carrier/network unlocking - General Questions and Answers

i'm still on pay as you go mainly bc i like my deal and i tend to switch phones a lot so i'm not very sure about contracts and stuff.
anyways my friend recently got an upgrade handset (sony xperia sp) but doesnt want it bc got an iphone from work. he's willing to sell it to me for a fraction of what it's worth and i'd be happy to buy the only thing is i'm an o2 customer and it's locked to tmobile.
i know phone unlocking is possible (although i'm sure i read somewhere recently that a handset can only be unlocked one a contract has ended - anyone confirm whether or not this is true?)
there is a shop in town that's very popular for phone unlocking a private shop (i'm guessng they dont use the cleanest of methods) and i have always used them in the past...... just not on such an expensive handset. i dont want to buy it take it there and they try unlock it and end up messing up something else (as i heard using certain method could damage the handset - again can anyone confirm this?)
on the tmob website it says that handsets can be unlocked for a fee but that you must have been a customer to that netowrk for 6months. so since i'm not a customer to that network i guess they wont unlock it.....
any advice? i dont want to buy the handset and realise i cant get it unlocked. and i want to stay with o2.

neonflash said:
i'm still on pay as you go mainly bc i like my deal and i tend to switch phones a lot so i'm not very sure about contracts and stuff.
anyways my friend recently got an upgrade handset (sony xperia sp) but doesnt want it bc got an iphone from work. he's willing to sell it to me for a fraction of what it's worth and i'd be happy to buy the only thing is i'm an o2 customer and it's locked to tmobile.
i know phone unlocking is possible (although i'm sure i read somewhere recently that a handset can only be unlocked one a contract has ended - anyone confirm whether or not this is true?)
there is a shop in town that's very popular for phone unlocking a private shop (i'm guessng they dont use the cleanest of methods) and i have always used them in the past...... just not on such an expensive handset. i dont want to buy it take it there and they try unlock it and end up messing up something else (as i heard using certain method could damage the handset - again can anyone confirm this?)
on the tmob website it says that handsets can be unlocked for a fee but that you must have been a customer to that netowrk for 6months. so since i'm not a customer to that network i guess they wont unlock it.....
any advice? i dont want to buy the handset and realise i cant get it unlocked. and i want to stay with o2.
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Private shops are probably fine for a SIM unlock code. Just make sure they acquire an unlock code from your IMEI and unlock it using the standard processes. There are a number of unlock shops around the internet that I'd have a much harder time trusting - but you should at least look around and see what the prices are before going in to your private shop so you can argue the price. Sometimes you get lucky and find a free source of unlock codes online, but beware of scams.

Oafed said:
Private shops are probably fine for a SIM unlock code. Just make sure they acquire an unlock code from your IMEI and unlock it using the standard processes. There are a number of unlock shops around the internet that I'd have a much harder time trusting - but you should at least look around and see what the prices are before going in to your private shop so you can argue the price. Sometimes you get lucky and find a free source of unlock codes online, but beware of scams.
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put it into the shop today.
checked out 2 of the better known private shops for this and both quoted 5-7 days! i had no idea it would take so long :/
i'm pretty sure they used to do it in an hour and for a quarter of the price.
anyhoo i left it there.

Related

G2X Unlocked deals? Post here...

I know many of you are coming from Vibrant / Galaxy S 4G and hence would like to buy Tmobile G2X unlocked.
I thought it'd be a good idea to have a thread where we have consolidated discounted unlocked pricing options.
Currently it seems $529 - $540 is the unlocked price. Please post if you know any better pricing....
$499 from T-Mobile. Why would you spend anymore than that somewhere else?
jrwingate6 said:
$499 from T-Mobile. Why would you spend anymore than that somewhere else?
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Because we are on at&t.....
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
I think that T-mobile price is off contract, not unlocked. Please correct me if I am wrong as i too am looking to pick one up, but live in another country so must get it unlocked as well.
I was always under the impression that if you bought a phone off contract then all you had to do was call T-Mobile and ask for the unlock code. I don't think they require you to be a T-Mobile customer. After all it's your device.
Word around the campfire is that T-Mobile isn't selling this phone to non-contracted customers, and if you contact them with the device and request a code they'll deny it. It's a t-mobile exclusive phone in the US, and they won't offer up unlock codes unless you're a customer and wait the 90 days, or the phone is no longer exclusive.
This is all rumor so far, but here was a T-Mo sales rep in another thread that said they were given new directives regarding selling off contract phones to non-Tmo customers.
Divinedark said:
Word around the campfire is that T-Mobile isn't selling this phone to non-contracted customers, and if you contact them with the device and request a code they'll deny it. It's a t-mobile exclusive phone in the US, and they won't offer up unlock codes unless you're a customer and wait the 90 days, or the phone is no longer exclusive.
This is all rumor so far, but here was a T-Mo sales rep in another thread that said they were given new directives regarding selling off contract phones to non-Tmo customers.
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So your telling me, since I am no longer under contract with T-Mobile, I can't walk into there store and purchase the device for $499 retail even though I am a T-Mobile customer?
I would hold off on buying this for AT&T (or other providers) until we get clarification on what bands it supports and how to enable them if needed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1041402
jrwingate6 said:
So your telling me, since I am no longer under contract with T-Mobile, I can't walk into there store and purchase the device for $499 retail even though I am a T-Mobile customer?
