What are /r/USMobile's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Send them a screenshot of the receipt, then screenshot the main page with ur email address, it would be nice if u used the same email address for USM and Spotify. I think Spotify shows ur name on that Profile tab too.

Use the web portal: https://www.spotify.com/us/ and use the log in button at the top left

agree if the service is already depriortized as QCI 9, then it must be a hard throttle. What is the hard throttle?

Also, you are saying there is no limitations on video streaming resolution? If someone were to do a fast.com speed, one has full access to the network?

Visible Hacked, protect your accounts now

https://bestmvno.com/visible/visible-latest-wireless-provider-to-be-impacted-by-a-security-breach/amp/

Privacy Link:

Join Privacy and we'll each get $5 to spend anywhere online! Make sure you use my link. https://privacy.com/join/E8NG5

worst case, can't you just show ur privacy.com card (aka probably the card linked to USM, the last 4 digits) then show the privacy.com generated card (last 4) and just show that the funding privacy card (aka ur actual card) is what's funding your privacy generated card (the virtual card) and show that the last 4 digits of the card linked to ur Netflix matches the last 4 on ur privacy generated card. That seems like it should work

VZW's prioritization system really really sucks but since moving to 5G Pixel 5's we have not even noticed it. When we had the 3a XL's and were at crowded sporting events or concerts we would use a network switcher to drop from LTE to CDMA and we would pretty much have that all to ourselves. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alpha.lte4g

This general use widget looks okay, but I've never used it

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roysolberg.android.datacounter

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I just wanted to mention that I check the US Mobile app on occasion to check usage, and it works great for me!

Looks to me like you can view invoices right here?

https://www.spotify.com/us/account/subscription/receipt/

Just print to PDF and send?

Update:

I successfully activated my visual voicemail! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vna.service.vvm

I'm not sure what the tech did, he made some changes, but it activated on the 2nd try after a reboot.

OK, not to pile on another useless suggestion, but Google Messages seems to work well on my wife's S21+.

(Then again we all have Chat Features/RCS enabled, and it falls back to MMS/SMS only when communicating with others)

Fi is a bit different; the Fi app replaces some of the functions that are normally provided within the phone OS. (For instance, it also provides its own WiFi calling scheme within the app, without relying on network-provided VoWifi).

The free version of that seems to work for my purpose (don't need any of the paid features since I can turn off mobile data per app, and I use NordVPN if I need it).

https://imgur.com/a/N5QW6cq

And being able to set the range is nice. Seems like all the app by app data is already on my phone, it just parses it. Seems the sis in law already shucked down 175mb in half an hour for Spotify (wife and her family have post paid verizon but limited data).

Oh.. turns out I understood you right the first time after all. (I removed my previous comment because I thought I had misread you).

You are getting 5G. It's not always "on" because all US 5G networks are actually NSA, and the handshaking happens over a LTE carrier signal. You'll see a "NR NSA" section popping up if you actually send/receive data.

One thing you can try is to run the Okla Speedtest. Don't pay too much attention to the actual speeds, but the result screen will have a little circle with "5G" or "LTE" inside it.

Don't expect too much of it though. I typically get 150-300 Mbps downloads on "5G" (n5), vs. 50-200 Mbps on LTE.

I'm in the same boat as you. I switched last month right in time for the now famous July Update "bug" broke all WiFi calling for my S22 Ultra.

I get basically one maybe two bars or no signal in my house but am fine outside. I live on a big hill so my guess is the signal is blocked from Verizon's towers. In the winter when the leaves are gone the signal works much better.

I initially thought the same way as you that I could just get one of those Verizon boosters and hang it off my router but was told you needed a POST paid Verizon account to register them, so that was out. Next someone pointed me to this:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BN6QSX9/ref=ox\_sc\_saved\_title\_2?smid=AQPZX80YVPDUY&psc=1

I don't feel like climbing my roof or drilling holes to install this so I'm going to wait on the fix to WiFi calling before deciding, but this unit is only $100 and seems to help most people in reviews on Amazon. If you don't have fast internet and cannot use WiFi I think this would be a cheap way to try to fix/boost your signal without breaking your bank. You just need a clear line of sight to a Verizon tower.

