UPDATE: From the responses, it appears that this doesn't work for Moto G prepaid Verizon devices sold at Best Buy
Therefore this may not work so please take that into consideration. Good luck
Given that wasn't a clear thread to document this, I thought I would share my learning.
Short Backstory: I simply bought the Moto G during the Amazon 69.99 sale to replace my dying Droid 4.
Disclaimer
I take no responsibility if this does not work for you. Good luck.
Here are my conditions in order to make this work:
1. Newly purchased Moto G for Verizon prepaid from Amazon(NOT ACTIVATED)
2. Existing Postpaid Verizon account (As of today, 5/30/2014, my upgrade date is 10/1/2015)
Here is how I did it:
1. Turn on the Moto G
2. Bypass the Prepaid Activation by following this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhphsyRFEy4
3. Skip all the account creation options
4. Once you're on the homescreen, select the dialer app
5. Dial *228
6. Select 1 to program
7. Enter the number you want to activate the phone for including the area code (Enter your postpaid verizon number here)
8. Once the programming is complete and successful, the system will let you know
Thats it! I hope that helps someone looking for a super cheap phone that doesn't want to get tied up with contracts. Makes a great replacement phone as well.
Good luck!
So far this hasn't worked for me. No big deal since it's a great price for a Wi-Fi only device. Anyone know if it's worth it to try and activate it again every few days to see if it goes through? Or is this an "it either works the first time or it doesn't" thing?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
zenihilist said:
So far this hasn't worked for me. No big deal since it's a great price for a Wi-Fi only device. Anyone know if it's worth it to try and activate it again every few days to see if it goes through? Or is this an "it either works the first time or it doesn't" thing?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does it fail? Is it after you dial *228?
windraver said:
Where does it fail? Is it after you dial *228?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, too, since I'm thinking about getting two of these for each of my parents.
Yes. After I dial *228, the activation music plays for a few seconds followed by either "must be activated on prepaid" or "cannot be completed at this time" (not verbatim quotes). I also tried to use the website to add it and it told me to call customer service.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
zenihilist said:
Yes. After I dial *228, the activation music plays for a few seconds followed by either "must be activated on prepaid" or "cannot be completed at this time" (not verbatim quotes). I also tried to use the website to add it and it told me to call customer service.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were there any other apps running?
What Android version was running?
Also if you don't mind me asking, where did you buy it from?
I'm wondering if the prepaid detection is server based(so Verizon knows all the IMEI that are prepaid) or if it is phone based(something in the phone identifies the device as prepaid... possibly IMEI)
It also seems like some people can do it while others can't. Does anyone know if there are other models of the Moto G prepaid being sold on Verizon?
Side note, my Moto G updated to 4.4.2 after I activated it on post paid.
I got it from Best Buy in Minnesota and it already had 4.4.2 installed. Maybe Verizon fixed that "bug" with motos preinstalled version of KitKat? I'm still trying every few hours to activate it just in case it slips through by some chance.
And I made sure to clear the recent apps each time.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
So, I got two of the phones. At first both of them said they can only be prepaid, but I repeatedly retried to activate on both and it started to ask what number you want to activate on.
The problem I'm coming up with is that it says it can't find my parents' numbers.
They're both dumb phones. They're on an old unlimited plan. Dunno if that means anything.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
That popped up for me once too. I'm guessing it says that it can't find the numbers because it's looking for them among a list of existing prepaid Verizon numbers.
Glad to see others still trying.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I tried the same thing, purchased the phone yesterday from Best Buy online and shipped with 4.4.2 - Tried activating it with *228 but got the same "this phone needs to be activated on a prepaid account" message. Also tried activating it online on the myverizon account page, but once i type in the IMEI it comes back with an error saying that I need to call customer service. I also have a friend who works at a third party Verizon store and h attempted to switch his plan over to the phone using eROES (VZW upgrade/hardware change software) and it told him that it was a prepaid phone.