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I do the $60 prepaid plan w/ no contract and they sold the phone to me for $499.
almostinsane said:
I do the $60 prepaid plan w/ no contract and they sold the phone to me for $499.
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I just tried it online and they are allowing me to buy the phone off contract as well. cancelled at the last minute cause I already have my on-contract g2x
@Divinedark, you heard the wrong thing through the wrong grapevine. Sorry bro. Your inside source has been proved wrong. I also called T-Mobile and told them I was interested in buying a G2x off contract but only if I were able to get a unlock code for it right away. They said it wouldn't be a problem. I guess you should just go ahead and remove your post since it's false information.
jrwingate6 said:
@Divinedark, you heard the wrong thing through the wrong grapevine. Sorry bro. Your inside source has been proved wrong. I also called T-Mobile and told them I wasn't a customer but I was interested in buying a G2x off contract but only if I were able to get a unlock code for it right away. They said it wouldn't be a problem. I guess you should just go ahead and remove your post since it's false information.
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I've called Tmobile custom support on multiple different days and they said they would not offer up an unlock code for a non contract phone
AuroEdge said:
I've called Tmobile custom support on multiple different days and they said they would not offer up an unlock code for a non contract phone
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They did it for me and my Vibrant back in July and I wasn't on contract. Did you word this wrong because if you purchase a phone through a upgrade and are under a contract they will not give you a unlock code since you do not own the device. If you aren't under contract and you purchase the device at retail price then it's all yours and they will give you a unlock code. Whether or not you have to be a T-Mobile customer is a different story.
If you have to be a customer then just purchase the phone retail and sign up for the cheapest plan possible. Ask for a unlock code which you will get within 3 days and then just cancel your account.
I did not word this wrong. I was very explicit about wanting to buy the phone, without contract, and that I am NOT a customer of T-Mobile. Every answer I received was very candid about the fact that their policy is to not give out codes and that they do have a SIM subsidy program for those who are T-Mobile customers. I will add with a grain of salt one might get lucky when they call up customer support and find a representative who does not know the current policy and unlocks your phone. Not likely.
I am going to take a chance and go through a website and pay $14.99 for it.
Customer support does not provide unlock codes. The Sim Unlock Team does.
Read this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12981927&postcount=19
They have always unlocked devices for me but I guess it's because I am a T-Mobile customer, just not locked into a contract with them. My Vibrant being my most recent device I got unlocked. Just called customer service and they emailed me the unlock code 2 to 3 days later.
Thats kind of childish on there part. There not losing any money by giving you the code since you paid for the device in full. They may have made a little bit of money off you actually. I'm sure they didn't have to pay LG $499. Like you said, your best bet is to pay a 3rd party $15 for a unlock code.
I got great news I just called T Mobile and was upfront of what I was wanting to do with the purchase of the G2x and they said as long as you buy it at full retail price, they said they have the options under their policy to give out unlock phone code at the moment of purchase. So I'm thinking of buying the G2x and than buy a phone on contract with AT&T that has good resale value and sell it, and in a way AT&T is subsidizing my G2x.
lionsson said:
I got great news I just called T Mobile and was upfront of what I was wanting to do with the purchase of the G2x and they said as long as you buy it at full retail price, they said they have the options under their policy to give out unlock phone code at the moment of purchase. So I'm thinking of buying the G2x and than buy a phone on contract with AT&T that has good resale value and sell it, and in a way AT&T is subsidizing my G2x.
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If you don't currently have a contract with AT&T, one has to ask. Why the hell would you want to go into one? If your in a area where T-Mobile has service, they have less dropped calls and faster download speeds. Every phone I get through T-Mobile has been better call wise and data wise than my Wifes iPhone with AT&T. We live North of Baltimore.
jrwingate6 said:
@Divinedark, you heard the wrong thing through the wrong grapevine. Sorry bro. Your inside source has been proved wrong. I also called T-Mobile and told them I was interested in buying a G2x off contract but only if I were able to get a unlock code for it right away. They said it wouldn't be a problem. I guess you should just go ahead and remove your post since it's false information.
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I stated nothing as fact... bro... I was merely stating that in another of the AT&T threads, someone who said they worked for T-Mo was told just what I wrote. It seems very location specific. Some people are being told they will sell them one, some are saying that they'll sell it, but not give them the code, and some are saying they're not being offered either. So, there you go... bro...
Must be something new...
It has always been T-Mobile's policy to only give unlock codes to current customers who have been with them for at least 90 days and have a good pay history. This is something new if they now allow non customers to buy a device and obtain a lock code. Since the unlock codes must come from LG, I highly doubt anyone would be provided with a unlock code on the day they buy the phone.
Could be some CS reps looking to up their quotas by giving less than accurate information. Get it in writing before you buy.

[Q] Wanting to switch to the blaze questions

Hello all, and first off, let me say congratulations on getting official CM10 and CWM support!
Here's my story (and before anyone asks, I have searched the forums for an answer, but was unsuccessful with finding my specific questions): I am currently on AT&T (was Alltel before they were bought out) with an HTC Aria and my contract for a grandfathered plan was up long ago. It is time for me to upgrade to something a little more modern and I have settled on the Blaze because of its size (I'd like a GNex, but my hands are too small) and a number of reasons. But the biggest reason is that, as I understand, it has full compatibility with both AT&T and T-mobile's 3g (4g for t-mobile) and 2g/EDGE networks.
