Unlocked LG v20 US 996 on Verizon. Has anyone already done this?

[juliesdroidsync]

...because if you haven't, I'm going to.

LSS - after much screaming/whining etc., it *looks* like I'll be able to return my Verizon version of the v20 even though I'm outside my 14 day window.

I realize I may run into other problems, but I'm going to try the unlocked version. If anyone has done this, please let me know. If no one has done this, I'll let you know.

What I'm after is the following:

I've been very disappointed with the missing functionality of the LG v20 Verizon version.
1.) FM radio is disabled somehow.
2.) Smart Settings has been disabled by removing access to the "My Places" setting under "Location". Without it, you cannot set "At Home" or "Away from Home" settings.
3.) Google In Apps Search Shortcut/Widget has also been removed.

If I'm going to pay so much for a phone, I want all of it to work...

 

[lsmachado]

...because if you haven't, I'm going to.

LSS - after much screaming/whining etc., it *looks* like I'll be able to return my Verizon version of the v20 even though I'm outside my 14 day window.

I realize I may run into other problems, but I'm going to try the unlocked version. If anyone has done this, please let me know. If no one has done this, I'll let you know.

What I'm after is the following:

I've been very disappointed with the missing functionality of the LG v20 Verizon version.
1.) FM radio is disabled somehow.
2.) Smart Settings has been disabled by removing access to the "My Places" setting under "Location". Without it, you cannot set "At Home" or "Away from Home" settings.
3.) Google In Apps Search Shortcut/Widget has also been removed.

If I'm going to pay so much for a phone, I want all of it to work...

B&H Photo carries an unlocked version of the V20. The cost is $799, and they don't charge sales tax. It says they are available on their website.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...tml/BI/20079/KBID/13844/SID/UUacUvbUpU5566354

 

[juliesdroidsync]

B&H Photo carries an unlocked version of the V20. The cost is $799, and they don't charge sales tax. It says they are available on their website.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...tml/BI/20079/KBID/13844/SID/UUacUvbUpU5566366

Yep. That's the one I'm going to buy as soon as I verify I will be able to return my Verizon version...

 

[lsmachado]

Yep. That's the one I'm going to buy as soon as I verify I will be able to return my Verizon version...

I'm excited for you! Not having to pay sales tax will save you a nice little chunk of change, too. Keep us posted when you order it, and when you receive it.

I agree with you; if you pay for a phone, you should be able to use all it's "features" and functionalities.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

I'm excited for you! Not having to pay sales tax will save you a nice little chunk of change, too. Keep us posted when you order it, and when you receive it.

I agree with you; if you pay for a phone, you should be able to use all it's "features" and functionalities.

Yes I believe this is the only way I'm going to be able to find out if the three main things I'm missing are going to work.

Again, I tried to call LG last night because I wanted to see if someone there could tell me if those three things would be working on the unlocked version.

I had someone in their tech support department actually get ugly with me insisting that they don't make an unlocked version!

She kept saying, "we are the manufacturer! And we don't make an unlocked version..."

She was actually getting hostile about it. But in all honesty my voice had a little bit of an edge to it as well... Okay, I was probably raising my voice first but still! I couldn't believe it! LOL

<Facepalm>

 

[lsmachado]

Yes I believe this is the only way I'm going to be able to find out if the three main things I'm missing are going to work.

Again, I tried to call LG last night because I wanted to see if someone there could tell me if those three things would be working on the unlocked version.

I had someone in their tech support department actually get ugly with me insisting that they don't make an unlocked version!

She kept saying, "we are the manufacturer! And we don't make an unlocked version..."

She was actually getting hostile about it. But in all honesty my voice had a little bit of an edge to it as well... Okay, I was probably raising my voice first but still! I couldn't believe it! LOL

<Facepalm>

Perhaps you should direct them to their OWN website, lol:

http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US996-Unlocked-v20-titan

 

[juliesdroidsync]

Perhaps you should direct them to their OWN website, lol:

http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US996-Unlocked-v20-titan

I did! She dared me to find it on their website... she told me it didn't matter that it was on the B & H Photo website, because somebody else must have manufactured that one, because she knew they did not make an unlocked version! You can't make this stuff up!... <Facepalm>

 

[juliesdroidsync]

Quick update for everyone. I got it in writing that I am being allowed to return the Verizon version of the LG v20.

I just got off the phone with B and H and have ordered my unlocked LG v20 to be overnighted. Should have it by tomorrow and hopefully I can go get it activated tomorrow afternoon.

The guy at B&H was the most intelligent person I have spoken with about this issue. It hadn't occurred to me, but it did occur to him that the reason that they would have disabled smart settings was because they didn't want you to have a way to easily switch back to Wi-Fi when you got home, as you might use more data.

He also noted that since Google in apps search had to be followed by a normal Google search on the Verizon model, that more data would be used on that initial search.

I think he nailed it. Anyway he said I can return it if I don't like it. He said I could return it for the silver one if I don't like the Titan color, but if I go ahead and order it now I can still get in on the free earphones. They are very helpful there if anybody needs a place to buy a phone...

 

[Mike Dee]

Quick update for everyone. I got it in writing that I am being allowed to return the Verizon version of the LG v20.

I just got off the phone with B and H and have ordered my unlocked LG v20 to be overnighted. Should have it by tomorrow and hopefully I can go get it activated tomorrow afternoon.

The guy at B&H was the most intelligent person I have spoken with about this issue. It hadn't occurred to me, but it did occur to him that the reason that they would have disabled smart settings was because they didn't want you to have a way to easily switch back to Wi-Fi when you got home, as you might use more data.

He also noted that since Google in apps search had to be followed by a normal Google search on the Verizon model, that more data would be used on that initial search.