If anyone could figure out a way around this I would be over-the-top happy.
Also, i tried the *228 on a phone on my account that's currently a basic phone with no data. Has anyone tried calling customer service and trying to get them to do it for them?
When I tried doing it on the website it tried to send a text to a phone on the account but buy the time the text came through the session expired. Did you get that?
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
I didn't, it just threw the error almost immediately. I'm going to try again soon on the off chance that something changed - but I don't have much hope
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
jhavens12 said:
I didn't, it just threw the error almost immediately. I'm going to try again soon on the off chance that something changed - but I don't have much hope
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case a window popped up waiting for the authorization code that's being texted. It just was taking half an hour or more to receive the text and by then the window said that it had timed out.
Maybe the system was insanely busy. I'm going to try it again today.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
GilmourD3 said:
In my case a window popped up waiting for the authorization code that's being texted. It just was taking half an hour or more to receive the text and by then the window said that it had timed out.
Maybe the system was insanely busy. I'm going to try it again today.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried again and this time I tried to put it on my normal line which has my Galaxy device on it. The window did pop up with the authorization code, and it sent me the code almost instantly. Input the code into the window and it disappeared but it had the "please contact customer service" error.
Also just tried again using *228 without any luck. Has anyone found a way around this?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
windraver said:
Side note, my Moto G updated to 4.4.2 after I activated it on post paid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zenihilist said:
I got it from Best Buy in Minnesota and it already had 4.4.2 installed. Maybe Verizon fixed that "bug" with motos preinstalled version of KitKat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this work: retro-flash the pre-paid Moto G to the older 4.3 VZW firmware, and then try activating as post-paid phone.
http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=14
rvail623 said:
Would this work: retro-flash the pre-paid Moto G to the older 4.3 VZW firmware, and then try activating as post-paid phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a version that has Android version 4.3. It's giving me the "This phone can only be activated on a prepaid line" message when I go through the *228 menu.
Okay, I think I may have just figured out why it didn't work for some people.
I went through some youtube videos of people trying and some succeeding and some failing. I noticed that the ones that failed are retail stores.
My guess is everyone who is trying and can't get it to work is because it was purchased from a retail store. There is a process at the store where they scan the device and activate it on Verizon's network. Its called Point of Sale Activation. This is to prevent theft of products as they can't be activated on prepaid unless scanned by Best Buy.
I bought mine on Amazon. What some companies that don't have a retail front do instead is sell products that are "Live". This determines then that the device was already live to begin with and not "activation" or "call" to Verizon is necessary.
My guess is that this difference is what enabled Verizon to know what phone IMEI or serial is prepaid.
That sounds plausible. Good thinking. So when they scanned it at best buy, they added it's number to the prepaid list.
I want to not like this idea, makes me want to buy ANOTHER moto g from amazon.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
zenihilist said:
That sounds plausible. Good thinking. So when they scanned it at best buy, they added it's number to the prepaid list.
I want to not like this idea, makes me want to buy ANOTHER moto g from amazon.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same... my sister needed a phone (shes on the droid 3) so I told her to pick up the 49.99 deal from best buy. It's coming in later today so I'll see if it'll work of if we have to return it.
Related
I have a GS4 GPe being delivered to my house soon. Sorry for the stupid question, but does anyone know if, to activate it on Tmobile, I can do it all online from home, or I will need to go in to a retail location? Thanks.
You need to have the proper SIM card and probably an activation kit. If you have that you can do it all over the phone. I've never been in a T-Mobile store but this is my second phone on their network.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
bagelicious said:
You need to have the proper SIM card and probably an activation kit. If you have that you can do it all over the phone. I've never been in a T-Mobile store but this is my second phone on their network.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll probably just go in then, assuming the box from Google won't contain all that hardware you mention, plus I need to port over a number from other carrier and imagine it's easier to prove I own that number in person...