I don't really like AT&T as a company and I also really like the monthly 4g plans that t-mobile offers. My problem is that according to t-mobile's prepaid coverage map, I won't have data service for most of the area I travel back and forth in (upper midwest USA). And as much as I dislike AT&T, they have good 3g service almost everywhere I go. So, I'd like to be able to take my current sim card and switch it and a t-mobile sim at will while I test out both service providers.
Therefore, my questions are as follows:
1) Where is the best place to buy a blaze off contract? I'd like to get one on ebay because of the price (~$200 is what I have set aside for a new phone), but there aren't that many there, and even fewer that specifically say they are unlocked - which leads to question 2.
2) Can I unlock any phone that is not on a contract (basically anything I would buy used online)? I spoke with a rep from T-mobile and he seemed to indicate that I could only unlock a phone if I was the original purchaser of it and the plan (and account) to go with it. Therefore, according to him, I would have to make sure the phone I bought was already unlocked, otherwise there would be no chance of unlocking it in the future. I would think (possibly incorrectly) that as long as I have a t-mobile account (I plan on buying and activating the $30 monthly 4g plan as soon as I receive the device to compliment my current ATT service), they shouldn't have a problem with giving me the unlock code because they did not subsidize the phone. Could anyone clear this up?
3) There are a number of sites claiming to sell unlock codes for a myriad of devices. I would consider something like that if there was no other way to unlock a second hand phone, but only if I was sure it would work and the site was legit. Are any of these sites legitimate and have you had experience with any of them?
It would be considerably cheaper and easier to find a used device that isn't unlocked, but like I said, I'm not sure if that would bite me in the rear because there is a strong chance that I will stick with AT&T due to them having service where I travel. Thanks for taking the time to read this text wall, and I can't wait to join the Blaze community! Keep up the good work!
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Hello all, and first off, let me say congratulations on getting official CM10 and CWM support!
Here's my story (and before anyone asks, I have searched the forums for an answer, but was unsuccessful with finding my specific questions): I am currently on AT&T (was Alltel before they were bought out) with an HTC Aria and my contract for a grandfathered plan was up long ago. It is time for me to upgrade to something a little more modern and I have settled on the Blaze because of its size (I'd like a GNex, but my hands are too small) and a number of reasons. But the biggest reason is that, as I understand, it has full compatibility with both AT&T and T-mobile's 3g (4g for t-mobile) and 2g/EDGE networks.
I don't really like AT&T as a company and I also really like the monthly 4g plans that t-mobile offers. My problem is that according to t-mobile's prepaid coverage map, I won't have data service for most of the area I travel back and forth in (upper midwest USA). And as much as I dislike AT&T, they have good 3g service almost everywhere I go. So, I'd like to be able to take my current sim card and switch it and a t-mobile sim at will while I test out both service providers.
Therefore, my questions are as follows:
1) Where is the best place to buy a blaze off contract? I'd like to get one on ebay because of the price (~$200 is what I have set aside for a new phone), but there aren't that many there, and even fewer that specifically say they are unlocked - which leads to question 2.
2) Can I unlock any phone that is not on a contract (basically anything I would buy used online)? I spoke with a rep from T-mobile and he seemed to indicate that I could only unlock a phone if I was the original purchaser of it and the plan (and account) to go with it. Therefore, according to him, I would have to make sure the phone I bought was already unlocked, otherwise there would be no chance of unlocking it in the future. I would think (possibly incorrectly) that as long as I have a t-mobile account (I plan on buying and activating the $30 monthly 4g plan as soon as I receive the device to compliment my current ATT service), they shouldn't have a problem with giving me the unlock code because they did not subsidize the phone. Could anyone clear this up?
3) There are a number of sites claiming to sell unlock codes for a myriad of devices. I would consider something like that if there was no other way to unlock a second hand phone, but only if I was sure it would work and the site was legit. Are any of these sites legitimate and have you had experience with any of them?
It would be considerably cheaper and easier to find a used device that isn't unlocked, but like I said, I'm not sure if that would bite me in the rear because there is a strong chance that I will stick with AT&T due to them having service where I travel. Thanks for taking the time to read this text wall, and I can't wait to join the Blaze community! Keep up the good work!
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1.) Good luck. Not many people are willing to sell their blaze, especially after the past couple weeks three weeks ago you could have had a lot of takers ebay would be your best bet
2.) Tmobile rep led to you like they're supposed to. anybody can request an unlock code for their phone. Naturally if you're on their plan, they'll verify that you are the owner of the account, but still. That being said, just because you can ask doesn't mean they'll give out. If you had a plan (not prepaid) for a year or two in good standings with no late payments and said you were going out of the country for a couple months and want to use your phone on a foreign gsm network, they'd bee more inclined. As a brand new prepaid customer, good luck. Best of buying it unlocked or getting the unlock code elsewhere.
3.) I've had success and failure here. Most places are what they say, but some won't deliver. Always do research. Google that site or business to see if anybody has complained. And use paypal when you can, you could always claim you didn't get the service you paid for. Same goes with ebay buyer protection.
that chapter book out of the way, always always always research as much as you can. For all you know, I could be lying through my teeth right now
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
jparnell8839 said:
1.) Good luck. Not many people are willing to sell their blaze, especially after the past couple weeks three weeks ago you could have had a lot of takers ebay would be your best bet
2.) Tmobile rep led to you like they're supposed to. anybody can request an unlock code for their phone. Naturally if you're on their plan, they'll verify that you are the owner of the account, but still. That being said, just because you can ask doesn't mean they'll give out. If you had a plan (not prepaid) for a year or two in good standings with no late payments and said you were going out of the country for a couple months and want to use your phone on a foreign gsm network, they'd bee more inclined. As a brand new prepaid customer, good luck. Best of buying it unlocked or getting the unlock code elsewhere.
