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There's been a lot of new users picking up cheap G7 ThinQ G710ULM (US Unlocked) versions on ebay lately, then getting frustrated when they find out it a hacked Sprint version (G710pm).

I'm finding posts from new users on different corners of the internet, Telegram groups, Reddit, etc, usually saying that they can't upgrade from Oreo and their device is missing a serial number, and the IMEI is actually from the Sprint pm version. I couldn't find a lot of info in one place about these handsets, so I'm starting this thread to discuss them. There's a good chance any ULM on ebay for a good price is one of these. I bought 3 of them for different people from different sellers, and this was the case on all of them. I almost returned them all and gave up until I did some research and found out THIS ISN'T NECESSARILY A BAD THING!



In fact, it may actually be beneficial compared to the real ULM version in some ways. First of all, it WILL work with T-mobile USA just fine. The bands all seem to work, it even supports WiFi calling and VOLTE, and there's a chance even B71 will work (although this isn't 100% verified, it shows up as an available band to test in the service menu). The real ULM supposedly skips this band. Some people even say the real ULM version is also missing bands for AT&T, but the PM crossflashed version seems to connect to them (this might be an isolated incident or fluke, but at least one redditor claims this was his experience). I'm still not clear on how the unlocked official US version can be missing AT&T bands, so I'd love for other people to maybe chime in here with their experiences.



Yes, you can update to Pie. The OTA updates won't work, likely because of the missing serial number. On that note, I'd LOVE to find out why that is. Can anyone explain why these crossflashed devices are missing the SN? Does that happen on other crossflashed devices?

Either way, follow this guide here:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-...-aosp-t3914079

Note, this guide was written for flashing a European variant, but the same steps apply. Just choose a kdz for the ULM variant from here: https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmg710ul...#tab=firmwares

^ I recommend the latest Google Fi firmware version, which is G710ULM20e_00_NAO_US_OP_1010.kdz , from 2019-11-14

There is a more recent version from BPT, but it is unclear what that firmware is for. BPT seems to be some sort of regional carrier, so you are better off with the regular USA or Fi version.

Also note, you may need to use 7zip to extract the dll file from that guide. That took me a while to figure out, as Windows explorer throws an error with it. Once you finish, your phone will reboot with a shiny new (relatively) up to date Pie firmware!



There. You now saved yourself a few bucks and got a solid phone. Feel free to share your experiences with the handset here.