Are you able to get on your roof and see if you get some signal up there? If you could install Network Cell Info so I can get an idea of how strong the signal is and what band you're connected to that would be even better. If there's at least one bar you could get a cell booster instead of the network extender, as it's a glorified signal repeater instead of a micro cell tower. I would need to know how strong of signal you get and how large your house is before I could recommend a specific model. They're not cheap, but it's your only option if you're not a direct Verizon customer.

I had the same issue with my Galaxy S10. Some carrier/software versions simply don't have the app installed, and there's no way to get the "official" Samsung version to work. Tried APKs and everything.

The only thing that works is this 3rd party app (recommended/supported by US Mobile).

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vna.service.vvm

Not a particularly great app, but works as intended, and literally the only solution I could find.

I guess this depends partly on what, exactly, you mean by Visual Voicemail.

On some Android phones (Pixel, Sony, ... those that come with Google's Phone app factory-installed), the Visual Voicemail function is built in and can be enabled in the phone settings. In this case, you may or may not see additional options related to Voicemail Transcription; specifically, you'll see it if you're on the AT&T network (incl MVNOs like Red Pocket), but not on Verizon (including USM).

Samsung (and OnePlus, ...) come with their own Phone apps, and a separate native Visual Voicemail app. (At least, some models). This app is available/visible only if supported by the network - and it should be available on USM. It does not support transcription, however.

As for WiFi calling, it's kinda a mess. Specific phone firmware + carrier combinations seem to work, with no specific rhyme or reason. For instance my Sony doesn't get it on any US provider except Google Fi (unless I flash a different firmware), but older Sonys got it on Verizon only. Some Nokias get it only on T-Mobile. But with a foreign SIM card roaming on US networks (either AT&T or T-Mobile), I get it just fine.

My wife's Samsung S10+ gets it on all networks, also now. In any case, I'm not surprised that a specific firmware update should break this functionality.

I have but haven't ordered one yet, I don't know if it will be different than activating via eSIM which I have tried and they require a CC so when the trial ends they can charge the CC. I will just order a physical SIM and see what happens I guess, it's cheap enough.

Are you talking about this?

https://www.amazon.com/US-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Starter/dp/B079DY1H33/

Doesn't look like a trial, just a physical SIM kit, no?

They have been experimenting with this. They do have a 3 month plan 5GB plan on Amazon now (for $30, so $15 off) and might have more options in the future, but not right now.

u/mccannr1 I got you! We have a few deals here:

• NUU F4L with 6 months of Unlimited Talk, Text and 1 GB data per month for $114 here.
• And our normally $45 3-Month Unlimited Talk & Text with 5GB data per month for $30 here

And stay tuned for a few more deals like this being launched pretty soon.

Since this is a Samsung and doesn't use Google's Phone app (factory-installed on other Androids), I would install and launch this (when prompted you can make this the default phone app, and change back later).

From there, open the dial pad and enter *#*#4636#*#* (*#*#INFO#*#*); you will see a Testing screen. Choose Phone Information, and check the following:

• Select phone index should be Phone 0 (if you're using the first and presumably only physical SIM slot).
• Set Preferred Network Type should include at least NR/LTE. (Older technologies like CDMA/EvDO or GSM/WCDMA are now unnecessary, and will just drain your battery).
• Mobile Radio Power should be toggled on.
• Make sure VoLTE Provisioned is also in the On position (you can't change this; it just shows if your phone gets basic phone service over LTE, which is now required).

Try to toggle off WiFi calling (if that's enabled).

Unfortunately Samsung has their own Phone / VM apps, which work in varying degrees with carrier settings. Other Androids that have the default Google Phone app factory-installed as a system app, where you can disable/enable Visual VM. If there's a similar setting you might want to try that too.

Do you know for a fact that those you are able to send group messages and images to receive them over MMS (as opposed to RCS)?

I was having messaging issues where I was able to send/receive attachments to/from some people but not others. Yesterday I dug into this a bit more, and found that it worked well for those that have "Chat Features" (RCS) enabled in the Google Messages app (Pixel, Sony, and also downloadable for Samsung), but not over MMS.

MMS downloads via a dedicated APN, different from your regular internet access. My phone does not have any way to edit APN settings on SuperLTE/Verizon (they are simply not shown), but I found that a network reset fixed the issue in my case. Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset network settings.

