no matter what theres internet

nickicf1982

Reputable
Mar 26, 2015
6
0
4,510
So I bought a samsung tab 3 froM someone on Craigslist and was supprised when I found that I have an internet connection no matter what. I dont have a sim card, I dont have a plan set up, I reset to factory when I purchsed it and both wifi and tethering are turned off. I can also use bluetooth so all my other devices can run the internet off my tableg. Im not complaining but wondering how this is possible. A samsung tech couldn't even help me. Does anyone know the answer?
 

nickicf1982

Reputable
Mar 26, 2015
6
0
4,510
It is a tab3 model number sm-t210s. There is a SIM card slot but no SIM card. I can connect to WI-FI but I still have access when WI-FI is disabled. Every tech I have talked to said without a SIM card I should not have service.
 
while wifi is disabled post a screenshot.
to do so, press the home and the power key at the same time

Can you see the symbols of signal strength on the top right (left of battery symbol), like in this picture:
http://www.mytrendyphone.no/images/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-3-8-3G-16GB-T311-Midnight-Black-07092013-1-p.jpg

the "3G" can also show as "E", "edge", "LTE", "4G" or just the 4 bars
http://www.themobimag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bars-green.png
if this is visible, a sim card is inside your tab

 

nickicf1982

Reputable
Mar 26, 2015
6
0
4,510
Yes there are 2 slots one for a micro sd card and one for a SIM card. Both are empty. I also get a notification saying that there is no SIM card. I have 3G service when WIFI is disabled. I have had this device for 5 months now so I would assume if it was stolen and still on someones account it would have been turned off by now. Also I have been told it would not run o. Someones account without the sim card. According to the device settings it is a sprint
 
please make a picture of the empty sim card slot
http://tablets.wonderhowto.com/how-to/insert-sim-card-into-samsung-galaxy-tab-411587/

try putting a sim card in this slot

deactivate bluetooth and wifi
test internet

go to settings, mobile network settings , eventually press "more...", AccessPointNames, any APNs there?
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/3444365/set-up-mobile-internet-on-android/

 

nickicf1982

Reputable
Mar 26, 2015
6
0
4,510
I'm just trying to figure out how do I have service not ways to double check if I actually have a SIM card in my device. I have owned several samsung devices and other samsung tablets so I am aware of where and how to access the SIM card.