Database Info

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

Carphone Warehouse Talking Bull or Not?

Hi All.
I visited my local Carphone Warehouse shop in Dorchester yesterday where I was looking to buy the Samsung Galaxy Ace mobile phone. On all networks it was £199.99 except for ThreeUK which was only £120.00.
Having previously unlocked, rooted and custom ROM'd the Ace (thanks to XDA dev's) I thought I'd buy it on ThreeUK and put it on Vodafone when I got to the computer.
I asked the cocky know-it-all chump for the phone and got out my cash and he started ranting something about was I upgrading a PAYG mobile or did I need to transfer my number to the new SIM card.
I told him I did not need the SIM card as I had my own already but he informed me that the SIM the phone was sold with would be the only SIM that would work in it and using another SIM would IMEI block the phone.
Now I have never heard of this before and I regulary read stuff on XDA and I have seen any mention of it here either.
I thought he was just making sure he couldn't blag another 80 quid out of me so I decided to be the know-it-all chump and told him I didn't care as I was unlocking it and installing a different ROM anyway.
He told me that the PAYG SIM was tied to the IMEI number and I qoute, "as the networks are loosing too much money with unlocked phones".
I decided not to buy the phone as £120 was alot of money to lose if he was right and I could hardly go back with it blocked after this conversation.
Personally while a good idea, at least in principle from the networks point of view I can see too many negative issues arising from doing this.
Can anyone clarify any of this?

Can't believe that a different sim card could block the phone after it has been rooted?

Complete Bull. Impossible to do this as the network do not know if the handset you are using is unlocked or not. Also if you had your voda sim in the handset only voda would be able to nlock your phone as only they would see the IMEI being used. 3 would not know you are using another phone. Also the network only owns your sim not your phone. As a consumer it is up to you what you do with the phone. Hope this helps.

Not sure about those carriers but ATT has been locking phones to one sim card when activated. Only on prepaid at the moment but it shows it can be and is being done.

Utter bull****. As mentioned above if you are buying a sim free phone then you are buying a a free phone and you can do whatever you want with the lgone
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using XDA App

thre3aces said:
Utter bull****. As mentioned above if you are buying a sim free phone then you are buying a a free phone and you can do whatever you want with the lgone
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think what you will. Try it for yourself and see. The carriers here have been trying to think of a way to only allow phones they say to work on the network. Take verzion and sprint. They can refuse to activate any phone that is not in their system. ATT is working on a way to do this also.

thre3aces said:
Utter bull****. As mentioned above if you are buying a sim free phone then you are buying a a free phone and you can do whatever you want with the lgone
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was talking of a phone on a uk network subsidised by the operator called three, unless I misunderstood.
In uk phones subsidised by some networks are locked so they will only work with specific networks sims and some have been imei locked by using msin method where only one card will work in the phone.
However if you can root the device and flash non branded firmware I think that overwrites the lock and enables non three sims.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

he informed me that the SIM the phone was sold with would be the only SIM that would work in it and using another SIM would IMEI block the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His wording is misappropriated: what he probably meant was that the phone was locked to the carrier so you wouldn't get network access. IMEI blocking only happens when reported lost/stolen.

mistermentality said:
However if you can root the device and flash non branded firmware I think that overwrites the lock and enables non three sims.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I hope your right Dave. I think 'thre3aces' is pretty much on the money with what was said to me at CW. I'm hoping the way of countering this will be as you said, by rooting / debranding and/or flashing the ROM and not by simular more complicated methods (in most cases) of unlocking the networks.
I don't think though that there is too much to worry about. It has never been a long wait for us modders to hack our phones after some fantastic new security device is wrecked by the likes of George Hotz (blackra1n) and the MadTeam's of the world etc.
And this whole thing stinks of Apple!

