firmware for your bootloader version. This doesn't require that you unlock your bootloader for this to work either which is the beauty of it since US variants usually can't unlock their bootloader.

BE SURE TO READ A GUIDE BEFORE ATTEMPTING! Doing this wrong or installing the wrong firmware can brick your device (boot loop or frozen rendering it worthless).

 

[mustang7757]

Devices with carrier provisioned firmware typically have the smart calling disabled since they offer their own spam feature that they want you to pay for. Only devices using unlocked firmware will have access to it.

Just to clarify, unlocked firmware doesn't mean the same thing as network unlocked. After your device is paid off and you unlock the network, you still won't get Smart Calling!

Anybody can get it though. If you're not rooted, you can still flash OFFICIAL unlocked firmware to replace your oem locked firmware while still retaining all oem features along with unlocked features as well. If you're rooted then you can flash unofficial firmware but that's another topic.

This is done by downloading the Odin patched tool and the firmware you're looking to flash. Then run the tool on a computer and in about 5 minutes you'll have new firmware. This process does wipe everything so backup first. Check out XDA forums for a detailed guide and list of requirements such as ensuring you're downloading the right version of firmware for your bootloader version. This doesn't require that you unlock your bootloader for this to work either which is the beauty of it since US variants usually can't unlock their bootloader.

Welcome to AC!
Unlocked do have access to it
Can flash the unlocked firmware with Odin but need Odin patch B and use in Odin CSC slot the Home CSC firmware

 

[felloffthetruck]

Yep, Verizon has stripped this feature right out of the phones.

 

[Laura Knotek]

Yep, Verizon has stripped this feature right out of the phones.

That's why I use unlocked firmware on Verizon. I have an unlocked phone from Samsung now, but my Verizon S10+ was missing that feature with Verizon firmware.

 

[Bingblop]

That's why I use unlocked firmware on Verizon. I have an unlocked phone from Samsung now, but my Verizon S10+ was missing that feature with Verizon firmware.

Yup I bought my Samsung from T-Mobile and they removed all Smart Calling and McAfee device security in order to offer them at cost to their subscribers. Should be illegal to do if you ask me.

Anyways, my phone is not rooted but I was able to flash my N986U (Locked) Firmware to N986U1 (Unlocked) and now I get all the above features. I also get all T-Mobile features too since I'm using a T-Mobile Sim Card. On unlocked firmware, your device will install all oem bloatware when you insert their Sim card. Pretty sure that's unavoidable if you're not rooted. At least you get direct from Samsung features included at no cost now.

You can also remove or disable bloatware permanently using ADB commands. However, I don't recommend uninstalling, only freezing/disabling since uninstalling messes up Samsung Cloud backup capabilities including the ability to use custom fonts through restore hack (Download zFont for info on that).

 

[mustang7757]

Yup I bought my samsung from T-Mobile and they removed all Smart Calling and McAfee device security in order to offer them at cost to their subscribers. Should be illegal to do if you ask me.

Anyways, my phone is not rooted but I was able to flash my N986U (Locked) Firmware to N986U1 (Unlocked) and now I get all the above features. I also get all T-Mobile features too since I'm using a T-Mobile Sim Card. On unlocked firmware, your device will install all oem bloatware when you insert their Sim card. Pretty sure that's unavoidable if you're not rooted. At least you get direct from Samsung features included at no cost now.

You can also remove or disable bloatware permanently using ADB commands. However, I don't recommend uninstalling, only freezing/disabling since uninstalling messes up Samsung Cloud backup capabilities including the ability to use custom fonts through restore hack.

