Hi,
My phone is locked to specific network operator, How do i unlock it? Is bootloader unlocking/ rooting the same as unlocking network restrictions?
Is buying unlock codes from ebay a must?
Thanks
Bootloader locks and SIM lock are different things. Bootloader locks prevent you from running non-standard software; SIM locks prevent you from taking your phone to another operator.
Most phones ship with locked bootloaders, but while some bootloaders can be unlocked, others are encrypted, depending on where the phone's from and what restrictions the vendor wants to place on the device. Encrypted bootloaders can't be modified and thus restrict what you can do with the device.
SIM locks are placed on the phone by the network operator. They're there to tie the phone to an operator. The commercial justification is that if your phone is tied to a single operator then you're much less likely to insert a SIM card from another operator and stop paying your bills, which would result in a loss of the money the operator has paid to subsidise your handset.
To remove your SIM lock you should contact your network operator, who may be able to provide you with an unlock code for a fee if you're out of contract, and sometimes even if you're in-contract. They don't do locking here, and most of my stuff is parallel import, but when I lived in the UK you could usually get this stuff done at a shop with the right hardware. I wouldn't be buying anything from eBay, but that's just me.
I cant do that mate! I bought the phone a is from someone else. The phone is brand new but is locked to another operator than mine. So are you telling me this is not a "Do it yourself"' tasks?
Tito_S said:
I cant do that mate! I bought the phone a is from someone else. The phone is brand new but is locked to another operator than mine. So are you telling me this is not a "Do it yourself"' tasks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what he's telling you. It does, however, depend on the phone - some phones you can do it yourself but almost never for free (sometimes you need to buy hardware, sometimes buy a code from a website).
Related
I'm amazed by the number of people who don't know this...
All US carriers to sell LOCKED handsets are REQUIRED by LAW to provide unlock codes upon request.
All you need to do is call the carrier the handset is locked to hand request the unlock code. They will ask you for the IMEI and provied you with the code. If they give you any heat or static about it, just tell them that you KNOW they are required by law to give you the code.
The only way they can refuse is if the IMEI for the handset is tied to an account that still owes money, but if you purchased at retail pricing and never had an account, or currently have an account in good standing, they cannot refuse.
STOP PAYING FOR SIM UNLOCKING AND CALL THE CARRIER!
I have NEVER paid for a SIM unlocking service and am currently using the latest NRG energy rom on my unlocked AT&T FUZE.
SIM Unlock
I don't think what you're saying is true. I have searched for any trace of a US law requiring SIM unlocks an haven't found one. I did find this on wikipedia:
Singapore is the only country that forbid outright SIM locking and contract/phone bundling.
The US and UK don't have any SIM locking laws, but American and British carriers usually offer unlocking codes voluntarily.
Many countries listed below have some form of simlocking laws specifying the period of simlocking and the cost of obtaining unlocking codes. However their effectiveness may be questioned when we look at the iPhone's worldwide distribution practices. The worldwide launch of the iPhone has definitively shattered numerous myths about whether some country has laws against SIM locking.
(from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock )
~cp
risc193 said:
I'm amazed by the number of people who don't know this...
All US carriers to sell LOCKED handsets are REQUIRED by LAW to provide unlock codes upon request.
All you need to do is call the carrier the handset is locked to hand request the unlock code. They will ask you for the IMEI and provied you with the code. If they give you any heat or static about it, just tell them that you KNOW they are required by law to give you the code.
The only way they can refuse is if the IMEI for the handset is tied to an account that still owes money, but if you purchased at retail pricing and never had an account, or currently have an account in good standing, they cannot refuse.
STOP PAYING FOR SIM UNLOCKING AND CALL THE CARRIER!
I have NEVER paid for a SIM unlocking service and am currently using the latest NRG energy rom on my unlocked AT&T FUZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but I don't mind paying for a security unlocker
seeps said:
I don't think what you're saying is true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second the OP here. It's true but you can only ask your cell phone provider to unlock a phone you bought from them (and not from a friend or fleebay), you have an active contract in good standing, you are atleast 2-3 months into the contract and so on. Basically if they sold u a locked phone, you can demand an unlock.
