Unlocking code from Carrier - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 General

I unlocked my S4 and gave it to a friend of mine. She tried to put it on Mobilicity but she was told that it wouldn't work. She also tried putting it on WIND and they said it didn't work. I call BS on this, but, my question is this.
I bought an unlock code for the phone from Telus. Is it possible this unlock code only unlocks the phones for the major Canadian carriers (Bell, Telus and Rogers) not every carrier? I know my S3 I unlocked, took it to Europe and it worked fine on 3. I have no issue rooting and unlocking the S4 our way but if the Telus way didn't work I want my 35 dollars back.

The Telus S4 and the Wind/Mobilicity S4 are two different models - I337M and M919V. The main difference between the two is that the M919V is set up such that it can use AWS. So if you have unlocked your Telus S4, it will not work on Wind/Mobilicity.
...but...
You can enable AWS on your Telus S4. Check the forums...there is a thread explaining how to do it. "How to enable AWS on your I337/I337M" or something like that.
Good luck!
---------- Post added 15th April 2014 at 12:00 AM ---------- Previous post was 14th April 2014 at 11:58 PM ----------
And here is the thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2291589

Gheez, I just talked to AT&T and they refused to unlock my S4 because I'm still under contract for another year.
So I tried Region Lockaway by Chainfire:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.regionlockaway&hl=en
But it complained about something like a "CSS" code.
Could be because I'm on GPE ROM and not stock ROM.
Oh well.

CZ Eddie said:
Gheez, I just talked to AT&T and they refused to unlock my S4 because I'm still under contract for another year.
So I tried Region Lockaway by Chainfire:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.regionlockaway&hl=en
But it complained about something like a "CSS" code.
Could be because I'm on GPE ROM and not stock ROM.
Oh well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shame. I traveled to London 3 months after purchasing my S4 (on official US release date), and AT&T provided the unlock code for free. Granted, my phone wasn't rooted yet. Either way, I'd try calling AT&T again and hopefully it's just a matter of getting a better AT&T rep. I was also in a 2-year contract...

Ask for the carrier unlock r phone when u still under contract is almost like lottery
Most can't get it unlocked, however u always see someone that got the phone unlocked

Related

can this phone be unlocked?

Im thinking of buying an at&t version of this phone to use with rogers here in canada and i wanted to know whether it can be unlocked to be used with any gsm carrier?
yes you can but from what I hear, you cannot use the unlock tool from the market so you'll have to get the unlock code from AT&T or online after a small fee.
hmmm why?
from what i have been reading the Rogers one (which is the SGS2 LTE) is the international version and probably get the ICS upgrade before the AT&T Skyrocket.
Skyrocket is something AT&T made.
Also Carrier IQ is installed in the AT&T ones out of the box...
i could be all wrong since i am new to the android scene, but this is what i gathered from reading around..
The Rogers one is nice IMHO
The reason i was asking was because i found some at&t versions on ebay which were selling for less than the rogers version on craigslist.
ahhhh makes sense ; >
When I called AT&T the told me they can't give me the unlock code for my Skyrocket "you will have to pay a third party" (sic) !!!
I would love to get some feedback if you are able to get the unlock code from AT&T
I have the Rogers Galaxy S2 LTE and purchased an unlock code from cellularunlock for 9 dollars and it worked perfectly. Also rooted my phone with the Super One Click app. Worked like a charm. Zeide
floppy__ said:
When I called AT&T the told me they can't give me the unlock code for my Skyrocket "you will have to pay a third party" (sic) !!!
I would love to get some feedback if you are able to get the unlock code from AT&T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have AT&T in the US and I called them to unlock the Skyrocket. At first the lady said it wasn't possible. Then I explained that I travel overseas frequently and there are some countries that don't have any AT&T signal or service. She said OK and then did some more digging: you have to have purchased the phone at full price, not be an abuser of data roaming, and submit the original receipt. Once they send you this form to fill out it takes a few days to receive the code. I avoided all that mumbo jumbo by complaining and finally the lady said she would send my case to the "technicians". Three days later I got an email with the unlock code and instructions. It depends on who you get on the phone. Don't give up. Or just pay the $20-$30 for the unlock code online.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I unlocked mine using cellunlocker.net It was $28 and they sent me the unlock code in a few hours.
I unlocked it using my wife's T mobile SIM. After unlocking, it took several minutes for the T Mobile network to come on but it works fine. I made several calls with my wife's SIM in my phone. It does get EDGE data speeds which you would expect.

