Database Info

Unlocking the HTC Inspire 4G? Methods

Hi XDA - Just joined the "Android Team" from being a long-time iPhone user. These forums seem much more intuitive. The one thing I can't seem to locate is SIM-Unlock services\assistance.
I just bought a HTC Inspire 4G, and normally I just call AT&T and they give me the code to punch in and it unlocks it when I use overseas with foreign SIM. This time they said since it's an ATT "exclusive" phone, the unlock codes won't be available for customer care to provide until the 6 month window has been reached, which will be August.
What alternate methods are available to use for unlocking? I really don't want to modify the software, so how does unlocking on android work? Are there websites that can provide unlock codes? If I take it to a cell kiosk at the mall can they do it? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Right now, the only way to unlock the Inspire is to flash to an older radio ROM (it had an exploit), unlock it, and restore back to the stock firmware
Follow this guide to unlock: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=952352
Use this to restore back to stock firmware: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=952224

r34p3rex said:
Right now, the only way to unlock the Inspire is to flash to an older radio ROM (it had an exploit), unlock it, and restore back to the stock firmware
Follow this guide to unlock: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=952352
Use this to restore back to stock firmware: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=952224
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't want to mod the software. I'll pay the $13 for an unlock code :-(

Did the unlock work
Just wondering if the company you used unlocked the phone. About to get mine and use it overseas

bella92108 said:
Yeah I don't want to mod the software. I'll pay the $13 for an unlock code :-(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if it makes you feel any better, after you flash back to the stock ROM, the only difference will be that your phone is unlocked

flashing back the stock rom will keep the phone within guarantee right?

r34p3rex said:
Well if it makes you feel any better, after you flash back to the stock ROM, the only difference will be that your phone is unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I get it I'm just a week old in the Android world and not super comfortable to mod yet. I know just about everything related to jail breaking iPhone I just wish there was an easy step by step guide to mod and unlock my inspire 4G :-(

Don't worry, there will be soon enough, it's just a brand new phone.

FYI All - Just got an email from http://www.HTCimeiUnlock.com/ stating that unlock codes are now available. Please note I'm not afiliated with this site in any way, just sharing the info. I just bought 2 codes for $25 each for my 2 Inspire 4Gs and they worked, yay sooooooo excited now!
EDIT: YEAH I know this is pricey for an unlock code, but they're the first I found with them, so like any business, the first to the market can charge what they want until everyone else catches up... good way to add $100 in resale value to my phones for $25 tho, hehe.
Thanks for the replies

Bought the unlock code $25 from them yesterday, and voila! I am using my Tmobile on this phone now. Thanks for the info.

Enriguelee said:
Bought the unlock code $25 from them yesterday, and voila! I am using my Tmobile on this phone now. Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was very impressed with their service.. I bought 2 for the 2 phones I have, and they were the only legit unlocker I could find. I was at the end of my rope too, I'd paid for 4 others to get the unlock code and they'd all email me after 24 hours saying code not available.
Glad you got it unlocked too, enjoy!

Yes, they were great.very quick to response with answers to all the questions I had. I was at the point of flashing my new phone with limited knowledge of doing that. A previous unlocker failed to find the code for 2 days.

Just a quick question about the unlocking. When you unlock it and use it on T-Mobile you are not getting their 3G service right? I haven't looked at the bands available in this phone but I would be surprised if this supports both the T-Mobile and AT&T bands.

bmolloy said:
Just a quick question about the unlocking. When you unlock it and use it on T-Mobile you are not getting their 3G service right? I haven't looked at the bands available in this phone but I would be surprised if this supports both the T-Mobile and AT&T bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're correct, 2G on T-Mobile, 3.5G ("4G") on AT&T. I unlocked because I go global alot and need to be able to pop in foreign sims.

r34p3rex said:
Right now, the only way to unlock the Inspire is to flash to an older radio ROM (it had an exploit), unlock it, and restore back to the stock firmware
Follow this guide to unlock: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=952352
Use this to restore back to stock firmware: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=952224
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will these instructions work without an ATT SIM card to begin with?
EDIT: I got an answer from attn1. It will work without a sim card. Just don't insert one from another provider until the very last step.