3.) I've had success and failure here. Most places are what they say, but some won't deliver. Always do research. Google that site or business to see if anybody has complained. And use paypal when you can, you could always claim you didn't get the service you paid for. Same goes with ebay buyer protection.
that chapter book out of the way, always always always research as much as you can. For all you know, I could be lying through my teeth right now
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
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Thanks for the advice. I would also consider buying one brand new from t-mobile if I knew I could unlock it right away. Do you think they would unlock a prepaid blaze if I bought it brand new and at full price from them through this link? http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/Samsung-Galaxy-S-Blaze-4G-No-Annual-Contract
Otherwise I'll be sure to buy one unlocked off ebay, as it seems that most unlock codes are $25 to $50, which would negate pretty much any cost savings by buying one off ebay that wasn't unlocked.
Code:
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Goodbye_Alltel said:
Thanks for the advice. I would also consider buying one brand new from t-mobile if I knew I could unlock it right away. Do you think they would unlock a prepaid blaze if I bought it brand new and at full price from them through this link? http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/Samsung-Galaxy-S-Blaze-4G-No-Annual-Contract
Otherwise I'll be sure to buy one unlocked off ebay, as it seems that most unlock codes are $25 to $50, which would negate pretty much any cost savings by buying one off ebay that wasn't unlocked.
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Like the other reply. If you bought it from t mobile and said you had to go out of county for work. And would appreciate the unlock code to use other GSM networks. While away. They get commission, so if unlock is the deal breaker, they'll prob give it to you. Or if you ask enough pple. Nicely I'm sure someones bound to give it to you.
I don't recall an unlock code thread here on xda
I've been with t mobile for 12 years if I happen to stop at a t mobile (which I plan too) ill ask for code
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Hello all, and first off, let me say congratulations on getting official CM10 and CWM support!
Here's my story (and before anyone asks, I have searched the forums for an answer, but was unsuccessful with finding my specific questions): I am currently on AT&T (was Alltel before they were bought out) with an HTC Aria and my contract for a grandfathered plan was up long ago. It is time for me to upgrade to something a little more modern and I have settled on the Blaze because of its size (I'd like a GNex, but my hands are too small) and a number of reasons. But the biggest reason is that, as I understand, it has full compatibility with both AT&T and T-mobile's 3g (4g for t-mobile) and 2g/EDGE networks.
I don't really like AT&T as a company and I also really like the monthly 4g plans that t-mobile offers. My problem is that according to t-mobile's prepaid coverage map, I won't have data service for most of the area I travel back and forth in (upper midwest USA). And as much as I dislike AT&T, they have good 3g service almost everywhere I go. So, I'd like to be able to take my current sim card and switch it and a t-mobile sim at will while I test out both service providers.
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Click to collapse
Have you considered a carrier like StraightTalk? StraightTalk is a MVNO which resells both T-Mobile AND AT&T service. You can specify what kind of SIM you want when you order it online. Their service prices are pretty good, and in theory their network is basically either AT&T or T-Mo depending on which one you pick.
I've seen mixed reviews on their service and whether or not they'd throttle you on excessive service... some great, some bad, so it'd be caveat emptor, but if your usage pattern doesn't change, you'll likely be fine. Either way, it's up to you to do your own research (as someone else mentioned).
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Therefore, my questions are as follows:
1) Where is the best place to buy a blaze off contract? I'd like to get one on ebay because of the price (~$200 is what I have set aside for a new phone), but there aren't that many there, and even fewer that specifically say they are unlocked - which leads to question 2.
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I like eBay. Craigslist can be a little scary because the phone may or may not be stolen. T-Mobile and AT&T have already started disabling phones by their IMEI that have been reported stolen by the user or by the insurance. Soon they'll also start sharing that database, so the phone won't work anywhere in North America if that's the case. There are plenty of scams when it comes to craigslist where a "brand new phone" is purchased and then suddenly reported stolen because it was noticed missing from a back room.
This was my biggest fear in buying my S3. On eBay you get to see things like ratings on the sellers so you can find someone trustworthy, like I did Also, make sure to exercise common sense. If something's too good to be true, it very well may be.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
2) Can I unlock any phone that is not on a contract (basically anything I would buy used online)? I spoke with a rep from T-mobile and he seemed to indicate that I could only unlock a phone if I was the original purchaser of it and the plan (and account) to go with it. Therefore, according to him, I would have to make sure the phone I bought was already unlocked, otherwise there would be no chance of unlocking it in the future. I would think (possibly incorrectly) that as long as I have a t-mobile account (I plan on buying and activating the $30 monthly 4g plan as soon as I receive the device to compliment my current ATT service), they shouldn't have a problem with giving me the unlock code because they did not subsidize the phone. Could anyone clear this up?
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You can unlock any phone you buy, legal or otherwise. T-Mobile has never cared if I was the original purchaser or not, and they shouldn't. They'll only care if it's an original T-Mobile phone or not. T-Mobile will give you an unlock code for a phone as long as you've had 90 days of uninterrupted service. On prepaid they want you to have 60 days (I think) with enough of a balance in your account to pay for another month's service. Not sure about the prepaid requirements, but you can look those up online.
