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[Q] SIM Locked vs Unlocked

So reading the Beat Buy FAQ, they make it sound as if there are two different versions. A SIM locked one for $199 with two year contract from T-Mo and an unlocked one for $529. I believe this is misrepresentation but wanted to hear your thoughts.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

personally id get the T-Mobile version for $199.99 bc im pretty sure a unlock code method will come up somehow and if it doesnt, then u can just ask T-Mobile for the code and get it in a week or so.

Hi,
I dont know for sure -- but my guess is all the Nexus S phones are unlocked.
According to this thread, the Nexus One was unlocked with a contract:
talkandroid.com/android-forums/nexus-one/3426-subsidized-nexus-one-carrier-locked.html
I wouldn't take the Best Buy FAQ as gospel. For example one of the question is:
Are there two different versions of the Nexus S, locked and unlocked?
No, there is only one Nexus S. It is available locked with a 2-year T-Mobile contract or unlocked with no contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answer is no, but then they go and say there is locked and an unlocked version. Did a 10 year old write this or what?

there are no locked nexus s devices just like there were no locked nexus one devices. Some are just sold with a contract.

I see in some videos that theres a T-Mobile tab in the Market giving T-Mobile recommended apps.
So is there 2 version? Will the Sim Free version have no T-mobile branding in it?

G2X Unlocked(SIM) on AT&T 4G

I know that I am not the only one looking at this phone as a way to get a great Dual Core, 4G, vanilla Android phone (unmolested by AT&T) but able to be used on the AT&T network. I have had great luck and a lot of fun with the AT&T Nexus One and I think this phone will be just a successful with the help of XDA DEV's
I wanted to start a thread here in the G2X section for people to share with other users how to's and what works with regards to using this phone on the AT&T network.
It may be to soon to get all the answers, but maybe someone is working the same answers.
Questions:
How easy will it be to obtain the SIM Unlock code from T-Mobile or LG?
I am going to buy the phone at retail, just may have to use T-Mobile for 60-90 days to get the Unlock code.
Will AT&T allow us to upgrade to 4G data plan without buying their 4G phone?
I know from researching the Atrix 4G that the AT&T data plan needed to be upgraded to a 4G plan but you could keep unlimited data.

If I remember Tmobile's unlock policy correctly you wont have to wait. You can request the unlock code right away if you pay full retail price. Unless that's changed recently of course but I dont think it has. Good luck with it.

Kind of a repeat of what is in this thread started by me (which you tried to hijack)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1036129
Re-posting what I have found here:
I just got off of the phone with t-mobile customer care (1-877-453-1304). I called them because I wanted clarification on this before I purchased 2 full retail price phones.
The program is called the "Sim Subsidy Unlock Program." It is for anyone that purchases a phone for the full retail price from a corporate store or an authorized retailer and pays all of the price upfront.
You need to call customer care, explain that you purchased a phone for full price and request a "remedy request form number." They will then open this request and you then have 7 days to fax the following to the Sim Unlock Team at 1-813-353-6557 :
ATTENTION: SIM UNLOCK TEAM
Full Name
Mobile Number
Email Address
Readable Copy Of Sales Receipt
It takes 24 to 72 hours to process and they will email you instructions to unlock your phone.

As for at&t's 4g, there currently using hspa+ also, so if it supports their 3g, you'll have at&t "4g" as well
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App

nomisunrider said:
Kind of a repeat of what is in this thread started by me (which you tried to hijack)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I don't know why they did not move that thread over to this forum. It was clearly labeled as a g2x thread.
That is great info from T-Mobile about the "Sim Subsidy Unlock Program."

nomisunrider said:
They will then open this request and you then have 7 days to fax the following to the Sim Unlock Team at 1-813-353-6557 :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it have to be "faxed"? you can't email the info? thanks

Lightning N1 said:
I know that I am not the only one looking at this phone as a way to get a great Dual Core, 4G, vanilla Android phone (unmolested by AT&T) but able to be used on the AT&T network. I have had great luck and a lot of fun with the AT&T Nexus One and I think this phone will be just a successful with the help of XDA DEV's
I wanted to start a thread here in the G2X section for people to share with other users how to's and what works with regards to using this phone on the AT&T network.
It may be to soon to get all the answers, but maybe someone is working the same answers.
Questions:
How easy will it be to obtain the SIM Unlock code from T-Mobile or LG?
I am going to buy the phone at retail, just may have to use T-Mobile for 60-90 days to get the Unlock code.
Will AT&T allow us to upgrade to 4G data plan without buying their 4G phone?
I know from researching the Atrix 4G that the AT&T data plan needed to be upgraded to a 4G plan but you could keep unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wondering the same things. Currently have the vibrant...
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