I think he nailed it. Anyway he said I can return it if I don't like it. He said I could return it for the silver one if I don't like the Titan color, but if I go ahead and order it now I can still get in on the free earphones. They are very helpful there if anybody needs a place to buy a phone...

Here's the thing....if you put the unlocked one on Verizon you give up WIFI calling and Visual Voicemail. WIFI calling is a much more important feature for my needs. I can give up Visual Voicemail by using a third party app.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

Here's the thing....if you put the unlocked one on Verizon you give up WIFI calling and Visual Voicemail. WIFI calling is a much more important feature for my needs. I can give up Visual Voicemail by using a third party app.

It's always a trade-off, but a good thing to document for others to realize... For me, I'll (hopefully!) take back FM radio, Google In Apps Shortcut/Widget, and Smart Settings.

Good to know on the WIFI calling... Are you sure? I wonder if there is a 3rd party app for that?

Anyway, I'm happy to try/test/check anything/everything so other people might have a little easier time...

 

[SupraLB]

Quick update for everyone. I got it in writing that I am being allowed to return the Verizon version of the LG v20.

I just got off the phone with B and H and have ordered my unlocked LG v20 to be overnighted. Should have it by tomorrow and hopefully I can go get it activated tomorrow afternoon.

The guy at B&H was the most intelligent person I have spoken with about this issue. It hadn't occurred to me, but it did occur to him that the reason that they would have disabled smart settings was because they didn't want you to have a way to easily switch back to Wi-Fi when you got home, as you might use more data.

He also noted that since Google in apps search had to be followed by a normal Google search on the Verizon model, that more data would be used on that initial search.

I think he nailed it. Anyway he said I can return it if I don't like it. He said I could return it for the silver one if I don't like the Titan color, but if I go ahead and order it now I can still get in on the free earphones. They are very helpful there if anybody needs a place to buy a phone...

That has always been my opinion too. Its absurd I have to google search my friends name, when all I want to do is search the email, contact, and messages from the person. How stupid I have to search the world wide web first with their name. And then scroll all the way to the right to see the results.

But like Mike mentioned, I also value Wifi calling (important for trips to caribbean where phone service is poor), and visual voicemail (i rarely listen to an actual voicemail anymore).

 

[juliesdroidsync]

<snip>

But like Mike mentioned, I also value Wifi calling (important for trips to caribbean where phone service is poor), and visual voicemail (i rarely listen to an actual voicemail anymore).

Apparently the visual voicemail you can get around with just getting an app to replace it.

The wifi calling? I don't know. I imagine this could be important to people... the frustrating part is how does he know it will be lost? We should be able to go somewhere for clear answers to what will work, what won't. Just so we know the trade-offs going in...

One of the folks on the Verizon forum did make a good point. If I understood him correctly, carriers overseas don't get to dictate features. The manufacturers make the phones. The carriers support it. Done.

 

[flyingkytez]

I have the US Unlocked version from B&H and there isn't any FM Radio feature (NextRadio app doesn't work). However, everything else is there.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

I have the US Unlocked version from B&H and there isn't any FM Radio feature (NextRadio app doesn't work). However, everything else is there.

Do you have wifi calling?
But you do have Google in apps search and smart settings?

 

[Mike Dee]

Apparently the visual voicemail you can get around with just getting an app to replace it.

The wifi calling? I don't know. I imagine this could be important to people... the frustrating part is how does he know it will be lost? We should be able to go somewhere for clear answers to what will work, what won't. Just so we know the trade-offs going in...

One of the folks on the Verizon forum did make a good point. If I understood him correctly, carriers overseas don't get to dictate features. The manufacturers make the phones. The carriers support it. Done.

I know it will be lost because I've used unlocked phones on Verizon. It's part of their advanced calling.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

Update:

my package from B&H, which was supposed to arrive yesterday, shows that it is in Memphis, TN as of 6 am this morning...

If it comes today, fine. If it doesn't come until Monday, I will lose out on the free earphones, because the deal is over tomorrow, 11/20.

I wonder if the universe is trying to tell me that this is not the phone for me? <sigh> Anyway, I'll let you all know.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

I know it will be lost because I've used unlocked phones on Verizon. It's part of their advanced calling.

So advanced calling is carrier-specific... Good to know... It's really pathetic that it's this difficult to come up with a comprehensive list of the features of a particular phone, whether carrier-specific or unlocked.

I would hazard a guess that if the responsibility was put on the manufacturer to inform the public what will and will not be supported on every phone they make, there would be far fewer differences between them all...

Makes me appreciate the relationship between Samsung and Verizon. Not much disabled on Samsung phones; although I will note that the Note 5 does have FM radio disabled... LOL

 

[Mike Dee]

Update:

my package from B&H, which was supposed to arrive yesterday, shows that it is in Memphis, TN as of 6 am this morning...

If it comes today, fine. If it doesn't come until Monday, I will lose out on the free earphones, because the deal is over tomorrow, 11/20.

I wonder if the universe is trying to tell me that this is not the phone for me? <sigh> Anyway, I'll let you all know.

You won't lose...,you purchased by 11/20

 

[juliesdroidsync]

You won't lose...,you purchased by 11/20

Are you sure about that? I thought they were going to make the offer no longer available after 11/20. That does make a difference to me. I'll go back to that website and look again. Thanks!

 

[Mike Dee]

Are you sure about that? I thought they were going to make the offer no longer available after 11/20. That does make a difference to me. I'll go back to that website and look again. Thanks!

You after purchase by the 20th but you're allowed to mail it in until a little past December. Also if you know the imei from the previous purchase you might be able to double dip.