Also, if you just wanna test service, I wouldn't do the monthly 4g $30, I'd do a daily. $3/day gets you relatively unlimited access, and you only need a few days worth to make a decision. Plus, you likely wanna switch to one of the better all-you-can-eat plans, and wouldn't want to be stuck for a month with the cheaper plan. It isn't easy to switch until the month is up.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
3) There are a number of sites claiming to sell unlock codes for a myriad of devices. I would consider something like that if there was no other way to unlock a second hand phone, but only if I was sure it would work and the site was legit. Are any of these sites legitimate and have you had experience with any of them?
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I've had good luck purchasing codes from eBay. Never had them not work. But with everything eBay, make sure you're using someone reputable.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
It would be considerably cheaper and easier to find a used device that isn't unlocked, but like I said, I'm not sure if that would bite me in the rear because there is a strong chance that I will stick with AT&T due to them having service where I travel. Thanks for taking the time to read this text wall, and I can't wait to join the Blaze community! Keep up the good work!
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If it's cheaper to find it locked, then just get it locked and buy an unlock code later. If you aren't going to use AT&T service, then you don't need to SIM unlock the phone anyways. The phone will automatically work on t-mobile, unlocked or not. Finding a good carrier is difficult, I know.
If you decide to try straight talk, you could probably go with a T-Mobile SIM that wouldn't require unlocking the phone. If you find the service lacking, you could switch to an AT&T sim and then deal with unlocking the phone.
Hope this helps.
Good point about Straight Talk. I didn't mention it in my original post, but that was my third option for service. As for getting an unlocked device, I'll probably have to buy one whether it's locked or not pretty soon, after seeing how much activity has been going on here lately, lol. Ebay again seems to be the cheapest route for getting an unlock code, and I'll have their buyer protection and Paypal in case the code does not work. (I will first, of course, call and/or online request t-mobile for an unlock after I get my T-mo account setup. Maybe I'll get lucky about unlocking before their traditional 60 days of prepaid service - if not, off to ebay it is cause I need to get my current ATT sim + number on it asap)
As for ebay codes, I've seen some cheap services that promise to unlock a phone by setting up some software on my computer and plugging the phone into the computer. They then do the unlock online. They are a lot cheaper than the regular "give us carrier and IMEI and we email code" services also found on ebay and the like. Can I trust this unknown software to be running on my computer and hacking into my phone?
I have not seen or heard of T-mobile's daily plans (like the $3/day you mention). Could you provide a link to where I can find more info on these plans? Also, if you think the $30/monthly unlimited text, data, and 100 minutes plan isn't that great, what plan(s) would you recommend? I am certainly never going to sign another contract, so prepaid or monthly is the only long term option if I decide to kill my grandfathered AT&T data plan (which is looking less likely as I know that I can expect good service where I go). I'm thinking you may be pointing me to one of their plans that allows data roaming on T-mobile affiliates? Because their post-paid data map looks a lot better, even comparable to AT&T.
If it's a T-Mobile phone and you have T-Mobile as your carrier, you can call customer care and tell them you just got service with them and are going overseas and need it unlocked so you can use a foreign sim card in it. Thay usually works well.
If not, ask to speak to a supervisor. When transferred, ask the person if they are a supervisor or just an escalation rep. If they are not a supervisor, ask them if they can help you still.
If they won't, ask to speak to an actual supervisor and try again. If all else fails, you do have a window of time to cancel, so you can always tell them you are thinking of canceling and they will probably transfer you to a retention rep. That one's a gamble since you're bluffing.
If retention won't help, hang up in the middle of a sentence and call back. Chances are, you will get a different call center and you can say you got disconnected and try the process again.
That gives you up to 6 potential reps who can help... and they can. I was customer care for a couple years and then in corporate engineering for several years. They are flexible, you just have to play the game.
Probably not the answer you want, but it's what you will have to do to get it unlocked quickly
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Good point about Straight Talk. I didn't mention it in my original post, but that was my third option for service. As for getting an unlocked device, I'll probably have to buy one whether it's locked or not pretty soon, after seeing how much activity has been going on here lately, lol. Ebay again seems to be the cheapest route for getting an unlock code, and I'll have their buyer protection and Paypal in case the code does not work. (I will first, of course, call and/or online request t-mobile for an unlock after I get my T-mo account setup. Maybe I'll get lucky about unlocking before their traditional 60 days of prepaid service - if not, off to ebay it is cause I need to get my current ATT sim + number on it asap)
As for ebay codes, I've seen some cheap services that promise to unlock a phone by setting up some software on my computer and plugging the phone into the computer. They then do the unlock online. They are a lot cheaper than the regular "give us carrier and IMEI and we email code" services also found on ebay and the like. Can I trust this unknown software to be running on my computer and hacking into my phone?
I have not seen or heard of T-mobile's daily plans (like the $3/day you mention). Could you provide a link to where I can find more info on these plans? Also, if you think the $30/monthly unlimited text, data, and 100 minutes plan isn't that great, what plan(s) would you recommend? I am certainly never going to sign another contract, so prepaid or monthly is the only long term option if I decide to kill my grandfathered AT&T data plan (which is looking less likely as I know that I can expect good service where I go). I'm thinking you may be pointing me to one of their plans that allows data roaming on T-mobile affiliates? Because their post-paid data map looks a lot better, even comparable to AT&T.