Does this get you the s off or just unlock it for different sim.
Nevermind, wasnt thinking. Root and unlocked are totally different

blowfish06 unlock
Want to share my own experience and give heads up to an independent unlocker.
I have the knowledge to go for the unlock method presented here by the OP, but I lack the time to do it and I can probably make the money to unlock 10 phones in the same amount of time I will use to go through this process, so I have decided to unlock the phone through a simple purchase code method and will root the phone later when an easier process comes out. I would be also happy to pay for that since I don't really have time to go through the flash-root process.
So when I first got my HTC Inspire, I went right away to ebay in search of the unlocker I used last time to unlock an HTC Aria. Was surprised to not found the unlocker I was looking for and worst, despite he had over +63k positive reviews, he was somehow been removed from ebay and other unlockers claim he was out of ebay due to fraud. hu?
Anyway, I had his email so I contacted him over email and asked regarding the subject, he said somebody (other unlockers it seems) were accusing him on fraud thus he was removed from ebay.
I got a little reluctant to buy again from him after "hearing the news" but after exchanging few emails with the guy, I told my self "is just 20 bucks for the code, worst can happen if he's not right is I'll loose the money and he'll of course will get the worst advertising"... so, I added him to my gmail chat to have a close talk and after paying him with my google checkout account, 10 minutes later he sent the code over chat and email, which -needless to say- unlocked the phone right away!!!
You can search through my posts on xda-forum and you'll see I recommended this unlocker before, [email protected], he is the **** and offered the least expensive unlock code for the Inspire, only 20 dollars, you can pay with PayPal or Google checkout. There is the word outside that he is not right and committed fraud, even this other jealous unlocker post his email address on a scammer's site and I can assure all this is not true at all.
I send others relatives with this guy and all of them got their unlock codes in shape and time. This is presently the least expensive unlocker out there for the Inspire codes.
He also has a web site http://blowfishunlocks.com, you'll need to register to order the code, but I would recommend do the email thing.
This guy is real, he has a real address and I recommend him 100% for unlocking the Inspire or any other phone.
On a side note, AT&T willnot realease the unlock code after 6 months (new policy) and this is why I had to buy the code. I use this phone in mexican's Telcel GSM and works as charm and I had to manually configure the APN for the 3g.

hey tongas i just bought the phone on ebay and i will be adding that blowfish guy over my gmail chat because i will also need an unlock code. anyways i live in mexicali baja california mexico .. were did u get the info for the APN for 3G on telcel. im going to activate it here too lol .. so some info would be really helpfull thanks .. the buyer said hes sending my phone during this week so hopefully ill get it by tuesday next week.
also a general question and its for educational purposes does anyone know if this phone will be capable of runing programs for testing my wifi securety to see if it till cough up my wep key? please let me know if i am breaking any forum rules for making this questions its not my intention to do so. Thanks .

Hey dude, no problem
Use the info on this thread to set the APN manually:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=5e750231d361e730&hl=en
Blowfish dude rocks, I'm at pacific/central Mexico over Telcel and this my second time buying from him, the guy is super cool over chat, tell him you found him through this forum, he was so thankful I posted this for him, the man is straight business and he will have you setup in a bit.
Enjoy your HTC Inspire I'm doing so with mine, this thing is fast and super nice... wish a little bit of more battery life but wth! phone is super cool!

It's cool to know that unlock codes are available for this phone
@bella have you watched r34p3rex's video tut? I followed him to the T and successfully rooted, unlocked, and flashed this puppy It's not too bad I think... Jailbreaking was just wayyyy too easy (at least it was when I had a non-mc 3gs) It was a lot of one click jailbreaking for me. The only time I really had trouble was updating
Back to the point! I'd suggest peeps give ol' r34p3rex's video tut a shot (or a good several viewings) it might seem daunting at first... but follow the instructions and you won't have any issues
When I unlock my phone I feel very accomplished. I added all that resale value just by disabling network locks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCcd1XQrTzE&hd=1

Which file for Unbranding?

Hey everyone, I am in need of unbranding?(Is that what its called)? my HTC Sensation so I can use my AT&T sim card and have the phone available as my work phone, but I never have unbranded before, I am S-Off, I have Elegancia 3.6.5, and It is Tmobile U.S...i looked around but I am still confused...caould someone point me in the direction of the file(s) I need...and do I just flash this file or?...I hope not dumb questions, but there are so many roms/kernels, etc I dont fully understand the unbranding thing quite yet...Thanks so much....Dirty

To use different sim cards in your phone you need to sim unlock. If your phone is locked to orange for example, put a t-mobile sim in it and boot it. You will be asked for an unlock code. Call your carrier and request one, you may have to pay but it only has to be entered once and the phone will become permanently sim unlocked and won't be affected by flashing, rooting, modding etc...
There are sites online that offer to generate codes for you but IMHO don't trust them, go straight to your carrier. I'm on OrangeUK and was charged £15 for the code. Hope this helps..

sim unlock solution
http://www.sieempi.eu/blog/2011/08/25/htc-sensation-sim-unlock-485
follow above link and scroll to point 6
I just flashed the .nbh file through recovery and it worked perfectly

DOUBT!