It sucks to run the whole nine yards, and then pay the same amount of money for the security unlocker. I really wish Olipro could have a security unlock only service.
If you get your carrier to unlock your phone is that when you can flash a Radio from a different device?
X2D said:
If you get your carrier to unlock your phone is that when you can flash a Radio from a different device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope...subsidy unlocking is NOT the same as security unlocking.
actually US carriers are required to give you the subsidary unlock code for your device (excluding iPhone and cdma/gsm hybrids although technically, not offerring it for the iPhone is illegal) but only if you are going out of the country and don't to want to use their service or pay their fees since it does not directly interfere with their service.
ATT will give you the code in a couple days if you lie and say your going away for a week or two.
Also that wikipedia article is wrong because phones in Belguim cannot be opertor locked either. Caused a fiasco with the iPhone.
leaving the country
tmobile has unlocked a few phones for me that i didnt even buy from them
i'm on att but my sister has tmobile so i use her account to request unlocked codes for phones i've purchased on ebay or craigslist
i just always tell them that i'm going over seas and would like to be able to use a pre paid sim over there
hello guys,
I have bought i blocked touch pro here in the Czech republic... Pleeease, wouldn´t you be so great and call AT&T and provide the code for me?
You would be soooo nice! please, please, please
my IMEI is: 353142027737330
Please, anybody...
It must be PPC from AT&T...
Maybe you are rigth but.
maybe you are right about it but let me tell you , I got a locket at&t phone , i buy a code with a internet compay the code never works they send my information to htc and verify the unlock code , any way it never works , i needed buy the olipro services , everything was fine his program unlock my phone forever i did not type a code or something like that , now my htc fuze is unlocked and i am happy , conclusions be carefull unlock codes not always works , choose olipro software its 100% safe
risc193 said:
I'm amazed by the number of people who don't know this...
All US carriers to sell LOCKED handsets are REQUIRED by LAW to provide unlock codes upon request.
All you need to do is call the carrier the handset is locked to hand request the unlock code. They will ask you for the IMEI and provied you with the code. If they give you any heat or static about it, just tell them that you KNOW they are required by law to give you the code.
The only way they can refuse is if the IMEI for the handset is tied to an account that still owes money, but if you purchased at retail pricing and never had an account, or currently have an account in good standing, they cannot refuse.
STOP PAYING FOR SIM UNLOCKING AND CALL THE CARRIER!
I have NEVER paid for a SIM unlocking service and am currently using the latest NRG energy rom on my unlocked AT&T FUZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the UNLOCK CODE
I called the carrier and asked for my phone sim-unlock code and they took my IMEI number and gave me unlockcode. simple
thanks OP
unlock sim
how to unlock sim card free without calling carrier
Hi all,
I bought an S8+ from the Netherlands on subscription (I pay monthly for it) from Tele2 since I study there. Obviously, I've been using the phone for a while (hours of calling to other local numbers, etc.), so I should be unlocked, right? Wrong. I put in a foreign SIM card (Egypt) and it asks me for a network unlock code. However, upon contacting Tele2, they said that my phone was unlocked. I don't know how I should unlock my phone. I've tried online services like cellphoneunlocker.net, etc. but they don't seem to work. Can anyone help me with what I need to do or where I can get it unlocked? I'm in Egypt for a month for winter break and my phone is basically a brick.
I want to know if I can get my phone region unlocked to work with my SIM or not. Please help.
Sincerely,
A struggling student
UnrevealedM said:
Hi all,
I bought an S8+ from the Netherlands on subscription (I pay monthly for it) from Tele2 since I study there. Obviously, I've been using the phone for a while (hours of calling to other local numbers, etc.), so I should be unlocked, right? Wrong. I put in a foreign SIM card (Egypt) and it asks me for a network unlock code. However, upon contacting Tele2, they said that my phone was unlocked. I don't know how I should unlock my phone. I've tried online services like cellphoneunlocker.net, etc. but they don't seem to work. Can anyone help me with what I need to do or where I can get it unlocked? I'm in Egypt for a month for winter break and my phone is basically a brick.
