Sorry I didn’t see this sooner; I have been using a FP5 on Mint in Seattle since around January, with no significant problems. I have not, however tried an eSIM.
I don’t remember having to do any special backflips to get it working at the beginning, at least in terms of phone settings. I’m happy to answer any questions, though, in case I changed something and forgot about it.
2 Likes
As I stated above. Things have changed since then. I had to recently do this within the last year. They had changed their policies when it comes to esim. You can’t just scan a QR code and be done. You literally have to go to them to manually download the esim. This is when i first got my FP5. This is for privacy reasons is what they told me. This still doesn’t make any sense since they still have to have the device to set it up. This was an honest experience I had. Others where also having esim problems when I was there the two days to get mine set up. That’s how long it took with tech support.
Hi, and yes; I did not intend to disagree with anything. I think you had said that you were waiting to receive a regular SIM, and my intent was only to say that this was indeed working in my case.
1 Like
I just didn’t want some misinformation to confuse someone. I can understand that every experience is different. Even with the same product. I also understood what you said. That just wouldn’t have solved this users esim problem.
We finally got Mint to work on my FP5 with the SIM they shipped me (eSIM would not install as described above).
Traveling in Canada now and trying to use the free data they provide but unable to actually connect to any providers for data (was able to call and send SMS messages). I finally ran out of patience and asked for a refund which they readily provided.
I just wish their service did what they advertise! Really annoying. Now trying to switch to t-mobile remotely but of course eSIM won’t install with them either so I’ll drop into a retail location when I return to the USA.
I figured as much. You see they had to manually download my esim at a T-Mobile store. It took them two days to troubleshoot it with tech support. It wasn’t as easy as setting up a fairphone 4 when i first got the device. They had QR codes and it was a one and done thing. Now that the policies have changed. I’m afraid you going to have to hand the phone to a person at the store and have them deal with it. I’m afraid that is the only solution to you’re issue. It was so much easier two to three years ago to get a esim. Now you got to jump through hoops to get one these days. The other option is a sim card. From what i read you would like it as your secondary. That shouldn’t be a problem. But yet it is.
T-mobile installed eSIM with ease in my FP5 just today.
Seems solid so far. Too bad it couldn’t be done remotely.
Thanks for all the help!
1 Like
You’re very welcome. Im glad that solved your issue.
1 Like
Hello everyone,
I’m considering purchasing the Fairphone 5 primarily due to its company’s ethical stances, sustainability efforts, and focus on repairability. While I’m excited about these features, I do have some concerns, particularly since the FP5 isn’t officially supported in the U.S. After browsing the forum, I feel a bit more reassured but want to make sure I’m not overlooking any important details before making the purchase. My primary uses for the phone would be texting, calling, and navigation via Google Maps, with secondary uses being camera usage, internet browsing, and WhatsApp.
Here’s my plan: I live in Madison, WI, and I’m considering buying the FP5 through Clove Technology. I plan to use it with my current network, Google Fi. I’ve only seen one person mention using Google Fi with the FP5, so if it doesn’t work, my backup plan is to switch to Mint Mobile. I also have a few specific questions I’d like to address:
-
Are there any red flags in my current plan?
-
Does anyone have experience using the Fairphone 5 in the Madison area (or elsewhere in Wisconsin)?
-
Has anyone successfully used Google Fi with the Fairphone 5? I’d love to hear about your experience.
-
I’ve seen a lot of FP4 users mention Lineage OS. Is it also recommended for the FP5? What are the main reasons for using Lineage OS?
-
For anyone who’s purchased from Clove Technology, did you have to pay extra for customs or taxes?
-
While traveling by car, has anyone experienced trouble navigating using google maps or another recommended app?
-
I noticed that Clove sells spare parts for the FP5 but doesn’t ship batteries to my location (presumably due to international shipping restrictions). Has anyone run into this issue? I’m hoping that if I ever need a replacement, Murena or another supplier will offer batteries for the FP5 within the US.