The staff at phone shops (cpw/p4u) are full of bimbos whom have little or no knowledge of what they are talking about.

sparkyuiop said:
Well I hope your right Dave. I think 'thre3aces' is pretty much on the money with what was said to me at CW. I'm hoping the way of countering this will be as you said, by rooting / debranding and/or flashing the ROM and not by simular more complicated methods (in most cases) of unlocking the networks.
I don't think though that there is too much to worry about. It has never been a long wait for us modders to hack our phones after some fantastic new security device is wrecked by the likes of George Hotz (blackra1n) and the MadTeam's of the world etc.
And this whole thing stinks of Apple!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thre3aces was on about sim free phones but if you were on about a carrier subsidised payg one then yes carriers tend to lock them though only 3 and I think vodafone have been known to imei lock to one sim card and even then not very often.
I would assume the lock is firmware related though that is an assumption but if it were hardware locked then users would need a new phone if sims got damaged and that would cost more money hence the reason a firmware lock is more probable as they could more easily alter that.
If you had problems though maybe you could get a friend on 3 to ring them and say they bought a 3 phone and tried to input their sim but it failed...as an existing customer maybe three would unlock it for them?
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

I did something stupid

I bought a HTC one s for 200$ off of Craiglist (first time buying anything from there) came home and tried putting a SIM card in it doesn't get any signal. So i called tmobile up and they said to me the phone was block for fraud and they told me there isn't anything they can do about it. I tried calling n texting the seller back he would not respond. Is there anything i can do with the phone now or am i just stuck with the way the phone is now?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

igotdez said:
I bought a HTC one s for 200$ off of Craiglist (first time buying anything from there) came home and tried putting a SIM card in it doesn't get any signal. So i called tmobile up and they said to me the phone was block for fraud and they told me there isn't anything they can do about it. I tried calling n texting the seller back he would not respond. Is there anything i can do with the phone now or am i just stuck with the way the phone is now?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much you can do as far as T-mobile.
It could be SIM unlock to use on a different network, ie AT&T.
Meant to "quote" but gave you a "Thanks" LOL

i tried the free method of unlocking it but that didn't work. I thought i was coming up with the wrong code but turns out it was the correct code because i tried a online website that charge to unlock it and they gave me the same exact code i came up with and still haven't had any luck
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Did you use a SIM card from a different carrier than T-mobile?

baseballfanz said:
Did you use a SIM card from a different carrier than T-mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i tried using my at&t SIM card but every time i try to type the unlock code in it would tell me unsuccessful unlock. I tried it at least 4 times.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

igotdez said:
Yeah i tried using my at&t SIM card but every time i try to type the unlock code in it would tell me unsuccessful unlock. I tried it at least 4 times.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I do see some peoples say their unlock code don't work either.

baseballfanz said:
Yeah I do see some peoples say their unlock code don't work either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious as to why it will not work, is it because the phone imei was block by tmobile. Would that also block me from unlocking it. I look everywhere online n i can't seem to find a solution.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I have no idea what you can do OP but damn that sucks. Good luck with resolving it... now I'm going to think twice before buying a phone from Craiglist.

Always power up, insert sim and make a test call, text and data pull with any used phone purchase. Put the screen through tests, and the touch sensor. Test the headphone jack and all buttons. Look at water damage indicators.

There is a sim unlock thread in development section have you tried it? The only way than would be to change your imei though thats ILLEGAL! As ILLEGAL as stealing and buying the steal!

mughalgxt said:
There is a sim unlock thread in development section have you tried it? The only way than would be to change your imei though thats ILLEGAL! As ILLEGAL as stealing and buying the steal!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that thread did everything correct but had no luck unlocking it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

igotdez said:
I tried that thread did everything correct but had no luck unlocking it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the wifi work fine? Hopefully it isn't a hardware issue!

Everything works fine the phone is practically new it came with the original box and everything. Its just block by T-Mobile carrier. I'll go check at a local cell phone shop and see if they can unlock it, to see if it works on another carrier. If it doesn't then got damnit I'm stuck with the phone way it is....
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

Making call., send text , .... On the phone before you buy still not enough. There are some asshole out there sell the phone;
1) then report stolen (assume they have insurance ) . Then whatever you do still meaningless.
2) they are on value plan ( they pay full price for thier phone in 20 month). Then they stop using tmobile.
=> both cases above will make tmobile lock your phone.
The most safety way to buy phone on craoglist now is have proof of purchase from the owner.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app