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Click to collapse
I have always stayed away from anything that requires a cable. If they can't get you a code based on your IMEI, I don't bother. I used one of those once and I don't remember if it ever worked or not.
The daily plans don't seem to be well advertised on the site. I found them this time around by going to the "no annual contract plans" and then scrolling down to the bottom for daily and other services. Check it out here. I believe their prepaid coverage map hasn't been updated in ages on the site. Supposedly their prepaid coverage map is about 98-99% like their postpaid one. The main difference between the two is that prepaid doesn't allow you to do conditional call forwarding. This is necessary if you want to use another service for voice mail instead of T-Mobile's crappy voicemail.
When I signed up for Tmo they gave me 30 days to confirm if I wanted the contract. You can get a plan and if you dont like it you can just return it before the first 30 days are up and only pay for the minutes you used. This was a big deal for me as I cam from ATT like you, but needed to knwo how well the Tmo service was. I would suggest getting the unlimited everything for $60 a month. Tmo I must say has pretty good customer service. I have had a few problems with them but all it takes is a little social engineering on the phone (saying sprint/whoever will pay your ETF) and you can get some pretty good stuff
I got $10 knocked off my bill for the duration (18months or so) off my bill for an overcharge I got. I also got two free blazes 2 months before my contract was up for free as well. Plus, when/if they are bought out there is a good chance contracts will be altered/changed allowing you to get out of your contract early
Thanks for all the advice, guys. I feel like I have all the knowledge I need to go ahead with my plans. Now I just have to play the waiting game for the "right" one to pop up on Ebay. I will report back to this thread when I receive my blaze and whether I was successful with unlocking it, and any first impressions.
On a side note, does anyone know if the new 64 GB microSDXC cards are supported by the blaze? I just know that I'm gonna feel the pinch of 32 GB eventually, lol. (I already had to be picky and choosy about what was on my 16 GB card before it died)
dispozable said:
When I signed up for Tmo they gave me 30 days to confirm if I wanted the contract. You can get a plan and if you dont like it you can just return it before the first 30 days are up and only pay for the minutes you used. This was a big deal for me as I cam from ATT like you, but needed to knwo how well the Tmo service was. I would suggest getting the unlimited everything for $60 a month. Tmo I must say has pretty good customer service. I have had a few problems with them but all it takes is a little social engineering on the phone (saying sprint/whoever will pay your ETF) and you can get some pretty good stuff
I got $10 knocked off my bill for the duration (18months or so) off my bill for an overcharge I got. I also got two free blazes 2 months before my contract was up for free as well. Plus, when/if they are bought out there is a good chance contracts will be altered/changed allowing you to get out of your contract early
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Click to collapse
when I had tmo a couple years ago it was 30 days. I just signed up early september, its down to 7 days :/
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Thanks for all the advice, guys. I feel like I have all the knowledge I need to go ahead with my plans. Now I just have to play the waiting game for the "right" one to pop up on Ebay. I will report back to this thread when I receive my blaze and whether I was successful with unlocking it, and any first impressions.
On a side note, does anyone know if the new 64 GB microSDXC cards are supported by the blaze? I just know that I'm gonna feel the pinch of 32 GB eventually, lol. (I already had to be picky and choosy about what was on my 16 GB card before it died)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope. there's not many devices out there that support SDXC yet. As time goes on, it'll gain more popularity, but lets face it, as awesome as it is, the blaze is only a mid range device. I wouldnt trade it for any other phone out there, i love my blaze, but still.
jparnell8839 said:
when I had tmo a couple years ago it was 30 days. I just signed up early september, its down to 7 days :/
nope. there's not many devices out there that support SDXC yet. As time goes on, it'll gain more popularity, but lets face it, as awesome as it is, the blaze is only a mid range device. I wouldnt trade it for any other phone out there, i love my blaze, but still.
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Well, that's mildly disappointing, but it doesn't affect my decision making about the phone. I'll have to somehow get by with only 32GB of storage. Speaking of which, how close is a solution to the camera only being able to save to the paltry internal storage? I do like to take lots of pictures with my phone, so this is obviously something I would hope to find a solution to.
Goodbye_Alltel said:
Well, that's mildly disappointing, but it doesn't affect my decision making about the phone. I'll have to somehow get by with only 32GB of storage. Speaking of which, how close is a solution to the camera only being able to save to the paltry internal storage? I do like to take lots of pictures with my phone, so this is obviously something I would hope to find a solution to.
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You can do that with cm9. Idk why cm10 doesn't have it :/
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
jparnell8839 said:
You can do that with cm9. Idk why cm10 doesn't have it :/
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. In a sense, CM9 has a bunch more features. When CM10 started, they basically started from scratch, and the focus was on project butter and some other things. Then they had to start forward porting their CM9 additions into CM10. There are a bunch of things in CM10 now that weren't there just a week or two ago. I think the camera thing will come, just like other features. It seems like the features are starting to come quicker too.
Keep an eye on the changelog. It lists the changes with each release
Goodbye_Alltel said:
On a side note, does anyone know if the new 64 GB microSDXC cards are supported by the blaze? I just know that I'm gonna feel the pinch of 32 GB eventually, lol. (I already had to be picky and choosy about what was on my 16 GB card before it died)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a 64gig card off Newegg about 3 months ago and it's been working just fine in this phone. In fact, what I read online indicated that just about every "recent" Android phone had no problems reading them at all.