davehasninjas said:
As for at&t's 4g, there currently using hspa+ also, so if it supports their 3g, you'll have at&t "4g" as well
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just expect to have below 3G upload speeds with AT&T.
Edit: nevermind... software vs hardware limitations. Nonetheless, screw AT&T

nomisunrider said:
Kind of a repeat of what is in this thread started by me (which you tried to hijack)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1036129
Re-posting what I have found here:
I just got off of the phone with t-mobile customer care (1-877-453-1304). I called them because I wanted clarification on this before I purchased 2 full retail price phones.
The program is called the "Sim Subsidy Unlock Program." It is for anyone that purchases a phone for the full retail price from a corporate store or an authorized retailer and pays all of the price upfront.
You need to call customer care, explain that you purchased a phone for full price and request a "remedy request form number." They will then open this request and you then have 7 days to fax the following to the Sim Unlock Team at 1-813-353-6557 :
ATTENTION: SIM UNLOCK TEAM
Full Name
Mobile Number
Email Address
Readable Copy Of Sales Receipt
It takes 24 to 72 hours to process and they will email you instructions to unlock your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is this NORMAL procedure ...unless the phone is "exclusive" to T-Mobile. In such a case they will NOT unlock it even if you paid full retail price. This is what happened to me with their dell streak 7, I had to return it as they would not unlock it no matter what and I paid full retail for it so please triple check before you buy as I think the the G2X is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

clubtech said:
That is this NORMAL procedure ...unless the phone is "exclusive" to T-Mobile. In such a case they will NOT unlock it even if you paid full retail price. This is what happened to me with their dell streak 7, I had to return it as they would not unlock it no matter what and I paid full retail for it so please triple check before you buy as I think the the G2X is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is true, are there any stores that are offering unlocks for this phone?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

clubtech said:
That is this NORMAL procedure ...unless the phone is "exclusive" to T-Mobile. In such a case they will NOT unlock it even if you paid full retail price. This is what happened to me with their dell streak 7, I had to return it as they would not unlock it no matter what and I paid full retail for it so please triple check before you buy as I think the the G2X is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why does it work on at&t bands.... ANY PHONE and i repeat ANY phone can be unlocked.... the phone is made for two networkds (im guessing because of the possible merger) so no its not stuck to just tmobile... now i understand your stating that tmobile might not give the codes because it is an "exclusive tmobile phone" however!!!!! give this forum a few weeks and you will have it unlocked!
im sure there is away just like any other phone! (if im wrong and this is the only phone in the world that cant be unlocked you can kick me in the ****)

compuguy1088 said:
If this is true, are there any stores that are offering unlocks for this phone?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant find anyplace that have unlock codes for the G2X. This is an issue...

clubtech said:
That is this NORMAL procedure ...unless the phone is "exclusive" to T-Mobile. In such a case they will NOT unlock it even if you paid full retail price. This is what happened to me with their dell streak 7, I had to return it as they would not unlock it no matter what and I paid full retail for it so please triple check before you buy as I think the the G2X is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be unlocked. Mine will be as soon as I get it. Just have to wait for employees to be able to order it.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App

sk337sk337 said:
It can be unlocked. Mine will be as soon as I get it. Just have to wait for employees to be able to order it.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious but how will workers being able to order it, affect a way to get it unlocked?

spyz88 said:
I cant find anyplace that have unlock codes for the G2X. This is an issue...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not even officially out yet. Of course you cannot find unlock codes for it.

sk337sk337 said:
It can be unlocked. Mine will be as soon as I get it. Just have to wait for employees to be able to order it.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it CAN be unlocked if you can get the unlock code. If the device is exclusive to T-Mobile, they wont give the unlock codes out so u are left only with back door options like T-Mobile employees .
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA App

nomisunrider said:
It's not even officially out yet. Of course you cannot find unlock codes for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It officially has been on sale since the 15th, so yes, it is out yet. Also, I have seen unlock codes for phones that are about to be released. Especially if there is a European counterpart.
P.S. I'm getting especially sick of these carriers with phones being locked to carriers, locked down, locked/encrypted bootloaders. SMH.

