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I bought a phone the other day off trademe and tried to put my sim in but get no network coverage ? im guessing it was stolen or something and has been blocked. just wondering if theres any way i can unblock the imei ??
If you truly believe the device is stolen or has otherwise been acquired through illegitimate means, we can't help you - you should contact the authorities and have the seller investigated. Stealing is a crime and stolen IMEIs are blocked for that very reason.
If not, first check that the phone supports the network frequencies that your carrier uses wherever you are - not all phones support all bands, and not all carriers support all bands either.
If you can tell us the make and model of the phone, we can point you to a device-specific forum in case it's a general problem or issue with that phone model.
Beyond that, you can try to take up with the manufacturer of the phone or the carrier if it's a carrier-branded phone.
I once had to make numerous called to my carrier's support line because my new imported phone was somehow registered in my carrier's database as a completely different kind of device, so the system kept kicking me off the data plan.
I am wondering what is going on inside when we first open a Android phone... We are official distributor of a well known brand. We are only authorized to sell in our region only. But we sold some thousands of phones outside our region. After a month the phone company contacted us and warned that their system shows these number of phones are activated outside your region...
How they know?
We already opened all the phones and inserted the SIM and called 20 seconds to our carrier help-line.
All phones are already SIM unlocked.
The android really sending some data to the manufacturer server like imei?
Thank you!
Hi my cousin recently bought a phone from a classmate (she is not very saavy), she said the price was good, but after finding out more info she found out that the classmate bought the phone from a local big box store and returned an older phone back to the retailer in the new phone's box. So the older phone will likely be going back to the manufacturer, and I told her that her new phone (which is a factory unlocked GSM device) may become blacklisted when the manufacturer receives the box for the new phone and they see that the returned phone's IMEI does not match the IMEI on the box. Was I correct in what I told her? I realized afterward that most blacklists and bad ESN/IMEI's come from the carriers, so I'm not sure if manufacturers would blacklist IMEI's or if they even could possibly do that for factory unlocked GSM phones...
Aside from her returning the phone to the classmate, etc. which I advised her to do -- I'm still curious about the inquiry - thanks for any advice you can provide..
May be it is quite possible but i don't know much about this.
Yes what you told her is correct. The oem can report it to the companies that blacklist devices and the carriers.
Hi all,
I'm not sure if ok to post this on here, but I've created a petition on the UK petitions site to try a stop network operators taking control of our devices
If you are a UK user and want to sign the petition please follow this link - Petition Link
Information relating to partition
My petition: Block all mobile network operators from taking control of our android mobiles
Background: Purchased sim-free mobile without contract and network operator now provides the updates and not the manufacturer meaning receiving security updates and other updates are slow
Details: Huawei supply mobile phones to the UK and even if you purchase these unlocked and sim-free from a retailer in the UK, you will receive a phone that is then rebranded by the network operator (ie Three UK), who then authorise updates instead of the manufacturer. No matter how you buy the phone, the networks should not rebrand them or take control of the phone so they provide updates as these changes cannot be reversed
How'd you know if you've been "taken over" by the network? My L09 has no EE branding anywhere.
CLT-L09 8.1.0.110 (C782)
I had this reply from Huawei when questioning about devices purchased from the likes of CPW (this also includes currys, mobiles.co.uk and others)
The version sold in Carphone Warehouse is the open market version and it is exactly the same one sold by H3G.
The software version is also the same, however, this will be customized to the relevant operator depending on the SIM card that is inserted in the device for the very first time.
This customization is irreversible as per the operator's requirement, however, the device will maintain its SIM Free status.
One of the reasons behind it is to ensure the 4G/Wi-fi calling feature will be enabled on these devices. As you may know this option is not available on the unbranded/open market devices, as it requires network customization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if you get the C782 version of the device it is customised by the network operator, if you get the C432 device it will not and Huawei will not provide details of where to purchase none C782 models in the UK.
Also with Huawei removing the ability of unlocking the bootloader for end-users we will be at the mercy of network operators authorising updates., as you won't be able to rebrand the phone so can get updates for another model
You may also get apps automatically installed by your network provider
walkerx said:
I had this reply from Huawei when questioning about devices purchased from the likes of CPW (this also includes currys, mobiles.co.uk and others)
So if you get the C782 version of the device it is customised by the network operator, if you get the C432 device it will not and Huawei will not provide details of where to purchase none C782 models in the UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a bit rude. Is it only Huawei that do this? Never bought a phone that wasnt SIM free before, so never experienced this.
Usually when you buy a phone sim-free unlocked without a contract it means that you will get all updates by the manufacturer - but Huawei are supplying the same version to resellers that they would provide to network operators meaning Huawei do not provide updates and it is the network provider - even if you bought a phone on contract then left that network why should you still have to rely on the original network operator to provide the updates
as with apple the updates need to come directly from the manufacturers
Also this:
One of the reasons behind it is to ensure the 4G/Wi-fi calling feature will be enabled on these devices. As you may know this option is not available on the unbranded/open market devices, as it requires network customization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is not true.