Yesterday my brother bought an HTC 7 SURROUND phone......
as i booted it showed some DFT(dark forces team) which i suppose is to be some WP7 sutom rom's logo screen....
I doubt whether its an official htc rom.......
Maybe some cud plz help on my doubt........
Its sim unlocked i mean the operator is at&t but i can use other sims....coz its unlcoked. So is that maybe for unlcoking the sellers flash some unlocked rom? or sim unlcoking can be done without flashing unlocked rom?....
so in simple words i wanted to know whether the fone is used or not? since it has a DFT rom
And is it needed to flash a custom rom in order to sim unlock the fone so that other operator sim cards can be used or sim unlocking doesnt need any custom rom flshing.
wanted to confirm. plz help!...

No..
I believe that SIM Unlock and ROM Unlock are different.
You've got a both full unlocked, and SIM unlocked phone. I guess that means its 2nd use phone.
Sorry, bro.

It's hard to parse out what you mean in your message, so I'll tell you what I think.
Custom ROM's do not perform SIM-Unlock. You need a code for that.
If your device booted up with DFT, then it has definitely received some form of rooting/custom treatment. Were the device untouched, it would give a splash screen of HTC or the carrier that it was sold through.

@anseio is correct.
First of all, you definitely have a second-hand phone. It sounds like your phone has a DFT (custom) ROM installed on it, which means somebody had to first modify the bootloader (install HSPL) and then re-flash the ROM. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and you can re-flash a stock ROM to it easily if you want to, but if you expect the phone to be new... it's not.
Also, I'm not sure why you'd expect the phone to come with WP7.0. These days, all new Windows phones should come with WP7.5 (Mango) or later; Mango came out over six months ago. If you realllly want an older version of the OS for soem reason, though, you can find an old stock ROM and flash that.
As for the SIM unlock, that's completely independent of the custom ROM or unlocked bootloader. It could even be the way the phone was originally; is it carrier branded (i.e. does it say "AT&T" or perhaps some Indian mobile operator's name/logo on it somewhere, for example)? Some phones are sold already SIM-unlocked. SIM unlock isn't going to hurt anything, in fact, outside the US I would never put up with a SIM-locked phone and even inside the US I would never buy a phone that I couldn't SIM-unlock (because I like to travel).

thnx for ur reply guys.

GoodDayToDie said:
@anseio is correct.
First of all, you definitely have a second-hand phone. It sounds like your phone has a DFT (custom) ROM installed on it, which means somebody had to first modify the bootloader (install HSPL) and then re-flash the ROM. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and you can re-flash a stock ROM to it easily if you want to, but if you expect the phone to be new... it's not.
Also, I'm not sure why you'd expect the phone to come with WP7.0. These days, all new Windows phones should come with WP7.5 (Mango) or later; Mango came out over six months ago. If you realllly want an older version of the OS for soem reason, though, you can find an old stock ROM and flash that.
As for the SIM unlock, that's completely independent of the custom ROM or unlocked bootloader. It could even be the way the phone was originally; is it carrier branded (i.e. does it say "AT&T" or perhaps some Indian mobile operator's name/logo on it somewhere, for example)? Some phones are sold already SIM-unlocked. SIM unlock isn't going to hurt anything, in fact, outside the US I would never put up with a SIM-locked phone and even inside the US I would never buy a phone that I couldn't SIM-unlock (because I like to travel).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya its carrier branded at&t.....

the fone was ordered from ebay....so shud i ask for a replacement.? and even the charger has lots of scratches on it veen thought it came in with nice htc quality sealed plastic case.

Ebay has put nama on yor forehead
Govinda gooovindaaa
Sent from my GT-S5830 using Tapatalk 2

How to tell if it is SIM locked or not..?