spyz88 said:
It officially has been on sale since the 15th, so yes, it is out yet. Also, I have seen unlock codes for phones that are about to be released. Especially if there is a European counterpart.
P.S. I'm getting especially sick of these carriers with phones being locked to carriers, locked down, locked/encrypted bootloaders. SMH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not to pick a fight but NO its not officially out yet... it went on pre-order the 15th... that is not an official release if its just on pre-order
call customer service they will tell you the same
now as the same methods that worked with the O2x may not work with the G2x...

nate420 said:
...give this forum a few weeks and you will have it unlocked!
im sure there is away just like any other phone! (if im wrong and this is the only phone in the world that cant be unlocked you can kick me in the ****)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM unlock codes are provided by the phone manufacturer. When you make a request for an unlock code, the wireless company forwards the request to the manufacturer. The manufacturer e-mail's you the unlock code. If you're using an unlock service off the web they're doing the same thing. Devs have nothing to do with unlocking a SIM.

BarryH_GEG said:
SIM unlock codes are provided by the phone manufacturer. When you make a request for an unlock code, the wireless company forwards the request to the manufacturer. The manufacturer e-mail's you the unlock code. If you're using an unlock service off the web they're doing the same thing. Devs have nothing to do with unlocking a SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MANY of my phones have been unlocked by the help of people finding a way!
thanks for your input but my vibrant was unlocked without dealing with tmobile/manufacturers

[Q] How to buy a carrier unlocked nexus 5 outside google play

Hi i'm travelling to the US next month and i want to buy a nexus 5. as i need to use it with my country carrier i need it unlocked.
now as far as i understand, i can't buy it from the play store as i dont have an US credit card (correct me if i'm wrong)
both the t-mobile and best buy support told me that their version of the nexus 5 ($450) are not really unlocked, but i've read a lot that in fact you can use that phones with whatever carrier you want. is that true? has anyone bought the t-mobile / bestbuy(sprint) versions and tried using another carrier SIM?
Thanks guys

serianox said:
Hi i'm travelling to the US next month and i want to buy a nexus 5. as i need to use it with my country carrier i need it unlocked.
now as far as i understand, i can't buy it from the play store as i dont have an US credit card (correct me if i'm wrong)
both the t-mobile and best buy support told me that their version of the nexus 5 ($450) are not really unlocked, but i've read a lot that in fact you can use that phones with whatever carrier you want. is that true? has anyone bought the t-mobile / bestbuy(sprint) versions and tried using another carrier SIM?
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe there are any carrier-locked N5s being sold in the US. You've checked that the US version of the phone supports the bands that are used in your country? BB will charge $100 more for the phone and likely try to sell you service, but you should be able to get it.

STi_Fanatic said:
I don't believe there are any carrier-locked N5s being sold in the US. You've checked that the US version of the phone supports the bands that are used in your country? BB will charge $100 more for the phone and likely try to sell you service, but you should be able to get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i checked and the 850/1900 bands are supported. both bestbuy and tmobile support told me that the phone is sold locked to the respective carriers, but i've read that that's actually not true and you can just swap with whatever SIM you have. Also i hope they dont try to force me to sign some plans if i buy the device

I am interested in this info also. I have a Nexus 5 showing up from Sprint and wondering if it will work with my T-Mobile SIM later if I decide to use it.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

No Nexus 5 devices are sold locked. They are all unlocked and if anything you can test it right there in the store/parking lot to be sure.
The only problem however is LTE if you'll ever need that.

shotta35 said:
No Nexus 5 devices are sold locked. They are all unlocked and if anything you can test it right there in the store/parking lot to be sure.
The only problem however is LTE if you'll ever need that.
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Click to collapse
i hope this is true!
they just answered me this:
Hi , If you purchase the device from T-Mobile, it is locked and will only work with a T-Mobile SIM card. Once you've met the requirements, we can help you unlock the device. If you need one unlocked already, we recommend purchasing directly through Google. - Jess

The Sprint and T-Mobile Nexus 5's are unlocked. I have a Sprint one that I purchased at Best Buy and it works just fine with my T-Mobile sim card....2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE...

lowandbehold said:
The Sprint and T-Mobile Nexus 5's are unlocked. I have a Sprint one that I purchased at Best Buy and it works just fine with my T-Mobile sim card....2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply! i'm really glad this is true. can i ask you if they forced to buy some plan or sim, or you just paid the $450?
Thanks again

serianox said:
Thanks for your reply! i'm really glad this is true. can i ask you if they forced to buy some plan or sim, or you just paid the $450?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got them to price match Google the day it came out, so I got it for $350. They may have smartened up to that by now though. The SIM came in the phone. I did not have to pay for the SIM or an activation fee. I didn't let them open the box at all.