So hey, ther'es that.
And yeah, having 64gigs is nice, especially since this phone has such small amount of user storage on the phone.
Cirkustanz said:
I bought a 64gig card off Newegg about 3 months ago and it's been working just fine in this phone. In fact, what I read online indicated that just about every "recent" Android phone had no problems reading them at all.
So hey, ther'es that.
And yeah, having 64gigs is nice, especially since this phone has such small amount of user storage on the phone.
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Click to collapse
Is it standard sd or sdxc? I read the specs said it doesn't support it :/ but, trial and error trumps all I suppose
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
jparnell8839 said:
Is it standard sd or sdxc? I read the specs said it doesn't support it :/ but, trial and error trumps all I suppose
Sent from my CM10 powered Galaxy S Blaze 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all 64gb microsd are categorized as sdxc, and most of recent android phones do work with them.
I just switched to T-Mobile and got 3 Blaze phones. They should arrive today. I only took them because they were free, and I didn't want to pay for GS3's. I'll be selling one right away after the Note 2 is released. If your still looking for one in a couple weeks, lemme know.
Rob the plumber said:
I just switched to T-Mobile and got 3 Blaze phones. They should arrive today. I only took them because they were free, and I didn't want to pay for GS3's. I'll be selling one right away after the Note 2 is released. If your still looking for one in a couple weeks, lemme know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, can I ask a HUGE favor? can you not root them immediately?
I'm trying to help the dude that's been helping me with the CM access. He wants to get a copy of a partition in a virgin state (ie... not rooted or modified at all). He's trying to find a way to reset the flash counter. I'm trying to assemble a stock ROM that will be pre-rooted and won't trigger the counter.
If you can avoid rooting 1 (or better yet, 2 in case more testing necessary), I'd really appreciate it. And it'll help the community in the end
I won't root them. What do you need?
Sent from my SGH-T769 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Selling ATT HTC OneXL Internationally?

I'm looking to sell my ATT Htc OneXL and have had inquiries from overseas (currently I'm in the US). If I sell this to someone overseas, as is (no unlocked anything etc) will it still be able to work in whichever country they're in with a sim card they buy (I know LTE isn't available abroad)? And if that's not the case, will unlocking it via the new 2.20 exploit method, allow someone to use it overseas? Thanks!
shankinstuff said:
I'm looking to sell my ATT Htc OneXL and have had inquiries from overseas (currently I'm in the US). If I sell this to someone overseas, as is (no unlocked anything etc) will it still be able to work in whichever country they're in with a sim card they buy (I know LTE isn't available abroad)? And if that's not the case, will unlocking it via the new 2.20 exploit method, allow someone to use it overseas? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It "can" work on other carriers sim cards but it must first be sim-unlocked which most not be confused with the bootloader unlocked that you refered to as the new 2.20 exploit. ATT will sim-unlock your device for free if your account with them is in good standing, and there are other sites that will sim-unlock your device for a small fee. The 2.20 exploit has nothing to do with the sim card though.
In isolated cases, some people have been having trouble getting the SIM unlocked from paid unlocking services. If that is the case for the foreign buyer, they are going to be dissatisfied, and probably seek a return/refund, even if you state in the terms of the transaction that the phone is sold as-is and SIM locked. You would still be in the right to refuse a return, but its going to result in a pissed-off buyer, nonetheless. Not a position I would want to be in, personally. Plus, I would think that there would be enough interest from US buyers, that you would not have to hassle with a foreign sale. Especially once you add in the cost of shipping to a foreign location.
And as already mentioned, root and bootloader unlock do not get you SIM unlock. Might be possible with S-Off, but that has not yet been achieved. There is no way to get SIM unlock, aside from AT&T or paid services.
ImagioX1 said:
It "can" work on other carriers sim cards but it must first be sim-unlocked which most not be confused with the bootloader unlocked that you refered to as the new 2.20 exploit. ATT will sim-unlock your device for free if your account with them is in good standing, and there are other sites that will sim-unlock your device for a small fee. The 2.20 exploit has nothing to do with the sim card though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I'm in good standing with ATT so hopefully they'll allow me to sim-unlock it. Thanks again
redpoint73 said:
In isolated cases, some people have been having trouble getting the SIM unlocked from paid unlocking services. If that is the case for the foreign buyer, they are going to be dissatisfied, and probably seek a return/refund, even if you state in the terms of the transaction that the phone is sold as-is and SIM locked. You would still be in the right to refuse a return, but its going to result in a pissed-off buyer, nonetheless. Not a position I would want to be in, personally. Plus, I would think that there would be enough interest from US buyers, that you would not have to hassle with a foreign sale. Especially once you add in the cost of shipping to a foreign location.
And as already mentioned, root and bootloader unlock do not get you SIM unlock. Might be possible with S-Off, but that has not yet been achieved. There is no way to get SIM unlock, aside from AT&T or paid services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Yeah, I'm in good standing with ATT (as far as I know) and would prefer to get it sim-unlocked on my end before shipping it overseas just so the buyer has no problems with it.
I've had a hard time finding a US buyer. I've posted the phone on Swappa and Craigslist. Lots of looks but no real interest it seems like. If you can recommend some other places I might be able to try and sell it, I would appreciate it. Thanks for the info none the less!