I just activated one on Straight Talk using their T-Mobile SIM. Ordered and activated on the website. You can port your number too.
I am switching from AT&T to Sprint and I just purchased the Unlocked Nexus 5 on Google Play. What exactly do I have to do in order to activate my phone on the Sprint Network? I am used to just popping my SIM card into the new phone and it works but I know Sprint is a CDMA network and does not use SIM cards.
1. How do I get the phone activated on Sprint
2. Will it run just as good on Sprint as it would on AT&T? It will still work with LTE right?
jedinegotiator said:
I am switching from AT&T to Sprint and I just purchased the Unlocked Nexus 5 on Google Play. What exactly do I have to do in order to activate my phone on the Sprint Network? I am used to just popping my SIM card into the new phone and it works but I know Sprint is a CDMA network and does not use SIM cards.
1. How do I get the phone activated on Sprint
2. Will it run just as good on Sprint as it would on AT&T? It will still work with LTE right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint does not have a byod line as far as I know unless you are going prepaid. Nobody knows yet if any of the mvnos will activate the nexus 5. You could always get an Iphone or something on your new line and sell it to cover your nexus cost and then some.
For a new line it would be much easier just to buy from sprint for $49.
Coverage/LTE will depend on your area but yes it will work.
lafester said:
Sprint does not have a byod line as far as I know unless you are going prepaid. Nobody knows yet if any of the mvnos will activate the nexus 5. You could always get an Iphone or something on your new line and sell it to cover your nexus cost and then some.
For a new line it would be much easier just to buy from sprint for $49.
Coverage/LTE will depend on your area but yes it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this page the Unlocked version will work on Sprint:
http://www.ibtimes.com/nexus-5-release-date-unlocked-model-will-run-sprint-network-1452872
I probably will get an iPhone or something just to sell it since I will be able to get a new phone on contract pricing but I still need to know how to actually activate my Nexus when I get it. I was thinking about getting the $50 Nexus through Sprint but I am afraid if I do that I it will not be the exact same model. I don't want any Sprint bloatware on my phone and I don't want to get updates later than the rest. I also want to make sure the phone I get is heavily supported by developers. There is just too many unknowns on the Sprint model that I am scared to get it.
So anyway, do I just call Sprint to activate my device?
jedinegotiator said:
According to this page the Unlocked version will work on Sprint:
http://www.ibtimes.com/nexus-5-release-date-unlocked-model-will-run-sprint-network-1452872
I probably will get an iPhone or something just to sell it since I will be able to get a new phone on contract pricing but I still need to know how to actually activate my Nexus when I get it. I was thinking about getting the $50 Nexus through Sprint but I am afraid if I do that I it will not be the exact same model. I don't want any Sprint bloatware on my phone and I don't want to get updates later than the rest. I also want to make sure the phone I get is heavily supported by developers. There is just too many unknowns on the Sprint model that I am scared to get it.
So anyway, do I just call Sprint to activate my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no 'sprint' model they are the same device. So to activate you will need to get a sim card from sprint and then you can either chat, call, use the online activation or go to the store to get set up.
lafester said:
There is no 'sprint' model they are the same device. So to activate you will need to get a sim card from sprint and then you can either chat, call, use the online activation or go to the store to get set up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get a sim without going to a store? I see no where online to order one.
jedinegotiator said:
According to this page the Unlocked version will work on Sprint:
http://www.ibtimes.com/nexus-5-release-date-unlocked-model-will-run-sprint-network-1452872
I probably will get an iPhone or something just to sell it since I will be able to get a new phone on contract pricing but I still need to know how to actually activate my Nexus when I get it. I was thinking about getting the $50 Nexus through Sprint but I am afraid if I do that I it will not be the exact same model. I don't want any Sprint bloatware on my phone and I don't want to get updates later than the rest. I also want to make sure the phone I get is heavily supported by developers. There is just too many unknowns on the Sprint model that I am scared to get it.