I had to setup WiFi and Bluetooth connections again, and also re-pair with the Messages web site. Once I reopened Messages I was prompted to again setup chat features. But immediately all recent attachments (those that hadn't expired) were downloaded.

Calling (also over VoLTE, VoNR) works without data.

To see whether the phone is provisioned for LTE in the first place, do this:

• Install and launch the Google Phone app.
  • When prompted, allow this to become the default phone app. You can later change back to the built-in Samsung app.
• Open the dial pad, and enter *#*#4636#*#* (*#*#INFO#*#*). A menu should pop up.
• Choose Phone Information. Halfway down this screen there are some toggles, including VoLTE Provisioned. You can't edit it, but make sure it's in the On position.

Other thoughts: * I would also try turning off Wi-Fi calling, since that by itself uses data. It should still use voice when you're on a cellular network, but do this just to be sure. * I would experiment with the Mobile Data setting, under Settings → Network & Internet (Not sure if that's the exact spot on Samsung). Turn it off since you don't have any data, but then enable the option MMS Messages, which should now be available. * You don't want to use RCS (Chat Features, Advanced Messaging, etc), since that requires data. This means all your messages are SMS / MMS only.

So to clarify, you currently have mobile data and MMS working? What does "rather slow" mean - did you try running a speed test?

I can attest to this. I have VZW's newest 4G/VoLTE/VoWiFi capable flip phone, the TCL Flip PRO. I used it on VZW prepaid for 60 days, during which time it wouldn't work on US Mobile. At exactly 61 days, it unlocked automatically.

It has large keys, an easy to read screen, and excellent sound quality.

I wouldn't consider it "rugged", but you can get a sturdy, grippy plastic shell for it on Amazon.

amazon.com/Alcatel-Phone-Nakedcellphone-Protector-Texture/dp/B09N7LBQZL

Don't buy any earlier versions of this phone (formerly branded as "Alcatel", but made by TCL)/

Well the sm-g991u (unlike sm-g991u1) would originally have been locked to a specific network; I'm guessing T-Mobile? Just double-check that it is unlocked first.

My second guess is that the SIM isn't provisioned. When you activated, are you certain you entered the correct ICCID? (If you got it directly from USM you should be able to just select it without entering any numbers manually). Does the same SIM work in a different phone?

Then, here's what I would try.

• Make sure you have an activated black (SuperLTE) SIM inserted.
• Install Google's Phone app (this is the one that's ractory-installed on most Androids except Samsung). If needed, make this the default phone app.
• Open this, bring up the dial pad, and enter *#*#4636#*#* (remember as: *#*#INFO#*#*). You should get a Testing` menu, from here choose Phone Information
• Make sure the correct SIM is selected at the top (usually "Phone 0"), and under Set Preferred Network Type select NR/LTE.

You can now exit this screen. Hopefully you should see a signal; if not:

• Go into Settings → Network & Internet → Verizon
• Tap on (disable) the toggle Automatically select network. You should see a "Choose Network" screen.
• Try to manually select any network that says either "US Mobile", "Verizon", or "311 480", and that has an LTE or NR (or 5G) icon next to it.

What plan do you have? Only old grandfathered Unlimited All plans and the new Unlimited Premium plans have access to mmWave. All plans have access to C-Band but unlike Verizon or those on Unlimited Premium, it will not show UWB logo if on C-Band on US Mobile plans that don't get mmWave. I recommend getting CellMapper app which will tell you the band you are on as well as show the towers and bands in your area and what you should get, as it uses crowd-sourced data from other users of the app.

Sure. Nobody under the age of 60 would probably be willing to use this in public, but I also bought this nifty cover, which fits perfectly (designed for this specific phone):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09N7LBQZL?th=1

It makes the phone bulkier, but for a senior, it's actually helpful, since it has a non-slip, easy to hold design.

As for being able to select LTE only, do this:

• Install Google's Phone app, and set this as default (instead of the built-in Samsung one)
• Open it, and dial *#*#4636#*#* (*#*#INFO#*#*)
• Select Phone Information
• Under "Select Preferred Network Type", select "LTE Only".

You can now set the Samsung phone app back as default if you'd like (but why bother?).

Seen as not many MVNOs support international calling in the first place (with the notable exception of Fi, which I don't recommend for other reasons), one option would be to use Google Voice for this purpose. With the GV app on your phone, you can also configure it such that international calls made using your native phone app will be diverted through GV, (a) always, (b) international calls only, or (c) never.

