Database Info

So, can someone explain to me how the GSM world works with phone swapping?

Literally all I have to do is insert my SIM card in a new phone, and I can use it like normal?
--
Sent from my HTC Supersonic.

If the phone is unlocked yes, if not no, but its not to hard unlocking your phone.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

Macktv said:
If the phone is unlocked yes, if not no, but its not to hard unlocking your phone.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how do you know if it is unlocked? Is that like a clean ESN for CDMA phones? If you buy a phone on contract, is it automatically locked until the contract is up?
--
Sent from my HTC Supersonic.

If you are buying a phone that is sold by a USA Carrier its got about a 95% is LOCKED. You will know when you put the sim in, if you get ERROR SIM LOCKED, Please Enter Unlock Code, it's locked. Otherwise if it lets you into the phone your golden. Locked/Unlocked is not even close to ESN being clear/bad. Just means carriers have the phone locked to them, you can buy an unlock code for almost any GSM phone for $20 or less

So the lock is just specific to a carrier and not a user?
--
Sent from my HTC Supersonic.

Correct. So that you have to come to them to get that specific phone

Some phones can be unlocked via tools you can find here on XDA other phones require some bigger equipment and you typically have to go on ebay or a similar site to get your unlock code based on your IMEI number

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

Unlocking to be illegal

So starting this Saturday, unlocking your phone without your carrier's permission is illegal now! What do you guys think?

source?

http://www.phonearena.com/news/It-may-become-illegal-to-unlock-your-phone-starting-Saturday_id39069
Does this mean carrier switching or rooting your phone? I bought my S3 in october and it was rooted then too. Will this bite me in the butt?

david_hume said:
So starting this Saturday, unlocking your phone without your carrier's permission is illegal now! What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be clear you are referring to SIM card unlocking right?

It has to do with carrier switching, not rooting. Calm your tits...
Sent from my VZW SGS3 rockin' Jelly 'Beans' Build 8 using Tapatalk 2

So how many people will take any notice. I certainly won't
Sent from my EndeavorU using xda app-developers app

This is referring to SIM-unlocking. The article clearly discusses jailbreaking and rooting as being allowed, as they pertain to software only, which we own. Jailbreaking and rooting of course referring to gaining superuser access over the entire system, in iOS and Android respectively. Unlocking, in this instance, refers to SIM-unlocking, allowing you to use your phone's hardware on another carrier with compatible bands. As the article mentions, most Verizon LTE phones, including ours, are not SIM-locked in the first place, so this doesn't even affect us. But as the article is written, it mentions that rooting remains legal, and unlocking refers to the SIM (hardware level), as opposed to the bootloader, which simply affects what software can be booted on the device.
So while we should push to keep SIM-unlocking legal as well, as it will certainly be used against us on future devices as all the carriers develop their LTE networks and devices, this does not affect our current devices, and there should be no reason for concern.

Cruiserdude said:
This is referring to SIM-unlocking. The article clearly discusses jailbreaking and rooting as being allowed, as they pertain to software only, which we own. Jailbreaking and rooting of course referring to gaining superuser access over the entire system, in iOS and Android respectively. Unlocking, in this instance, refers to SIM-unlocking, allowing you to use your phone's hardware on another carrier with compatible bands. As the article mentions, most Verizon LTE phones, including ours, are not SIM-locked in the first place, so this doesn't even affect us. But as the article is written, it mentions that rooting remains legal, and unlocking refers to the SIM (hardware level), as opposed to the bootloader, which simply affects what software can be booted on the device.
So while we should push to keep SIM-unlocking legal as well, as it will certainly be used against us on future devices as all the carriers develop their LTE networks and devices, this does not affect our current devices, and there should be no reason for concern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jesus I shat my pants when I read the post title. Thanks for adding this explanation. Now I can get to cleaning my pants.

