What will happen if I try to to use the phone that is not on "approved list" on AT&T network?

**JoeSchmoe007** · 09-19-2022, 10:32 AM

I currently use AT&T with unlocked Pixel 3a that was bought directly from Google, so this specific model is on AT&T approved list.

Some time ago I was given T-Mobile version of OnePlus N200 5G for free by a T-Mobile. It is now carrier-unlocked by T-Mobile because I met the requirements but this specific model is NOT on AT&T approved list.

What will happen if I move my AT&T SIM card to OnePlus phone? Will it work at all? Will it work for some time and then will stop working after AT&T catches up?

Note that I don't care about 5G - I just want ability to make calls, send texts and 4G LTE internet access.

Will my account get "blacklisted" so that when I move SIM back to Pixel 3a it will not work?

**dfriz** · 09-19-2022, 09:16 PM

My previous experince with phones that were compatible with ATT but weren't on the whitelist is:
Installed H2O SIM. Everything worked. The APN setings were good, data worked, Made and received calls fine.
5 minutes later everything quit.

Seems like there ought a be a class action lawsuit over the whitelist. There's gotta be a ton of phones that work good but aren't on the whitelist.

**Serial Port** · 09-19-2022, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by dfriz

Seems like there ought a be a class action lawsuit over the whitelist. There's gotta be a ton of phones that work good but aren't on the whitelist.

Not likely to happen. The "whitelist" consists of phones that have been tested by the carrier and confirmed to be compatible. It isn't in the carrier's best interest to support unapproved phones with little or no carrier support. If such a class action lawsuit were to come about, it would have to be brought on all of the major carriers/MVNO's and prepaid services that require similar approval. Not a small undertaking by any stretch. I am not trying to discourage you or anyone else, just thought it was worth mentioning. I am not employed by any cell phone provider, just offering my opinion as a former CS rep for At&t until about 2015.

**dfriz** · 09-21-2022, 12:22 PM

I solved the problem by buying an Alcatel Volta ATT Gophone from Kroger for $29.95. It worked almost as good as my Samsung.

**sprintleaver** · 09-26-2022, 01:29 PM

One thing to keep in mind is that with new bands for AT&T, non-approved phones may be lacking the antennas / firmware to make use of all available frequencies on AT&T.

In the past GSM days it was simpler, just use any GSM phone with any GSM carrier. Now with each country / carrier having different bands /frequencies it is more challenging to ensure the phone you get has all the right bands / frequencies for that carrier, even if they use the same standard (ie LTE / 5G).

**Serial Port** · 09-26-2022, 03:31 PM

To some extent, it has always been important to confirm what bands that the phone used before activating the phone on whatever carrier you chose unless it was bought from the carrier itself. Yes, GSM phones mostly eliminated such requirements but it has always been there.

**AnciusD** · 09-27-2022, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by sprintleaver

One thing to keep in mind is that with new bands for AT&T, non-approved phones may be lacking the antennas / firmware to make use of all available frequencies on AT&T.

In the past GSM days it was simpler, just use any GSM phone with any GSM carrier. Now with each country / carrier having different bands /frequencies it is more challenging to ensure the phone you get has all the right bands / frequencies for that carrier, even if they use the same standard (ie LTE / 5G).

Which bands are considered new for AT&T?

**Serial Port** · 09-27-2022, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by AnciusD

Which bands are considered new for AT&T?

Keep in mind that even if the phone has the "correct bands", if it isn't "Whitelisted" there is little hope it will be accepted by At&t. It wasn't as much of an issue 10 years ago (for example) as it is today.

**AnciusD** · 09-27-2022, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by Serial Port

Keep in mind that even if the phone has the "correct bands", if it isn't "Whitelisted" there is little hope it will be accepted by At&t. It wasn't as much of an issue 10 years ago (for example) as it is today.

I was asking about the new bands, I wasn't aware that AT&T had any new bands. Thanks.

**Serial Port** · 09-27-2022, 01:58 PM

I didn't say that At&t had "New Bands". Use the accepted "White List" and there should be no issue. I just wanted to make that clear.

**AnciusD** · 09-27-2022, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by Serial Port

I didn't say that At&t had "New Bands". Use the accepted "White List" and there should be no issue. I just wanted to make that clear.

My original reply was to @sprintleaver who mentioned new bands. I have no issues as I'm currently set with 6 phones on the whitelist. I also have 2 non-whitelisted phones on RP's GSMA.

**kevink1** · 09-28-2022, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by AnciusD

Which bands are considered new for AT&T?

Probably the newest is the DoD C-Band frequencies for 5G. For whatever reason, ATT will only accept it on select 2022 phones and later. So the iPhone 14 and later (not even the 2022 SE, apparently). Band 14 on 5G. Most of the new bands will be 5G.

**Slepy** · 09-28-2022, 05:10 PM

AT&T's main, old, 4G LTE bands: 2, 4, (5), 12(17)
Extended bands: 14 (FirstNet), 29, 30, 46??, 66 (superset of 4)
5G NR: n2, n5, n77 (C-band), n260 (mmWave)

**AnciusD** · 09-28-2022, 06:07 PM

Both, very helpful. Thanks.

**robbyrobby** · 10-02-2022, 06:47 PM

for whatever reason my experience is different than many other who have posted on this forum

both my att prepaid and MVNO SIM's work in phones that have correct bands and are able to be provisioned for VoLTE on the whitelist or not. this includes multiple Umidigi phones and other unusual off brand devices own.

what has changed in my experience is that phones without VoLTE compatible with ATT and proper APN's will not fallback to 3g as the used too even if in the an area that still has 3g coverage.