I want to know if I can get my phone region unlocked to work with my SIM or not. Please help.
Sincerely,
A struggling student
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked a question in your previous thread, and you've answered it here, when you don't pay full up front for the phone, and you have it on a contract / pay monthly, it is NOT unlocked. You'll have to wait till the phone is paid off fully and then it'll be fully unlocked.
murtaza02 said:
I asked a question in your previous thread, and you've answered it here, when you don't pay full up front for the phone, and you have it on a contract / pay monthly, it is NOT unlocked. You'll have to wait till the phone is paid off fully and then it'll be fully unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the way it works in the Netherlands. The phone is carrier unlocked (i.e. I can use a French, Spanish, German, etc. SIM card in it). It is not region unlocked; it is region locked to Europe. I messaged Samsung and they assured me that I was correct and it was a precaution on their end to try and stop the grey market from prospering. I was informed that it would take 6-8 weeks, but I was wondering if anyone had another faster solution, since in 6 weeks I'll be back in the Netherlands.
So does anyone have a quicker solution?
Region Locked = Call at least 5 mins using the regions sim to unlock.
Network Locked = You need to ask your network provider for this to unlocked. Common on postpaid plans and network provided phones.
If you get your phone from network provider then it is most likely to be region & network Locked. But if you get it from a mall, shops, or other source, then most likely it is only region locked.
Try putting different sim
Hi mate,
I had the same issue with Samsung S8+ and Tele2 Nederland. So apparently, you cannot region unlock you phone if you call with tele2 nederland. You need to use any other dutch sim to do so.
So ask one of your friends or get a free Lebara sim and call someone for 5+ minutes. After it, the phone will have no region lock.
Feels like Samsung forgot to put Tele2 in their "dutch operartors" list.
Hi,
Looking in this forum but can't see how to SIM unlock my S+. Phone was locked so I re-flashed with Odin but can't find guide to unlock SIM.
Phone is locked to UK Vodafone.
Can you send me please guide if there is some? Thanks
What is the message your phone displays when you insert a SIM card other than Vodafone UK (ie, a non-accepted SIM card) and try to place a phone call?
If the phone is locked, it will ask you for unlocking codes.
Yes, it's asking for unlock code. I could fix this with odin and some flash on my S7 Edge but how can I do this on S8+?
As far as I know you should buy the unlock code on eBay. Actually it depends on operator (each operator has its own way to lock it). For example Verizon doesn't lock GSM part on the modem for their phones at all. Sometimes remote unlock procedure is required (you will pay to third party and they will do it through the Teamview). The price depends on operator. There are 99% that you will not do it for free by yourself.
There is one chance to do it yourself only if your provider made some calling time lock. For example you have to insert Vodafone SIM card and make a phone call for some 5-10 minutes (but it shlould be done inside the country of phone's origin, UK in your case). Try to ask someone with a same Vodafone UK phone.
You can do it with Odin only if it was not really locked from the beginning but just had some carriers bloat, that was asking for that unlock.
What is exact model of your S8+? What does it says in Bootloader mode?
But actually I could do this with S7 edge. So S8 has some protection?
Ganibal_Lector said:
As far as I know you should buy the unlock code on eBay. Actually it depends on operator (each operator has its own way to lock it). For example Verizon doesn't lock GSM part on the modem for their phones at all. Sometimes remote unlock procedure is required (you will pay to third party and they will do it through the Teamview). The price depends on operator. There are 99% that you will not do it for free by yourself.
There is one chance to do it yourself only if your provider made some calling time lock. For example you have to insert Vodafone SIM card and make a phone call for some 5-10 minutes. Try to ask someone with a same Vodafone UK phone.
You can do it with Odin only if it was not really locked from the beginning but just had some carriers bloat, that was asking for that unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lew1s said:
But actually I could do this with S7 edge. So S8 has some protection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was it the same Vodafone UK? What is exact model number of your S8+? What was original firmware and firmware you have feflashed with?