However porting your main number to GV (as some do, and I did) in order to get (a) international calling and (b) WiFi calling on otherwise non-supported devices is a mixed bag. Yes, you can call internationally (and very cheaply at that), but GV does not support international texting. So you're kinda stuck with two separate numbers: GV for international calls, USM for international texts.

This. When phones like the samsung A53 5G have 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates then phones like this moto stylus should only be considered for short term use or if the price is very low. I certainly wouldn't buy for $350 from the US Mobile store.

The Samsung A53 5g is $350. It also has 5G so will get priority data. I guess if the stylus is important to you then the pool to choose from is pretty slim.

https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Factory-Unlocked-Android/dp/B09R6FJWWS

That would be false, there are some.

This is a great spreadsheet on dozens of MVNOs and their features. There's a column for "Domestic Roaming" True/false. US Mobile is set to true.

https://airtable.com/shrraH105YVJQF2Yr/tblEszFJtM4p2YEvP/viwU8oUsB6GMWcxcE

If you do go with USM's 5GB plan, buy it from here: https://www.amazon.com/High-Speed-Unlimited-Months-Starter-Included/dp/B08YRVKCWR/

Currently the 5GB, 3 month bulk plan is $30 total, not $45, so it's a bit cheaper than buying month to month from US Mobile. Might want to buy SIMs quick in case chipping takes a while (like it currently shows May 5-9)

These stories keep adding up, and along with stories about charges continuing on discontinued lines they're not painting a flattering picture of USM. Similar stories appear in other carriers' subreddits, too, but not as frequently. The exception being Google Fi; this is one of two things that they do better than other carriers, along with their seamless integration between phone and web. (Overall their service sucks though; USM is a far better deal than Fi).

Speaking of which, let me recommend a solution that has worked well for me. I previously ported all 4 numbers in our family from my previous carrier to Google Voice; the one I have from USM is essentially a dummy number used only for forwarding (inbound and outbound). With the Voice App on our phones there are no compatibility issues w.r.t. wifi calling, visual voicemail, group messaging, etc - it all just works the same way across phones. More importantly it fills in a couple of gaps from the USM plan:

• Calls to international destinations (not offered by USM itself)
• Calling from abroad (this works on the USM-provided data roaming plan if and only if your phone gets WiFi calling, and then only to US numbers).
  
• Make/receive calls, texts, and voicemails from your computer
• No more number porting (and carrier-specific issues around this). The data link provided by your carrier is like the WiFi connection in your home - decoupled from the "phone" functionality.

You know you can port your number to USM, right? (Or for that matter, port it to Google Voice, and use the Voice App on your phone.)

I mean why pay for a separate T-Mobile plan if you only use it for voice?

If you're on Android, try this:

Go into settings, apps, see all apps, show system (on the menu), pick carrier services (not carrier settings!). Force stop, clear storage and cache, force stop again. This also helps if you're having trouble getting "Chat Features" to connect.

You should probably also make sure you have the latest carrier services installed: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.ims

Worked for me anyway.

I spent a lot of time looking into this and discussing with support, the only visual voicemail I was able to get working on my unlocked S22 on gsm is https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vna.service.vvm&hl=en_US&gl=US.

I switched months ago and haven’t looked back.

I highly recommend getting the SIM Starter Kit off Amazon, I’ve purchased several and they always arrive in 2 days.

Amazon Link

Directions are here: https://usmobile.helpdocs.io/devices/how-can-i-set-up-and-access-my-voicemail

If you’re on (T-Mobile) and you have an android that for some reason can’t use the voicemail built into the google phone app you can use this one.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vna.service.vvm

Try testing at another location, like closer to city center especially if you see a cell tower. Also make sure you test on Ookla speedtest.net not fast.com, to make sure video throttle is not affecting speed test.

My speed tests are all over the place. Fast.com shows speeds at 4mbps down, with Ping around 60. Google's Speed Test shows download at 20-30mbps. Speedtest app by Okla shows same download speeds as Google with ping of 34. FCC Speedtest app shows 30mbps download with 34.8 ping.

I'm on a non 5g Samsung note 8 in Tulsa OK. These speeds definitely work for me.

