[j7469]

If you are like me and want to have the latest PRL on your CDMA iPhone, you were probably disappointed to see that our old way of dialing *#5005*4357# stopped working after update to iOS 5.

I did a little digging and found this new trick to find out the PRL and ERI right on the Verizon website. Just follow the steps below.

1. From the home screen, select Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select About.
4. Select (tap) Carrier once to view the PRL.
5. Select (tap) Carrier twice to view the ERI.

There you are, enjoy

PS, this may work on the Sprint iPhone too but I can't confirm.

[kch50428]

Good find for those of us who are OCD about being able to check.

[bonesb]

And, about that, VZW issued a new PRL just today. *22899 for the quick way to get the PRL update (in native coverage areas, of course). I periodically check here:

Verizon Wireless - the latest update date is always in the "Stickies" area.

[CG68]

Thanks. I try to do this once a month. Easy to check now.

[Seven77]

Not working if in extended network areas.


Sent from my iPhone 4 using Tapatalk

[kikideath]

This is the same as *228 option 2 yes?

[bonesb]

This is the same as *228 option 2 yes?

No - *22899 like *228 Option 1 updates your PRL but bypasses the option voice prompt, but also reprograms your phone and resets your lock code to it's default value (and installs the latest PRL...) - *228 Option 2 simply checks for and updates the PRL. Not so sure that is necessary unless you are having phone issues - I've been using *22899 for years on BBs, old and new Palms, an now a couple of iPhones with no issues. Back in the day I used the *228 commands (80, 90, 06, 07, 08, 09) quite often when roaming was an issue, happy now that roaming is an afterthought on National plans. YMMV.

[Infiniti7]

im totally confused about this. what is the difference in the old way and new way?

[kch50428]

im totally confused about this. what is the difference in the old way and new way?

Old way: Doesn't work anymore with iOS5.

New way: Works.

Why is that confusing?

[bonesb]

im totally confused about this. what is the difference in the old way and new way?

There is no new way. All of those *228 code strings have been around for at least 8-10 years, most have been made obsolete by VZW (like switching to their A or B channel when roaming was part of their plans). The *22899 code is what I've been using for at least 8 years, saves me from having to listen to the PRL "song" and waiting to punch in the "2" and wait some more. Nothing more to see here, move along...

[kch50428]

There is no new way. All of those *228 code strings have been around for at least 8-10 years, most have been made obsolete by VZW (like switching to their A or B channel when roaming was part of their plans). The *22899 code is what I've been using for at least 8 years, saves me from having to listen to the PRL "song" and waiting to punch in the "2" and wait some more. Nothing more to see here, move along...

Your method may work in your market... it does not work in all markets. For instance, *22899 doesn't do squat on Verizon in my home market area.

[kikideath]

No - *22899 like *228 Option 1 updates your PRL but bypasses the option voice prompt, but also reprograms your phone and resets your lock code to it's default value (and installs the latest PRL...) - *228 Option 2 simply checks for and updates the PRL. Not so sure that is necessary unless you are having phone issues - I've been using *22899 for years on BBs, old and new Palms, an now a couple of iPhones with no issues. Back in the day I used the *228 commands (80, 90, 06, 07, 08, 09) quite often when roaming was an issue, happy now that roaming is an afterthought on National plans. YMMV.

What are the advantages to reprogramming the phone rather than just checking for an updating the PRL?

[bonesb]

Your method may work in your market... it does not work in all markets. For instance, *22899 doesn't do squat on Verizon in my home market area.

See my post in #3. In native coverage areas. Sheesh. I'm done with this thread. Buh bye.

[kch50428]

What are the advantages to reprogramming the phone rather than just checking for an updating the PRL?

It will update or refresh to default cellular and/or data network settings within the phone. One should not really need to do this beyond initial set-up, or at the direction of tech support.

[kikideath]

It will update or refresh to default cellular and/or data network settings within the phone. One should not really need to do this beyond initial set-up, or at the direction of tech support.

Thanks, that's what I was most curious about. I've always just done the option 2 thing every once in a while to be sure my PRL was the most up to date which reserving option 1 for when I'm swapping phones. Glad to know for the most part that's all that's needed.

[Infiniti7]

i just dont get what any of this does for your phone or means to your phone?

[kch50428]

i just dont get what any of this does for your phone or means to your phone?

The PRL in a phone is the Preferred Roaming List... a database within your phone that gives it a directory of which towers your phone is allowed to connect to, in what order when it's not able to connect to a tower owned/operated by your service provider. From time to time, agreements change because companies change agreements, or networks change and these PRLs have to be updated.

[Infiniti7]

so how do i know what i currently have in my phone right now

[kch50428]

so how do i know what i currently have in my phone right now

Read the first post of the thread.

[Infiniti7]

on my phone "PRL" says 52341 and "ERI" says 6.....what does this mean?

[kch50428]

on my phone "PRL" says 52341 and "ERI" says 6.....what does this mean?

52341 is the PRL file version, ERI is Enhance Roaming Indicator version.

[Infiniti7]

are those good number? should they be like that?

[cevmkv]

the most up to date PRL that i am seeing is 52522

[kch50428]

the most up to date PRL that i am seeing is 52522

I believe that is Verizon's current 3G National PRL.... some people may have PRLs 65*** - those are market specific to areas where Verizon acquired Alltel.

[j7469]

Just a heads up, PRL is now up to 52629.