I also recommend Package Disabler Pro or Alliance Shield X to disable bloat and enable which is lot quicker and cleaner the adb

 

[Bingblop]

I also recommend Package Disabler Pro or Alliance Shield X to disable bloat and enable which is lot quicker and cleaner the adb

I've used Package Disabler Pro and Ice Box paired with Shizuki. Have not tried Alliance Shield X. I'll have to look into that one. Whatever you do, be careful not to DISABLE or UNINSTALL "Device Services" which is a Knox app. I made the mistake of freezing it and then my phone locked. I had no choice but to do a full factory reset and the only way I could access my phone to do that was through Google's Find My Phone Website on computer (it has a wipe data option)

 

[mustang7757]

I've used Package Disabler Pro and Ice Box paired with Shizuki. Have not tried Alliance Shield X. I'll have to look into that one. Whatever you do, be careful not to DISABLE or UNINSTALL "Device Services" which is a Knox app. I made the mistake of freezing it and then my phone locked. I had no choice but to do a full factory reset and the only way I could access my phone to do that was through Google's Find My Phone Website on computer (it has a wipe data option)

Thanks for your tip , I'm familiar with what to disable or not as been doing this long time on Samsung , not familiar with icebox with Shizuki?

 

[Bingblop]

Thanks for your tip , I'm familiar with what to disable or not as been doing this long time on Samsung , not familiar with icebox with Shizuki?

Icebox is an app that allows you to freeze system apps if used in conjuction with Shizuki for ADB Access. Shizuki gives select apps ADB controls without the need for a PC. Shizuki is very handy.

I'm messing around with Alliance Shield a little bit. Is there any real benefit that Alliance Shield X gives me that Package Disabler Pro can't? Package Disabler seems like the better choice since it doesn't need Device Owner priv

 

[mustang7757]

Icebox is an app that allows you to freeze system apps if used in conjuction with Shizuki for ADB Access. Shizuki gives select apps ADB controls without the need for a PC. Shizuki is very handy.

I'm messing around with Alliance Shield a little bit. Is there any real benefit that Alliance Shield X gives me that Package Disabler Pro can't? Package Disabler seems like the better choice since it doesn't need Device Owner priv

Gotcha
Alliance Shield X is free for one , offers some other things like firewall, little more permission enable disable instead the whole app like activity launcher but I do prefer package disabler , when I try uninstall device service it won't allow unlike through adb which created the chaos, plus you disable enable right there without computer

 

[smooches680]

Yup I bought my Samsung from T-Mobile and they removed all Smart Calling and McAfee device security in order to offer them at cost to their subscribers. Should be illegal to do if you ask me.

Anyways, my phone is not rooted but I was able to flash my N986U (Locked) Firmware to N986U1 (Unlocked) and now I get all the above features. I also get all T-Mobile features too since I'm using a T-Mobile Sim Card. On unlocked firmware, your device will install all oem bloatware when you insert their Sim card. Pretty sure that's unavoidable if you're not rooted. At least you get direct from Samsung features included at no cost now.

You can also remove or disable bloatware permanently using ADB commands. However, I don't recommend uninstalling, only freezing/disabling since uninstalling messes up Samsung Cloud backup capabilities including the ability to use custom fonts through restore hack (Download zFont for info on that).

I'm also on Tmobile and I have a locked s22 Ultra. Please can you help me get all those unlocked features? I'm 62 and this is all new to me. Thank you in advance .

 

[buzzy3970]

I'm using unlocked on T-Mobile, but had to active scam shield premium as the spam calls were getting to be too much. Have to say I'm pleasantly impressed that the spam calls have toned down.

 

[felloffthetruck]

Are there any good "Free" third party spam apps available?

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

Icebox is an app that allows you to freeze system apps if used in conjuction with Shizuki for ADB Access. Shizuki gives select apps ADB controls without the need for a PC. Shizuki is very handy.

I'm messing around with Alliance Shield a little bit. Is there any real benefit that Alliance Shield X gives me that Package Disabler Pro can't? Package Disabler seems like the better choice since it doesn't need Device Owner priv

It's Shizuku, but you're right, it's INCREDIBLY handy.

 

[fuzzylumpkin]

Are there any good "Free" third party spam apps available?

Samsung, at least in the UK, actually contract with a company called hiya who I believe have their own app. You could give that a look, although Ive no idea if it's free.

 

[mustang7757]

Samsung, at least in the UK, actually contract with a company called hiya who I believe have their own app. You could give that a look, although Ive no idea if it's free.

Unlocked in US caller id is Hiyas