So anyway, do I just call Sprint to activate my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solutions Etcetera said:
How do you get a sim without going to a store? I see no where online to order one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get a SIM, either go into the Sprint store. Or go online to the chat (you'll need an existing Sprint acct for this).
To activate, just call the big S and give them the info that they ask for
There's a thread going about this already that has some good info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507893
Sent from my Evo LTE
lafester said:
There is no 'sprint' model they are the same device. So to activate you will need to get a sim card from sprint and then you can either chat, call, use the online activation or go to the store to get set up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is nothing different? No sprint bloatware? And is it unlocked?
jedinegotiator said:
So there is nothing different? No sprint bloatware? And is it unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. There's one APK that all of the phones have though. Sprint Hidden Menu. I wouldn't consider it bloatware though.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Cheater912 said:
Correct. There's one APK that all of the phones have though. Sprint Hidden Menu. I wouldn't consider it bloatware though.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but just to be clear, Sprint will sell an unlocked phone? Has that ever been done before? Do you have a source? Not to discredit you but it seems that I should just buy it from Sprint instead of Google Play if there is no real differences. I just want to be sure.
jedinegotiator said:
Sorry but just to be clear, Sprint will sell an unlocked phone? Has that ever been done before? Do you have a source? Not to discredit you but it seems that I should just buy it from Sprint instead of Google Play if there is no real differences. I just want to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a source atm, but that's all I've heard around the forums. You need to start a 2 year contract to get the phone at their low price though ($50 I think?). They're selling an off-contract one for $400 too. Same device all around.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Cheater912 said:
Correct. There's one APK that all of the phones have though. Sprint Hidden Menu. I wouldn't consider it bloatware though.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is it the sim card that creatures this apk? Because if you order it from the play store it obviously will not come with that apk.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
mjs2011 said:
So is it the sim card that creatures this apk? Because if you order it from the play store it obviously will not come with that apk.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty certain it does come with it.
Sent from my Nexus 7
jedinegotiator said:
Sorry but just to be clear, Sprint will sell an unlocked phone? Has that ever been done before? Do you have a source? Not to discredit you but it seems that I should just buy it from Sprint instead of Google Play if there is no real differences. I just want to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the first time they have ever done it. This also means that the phone will be updated directly by google, with no carrier approvals/delays- which is also unprecedented for CDMA.
I myself am very surprised more people are not talking about this.
I stopped at a Sprint store today and asked about activating a phone bought from Google directly and they said it couldn't be done? Is that the case? I have about 5 months remaining on my contract with Sprint before I go on to another carrier.
mumbles202 said:
I stopped at a Sprint store today and asked about activating a phone bought from Google directly and they said it couldn't be done? Is that the case? I have about 5 months remaining on my contract with Sprint before I go on to another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been confirmed that you can activate this phone on Sprint. The guys at the store didn't know what they were talking about.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
robber said:
This is the first time they have ever done it. This also means that the phone will be updated directly by google, with no carrier approvals/delays- which is also unprecedented for CDMA.
I myself am very surprised more people are not talking about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it seems like this would be big news. Its also the first sprint tri band phone to be released unless you count the few sprint g2s out in the wild.
mumbles202 said:
I stopped at a Sprint store today and asked about activating a phone bought from Google directly and they said it couldn't be done? Is that the case? I have about 5 months remaining on my contract with Sprint before I go on to another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good deal. Will order a SIM tomorrow. So 1 device, all 3 carriers? Perfect.