I think 11/06/2012 is the date AT&T will officially start to allow the One X to be sim unlocked (by them for free). AT&T Customer care will let you know for sure. The online unlocking guys do it for less than $5 if you don't have luck with AT&T or don't have the patience to wait for them. Price is the key factor in selling anything, if priced right it will go fast. Priced poorly and it will linger with little interest.
shankinstuff said:
Thanks for the info. Yeah, I'm in good standing with ATT (as far as I know) and would prefer to get it sim-unlocked on my end before shipping it overseas just so the buyer has no problems with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T may or may not give the SIM unlock code to you. Technically, they don't need to give it to you for a period of 10 months after the phone was released (May 2012) per their policy. But have given the code for some devices after 6 months (which is right about now). Some people have already gotten the code for the One X. Being a long time customer, and multiple lines may have been a factor. There is really no guarantee. But certainly doesn't hurt to ask.
shankinstuff said:
I've had a hard time finding a US buyer. I've posted the phone on Swappa and Craigslist. Lots of looks but no real interest it seems like. If you can recommend some other places I might be able to try and sell it, I would appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eBay. Lots more exposure than Craigslist (just going to get local attention), and I've never even heard of Swappa. Maybe I'm just out of the loop about that website. But everyone has heard of eBay.
Looks like some really good activity on eBay for the AT&T One X. Not surprising, since its a great phone still. Not sure what you expect to get. But it looks like lots of AT&T One X's going for $200-300 with time still left in the auctions (depending on condition).
I called and 11/6/12 is the end of the att HTC one x exclusive thingy. This was two weeks ago but my phone was already unlocked when it arrived.
Sent from my One X

Unlocking phones is illegal now, what about the second hand market?

I was just reading an Engadget post about how unlocking a carrier locked phone is illegal now, in the US anyway. It was long, but really didn't answer the question I had. I am on T-mobile with no contract and like to switch phones every few months. My most frequent stop for phones is eBay, although recently I've gotten unlocked phones from Amazon and Newegg as well. On eBay, I usually buy a locked carrier version (usually At&t) because they are usually cheaper than straight unlocked ones (carrier branded) and much cheaper than international unlocked ones. Then I buy an unlock code from eBay for a few bucks and voila. For some phones that are carrier exclusive or have no international variant yet, this is the only way to get them.
Does this new rule apply to me? I'm thinking no since it is second hand after all and I'm not the one who signed the contract, but they are vague about second-hand unlocking. I also sell my phone on eBay once I'm done using it.
I think of you as you are to unlock the phone which actually was first locked.
This is my opinion, now expect others to comment on
I think as long as the original contract has been satisfied it doesn't matter.
ruangle you
This is so Verizon,Contact phones and other junk. I have a unlocked phone from ebay on simple mobile which is gsm can use it anywhere in the world and no contract, I just rooted my sisters new S3 on the same phone carrier its under contract,lets see what happens I dont expect anything its my phone in so many words as long as I pay the bill Right ?
xtnelson said:
This is so Verizon,Contact phones and other junk. I have a unlocked phone from ebay on simple mobile which is gsm can use it anywhere in the world and no contract, I just rooted my sisters new S3 on the same phone carrier its under contract,lets see what happens I dont expect anything its my phone in so many words as long as I pay the bill Right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As i know in europe and maybe also in US it is not illegal to unlock your phone - if you have no contract anymore with any provider !
Because it's "YOUR PHONE" and if you make the choice to cut it in small slices - why not - it is yours (when paid) !
But one decision - you have to unlock yourself - as i know it is not allowed by companies in US !
I read the actual text of the decision and it's pretty clearly spelled out (and not even that long). Sorry to be that guy. :silly:
Yeah I have no idea what some of you people are talking about. Or understand the Engrish. The phone is sold to an end user and the software is also licensed to them. This is the relationship between the carrier and the user entering a contract. However, I don't buy direct from the carrier or sign any contracts. Thus, I am not a license holder at all. Furthermore, the ruling allows for "legacy" devices to be unlocked and sold. Legacy device would be loosely understood as second hand, basically what I am buying and unlocking.
delete
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
They'll have to respond to this issue now so hopefully it gets changed and you won't have to worry.
how to other country?
If you have the carrier unlock it, it is not illegal.
If you use your upgrade to get a cheaper phone with a contract and then use a 3rd party SIM unlocker to use on another carrier then it IS illegal.
Start with asking the carrier it is locked by for an unlock code

Unlocking a GSM phone for Verizon

The title is pretty self explanatory, but I'm not trusting of paying to get my phone unlocked on the internet. I'd like advice or links to get my AT&T m7 unlocked so I can sell it to my friend who is on verizon, for free. Is this possible?
monsterkx85 said:
The title is pretty self explanatory, but I'm not trusting of paying to get my phone unlocked on the internet. I'd like advice or links to get my AT&T m7 unlocked so I can sell it to my friend who is on verizon, for free. Is this possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would call att and see if they will give you the unlock code.
i read some where a while back, they were trying to mandate carriers to provide unlock codes after the contract was fulfilled, but i dont know if it ever went through.
i did see a site claiming to give you the code for free while i was searching, but i have no way to confirm the site isnt doing anything shady with your imei after you give it to them, so im not going to post it.
personally, i would just pay the couple dollars to get the code from a some what reputable company if att wont give it to you.
here is where i started if you decide to go that route. $3-4 really isnt that bad to get the code.

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