lowandbehold said:
I got them to price match Google the day it came out, so I got it for $350. They may have smartened up to that by now though. The SIM came in the phone. I did not have to pay for the SIM or an activation fee. I didn't let them open the box at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm wondering if i can do this. it says in the BB website:
"If you find a lower price on a qualifying product at a local retail competitor's store or shipped from and sold by a designated major online retailer, we will match the price. At the time of purchase, we will match the current pre-tax price for new, identical, immediately available products from a local retail competitor's store or shipped from and sold by a designated major online retailers: Amazon.com, Apple.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, Frys.com, hhgregg.com, HP.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, Newegg.com, OfficeDepot.com, OfficeMax.com, Rakuten.com Shopping, Sears.com, Staples.com, Target.com, TigerDirect.com and Walmart.com."
it doesn't list google play as an allowed website.
i hope i get a cool seller lol
Thanks again!

Nexus 5's are not locked to any specific carrier. You just need to make sure that the bands are compatible with your carriers' frequency.

I bought my N5 off contract from BestBuy. It is unlocked. I am running mine on Simple Mobile. I only had to put my SIM in and program the APN for data access.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

asiandrg0n said:
I bought my N5 off contract from BestBuy. It is unlocked. I am running mine on Simple Mobile. I only had to put my SIM in and program the APN for data access.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies, i'm sure this will help a lot of people.
i'm trying to see if i can get Best buy to match the play store price

Is the US Cellular Prepaid S6 unlocked?

Hi there,
I am looking for an unlocked phone, and I noticed that the US Cellular website lists the S6 models as being unlocked:
http://www.uscellular.com/site/legal/mobile-wireless-device-unlocking.html
However, when I called a rep to verify, they got extremely hostile when I told them I wanted an unlocked device without their service, and failed to answer my question properly.
Does anyone here know if their prepaid model is sim unlocked?
Many thanks in advance.

YandereSan said:
Hi there,
I am looking for an unlocked phone, and I noticed that the US Cellular website lists the S6 models as being unlocked:
http://www.uscellular.com/site/legal/mobile-wireless-device-unlocking.html
However, when I called a rep to verify, they got extremely hostile when I told them I wanted an unlocked device without their service, and failed to answer my question properly.
Does anyone here know if their prepaid model is sim unlocked?
Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's annoying considering I bet they charge nearly retail to buy it in a prepaid plan.
Sent from my SM-G925R4 using Tapatalk

cpfeifer said:
That's annoying considering I bet they charge nearly retail to buy it in a prepaid plan.
Sent from my SM-G925R4 using Tapatalk
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Yeah, it's $800 for the Edge. I can probably get the international edition, but I was looking to see if there was anything closer to home first.

Likelyhood bootloader 6t

I wonder what the likelyhood that oneplus 6t will have a locked bootloader if I get it from tmobile. I know you can get the unlocked version directly from oneplus.

I read somewhere that the bootloader will be locked until your're done paying off the phone. Then they will unlock the bootloader.

nofroyo said:
I wonder what the likelyhood that oneplus 6t will have a locked bootloader if I get it from tmobile. I know you can get the unlocked version directly from oneplus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately yes :/ just read it I think on the T-Mobile news app. Could have been from XDA though. I guess you can get it unlocked once you pay off half the phone.
I am on jump on demand, so I was ready to jump all over this! Tired of the lock bootloaders on my Samsung phones. I've had Samsung from the Galaxy 5 all the way up to the 9 obviously all snapdragon and all the "notes" in between. There's some awesome developers on here but no one has been able to unlock the bootloader I believe since Galaxy 6 :/
The jump on demand program is great since I like having the latest and greatest without having to Shell out the cash. Also the T-Mobile 6t version won't be a dual SIM card either.
Anyone please chime in and tell me something different .. haven't been rooted for a while, hopefully I missed something.

I have a T-Mo mobile and I confirm it's locked

Go to Tmobile and buy the phone outright or if on a plan, pay it off.
OR
Don't buy the Tmobile branded OP6

dgunn said:
Go to Tmobile and buy the phone outright or if on a plan, pay it off.
OR
Don't buy the Tmobile branded OP6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Such brilliant insight!!

You should look here.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6t/how-to/buy-t-mobile-oneplus-6t-t3860314

qbanlinxx said:
Such brilliant insight!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly
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