Tried chat last night, and then calling in today but getting the run around. Was told I had to go corporate repair store; called store and was told that they don't normally stock SIM cards and that they won't have a N5 compatible one for a while until there shipment of phones comes in. I have sero account but this is the first time it has been an issue getting service.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Anyone using one on att ??
does att see it as a smartphone? if someone could check by looking at their OLAM if they are using a OnePlus One,id appreciate that. Id like to use one without having to use a dataplan,
Very few people have it, so I don't think anyone is going to know the answer. When I get it, I'll put my SIM in there so AT&T will see it as a HTC One.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
tiny4579 said:
Very few people have it, so I don't think anyone is going to know the answer. When I get it, I'll put my SIM in there so AT&T will see it as a HTC One.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey,thanks for the response. when you get it,could you possibly check with the att OLAM(online account manager) if it shows as a oneplus,im using a droid 3 that was flashed with a gsm radio and it just shows as a generic flip-phone but the other lines on our plan show their respective phones(everyone else has an iphone lol ).
att only knows what type of device you have based on a list of imei's. non att carrier branded devices just show up as "unknown device". i know the nexus 5 shows up this way. and because of that im pretty much 100% sure the oneplus will also be an unknown device. as far as they know, you bought a $5 10 year old nokia flip phone from the mall.
The Jack of Clubs said:
att only knows what type of device you have based on a list of imei's. non att carrier branded devices just show up as "unknown device". i know the nexus 5 shows up this way. and because of that im pretty much 100% sure the oneplus will also be an unknown device. as far as they know, you bought a $5 10 year old nokia flip phone from the mall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply. yes,this is what im hoping for. they have the nexus 5 IMEIs tho sadly. they also have recent verizon phone IMEIs as well,my Droid dna was flagged and had a mandatory $30 data plan added to the line i was using it with.
Since the Pixel in Google store is all sold out and will be delayed by 6 to 8 weeks, is anyone going to pick up the vzw one? I am tempted but its the bootloader that is unlockable swaying my way from vzw. Looks like I will be waiting 6 to 8 weeks......
I would have bought 2 from VZW, instead had to get them from Google because of the locked bootloader bs.
mdmogren said:
I would have bought 2 from VZW, instead had to get them from Google because of the locked bootloader bs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So they are saying it's impossible to break the bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
lucky_strike33 said:
So they are saying it's impossible to break the bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's way too soon to call it "impossible" -- but we definitely can't count on it, and I'm not risking my $800 phone being bootloader locked.
Work will pay for my phone only if I order through Verizon, so unless I can sell it NIB (which I don't know if I am allowed) and turn around and buy the Play Store version, I am pretty much stuck with a locked down phone. Here's hoping that an unofficial unlock happens at some point.
I have one on the way from VZW. Will be here in 2 days. I don't care that it's locked. Silver FTW.
NetworkingPro said:
I have one on the way from VZW. Will be here in 2 days. I don't care that it's locked. Silver FTW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought won't be out till the 20th.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
NetworkingPro said:
I have one on the way from VZW. Will be here in 2 days. I don't care that it's locked. Silver FTW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BS.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hmmm... I'm thinking the same.
I got my 128 in black before the preorder page officially launched, still said Oct 21-24. I work for vzw but there's no way I'd buy it thru them simply bc I want an unlocked bootloader!! But the vzw ones aren't shipping until later in the month as well...
Is the locked bootloader the only difference between the VZW and google store model? Well, only difference for now...we'll see when the first update comes.
Signed...still angry about my VZW Galaxy Nexus
lanternca said:
Is the locked bootloader the only difference between the VZW and google store model? Well, only difference for now...we'll see when the first update comes.
Signed...still angry about my VZW Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every Verizon phone I've owned came packed with Verizon bloatware. NFL Mobile, VZ Navigator and a whole bunch of other trash. I imagine the same will be true with their pixel.