How to outright purchase a TMOB S7 after launch for carrier unlock?

Assuming that TMOB does not lock the bootloader so that the S7 variants can be rooted and custom roms eventually installed, what is the best way for a non-TMOB customer to outright purchase a TMOB variant of the S7 so that it could be unlocked and used on another carrier, like T, that locks their bootloader?
I am going to assume here that TMOB will use the same TMOB Remote Device Unlock App that requires the IMEI to be in their DB and registered. Looking at the TMOB pre-paid site, the phones available seem not to be very modern so I would guess S7 will not appear there for many years.
Is it as simple as going to a TMOB store and doing an outright purchase without a plan?
Last time, I pre-ordered a Note 4 prior to release and had to setup service and cancel within 30 days which was a bit of pain.
I am looking for a simpler retail channel.
:fingers-crossed:
Right there with ya, would love to find out.
Carriers in the US are finding new ways to keep users from unlocking phones and moving to other carriers. These new monthly installments and required post paid plans are one of those ways. Best bet would be hoping for third-party unlocking services to work with t-mobile's version soon after launch.
Flame Red said:
Assuming that TMOB does not lock the bootloader so that the S7 variants can be rooted and custom roms eventually installed, what is the best way for a non-TMOB customer to outright purchase a TMOB variant of the S7 so that it could be unlocked and used on another carrier, like T, that locks their bootloader?
I am going to assume here that TMOB will use the same TMOB Remote Device Unlock App that requires the IMEI to be in their DB and registered. Looking at the TMOB pre-paid site, the phones available seem not to be very modern so I would guess S7 will not appear there for many years.
Is it as simple as going to a TMOB store and doing an outright purchase without a plan?
Last time, I pre-ordered a Note 4 prior to release and had to setup service and cancel within 30 days which was a bit of pain.
I am looking for a simpler retail channel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat, but I don't believe a simpler retail channel exists. Each release since the S6 has been locked down with the TMOB app and even direct customers have a hard time unlocking within the first 21 days. Threads on XDA discussing carrier unlock reach hundreds of posts - never seems to be an answer other than buy the device outright and request an unlock code after 30days. =/
Found this place that is supposed to be able to unlock TMOB's crapulance. I have not idea if they really can do it though.
http://www.androidsimunlock.com/phone-unlocking-service/tmobile-device-unlock-app-official-unlock/
unlockbase.com also advertises they can too, but when I emailed them specifically about the S7 they said they were not sure.
I'm wondering whether there will be an unlocked 64gb (or hopefully 128gb!) variant that could accept a TMo stock-based ROM & utilize WiFi calling & all TMo LTE bands.
I'm glad this thread was started, I'm looking to buy the tmobile s7 outright and was trying to figure out how I was gonna unlock it.
My tmobile s5 had an unlocked bootloader, I'm hoping for the same with the s7... Anyone know if the tmobile s6 came with unlocked bootloader?