Ganibal_Lector said:
Was it the same Vodafone UK? What is exact model number of your S8+? What was original firmware and firmware you have feflashed with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no was Irish. Model: G955F and I used this guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qcBBQ4rwis
lew1s said:
no was Irish. Model: G955F and I used this guide:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on other operators experience I would say you cannot do it by yourself as usually simple flashing will not unlock the phone. You will really need one of paid methods to unlock it. It is still better to ask someone with a same Vodafone phone. As unlockers on ebay etc. make money with those methods I don't really believe that someone here will tell you how to do that by your own.
There was a thread where the guy was discussing unlock for his Austrian locked phone. Finally he paid twice as first seller sold him some wrong unlock code and phone became network blocked completely. However he bought some "unfreeze" code from different seller and that worked for him. If it would be so easy to unlock operators phones they will never sell them cheaper than unlocked.
Another option is still to perform call with original Verizon UK SIM card for 10 minutes. After that you should reboot your phone and it should be unlocked. If it will not work you can approach Vodafone UK and ask them for unlock code. If there was no any financial issues for that phone and it is registered more than 6 months in the network they should provide you with unlock code for free.
Sorry if I didn't help you too much.
Long story short I bought a Note 20 Ultra from the U.S. which the seller advertised as unlocked, but it was locked to T-Mobile when I received it and I'm not able to return the phone. T-Mobile won't help cause the phone isn't paid off.
I tried to click "Permanent unlock" in the menu and it said not eligible, reason code 8. Then I tried temporary unlock and it unlocked the phone for a month.
My question is, is there a way to prevent my phone from being locked again?
If I flash the unlocked Samsung firmware on this, would that prevent it? If not, why? What exactly makes the phone locked again?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
kukumaka said:
Long story short I bought a Note 20 Ultra from the U.S. which the seller advertised as unlocked, but it was locked to T-Mobile when I received it and I'm not able to return the phone. T-Mobile won't help cause the phone isn't paid off.
I tried to click "Permanent unlock" in the menu and it said not eligible, reason code 8. Then I tried temporary unlock and it unlocked the phone for a month.
My question is, is there a way to prevent my phone from being locked again?
If I flash the unlocked Samsung firmware on this, would that prevent it? If not, why? What exactly makes the phone locked again?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing different firmware will have no effect on your SIM Locked status.
You're options are limited :
1) Pay the balance owed to T-Mobile.
2) Find a SIM Unlocking service that can SIM Unlock your phone. (If you go this route, be sure it's specific to the T-Mobile model).
3) Plead your case again to T-Mobile. They may allow for SIM Unlocking after a period of time, when they eventually write-off the debt owed on the phone.
Otherwise, you're stuck w/using it on T-Mobile or, the MVNOs that use their network.
KOLIOSIS said:
Flashing different firmware will have no effect on your SIM Locked status.
You're options are limited :
1) Pay the balance owed to T-Mobile.
2) Find a SIM Unlocking service that can SIM Unlock your phone. (If you go this route, be sure it's specific to the T-Mobile model).
3) Plead your case again to T-Mobile. They may allow for SIM Unlocking after a period of time, when they eventually write-off the debt owed on the phone.
Otherwise, you're stuck w/using it on T-Mobile or, the MVNOs that use their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I've tried contacting T-Mobile and said I would pay any sort of fee to get it unlocked, and they keep telling me the original account holder has to call in and I can't do anything about it.
In terms of unlocking it with someone else, I talked to a few people yesterday and they all said the "server is offline".
I did talk to 1 person and they told me "one option by imei is 68 usd in 1-30 days"
I don't understand by imei means... I'm assuming he's saying to change the imei number?
kukumaka said:
Thanks. I've tried contacting T-Mobile and said I would pay any sort of fee to get it unlocked, and they keep telling me the original account holder has to call in and I can't do anything about it.