" you can only drive your car on OUR roads WAH WAH WAH" - the carriers

Back to the same BS of you don't own a product you purchase as another company can still tell you what you can and can't do with it.
Imagine if you bought a brand XYZ computer and it ONLY worked with one brand router and changing the computer to work on different routers was illegal.
:banghead:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Big government in bed with big business. Fascism some call it
iSheep... iSheep... Meowww that's Apple VZW GSIII

nosympathy said:
Back to the same BS of you don't own a product you purchase as another company can still tell you what you can and can't do with it.
Imagine if you bought a brand XYZ computer and it ONLY worked with one brand router and changing the computer to work on different routers was illegal.
:banghead:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's crazy the amount of entitlement the wireless carriers have. I can do anything I want with my computer and home connection but for some greed filled reason on my phone I have to run their approved OS that's been stuffed with unremovable bloat and barfed on by Samsung, can't unlock the boot loader (legally), can't use it on a different network, and can't have full control of the device I paid $600 for. It's makes me want to get rid of my smartphone.

nosympathy said:
Back to the same BS of you don't own a product you purchase as another company can still tell you what you can and can't do with it.
Imagine if you bought a brand XYZ computer and it ONLY worked with one brand router and changing the computer to work on different routers was illegal.
:banghead:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like Apple...
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

GreenMunky said:
It has to do with carrier switching, not rooting. Calm your tits...
Sent from my VZW SGS3 rockin' Jelly 'Beans' Build 8 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarifying

Cruiserdude said:
This is referring to SIM-unlocking. The article clearly discusses jailbreaking and rooting as being allowed, as they pertain to software only, which we own. Jailbreaking and rooting of course referring to gaining superuser access over the entire system, in iOS and Android respectively. Unlocking, in this instance, refers to SIM-unlocking, allowing you to use your phone's hardware on another carrier with compatible bands. As the article mentions, most Verizon LTE phones, including ours, are not SIM-locked in the first place, so this doesn't even affect us. But as the article is written, it mentions that rooting remains legal, and unlocking refers to the SIM (hardware level), as opposed to the bootloader, which simply affects what software can be booted on the device.
So while we should push to keep SIM-unlocking legal as well, as it will certainly be used against us on future devices as all the carriers develop their LTE networks and devices, this does not affect our current devices, and there should be no reason for concern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason for unlocked sim's on Verizon LTE devices is due to FCC network access requirements for Block C, the 700 Mhz spectrum Verizon Wireless uses for LTE. The FCC states that:
"Handset locking prohibited. No licensee may disable features on handsets it provides to customers, to the extent such features are compliant with the licensee's standards pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, nor configure handsets it provides to prohibit use of such handsets on other providers' networks."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Here's a direct link to the petition...
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

RBarnett09 said:
Here's a direct link to the petition...
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure to make an account if you want to sign!
sent from my delicious Galaxy S III with Jelly flavored goodness.

Is this at all related to the $15 monthly fee attached to the Motorola droid x rumour? $15 for an unlocked boot loader bug has vzw ever gotten the terminology right? $15 monthly fee if you didn't buy the phones from them (an unlocked phone?) You'll be able to buy the phone from Google play unlocked or vzw subsidized.
Thinking out of my butt..
my tapatalk signature sucks more than yours

This was really only a benefit if you had a GSM phone in my opinion. Verizon won't accept Sprint and Sprint won't accept Verizon phones so really that was mute for me. What I am planning on doing is likely buying international and unlocked phone next time when I move to AT&T. None of this US based crap.

RaptorMD said:
This was really only a benefit if you had a GSM phone in my opinion. Verizon won't accept Sprint and Sprint won't accept Verizon phones so really that was mute for me. What I am planning on doing is likely buying international and unlocked phone next time when I move to AT&T. None of this US based crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you.
Its a great thing for doing to the S3... not so much for many others.
But if we bought these phones, we should have a right to do whatever we want with it regardless. It is our property, not theirs. If they are going to be this way about it, they should supply our phones to us for free just for using their service.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

Verizon to unlock S3?

