WiFi calling on an unlocked AT&T phone?

The reference to unlocked phones perhaps should be ‘non carrier android’, ‘non ATT android’.  

The term “unlocked” is a common term applied to phones not purchased or sold through ATT and unable to be locked to any carrier.  

Very true, I like the points you make.

Can phones that are not ATT branded,have some kind of software or firmware update  made to them so they will be branded and then have the WIFI calling feature turned on ?

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@carn30 wrote:

Can phones that are not ATT branded,have some kind of software or firmware update  made to them so they will be branded and then have the WIFI calling feature turned on ?

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The system checks IMEI and kicks phones out.  

Exceptions:  Samsung series 8 and 9 phones running at least one os update, add the software when a different sim is installed, IMEI is legit for all carriers.  Pixel 3 works. 

If I purchase a cell phone direct from the manufacturer that does NOT have any assigned carrier but IS listed as a compatible device and is sold at a higher price at the AT&T store...is it factual that I will be unable to make calls through Wi-fi when no cell signal is available? I currently am forced to use the At&t microcell tower where i live. It must be attached to the router (att does not even offer internet here) and it must be near a window to be able to keep signal with a satellite ( i believe) to enable a 3G signal for any and all calls. I had to purchase the microcell tower too....(hundreds!) I also have to turn off, and on my phone recently EVERY time I step out of range of the tower to get the phone to reconnect. You are also made to register the microcell tower, and the cellphones that will use the microcell.    Why is this the only way for rural areas to use At&t? When the microcell decides to freeze up, or drops signal...it starts all over again! I had to buy a battery back up unit to power my wifi router when power loss occurs. It was another couple hundreds of dollars, but it can ONLY POWER the router, not the MICROCELL so .....no power, no signal, no phone, no electric or well water pump.....this is because we bought phones at the price we could afford from the manufacturer (buy 1, get 1 free) 2for $150. Can you solve this At&t? Can you put your At&t software in our phones? Can you tell me if i had an Att labled IDENTICAL phone and it was somehow wiped of the operating app that allows wifi calling could it not be reloaded to the phone??? Is it all about locking existing customers into contracts or the next program that raises your bill even higher?? Please explain this issue and the solutions available. Why can i only have 3g service yet pay for lte/4g? Why?

This is asked and answered many times. With only a couple exception, you must have an AT&T branded Android. By the way AT&T does cell phones from its prepaid line that are compatible with Wi-Fi calling. However as you mention if the power goes out none of this works. You may have to consider whether another carrier works better or install a landline.

I have a Samsung S8+.

Would that happen to be an exception?

Thanks!

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@carn30 wrote:

I have a Samsung S8+.

Would that happen to be an exception?

 

Thanks!

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No.

The Pixel 3, 3 xl and 3a work.  A carrier branded S8 or S8+ when unlocked can convert, installing or accessing carrier software.  Those phones will work.  But a non branded phone that only boots with Samsung boot animation will not. 

Well, of course you can't get an updat eon unlocked phones to make the extra features work.  it isn't that it's technologically impossible (it would be a simple technical tweak), but that the cellular companies want to punish you for not allowing them to ream you on the price of "branded" phones.  If you should even *dare* to avoid vendor lock-in, they want you to suffer for it.