In terms of unlocking it with someone else, I talked to a few people yesterday and they all said the "server is offline".
I did talk to 1 person and they told me "one option by imei is 68 usd in 1-30 days"
I don't understand by imei means... I'm assuming he's saying to change the imei number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's probably not what the service you looked up meant.
There are some legit services out there that will SIM Unlock your phone, for a fee. They probably need the IMEI on your phone (use your phone's search function to find it) to permanently SIM Unlock your phone.
Changing the IMEI is illegal in a lot of countries & talk of it is expressly forbidden here on XDA.
Simply asking for services that change IMEI's here @ XDA will result in the thread being locked & possible banning of the OP on such threads if such actions do not immediately cease.
If you pursue IMEI changing here @ XDA, the mods will see it & PM you, if you're lucky, you'll get a warning before any bans are put in place.
KOLIOSIS said:
No, that's probably not what the service you looked up meant.
There are some legit services out there that will SIM Unlock your phone, for a fee. They probably need the IMEI on your phone (use your phone's search function to find it) to permanently SIM Unlock your phone.
Changing the IMEI is illegal in a lot of countries & talk of it is expressly forbidden here on XDA.
Simply asking for services that change IMEI's here @ XDA will result in the thread being locked & possible banning of the OP on such threads if such actions do not immediately cease.
If you pursue IMEI changing here @ XDA, the mods will see it & PM you, if you're lucky, you'll get a warning before any bans are put in place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not pursing an imei change, I was just saying I'm confused as to what he said option by imei.
Do you know how I can find legit services that will SIM unlock the phone? I saw some on eBay, also I think someone recommended unlockboot.com
kukumaka said:
I'm not pursing an imei change, I was just saying I'm confused as to what he said option by imei.
Do you know how I can find legit services that will SIM unlock the phone? I saw some on eBay, also I think someone recommended unlockboot.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd stay away from eBay for this....
Try this site, it appears to be legit :
T-Mobile Unlock App, Free IMEI Check - CellUnlocker.net
We unlock your T-Mobile phone, and you can use the T-Mobile unlock app. If you're T-Mobile device is locked, we can help. More at CellUnlocker.net
www.cellunlocker.net
If you're unsure of how to proceed, just reach out to their customer service department with your make/model/IMEI,& of course, make sure you specify that it's locked to T-Mobile.
KOLIOSIS said:
I'd stay away from eBay for this....
Try this site, it appears to be legit :
T-Mobile Unlock App, Free IMEI Check - CellUnlocker.net
We unlock your T-Mobile phone, and you can use the T-Mobile unlock app. If you're T-Mobile device is locked, we can help. More at CellUnlocker.net
www.cellunlocker.net
If you're unsure of how to proceed, just reach out to their customer service department with your make/model/IMEI,& of course, make sure you specify that it's locked to T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your attention and for your help, I appreciate it!
I've been searching for a relatively easy and cheap way to do this. It's ridiculous having 2 SIM slots but both are locked to the same network.
If this is still allowed by law in your country, there is nothing you can do about it.
The only thing you can do is ask the seller-operator of your network where you bought the phone to unlock the second sim port for you. Maybe he is not so greedy and will allow it.
If your phone was repurchased from an individual, then there is a bigger problem, because you are not the formal purchaser.
Thank you but i already ask the network about it and being a greedy company, said, i had to wait after 2 years before they would send me the unlock code. I got pissed and had my line disconnected after this as i find it really annoying to lock both sim slots, kinda defeats the purpose of a dual sim phone IMO.
Wait, I don't understand something. If you bought a phone from an operator, you have to fulfill the contract and pay for the service 2 years to pay off the phone. Is that right?
If so, what is the point of disconnecting from the line?
Because we talk about the so-called "SIM unlock" all the time, correct?
SIM lock, this is a service that blocks the phone from using sim cards other than from the network operator where you bought the phone.
Not to my knowledge, but if you ever get a new phone make sure it's not from a carrier, and instead from the manufacturer or a tech store.
Thank you guys. Solved the problem, carrier unlocked SIM2.