I have a CLT-L29(782) on EE. VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling both work.
matt4321 said:
Also this:
Is not true.
I have a CLT-L29(782) on EE. VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling both work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not email Huawei and ask them and see their reply, your phone if it is the C782 model is customised by the first network sim you put into the device. Three make it worse by customising the bootloader as well
walkerx said:
Why not email Huawei and ask them and see their reply, your phone if it is the C782 model is customised by the first network sim you put into the device. Three make it worse by customising the bootloader as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My mistake, I have a C432, it was a C782. WiFi Calling/VoLTE work on EE with the EU model.
matt4321 said:
My mistake, I have a C432, it was a C782. WiFi Calling/VoLTE work on EE with the EU model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeh CPW do not sell the C432 model and only supply the C782 model and when I've asked Huawei where to get a non UK only version from in the UK they won't provide me that information
You can buy unlocked C432 (dual sim) on Amazon.de with free delivery to UK.
Same here, i put the sim in and it installed MyEE app and some Antivirus app that EE recommends. I dont see any branding like wallpapers etc etc. Wonder if its a one off thing or EE can install anything they like, they are bad enough for spam text marketing let alone being able to install apps on your phone (CLT-L09).
Good luck bro.
I bought my phone from EE. I use an EE SIM card.
I'm assuming any phone bought from EE is going to be locked to EE.
My wife bought hers from uSwitch also on EE, I'll check, by all accounts all uSwitch phones are bought separately which is how they do their deals.
What is it surgically you hour to achieve from this petition.
Also chances are Huawei probably had a hand in the deal with operators.
HTC and Oneplus, my last two phones certainly didn't.
Oneplus is just a dual SIM unlocked monster.
The HTC I hardware unlocked myself no problem.
PS
If you buy a phone from Huawei SIM free, the phone will have a firmware already installed, the model and variant aren't going to change should you put in a SIM.
dladz said:
I bought my phone from EE. I use an EE SIM card.
I'm assuming any phone bought from EE is going to be locked to EE.
My wife bought hers from uSwitch also on EE, I'll check, by all accounts all uSwitch phones are bought separately which is how they do their deals.
What is it surgically you hour to achieve from this petition.
Also chances are Huawei probably had a hand in the deal with operators.
HTC and Oneplus, my last two phones certainly didn't.
Oneplus is just a dual SIM unlocked monster.
The HTC I hardware unlocked myself no problem.
PS
If you buy a phone from Huawei SIM free, the phone will have a firmware already installed, the model and variant aren't going to change should you put in a SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want android phones to not be modified by network operators and have them blocked from doing this. On Apple you get a file update that tells the system what settings to use for network, this should be same on android.
According to Huawei the network operators want the devices to be customised by the first sim you insert and this process is irreversible. Why should someone who has purchased a sim free unlocked phone out of contract have their phone rebranded by the operator. With three its worse as they change the boot up so u get full screen three logo.
Would you be happy buying a phone outright that was unlocked, sim free, not on a contract and without network operator branding, being branded by the first sim you inserted and then relying on that operator to authorise updates? I'm not and I don't think many others would be.
Pixel phones if purchased via Google do get modified but currently wifi calling on them only works with EE.
Also you can no longer get the bootloader unlock codes from Huawei for devices purchased after a certain date and by 25 July u won't ever be able to unlock phones to install different roms, etc which is why it will be my last Huawei phone purchased.
I might not get anywhere with the petition but unless we try we won't know.
Sent from my Huawei P20 Pro using XDA Labs
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.
Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.
Device Details:
Model #: SM-N986U1
Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT
Questions:
Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI
Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"
If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.
Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?
Do you see any issues with the current software listed above
Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?
The whole, ugly story:
My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)
Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)
Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)
Many, many customer support calls/chats:
Unable to reconnect device to SIM
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".
Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support
Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".
Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.
Problem persists and worsens
I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc
Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk
Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.
They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.
In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.
I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:
Your device is an AT&T device
I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.
They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.
I attempt to reach AT&T support line;
no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.
Attempted support chat, but same results as above
Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.
Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"
Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)
Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.
I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.
They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.
Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)
Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.
Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).
Back to the AT&T store.
They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.
They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service
Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store
Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman
"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"
"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."
Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note
Performs a Network Reset
Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G
I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug
Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service
I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.
They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account
They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.
No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.
Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.
Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)
Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)
NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support
Support tells me I need a new SIM
I explain that
We already tried that 4 days ago, and
My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app
Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:
She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.
She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account
There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it
They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.
Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.
Thanks!
PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE SOLVED
**I'm making this reply for reference in case someone else comes across a similar issue.
My device is a Samsung Note 20 Ultra 5G; my carrier is Straighttalk (TracFone) with a Verizon SIM. I’ve been with them since bailing from Verizon around 2010. I bought my phone from an online store, supposedly "new" and "unlocked". The CSC and Provider Software version checked out, and I was able to register it successfully with Samsung December 2021 and had zero issues with phone and service until Janury 3/4, 2023.**
1/12/23 UPDATE from OP: After 8-9 days of frustration, hours on phone and chat support, in person visits to mobile carrier stores, (oh, and no service), I successfully installed and activated a new SIM on my Note 20 Ultra 5G tonight. Calls, texts, etc., seem to be going through. So, so far so good.