TheSt33v said:
Every Verizon phone I've owned came packed with Verizon bloatware. NFL Mobile, VZ Navigator and a whole bunch of other trash. I imagine the same will be true with their pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found this. Says it'll be VZ Messages, VZ, and Go90. I could live with that actually, but not going to matter since I switched to AT&T anyway
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/10/06/verizons-bloatware-pixel-will-minimal-maybe-just-3-apps/
I have one coming from the google store and one from verizon. MY girl is still on verizon so it made sense to get it on payment plan plus 100 gift card at best buy. i dont need to unlock her phone... so it makes sense
jerflash said:
I have one coming from the google store and one from verizon. MY girl is still on verizon so it made sense to get it on payment plan plus 100 gift card at best buy. i dont need to unlock her phone... so it makes sense
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was kind of in the same boat. On vzw. Was able to get $200 credit total for my M8 plus a free VR daydream. I'm a little griped I can't just buy the device protection from google but it only seems to be apply to phones purchased direct through their store. I'm ok with the lock bl because I'm not going to be running ROM variants on this particular. Root will be fine enough. So it was easier for me to make the choice to get it through vzw than google. If I don't like the phone, I can return and get another phone.
Just read that Verizon will control updates. That's a deal breaker for me. http://thenextweb.com/google/2016/10/07/verizon-google-pixel-update/#gref
Just wait... Verizon sucks!
I'm still torn. I preordered on VZW then heard that Verizon was going to control updates so I cancelled and ordered on Google. But now I'm hearing that WiFi calling won't work on the unlocked version on Verizon. And visual voice mail won't work either. So now I'm pretty torn which one I want. I don't need an unlocked bootloader, but do like the latest versions as soon as they're available.
According to Google support, WiFi calling will work on Verizon:
Thanks for writing in. Hope you're doing well!*
First, I'd like to take this*opportunity*to apologize for the delay in responding to your email.
I have checked with my product specialists and I'd like to inform you that,*all the Google devices have the *Wi-Fi calling option pre-installed. However, you just need to contact the Verizon support once you setup the device and they'll enable the service on your device. Once Verizon enable the services you can go ahead and make the Wi-Fi calls.
You can contact the carrier ( Verizon ) using the below contact details.
Verizon1-800-922-020424 hours/day, 7 days/week
Full service: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-9:00PM Sat-Sun
v3rn said:
According to Google support, WiFi calling will work on Verizon:
Thanks for writing in. Hope you're doing well!*
First, I'd like to take this*opportunity*to apologize for the delay in responding to your email.
I have checked with my product specialists and I'd like to inform you that,*all the Google devices have the *Wi-Fi calling option pre-installed. However, you just need to contact the Verizon support once you setup the device and they'll enable the service on your device. Once Verizon enable the services you can go ahead and make the Wi-Fi calls.
You can contact the carrier ( Verizon ) using the below contact details.
Verizon1-800-922-020424 hours/day, 7 days/week
Full service: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-9:00PM Sat-Sun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
strange
Just saw this article:
http://phandroid.com/2016/10/12/verizon-pixel-updates-simultaneously/
Basically, if you don't care about the locked bootloader, then you don't need to buy the phone from Google. You shouldn't have to worry about the updates and there are only 3 bloatware apps which take you less than 30 seconds to uninstall.
Hello,
I bought a T-Mobile Galaxy S7 on samsung.com and i haven't been able to SIM unlock it.
After many calls and chats, T-Mobile support told me this: "... because the device was purchased directly from the manufacturer our system doesn't recognize the device as being a T-Mobile device. Even though it is a T-Mobile model and has T-Mobile software, a T-Mobile device is considered to be one bought or sold by T-Mobile directly. We have a database of the IMEI's of the devices we carry and sell, and this lets us unlock eligible devices upon a customer's request."
Samsung support is useless.
I tried a 3rd party unlock service two weeks ago and I'm still waiting. They asked me to please be patient because the T-Mobile server has been down.
T-Mobile unlock app did more damage than good.
I'm also still trying to return the cellphone but Samsung hasn't sent any prepaid labels yet, I've called 3 times on 3 different weeks and they said they're about to send it. , that I should wait a couple of days.
So, in the mean time, is there any other option to unlock this thing? like a brute force unlock.
Thanks.