Is there a way to tell if the htc one s is SIM locked or not..?
I've got the one s which has O2 CID and runs O2 version of JB on it but I don't think the phone is actually sim locked as o2 dont tend to sim lock their phones, is there a way to tell without getting hold of a different carrier sim..?
Thanks

topcat888 said:
Is there a way to tell if the htc one s is SIM locked or not..?
I've got the one s which has O2 CID and runs O2 version of JB on it but I don't think the phone is actually sim locked as o2 dont tend to sim lock their phones, is there a way to tell without getting hold of a different carrier sim..?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put another SIM Card in it. If you're referring to O2 - UK then I assure you that the phone will be locked. Unless you buy it from phones4u, carphone warehouse or fonehouse, the phone will ALWAYS be simlocked. It's the networks way of making sure your custom stays with them, becuase they know that most people can't be arsed to go through the hassle of unlocking your phone. If you're planning on rooting, you can SIM unlock your phone for free, and there is absolutely zero risk of you breaking the phone because you're not re-writing any files, you just need SuperUser access to read them.

kylepont said:
Put another SIM Card in it. If you're referring to O2 - UK then I assure you that the phone will be locked. Unless you buy it from phones4u, carphone warehouse or fonehouse, the phone will ALWAYS be simlocked. It's the networks way of making sure your custom stays with them, becuase they know that most people can't be arsed to go through the hassle of unlocking your phone. If you're planning on rooting, you can SIM unlock your phone for free, and there is absolutely zero risk of you breaking the phone because you're not re-writing any files, you just need SuperUser access to read them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks :good:

[Q] Sim unlocked, anyone?

So, I have an Xperia Z3, D6616, stock, locked bootloader still, and I'm considering sim unlocking the device for use on AT&T. Bought it on craigslist. It's currently locked to T-Mobile. Most unlock websites say not to purchase the unlock code for the device if it is locked to T-Mobile due to an unlocking app that T-Mobile installs on handsets that prevents third party unlocking. See attached pictures. I'm an AT&T customer, so this is a bit of a pain for me.
Called T-Mobile, they will not unlock the device as it does not meet the requirements. I'm not a T-Mobile customer either, so there is no account history associated with this IMEI. I have a feeling that someone bought this device at a subsidized price, sold it new in box, and pocketed the cash. Now I have a fancy T-Mobile MP3 player and digital camera that won't play nice with my AT&T sim....
Has anyone successfully unlocked this device for use on another GSM carrier while originally being locked to T-Mobile without going through the carrier's unlocking process? If so, what website/service did you use? I'm considering selling this thing as it's a bit useless on my network thus far, being locked to another carrier and all.
Thanks in advance.

is this me being a bit daft, but could you not simply put an unbranded firmware on the device via ftf and simply unlock the device via a website?

henson0115 said:
is this me being a bit daft, but could you not simply put an unbranded firmware on the device via ftf and simply unlock the device via a website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if that's a possibility. There is no root for this device without unlocking the bootloader, which wipes the TA partition and causes you to lose the DRM keys and cripples camera functionality. I'm trying to avoid unlocking the bootloader for as long as possible, but if unlocking, rooting, and installing a custom ROM will assist in sim unlocking, it may be in my best interest to do so.
I'm trying to do a network unlock with a code and keeping the phone stock if at all possible, at least until a root method without unlocking the bootloader is found, if it ever is... I just need a way to get a code for unlocking WITHOUT going through T-Mobile.

you don't need root to flash an unbranded ftf., once done then simply use a website and buy the unlock code, with the tmobile firmware out of the way there shouldn't be any interference in terms of network unlock.
what i am saying is:
1: flash global unbranded firmware via flashtools with ftf
2: buy your network unlock code
3: enter code as no t-mobile firmware is available on the device anymore to interfere
i am not saying this is possible as i do not have a t-mobile - us device to test, but my vodafone branded z3 has had an unbranded firmware flashed by myself with no root.
i hope this helps clear up any confusion.

henson0115 said:
you don't need root to flash an unbranded ftf., once done then simply use a website and buy the unlock code, with the tmobile firmware out of the way there shouldn't be any interference in terms of network unlock.
what i am saying is:
1: flash global unbranded firmware via flashtools with ftf
2: buy your network unlock code
3: enter code as no t-mobile firmware is available on the device anymore to interfere
i am not saying this is possible as i do not have a t-mobile - us device to test, but my vodafone branded z3 has had an unbranded firmware flashed by myself with no root.
i hope this helps clear up any confusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may try this tonight.
If I flash another firmware with flashtool, can I return to stock after unlocking without root access?

Rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader or flashing a custom rom or a different firmware has absolutely nothing to do with SIM lock.
If you try and sim unlock by doing any of that you are wasting your time.
Best bet is to go to your carrier and ask them to sim unlock it

gregbradley said:
Rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader or flashing a custom rom or a different firmware has absolutely nothing to do with SIM lock.
If you try and sim unlock by doing any of that you are wasting your time.
Best bet is to go to your carrier and ask them to sim unlock it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that has been my experiences in the past. The carrier always did it for me. But T-Mobile will not unlock this device as it does not meet eligibility requirements, and the unlock websites say not to buy a code for a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I need it unlocked for use on AT&T. I remember unlocking HTC devices with SuperCID and unlocking Samsung devices with dialer codes. Anything like that for the Sony side of the house? this will be my first Sony phone.

HORiZUN said:
Yeah, that has been my experiences in the past. The carrier always did it for me. But T-Mobile will not unlock this device as it does not meet eligibility requirements, and the unlock websites say not to buy a code for a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I need it unlocked for use on AT&T. I remember unlocking HTC devices with SuperCID and unlocking Samsung devices with dialer codes. Anything like that for the Sony side of the house? this will be my first Sony phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I know of. In the UK you can get any phone sim unlocked on any market stall in a few minutes for a fiver. Its not really to do with the phone but the carrier and the laws you have over the pond.

Simply try a websites unlock, I do not believe T-Mobile can block carrier unlocks. Who has told you otherwise?

See the attachments in the OP. The unlocking websites are saying not to purchase the codes if you have a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I don't want to waste $40, especially when there are no refunds, and want to know if anyone has successfully unlocked with a website and NOT the carrier.

D6616 has an NOT unlockable bootloader, so that method is a no-go.
If it was on EIP and they sold it, the phone may be blacklisted by T-Mobile already
I don't believe you can flash a different version firmware, for multiple reasons, one of which is because it's a D6616 and not a D6603
The T-Mobile SIM unlock tool does work if all conditions are met.
Good luck OP, I think you might have a difficult time with this one

se1000 said:
D6616 has an unlockable bootloader, so that method is a no-go.
If it was on EIP and they sold it, the phone may be blacklisted by T-Mobile already
I don't believe you can flash a different version firmware, for multiple reasons, one of which is because it's a D6616 and not a D6603
The T-Mobile SIM unlock tool does work if all conditions are met.
Good luck OP, I think you might have a difficult time with this one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, the bootloader status has nothing to do with SIM lock.
Flashing another firmware will also not effect sim lock.

I'm seriously considering selling this device and going for another bootloader unlockable handset due to this unlock headache. T-Mobile is no help for unlocking this IMEI.

gregbradley said:
Again, the bootloader status has nothing to do with SIM lock.
Flashing another firmware will also not effect sim lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the first line, didn't mean to get that wrong. Definitely agree that bootloader unlock and SIM unlock have nothing to do with each other.

Called T-Mobile again, tried to unlock. No account number to tie unlock request to since I use At&t as a carrier. They recommend I call Sony directly and ask for an unlock. I did, Sony told me to contact the carrier again. I do, and have the T-Mobile rep call Sony guys on a three way call. I explain that I purchased the device on craigslist, not a T-Mobile account holder, I'm an active duty military member, phone was several hundred dollars, I didn't know... boohoo, I'm dumb, I should have purchased from Sony, No moneys to get a new phone since this was so expensive, etc. Sad poor me story, you know.
Sat on hold for a bit, but Sony caved and said they would attempt a remote unlock via code, but it would be between 1-3 days and the reply will be via email. Time will tell, now. Just waiting to see what happens. I hope it works. I had to have the situation escalated to the third level of supervisors to get this far...

sounds like good news, if that fails, you could ask someone you no on T-MOBILE or a family member to give them a ring and pretend its there phone, should also do the trick

That's a good idea!! Thanks for that. I'll find someone at work who has T-Mobile and go that route if I need to.

any updates.. i badly need my T mobile Xperia Z3 to be get it unlocked...

Sadly, there is no update. T-Mobile will not unlock the device unless I use it on their network for 45 days, ahve an account in good standing, etc. This isn't going to happen, as I am an AT&T subscriber. I have the Z3 listed for sale on craigslist. Awaiting a sale or trade. If anyone wants to swap phones for a still in the box T-Mobile Z3, let me know. Looking for an S5, G3, or Nexus 6. Gsm variants only. Too bad, cause I really like the Z3. I would keep it if I could sim unlock.

Is the unlocking app based off the Sim card? Cause I bought my tmo Z3 3 days ago. Used my Sim from my moto x. After I got everything set up I tried the permanent unlock which was successful.