A proof of purchase from seller on CL does not insure you won't have these fraud problems.
To OP, I would file a police report.

baseballfanz said:
A proof of purchase from seller on CL does not insure you won't have these fraud problems.
To OP, I would file a police report.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, with proof of purchase that shows the seller is the one who bought the phone from tmobile, then you can contact tmobile so they can unlock your phone and make the seller pays for what he/she did. If you file a police report, i assume they wouldn't do anything except you have to turn in the phone you bought. There are several topics on XDA discuss about this problem and the only loser is the buyer. I'm feel sorry for OP.
P/s: nasty things like this are happening more often on Craigslist lately, this is why i won't buy phone from craigslist anymore.

tritran18518 said:
no, with proof of purchase that shows the seller is the one who bought the phone from tmobile, then you can contact tmobile so they can unlock your phone and make the seller pays for what he/she did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What these people are doing is buying the phone on a payment plan. Sell the phone on CL and not make the payments to Tmobile. Sometimes phone will work for a month till it get BL. There's no disputing that it was bought from Tmobile but no payment to then equal BL phone.

baseballfanz said:
What these people are doing is buying the phone on a payment plan. Sell the phone on CL and not make the payments to Tmobile. Sometimes phone will work for a month till it get BL. There's no disputing that it was bought from Tmobile but no payment to then equal BL phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's the case make me pissed off. By BL a phone because some one not pay money for them, Tmobile just wastes their phone, make the buyer become such a loser and pretty angry to tmobile them-self . however, the winner is the a**hole who sold the phone...

Weirdest thing is that it can't be unlocked ?? Gosh
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Not sure how it works in the States but here in the UK if your phone gets blocked it'll be blocked on all UK carriers.
If you put any sim card it checks against a database and notifies that it's barred.
No way around it apart from changing IMEI which is ILLEGAL.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

T-Mobile Blocked IMEI

Hey everyone, I have seen someone Samsung Galaxy S3's on craigslist for like $300 and their IMEI is blocked. Meaning either stolen, blocked, or the owner didn't pay a bill.
I honestly can care less, I just want to know if T-Mobile blocks an IMEI if I can still use Simple Mobile on it, or I will have to unlock it to use a AT&T or other GSM carrier. My main concern is for Simple Mobile though since it is my current network.
Also, I have heard of changing the IMEI, can anyone provide information about that?
Thanks.

MasterGGM said:
Hey everyone, I have seen someone Samsung Galaxy S3's on craigslist for like $300 and their IMEI is blocked. Meaning either stolen, blocked, or the owner didn't pay a bill.
I honestly can care less, I just want to know if T-Mobile blocks an IMEI if I can still use Simple Mobile on it, or I will have to unlock it to use a AT&T or other GSM carrier. My main concern is for Simple Mobile though since it is my current network.
Also, I have heard of changing the IMEI, can anyone provide information about that?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would get the ESN and call to see if they would activate it. That's what we used to do when I sold cell phone years ago.

The imei is the gsm equivalent of esn. Anyway, call them before you buy, and simple mobile is a T-Mobile subsidiary so if it's blacklisted on tmo it won't work on simple because the towers refuse to work with you. I say just call tmo and they might help you, but don't tell them you want to use it on simple because they might not.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk 2

No, it won't work on Simple Mobile, because Simple Mobile runs on T-Mobile. You're not allowed to discuss buying phones not owned by the seller. You don't own the phone if you pay the $200 to buy it and then stop paying the bills.

I have purchased CDMA phones on Craigslist for years now. I bought one phone with a bad ESN and learned the most important lesson with regards to buying a cell phone second hand...activate the phone before handing over any cash. If that means taking it to one of these places or meeting the seller at a place that unlocks phones (unless you have a laptop and the means to unlock it yourself prior to purchasing). Also even with the phone not activate it should still call customer service. Verify that the IMEI is good. If a seller acts shady when you tell them you are going to do this...save your gas.