We have removed the HD limiting feature for all unlimited lines. I along with my team members have personally tested and we can go up to 1440p with no buffering. Some of us even got 4k streaming so slower speeds on fast.com are there for some odd reason and that's not us!

Yeah, I'm on to their game. I use privacy.com which lets you create virtual credit cards with specific spend limits, so even if they tried they can't charge more than the limit I put on the card ($1).

This is the boat I am in as well. I am pretty lucky this go around, where setup and general usuage have been smooth on my Pixel 4a. The response from Visible surrounding this whole affair has also been sketchy, as has the fact that the issue appears to still be ongoing (people started to report it on Sunday, I believe, with new reports of it even today).

Also agree with the Privacy.com card. I have had an account with them for ages, but never thought to use them with Visible until today. Glad I did, if someone hijacks my account they can try to order $1000+ of phones all day long, the transactions will never clear Privacy.

But like u/havaloc said, the moment that USMobile can bring wifi calling over to Super LTE, I'll probably bail as well.

I just took a screen shot and saved it as a PDF that showed the last 4 of the card use for USMobile. Do you have to do it each month?

I don't know about you, but I use Privacy.com and generate a card number that has a spending limit. I've been using that for years. It can be tied to your bank account, debit, or credit card. Totally free too.

That way they can't charge me some bogus fee if it goes over my limit. So for 4 lines it's $100 and HBOMax #14.99 so I'll set a spending limit per month of $115. I know they'll deduct the perk, but if they don't I'm covered.

Since Super LTE is on the Verizon network, and Verizon often allows the enabling of call forwarding, here’s a potential solution to receiving inbound calls (but not texts) when abroad: 1) get a free WiFi calling app / account, such as https://voice.google.com or https://www.textnow.com ; 2) then, from your regular US mobile Super LTE number, enter *72 + the 10 digit number the app assigns for unconditional call forwarding, before you board the plane, stateside. Your calls will then be forwarded, and you’ll answer, when abroad, riding on your eSIM’s data connection. Inbound calls will appear seamless to your callers, as they’ll continue to dial your regular number. And using the Skype app with the caller ID set to your normal carrier number will keep your outbound calls back to them also business as usual. So, there would be no need to jump between US Mobile SIMs. /fs

You can use Google Voice or textnow were the two suggestions. I haven't used either of them yet but I'm sure I will for call forwarding so I'm reachable even when not on WiFi.

I also have a Office 365 subscription which comes with 60 Skype minutes each month for free. I cannot receive calls on my phone number through Skype but outgoing calls use my cell phone number (you have to set this up in the Skype settings).

Hi u/yellow_canary_, they did provide me with a solution. Hopefully I got to you in time here!

I downloaded this application:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xsquarestudio.forcelte&hl=en\_US&gl=US&showAllReviews=true

I installed it and ran it. I chose Method 2, and selected the LTE only option.

I then made sure I had all four APN settings exactly as they are in the article.

https://usmobile.helpdocs.io/device-setup/how-to-set-up-your-samsung-device-if-you-use-super-lte

I restarted the phone. It is now able to send MMS messages.

It seems that my phone (as other similar phones like OnePlus) work with 4g but do not work with Verizon 3G. So it will have worse coverage overall. https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/US/xiaomi-redmi-note-10

Wow! That was so easy, it makes me angry to have waisted all of my time on this!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vna.service.vvm&hl=en_US&gl=US

Thanks a bunch from all US Mobile customers on GSM with Android phones wishing to use a Visual Voicemail capability.

Does PIA have a split tunneling feature in their app? On my VPN.ac subscription I have the app set to only send traffic from Kodi and DuckDuckGo over the VPN so that I don't ever have to worry about it breaking anything.

I think it's OK to post an Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/GL-iNET-GL-MT300N-V2-Repeater-300Mbps-Performance/dp/B073TSK26W

Looks like the raised the price since I bought one last spring, but still cheap. It has a USB port for USB tethering from the phone, and the port has enough power to keep the phone charged. Separate port for the power supply. It has 2 ethernet ports, but wireless is the easy way to connect multiple devices to it. Visible just sees the 1 tether hotspot.

Have you tried the "Phone by Google" app? While I'm not using an S21, that app is what made visual VM work for me (Pixel 4A).

Let's see if Reddit will allow me to post a Play Store URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.dialer