I came across this article today http://www.appy-geek.com/Web/ArticleWeb.aspx?regionid=1&articleid=26045339&m=d
The articles states that after a contract has been fullfilled its legal to unlock the phone. Will our phone be unlocked now? Does this mean Verizon will unlock our bootloaders? Or just the phone? Also if I buy the phone outright for 600$ does the phone come unlocked out the box?

jager420 said:
I came across this article today http://www.appy-geek.com/Web/ArticleWeb.aspx?regionid=1&articleid=26045339&m=d
The articles states that after a contract has been fullfilled its legal to unlock the phone. Will our phone be unlocked now? Does this mean Verizon will unlock our bootloaders? Or just the phone? Also if I buy the phone outright for 600$ does the phone come unlocked out the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's sim unlock, not bootloader unlock. They aren't related.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

BadUsername said:
That's sim unlock, not bootloader unlock. They aren't related.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's wack. The phone is now mine but I'm not allowed to use different OS's? I have to stay with the OS that comes with the phone? That should be illegal
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

jager420 said:
That's wack. The phone is now mine but I'm not allowed to use different OS's? I have to stay with the OS that comes with the phone? That should be illegal
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but Verizon always complains about users trying to replace their phone when it is completely their fault if they fail at flashing and don't have a backup. A lot of people, from what I can tell, can hide the fact that they've rooted and/or unlocked their bootloader and they can get a new phone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app

poppers162 said:
Yeah but Verizon always complains about users trying to replace their phone when it is completely their fault if they fail at flashing and don't have a backup. A lot of people, from what I can tell, can hide the fact that they've rooted and/or unlocked their bootloader and they can get a new phone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've ran into this as well. Before rooting and the plethora of android phones flooded the market, VZW was a bit more relaxed on what they would replace. Now that I'm up to my S3, they proved to be sticklers in my own situation. I had a legitimate reason to exchange my previous Samsung Stratosphere. Mine was rooted and my wife's was stock. Both had the same radio issues. I told them this and they upgraded her no problems at all. I had quite a hard time getting them to upgrade it without revoking my grandfathered unlimited data plan... smh. Oh well, guess times change when some people abuse the system blatantly.

Help, How to SIM Unlock / Network Unlock J7

Thats it, Im on Cable and Wireless and want to change to Claro but i Cant, any ideas?

Have you tried this?
http://www.sammobile.com/unlock/
Sent from my SM-G903F using XDA-Developers mobile app

dodo2244 said:
Have you tried this?
http://www.sammobile.com/unlock/
Sent from my SM-G903F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont want to spend money on that xD

I have a galaxy j7 boost mobile its brand new never been activated I have tried many times to activate it while talking on the phone with boost mobile they said the phone wasnt scanned properly at the store well I am hours away from the store where it was purchased is there anyway I can unlock it for any carrier and also is there any other secret codes

If youre switching to a cheaper service which has unlimited data for $30/ metro pcs, $50/ boost mobile, $60/simple mobile then youre already saving money compared to verizon or at&t. It would actually be worth spending a little money on the sim unlock.. Dont be a cheap wad..

So instead of anyone actually telling him he can't/how to do it, he just gets laughed at and called cheap.
Cool community. Not passive aggressive at all my dudes.

Alright jerkwads. I'm not so easy. What do I have to do to unlock carrier,sim, all the above on a j7? Free is nice but I'll pay before I give them corporate assholes the pleasure.
Dont worry. The winner on this won't get insulted any more than I already have been.

update ask
JackScarecrow said:
Alright jerkwads. I'm not so easy. What do I have to do to unlock carrier,sim, all the above on a j7? Free is nice but I'll pay before I give them corporate assholes the pleasure.
Dont worry. The winner on this won't get insulted any more than I already have been.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sir have you found a free one? ive been looking also for unlocking sim in my sm-J710GN

dexter1260 said:
sir have you found a free one? ive been looking also for unlocking sim in my sm-J710GN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me too.i badly need to unlock this