how??
MasterGGM said:
Hey everyone, I have seen someone Samsung Galaxy S3's on craigslist for like $300 and their IMEI is blocked. Meaning either stolen, blocked, or the owner didn't pay a bill.
I honestly can care less, I just want to know if T-Mobile blocks an IMEI if I can still use Simple Mobile on it, or I will have to unlock it to use a AT&T or other GSM carrier. My main concern is for Simple Mobile though since it is my current network.
Also, I have heard of changing the IMEI, can anyone provide information about that?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can it be blocked when its a gsm? if its stolen you jus pop your sim in it and thats it it still works.
blocked imei i never heard of. can someone please clarify?

intrygue83 said:
How can it be blocked when its a gsm? if its stolen you jus pop your sim in it and thats it it still works.
blocked imei i never heard of. can someone please clarify?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can block an IMEI like you can block an ESN now if the phone is lost, stolen, or has an unpaid balance.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Product F(RED) said:
You can block an IMEI like you can block an ESN now if the phone is lost, stolen, or has an unpaid balance.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a Galaxy S 3 stolen yesterday. There is no way for me to get it back, I can get over that. What I can't get over is someone having my 3 month old phone and being able to use it with no problems.
I contacted T Mobile on 3 separate occasions to see if they could block the IMEI number because I have the original packaging. I was told from 3 different account specialists that T Mobile CANNOT block the IMEI. Whoever stole my phone just has to pop in a new sim card and the stolen phone will work just fine, and there is nothing I can do about it.
If anyone knows how I can get my stolen phone blocked, I'd love to hear how.
Adam

boda05 said:
I had a Galaxy S 3 stolen yesterday. There is no way for me to get it back, I can get over that. What I can't get over is someone having my 3 month old phone and being able to use it with no problems.
I contacted T Mobile on 3 separate occasions to see if they could block the IMEI number because I have the original packaging. I was told from 3 different account specialists that T Mobile CANNOT block the IMEI. Whoever stole my phone just has to pop in a new sim card and the stolen phone will work just fine, and there is nothing I can do about it.
If anyone knows how I can get my stolen phone blocked, I'd love to hear how.
Adam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Escalate it and tell them you need that phone marked lost or stolen. They do it for non-payment, they can do it for lost or stolen phones.

Product F(RED) said:
Escalate it and tell them you need that phone marked lost or stolen. They do it for non-payment, they can do it for lost or stolen phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the reply. On all three occasions I escalated the matter as high as I could. Have you had an IMEI blocked personally by calling T Mobile?

boda05 said:
Thanks so much for the reply. On all three occasions I escalated the matter as high as I could. Have you had an IMEI blocked personally by calling T Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on Straight Talk AT&T. I've never had experience doing that, but I know it's possible because people have been scammed and end up with lost/stolen/non-payment T-Mobile phones that won't register onto the network.

well..
boda05 said:
Thanks so much for the reply. On all three occasions I escalated the matter as high as I could. Have you had an IMEI blocked personally by calling T Mobile?
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Sorry your phone was stolen but doing that is not going to stop anything. If it was password protected then they won't has access to it.
until they bring it to someone like myself who can wipe it and reuse it. Its a GSM so all i have to do is wipe it n pop a new sim in it and wola.
That's just how it is

intrygue83 said:
Sorry your phone was stolen but doing that is not going to stop anything. If it was password protected then they won't has access to it.
until they bring it to someone like myself who can wipe it and reuse it. Its a GSM so all i have to do is wipe it n pop a new sim in it and wola.
That's just how it is
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Product F(RED) said:
I'm on Straight Talk AT&T. I've never had experience doing that, but I know it's possible because people have been scammed and end up with lost/stolen/non-payment T-Mobile phones that won't register onto the network.
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Yes I've read many stories about people buying a used phone from a person and the imei being blocked. I am just confirming/questioning that this isn't possible (whether it's a recent thing or ever) with T Mobile.