Let me know if you find an answer. I have an s6 edge that till date after it being active on T-Mobile for over 8 months (Samsung purchase phone - T-Mobile variant) the application from T-Mobile tells me the device is not eligible". Samsung care says they don't unlock that my carrier does lol
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Would it be possible to flash the MetroPCS ROM and use a SIM unlock service for MetroPCS? Or do the same with AT&T?
yeah everyone i have tried for unlocking says the service is down...more like the inside person they use is not available...have asked a couple of sites and ebay sellers...same thing...they must all use the same person or exploit.
I was getting the runaround from Samsung to goto T-Mobile and vice versa.. luckily the T-Mobile tech support was helpful and agreed to be on conference with Samsung support and it was a battle with Samsung to get some responsible answer as they kept saying that they don't unlock phones. Then when we escalated to the manager, she repeated the same but at the end created a case to service the phone. Once it reached Samsung, they just said updated software and are sending back on same day.. Not sure if it got fixed, will let you know as soon as I get it..
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nktwister said:
I was getting the runaround from Samsung to goto T-Mobile and vice versa.. luckily the T-Mobile tech support was helpful and agreed to be on conference with Samsung support and it was a battle with Samsung to get some responsible answer as they kept saying that they don't unlock phones. Then when we escalated to the manager, she repeated the same but at the end created a case to service the phone. Once it reached Samsung, they just said updated software and are sending back on same day.. Not sure if it got fixed, will let you know as soon as I get it..
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I doubt if updating software can actually sim unlock it. But who knows, perhaps Samsung has a magical software update. Let us know please. If it works we could dump the OS a d reflash other locked units with Odin maybe? Lol
jazzdglass said:
I doubt if updating software can actually sim unlock it. But who knows, perhaps Samsung has a magical software update. Let us know please. If it works we could dump the OS a d reflash other locked units with Odin maybe? Lol
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That was a bummer.. the stupid Samsung technical support just reflashed the same software and sent back the phone in a generic box (did not get original box back) .. the same problem still exists.. the device unlock app doesn't work and T-Mobile doesn't have the unlock code for this imei..
I got T-Mobile to fix mine.
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Febby said:
I got T-Mobile to fix mine.
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Can you please elaborate on what you asked and what was done by T-Mobile? Did you buy your phone from Samsung.com?
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nktwister said:
Can you please elaborate on what you asked and what was done by T-Mobile? Did you buy your phone from Samsung.com?
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What you want to state to them is for them to request a ticket for your Imei to be white listed for the device unlock application. Let them know it is the T-Mobile variant of the phone bought directly from Samsung.com
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Febby said:
What you want to state to them is for them to request a ticket for your Imei to be white listed for the device unlock application. Let them know it is the T-Mobile variant of the phone bought directly from Samsung.com
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I did the same and the T-Mobile rep said that it did not work and they are getting the same error that imei cannot be whitelisted for the mobile device unlock application.. they are clear that it was T-Mobile phone from Samsung.com.. were you on g930t rom? Did you buy yours from Samsung.com or from someone else?
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nktwister said:
I did the same and the T-Mobile rep said that it did not work and they are getting the same error that imei cannot be whitelisted for the mobile device unlock application.. they are clear that it was T-Mobile phone from Samsung.com.. were you on g930t rom? Did you buy yours from Samsung.com or from someone else?
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It was bought directly via samsung.com as a t-mobile variant with t-mobile firmware. That's odd unless if your model was modified at some point? Perhaps lazy t-mobile rep? What I was told is that after 5 days even if bought from Samsung as a t-mobile variant it will lock itself once a sim card is left in it
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Febby said:
It was bought directly via samsung.com as a t-mobile variant with t-mobile firmware. That's odd unless if your model was modified at some point? Perhaps lazy t-mobile rep? What I was told is that after 5 days even if bought from Samsung as a t-mobile variant it will lock itself once a sim card is left in it
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Oh ok, the rep has not given up and she is still trying everyday for a solution.. my model was never modified, everything stock and used on T-Mobile for 1.5 months.. I wonder how you can be eligible for unlock if you've not used tmo sim for more than 5 days.. Maybe your rep involved some engineer to add the imei through backdoor process? Did you email them proof of purchase?
nktwister said:
Oh ok, the rep has not given up and she is still trying everyday for a solution.. my model was never modified, everything stock and used on T-Mobile for 1.5 months.. I wonder how you can be eligible for unlock if you've not used tmo sim for more than 5 days.. Maybe your rep involved some engineer to add the imei through backdoor process? Did you email them proof of purchase?