S7 AT&T or TMobile Model

Hey guys im going to be pre-ordering tomorrow and want to know your thoughts on which carrier variant to go with. I have AT&T where I live but I have heard that tmobiles phone are usually easier to get bootloader unlocked, or they come pre unlock. Which one do you think is a better choice?
I'm sure the tmobile one will have all. The band's requires for att.. Or at least the main ones. If you're looking at modding, go the tmobile route. But Idk how easy it will be to get the tmobile one and have them unlock it for you. I went through hell with my s6 edge and getting them to unlock it
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
I am debating the same thing. Last time I got a TMOB, and paid for a 3rd party unlock which took a week. Then canceled the TMOB service before the 30 days were up.
TMOB won't unlock phones until they are on plan after two payment cycles and the phone is fully paid off.
Now TMOB unlocks via app and I understand there is a 3rd party vendor that might be able to get them unlocked, but might be troublesome. I asked my sister who is a TMOB customer if she could just outright buy the phone for me but she said under her plan they require her to surrender her old phone so I have to put it on their stupid plan.
Not sure if you can get the phone via MetroPCS as a pre-paid plan and avoid this nonsense but it seems their phone choices are severely limited.
Definitely looking for a better way to get an unlocked bootloader.
I'm in the same boat. Have an AT&T S4 and finally looking to upgrade but after the hell AT&T gave with the S4 locked bootloader I think T-mobile is the way to go. Just hope unlocking it for AT&T will be a straight forward process.
The guy that unlocked an S6 for me emailed me back that he was not sure yet if he could unlock a TMOB S7.
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
Nextstep said:
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
zcubed said:
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news, thanks for checking.
What I'm currently debating is preordering the AT&T S7 from Best Buy to get in on the VR and MicroSD, then just selling once an unlocked T-Mobile variant becomes available No other way to preorder a 930T without an account right?
The TMOB preorder is up. You need to subscribe to a plan to order it. It does not let you pre-order it on a post paid or prepaid plan.
I am really hesitant to preorder it since TMOB sucks and won't unlock until after 2 billing cycles. And you have to unlock it using their app verses typing in a code provided by a 3rd party unlocker after you turn the phone on when a non-TMOB sim is inserted.
Guess I'll have to wait until some unlocked ones appear on Swappa or Fleabay. Hate doing that as I was just burned with a phone that that eventually popped up with a blacklisted IMEI.
Like Flame Red said, there's no way to get the T-Mobile one without signing up for a plan but you also get a year of Netflix with the t-mobile one that's worth WAY more than the microSD from Best Buy. You can cancel the plan immediately though and hope for a third party unlocking service to unlock the phone for a fee.
---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 AM ----------
Bands detail links:
https://support.t-mobile.com/community/phones-tablets-devices/android/samsung_galaxy_s_7#id_1299991
https://www.att.com/cellphones/samsung/galaxy-s7.html#sku=sku7840239 (Click Details)
Is there a place to order the 930F Global version? Will that have all the bands required for ATT & TMO?
Are there any Galaxy S7 that will support CDMA and GSM.
I looking to go prepaid route and Sprint prepaid MVNO and T-Mobile prepaid MVNO with maybe some AT&T prepaid.
Any assistance greatly appreciated.
According to this thread, the underlying hardware is the same for all S7 variants and the bands are turned on/off via the radio files. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/finally-single-hardware-variant-carriers-t3308040
Should be interesting if I decide to get a t-mobile S7 and possibly being able to "turn on" the extra bands at a later date.
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Will see, hoping some users will get the phone soon, and confirm before I purchase.
clove.co.uk is now showing pre-orders for the unlocked international s7 (and edge). Interestingly enough, they're showing it having the SD820 whereas I thought EU was getting the Exynos!?
zcubed said:
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So technically speaking, no matter what version ill get it will be locked to att after I put in that sim card?
I wonder if that means the bootloaders will be the same on all the models, since they are all the same except for the radio differences?
Neither for me. International versions only
As far as unlocking goes, I've been in that scene for about 6 months. If it's an app unlock, no biggie, it'll just cost about $30 more than without the app unlock. You should expect to pay about $20-50 for the unlock once the phone comes out. No sweat!
The big difference between att and tmobile is not the sim lock, but the fact that att phones come with locked bootloaders thereby severely limiting their attractiveness to the mod community.

AT&T or T-Mobile for unlocked S8+ ?

The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.
954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.
Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.
Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:

For anyone buying the Essential Phone outright to use on Sprint, beware.