This seems like a good way for stolen phones to be blocked, but what about customers that report their phones stolen to t-mobile and then sell it on craigslist (I know a few people that do this)..the poor sucker that bought the phone will have it activated and by the time T-mobile blacklists the number they are left with a worthless phone.

euklid said:
This seems like a good way for stolen phones to be blocked, but what about customers that report their phones stolen to t-mobile and then sell it on craigslist (I know a few people that do this)..the poor sucker that bought the phone will have it activated and by the time T-mobile blacklists the number they are left with a worthless phone.
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People just neeed to do their research and take precautions. If you don't put in the extra time to figure out how to buy a used phone safely, you're going to be taking a chance - and you get what you get.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-develope rs app

Blacklisted
I work for a cell phone buy-back firm. Every since November of last year we have been running into blacklisted imeis. We've got phones coming back because the person who sold us the phone quit paying on a subsidized phone. Considering our agents call people all over the country attempting to buy their used or inactive phones, most people see us as way out. This hasn't been an issue with cdma phones because we can check esn. Two days ago checkesnfree.com added imei blacklisted. But what I don't understand is our audit department can put a live sim card in a blacklisted phone and make a successful test call. But when a customer tries to put it on an account, it can't be done. Can someone explain to me why this is. I understand the calls and text are using a different section of the tower than the data network uses. But any more than that I'm at a loss. Thanks

IMEI blocking is only inner company at the moment. If att black lists an imei it will not work on any carrier that piggy backs att towers. Soon it will become cross company and global.
Wayne Tech S-III

zelendel said:
IMEI blocking is only inner company at the moment. If att black lists an imei it will not work on any carrier that piggy backs att towers. Soon it will become cross company and global.
Wayne Tech S-III
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ok every one i have you this solved !!!! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS UNLOCK THE PHONE BAD ESN/IMEI ALL YOU GOT TO DO IS UNLOCK THE PHONE i have gotten 2 Samsung Galaxy S III and a s4 off ebay with "BAD ESN/IMEI" unlocked them and working fine on simple mobile !!

juggalo818 said:
ok every one i have you this solved !!!! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS UNLOCK THE PHONE BAD ESN/IMEI ALL YOU GOT TO DO IS UNLOCK THE PHONE i have gotten 2 Samsung Galaxy S III and a s4 off ebay with "BAD ESN/IMEI" unlocked them and working fine on simple mobile !!
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How would I unlock it, please share, I have a galaxy s3

Put in a sim from another provider and then search for an unlock code and your done its about $15-$20 normally
Sent from my SGH-T679 using xda app-developers app

Help, Tmobile carrier lock, "invalid imei"

Hello,.
I bought a phone, 8t plus (tmobile version). when i try to check imei status it says invalid imei... it came with a deactivated sim card.
i tried paying three different unlock site services for the t-mobile unlock app. but they keep returning to me saying that they could not find the imei or its invalid.
I'm in a real pinch here, I love this phone, what are my options? is there some way to force unlock it with a different firmware or something like this? maybe you've got a clue why my imei doesn't show up anywhere?
many thanks

If it's bought from eBay, you're SOL - invalid IMEI is invalid IMEI. You will want to refund it and buy the virgin OnePlus 8T to ensure you don't run into problem.
It will be tough to remove the IMEI from the blacklist, as it's usually death sentence for that ID number, not to mention it's illegal to mess with it.
Especially for this reason, I don't buy used phone anymore unless it won't see network service (usually as a Linux hacking plaything), and I mainly buy new phones ever since to guarantee that I don't run into any problems.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk

it doesnt give any error, through the tmobile unlock app it says "not eligible" which all unlock sites say that's what you want to get..
THEY say that they cant find the imei anywhere and that maybe I gave them invalid imei, but I'm sure I did not... this happened with more than 1 service site. any clues? i don't want to return it unless absolutely neccessary

Alright, double check your IMEI to ensure you don't make any mistake. There are three ways to check the IMEI, of course; 1. dial *#06#, browse into Settings, and go through "About phone", and 2. touch "Network Status" if the IMEI is not shown or 3. reboot your phone into Fastboot and scroll the UEFI Fastboot bootloader option down to "Show barcodes". It's easy to make mistakes with long numbers like IMEI - had to triple check mine before submitting the application for the bootloader unlock token.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk

I checked, the imei i gave them was the correct one, I wish that was the problem. how can an imei be invalid (not blocked/blacklisted)?isn't there any way to flash something on the phone to sim ulock it? thanks

even services that CHECK if its blacklisted doesnt work with phones IMEI. what is going on here?! thanks

This phone is not blocked—it’s ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
Device Name Not Available
IMEI: *****************
that's what the unlock service site sent me, they said that is the reply they received..