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I've had T-Mobile service for around 2 years almost and I did use the T-Mobile s6 edge for almost 11 months.
I believe what the rep that helped me meant is that when you buy a T-Mobile variant phone from Samsung or any oem that you should run the Device unlock app asap otherwise once you leave a SIM card inserted for 5 days or more it will lock the device to that carrier that the sim belongs to.
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I can clarify a bit on this, as I went through the same thing. Tech support even 3 way called Samsung with me, and they were arguing for over an hour until we got fed up.
Basically, the IMEI needs to be added to the T-Mobile database, but because it was never sold by them it errors out. I just got off the phone with Tech Support and sadly, their notes don't go back far enough to tell me exact process, but I was told that the Business Support department was the one that actually solved the issue for me (along with contacting their Samsung Rep). Maybe that will help you guys out, at least as a starting point.
Edit: T-Mobile support just confirmed. Speak to Business Support, they can fix it.
Thanks for the replies.. I wasn't able to check last solution as my rep agreed to replace it with T-Mobile sold device.. so got an s7 edge which is cheaper now than s7
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entropism said:
I can clarify a bit on this, as I went through the same thing. Tech support even 3 way called Samsung with me, and they were arguing for over an hour until we got fed up.
Basically, the IMEI needs to be added to the T-Mobile database, but because it was never sold by them it errors out. I just got off the phone with Tech Support and sadly, their notes don't go back far enough to tell me exact process, but I was told that the Business Support department was the one that actually solved the issue for me (along with contacting their Samsung Rep). Maybe that will help you guys out, at least as a starting point.
Edit: T-Mobile support just confirmed. Speak to Business Support, they can fix it.
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I registered in this forum just to say thanks to you. I wasted more than two weeks speaking to tech support. Their attitude was great but they did nothing effective. I read your post and spoke to business support, the unlock issue got resolved quickly over the weekend.
This really saves my ass because I am going overseas soon. T-mobile really need to have better communication between different departments.
A small update for anyone who ends up here via google:
T-Mobile is now aware of the issue, and if you contact them on Twitter (@tmobilehelp), their specialised customer service division, T-Force, can get you unlocked and out the door almost immediately. The process takes a few days, but they know the steps to take to get the ball rolling.
Wow, I can't believe it took 3 months to solve this.
I don't know how much time I lost calling T-Mobile and Samsung. BTW, Samsung support is the worst ever.
Since I heard the about the unlock problem, I started trying to return my phone in parallel while trying to unlock it. Samsung people didn't want to provide prepaid shipping labels, first I never got them after I was told to wait a couple of days. I called many times and got the same response. Then the 30 days passed and they started saying it was to late to return, that I had to pay restocking fee. It took me another month explaining it was their fault the 30 days passed and that I needed prepaid shipping label and a full refund. I received the shipping labels the 2nd week on May and returned the phone. I still haven't received my refund. I called today, and the representative told me the refund was posted just today, and told me to wait 3 to 5 business days.
I'm happy some of you were able to unlock it. I got tired of waiting and talking with the support guys. And I don't even have a T-Mobile line. That's why I wanted to unlock it in the first place.
The easiest way to unlock this is changing the IMEI number, i recently paid $80 to get it changed but it now shows up as unlocked & clean on the T-MOBILE network. Sorry i didn't read this post before maybe this information could have helped.