Do NOT activate the phone directly after getting it from Best Buy/ Essential, as it'll lock your device to Sprint. They won't be able to unlock it in Sprint, or by using Sprint tech support either. I went to a Sprint store, and was told they cannot unlock in-store. I was then told to contact their support number, and was transferred 8 times to the highest level of tech support, which ended in them telling me there was absolutely no way to unlock it. So, I was forced to take it back to Best Buy, and have to wait till Wednesday for it to arrive. Apparently Sprint sims will lock to your phone if it's taken to them directly and activated, so I'd suggest putting in a VZW sim and then activating the phone on Sprint. Don't make the same mistake I made.
TheF|ipSide said:
Do NOT activate the phone directly after getting it from Best Buy/ Essential, as it'll lock your device to Sprint. They won't be able to unlock it in Sprint, or by using Sprint tech support either. I went to a Sprint store, and was told they cannot unlock in-store. I was then told to contact their support number, and was transferred 8 times to the highest level of tech support, which ended in them telling me there was absolutely no way to unlock it. So, I was forced to take it back to Best Buy, and have to wait till Wednesday for it to arrive. Apparently Sprint sims will lock to your phone if it's taken to them directly and activated, so I'd suggest putting in a VZW sim and then activating the phone on Sprint. Don't make the same mistake I made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. It works when I put my FreedomPop Sim in
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Jonathanlc2005 said:
Not true. It works when I put my FreedomPop Sim in
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FreedomPop uses Sprint network. So, before saying not true, it'd be better for someone who tried other network other than Sprint network including MVNO to confirm.
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PowerPC said:
FreedomPop uses Sprint network. So, before saying not true, it'd be better for someone who tried other network other than Sprint network including MVNO to confirm.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again... Not true. It also uses TMobile and I connected to hspa+ fine
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Jonathanlc2005 said:
Once again... Not true. It also uses TMobile and I connected to hspa+ fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol you want screenshots of Sprint causing my phone to become locked? I can throw up pictures of my receipts of buying a UNLOCKED Essential phone, and then it becoming magically locked when my Sprint sim was inserted in it. It also rejected AT&T AND T-Mobile sims. Why would I fabricate a story of my phone becoming locked? The Sprint store reps told me this is something that happens a lot, along with Best buy employees telling me they had this happen before. Only reason I posted this was to make sure this happened to no one else. The only way this just happened to just me is if Essential accidentally shipped a locked Sprint phone out that was packaged like an unlocked phone, and I was just unfortunate enough to receive it. Or maybe I just imagined spending an hour and a half speaking to Sprint reps trying to unlock my phone and the about phone section and activation status on my phone are just bogus.....
Some more details that might be useful for buyers:
1. In store pickup seems to make the phone lock to Sprint, even if the first time you turn it on its with a different SIM inside.
2. People have reported Essential phone being unlocked if you choose delivery instead and use another SIM on first turn on of the device.
What kind of analogy is this.. putting VZW sim then activate to Sprint.
Picked-up mine and its unlock. No mumbo jumbo
To be clear, OP is saying (I think) if you first turn on phone with sprint sim and activate it, it will lock to Sprints SIM.
If you first activate it with a different sim, you will have no problems with any sim, including sprint.
Has anyone bought an unlocked phone and first activated it with a Sprint Sim?
My question is.. Why would you buy the Sprint variant outright? Why not buy the unlocked modem from best buy, amazon or essential? Its cheaper too.. Then put your sprint sim.
tlxxxsracer said:
My question is.. Why would you buy the Sprint variant outright? Why not buy the unlocked modem from best buy, amazon or essential? Its cheaper too.. Then put your sprint sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't. I bought an unlocked one from Best buy and took it directly to Sprint to get it activated. When they did, it carrier locked my device, and I was only receiving Sprint updates... Either Essential shipped me a locked Sprint phone, or Sprint locked it when I activated my phone that I owned, which is illegal.
It's easy to see what variant in Fastboot. It will show Variant - Sprint if it is flashed with Sprint software. Are you sure Best Buy didn't just accidentally grab a Sprint model by accident?
When you get your new one power up by holding down Volume Down to get to Fastboot and check the Variant tag.
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Isn't the bootloader unlocked so you can just flash a new rom? Did the Sprint SIM lock the bootloader?
bobloadmire said:
Isn't the bootloader unlocked so you can just flash a new rom? Did the Sprint SIM lock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same question
I can flash LOS but I still remain carrier locked. In fastboot it shows I am using the Open-US variant, but my device is locked to Sprint. So frustrated right now.
What if the variant just says Sprint?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
jesus359 said:
What if the variant just says Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minesays that and I'm locked. No issue. I'll have them unlock it after 50 days... I'm on free year plan.
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
TheF|ipSide said:
I didn't. I bought an unlocked one from Best buy and took it directly to Sprint to get it activated. When they did, it carrier locked my device, and I was only receiving Sprint updates... Either Essential shipped me a locked Sprint phone, or Sprint locked it when I activated my phone that I owned, which is illegal.
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You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
seshaz said:
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
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I bought unlocked at Best Buy. Variant is Open US in bootloader. I don't use on sprint, so I wouldn't know if it locks. Best buy does sell unlocked.
in Fastboot mode check the variant and it should say "OPENUS"
seshaz said:
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why does it say I have the OPENUS version in the bootloader, and why does my receipt say I paid for an unlocked essential phone? Before making allegations, inform yourself.

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