Thanks in advance for your insights! I plan to update the community with my overall experience with the Fairphone 5.
Moved to Chicago from Europe a couple of months ago and took my FP5 with me. I decided to take a Mint Mobile plan and initially had a good experience, but then coverage started to be spotty and sometimes my data connection dropped altogether. Contacted Mint customer service and after resetting my phone’s connectivity settings without success, they said it wasn’t them and they couldn’t help me. A few days later my connectivity magically reappeared, but now, about a month later, it’s dropping out again.
I really don’t know how to troubleshoot this issue as it seems time- and location-dependent. Anyone here experiencing similar issues, and any suggestions for a fix? Thanks!
I’m in Chicago, just switched from iPhone to FP4, using T-Mobile. Coverage is ok, but could be a little better. I have always relied on wifi calling from my condo though. Not sure if that helps.
1 Like
Hello, i recently went to USA and got prepaid esim with tmobile (text, calls and data unlimited)
I could use the data no problem.
I could recieve texts and calls.
My texts were never recieved but was marked as sent. I also had problem with calling people.
I could recieve calls and text but not call/send.
I used Fp4.
I recently bought FairPhone 5 (FP5) and activated on Tello (uses T-mobile USA’s network). Despite 4G is on (where’s 5G?) it never connected (nor to 5G). I read someone else in USA uses FP5, but apparently 2G. Tello said several people tried FairPhones but none have 4G or newer. I’m angry 3G was discontinued, because 2G can be low-quality or not get no volume (‘drops’). Odd; when I used wired telephones (and we still do) since 1980s, 1G wired quality was always decent. When we got cellphones in 1990s, 2G was decent at the time: much better than now. What went wrong? Is there any other setting I can try (or ask Tello to) or wait for update or just use 2G?
I moved your post here, as there are many information already above e.g. here
FWIW, I’m using an FP5 on Verizon in the US (mainly MA and NH). No issues getting on 4g at all. I get less 5g coverage than I used to on a Pixel, but I assume that’s just due to verizon using different 5g bands than the FP5 supports most of the time.
1 Like
I’m currently using FP4 on Tello and can get both 4G and 5G, no apparent issues. (I am using lineageOS.)
I had to adjust my APN (Access Point Name) stuff to get it to work.
3 Likes
Are there any other fair phone users in the city of Chicago? It might be good to organize a meeting. It would be nice to discuss tech issues with others at a bookstore or cafe.
1 Like
@Ruthalas , thanks!
Are you sure that’s all? Tello said add that URL and the following (much is automatic… not all).
proxy: (leave blank)
port: 8080
username & password: (leave blank)
server: (leave blank)
MMS Proxy: (leave blank)
MMS Port: (leave blank)
MNC: 240
authentication type: (leave blank)
APN type: default,supl,mms
protocol: IPv4/IPv6
MCC: 310
After update, with battery above 90%, I have intermittent signal strength (all to zero bars), 5G, 4G, 2G (with less-powerful phones, all sometimes drop with less-powerful phones 10 miles out in rural area here). I’ll continue testing in town/city.
I couldn’t update my post. Wheverer I go (rural, town/suburban, city) my FP5 only has intermittent connection/bars, from zero bars to 2G to 4G to 5G, keeps changing, sometimes a few times in a few minutes, or sometimes longer. At home on 5G I was able to call home, sibling (elsewhere), voicemail, but in town when it showed 5G, they couldn’t hear me and I couldn’t hear voicmail. There are a several/few undocumented top-right icons.
What should I do?
I still couldn’t edit my previous post to update (which causes taking up more space). I tried using a physical SIM but lost activation code (though they say I don’t need it because used previously) then switched back to eSIM… appears to be working now. Thanks! 
I’ll have to test more, but if I don’t post in next few/several days/weeks it must be working.
1 Like