Alright, if you have Straight Talk or maybe a T-Mobile SIM, test it to make sure it's alive.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk

You have to have it so long before T-Mo will unlock the device.

Three days minimum if I recall. I had mine unlocked in a week after the purchase, and only have unlocked its UEFI bootloader a few days ago once the LineageOS 18 ROM matured just enough for my liking. Otherwise it's a 40 days wait.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk

Proneous said:
Hello,.
I bought a phone, 8t plus (tmobile version). when i try to check imei status it says invalid imei... it came with a deactivated sim card.
i tried paying three different unlock site services for the t-mobile unlock app. but they keep returning to me saying that they could not find the imei or its invalid.
I'm in a real pinch here, I love this phone, what are my options? is there some way to force unlock it with a different firmware or something like this? maybe you've got a clue why my imei doesn't show up anywhere?
many thanks
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Click to collapse
Hey there!
can you PM me a screen shot of your IMEI, please? I really want to look in this. I have a oneplus 8t. Thanks.

​I am outside of the usa at the moment so the T-Mobile SIM card that came with the phone is unable to activate... I'm starting to wonder if that's the only problem
I have found a rather expensive service provider that has full confidence that he can unlock my phone. Will update you further when I have more details.
Is it safe giving my imei to other forum members? can it be used for malicious activity?
Many thanks.

Alrighty, keep us posted.
Sent from my OnePlus 8T using Tapatalk

try this https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token
---------- Post added at 10:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 AM ----------
Why did you buy a t-mobile phone if you're outside of the usa?

Proneous said:
This phone is not blocked—it’s ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
Device Name Not Available
IMEI: *****************
that's what the unlock service site sent me, they said that is the reply they received..
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Then use it on TMobile for minimum 3days then unlock it via tforce on facebook or twitter T-Mobile help. But this requires you to have TMobile service. That's the only way you will unlock that phone those unlocking site aren't connected to get the 8t from T-Mobile unlocked that's mainly for samsung devices trust me I run a repair shop and use the unlocking sites. If you can't get TMobile service then you best bet is to return the device if you can't return your SOL until a simunlock bypass come

I'm not from the USA . Anyone got suggestion how to get it activated ? Thanks

Hey friends!
i've promised to update as it unfolds, day before I was supposed to return phone I got it unlocked by a vendor claiming he is working with T-Mobile directly or something like this, and said he can do it although not cheaply.
That guy had a handful of troubles to deal with me as I put him on a timeline, and not only that, bombarded him with conflicting messages before I decided to actually use his service. he was extremely polite and understanding.
may I recommend an ebay vendor here? if yes I will put a link to his store.
thanks!

Proneous said:
Hey friends!
i've promised to update as it unfolds, day before I was supposed to return phone I got it unlocked by a vendor claiming he is working with T-Mobile directly or something like this, and said he can do it although not cheaply.
That guy had a handful of troubles to deal with me as I put him on a timeline, and not only that, bombarded him with conflicting messages before I decided to actually use his service. he was extremely polite and understanding.
may I recommend an ebay vendor here? if yes I will put a link to his store.
thanks!
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Sounds like you purposely bought a phone that was either lost or stolen in the US and was sold to an overseas buyer because the blacklist on devices from US and Canadian carriers does not extend outside of the US and Canada.

jcsww said:
Sounds like you purposely bought a phone that was either lost or stolen in the US and was sold to an overseas buyer because the blacklist on devices from US and Canadian carriers does not extend outside of the US and Canada.
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Sounds like you're trying to be holier than thou.
I bought it unbeknownst whether it's blacklisted or not. It was brand new and price was great. Where's the problem? Why should I care where it comes from if it works?

Proneous said:
Sounds like you're trying to be holier than thou.
I bought it unbeknownst whether it's blacklisted or not. It was brand new and price was great. Where's the problem? Why should I care where it comes from if it works?
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It is more of a buyer beware statement about buying cheap devices from other countries.