This was my 2nd attempt at reconnecting my device to a network by installing a new SIM. I can only guess at why it was unsuccessful before. But for posterity, the 1st attempt was made by using a SIM kit purchased from Walmart. The 2nd attempt was made by using a SIM purchased from Straighttalk and patiently waiting four days for delivery.
Both attempts were made while I was on a support call, using a landline to speak with them.
After activation today a new feature appeared in my Mobile Networks setting that wasn't there before. It's labeled "VoLTE Calls SIM 1" feature and has an on/off slide button next to it.
Also, my Network Mode was automatically set to GLOBAL after activation, when it had always been set to LTE/CDMA. I'm curious about that, so if anyone wants to chime in on whether GLOBAL is the preferred setting for me now I'd be happy to hear opinions.
I generally have really poor service at my home (1-2 bars usually) and that is still the case. I should be able to access 5G in areas where it's available though.
Ongoing Issue: I do not have proof of resolution regarding my IMEI being connected to another phone number on an account with a different carrier.
As of this evening the IMEI unlock request portal at the other carrier still shows that my IMEI1 has some sort of financial committment attached to it. Interestingly, my IMEI2 is good to go so far as the same unlock portal is concerned. (I’ve never had an account with this carrier) It's a puzzle and I don't know what any of it actually means.
We'll see how things go. Fingers crossed that I'll continue to have uninterrupted service, but it is going to take the passing of some time before I feel like I will be able to relax completely.
Thanks for providing this space for people to problem solve and share.
JDScott1 said:
I purchased my phone as "brand new" and "unlocked" in December 2021 from an Ebay store (I know, but the store was operational for a couple years and had excellent reviews numbering in the 4Ks). I registered the device IMEI with Samsung the same day. It worked perfectly for 13 months until last week.
Unfortunately, the Ebay store is no longer "there" (I know. I know.) I learned this by attempting to email them through the Ebay messaging app. I really do believe my phone was brand new though.
Device Details:
Model #: SM-N986U1
Service Provider Software version: SAOMC_SM-N986U1_OYM_TFN_12_0016_TFN/TFN,TFN/ATT
Questions:
Was someone able to set up an account with my IMEI
Is it possible that my IMEI was mistakenly connected to an AT&T account during these "Network Upgrades"
If either 1 or 2, how do I resolve this? I mean, I've got the receipts and whatnot.
Is there a way for me to find out if this AT&T account was set up AFTER December 2021?
Do you see any issues with the current software listed above
Could I have registered my device's IMEI with Samsung if it was already registered to someone else?
The whole, ugly story:
My carrier is StraightTalk/TracFone with Verizon SIM (12+ years)
Activated device 1December 23, 2021 by swapping SIM from existing phone (I now know this is bad)
Stopped sending/receiving calls January 3 or 4, 2023 (still able to text w/o wifi though)
Many, many customer support calls/chats:
Unable to reconnect device to SIM
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your SIM. It was used in another device. You need a new SIM".
Purchased new SIM, phoned in to carrier support
Carrier support unable to connect new SIM to device
Carrier tech support tells me "Problem with your phone" and asks for me to turn phone off/on every hour or two until they get the "errors corrected".
Support also that many people had been having problems since the recent Verizon network upgrade that occured in the days leading up to my phone problems.
Problem persists and worsens
I lose all connection with my phone number; unable to text, phone number missing from phone, etc
Subsequent support calls with StraightTalk
Your IMEI is connected to a different phone #, cannot reconnect your device.
They won't tell me the number, only that the new number has same area code as my number which I thought unusual.
In order to keep my phone # active, I settle, temporarily, for activating new SIM into my really old S7.
I contact Samsung Support to see if there is some sort of diagnostic tool for software errors:
Your device is an AT&T device
I said I realize that, but it was unlocked and I'd been using it for 13 months with a Verizon compat SIM.
They suggest I visit Samsung Auth Shop to diagnose.
I attempt to reach AT&T support line;
no luck - kept bumping up against phone bot "firewall" system because I didn't have an AT&T phone number or account number to enter.
Attempted support chat, but same results as above
Went to the Samsung Authorized repair shop.
Shop was like "Absolutely nothing we can do"
Says that a diagnosis would not reveal software issues (is this true?)
Suggests I go to AT&T corporate store.
I visit AT&T store, ask for them to check my IMEI for an account.
They cannot find it connected to an AT&T account.
Have a nice day - Buh Byyah (grrrrrr)
Out of frustration, I decide to run the AT&T unlock request app anyway.
Results: Unable to unlock my phone because I still have installment payments to make. (Never had an AT&T account).
Back to the AT&T store.
They dance around suggesting that I have a stolen or hacked phone.
They give me tips on how to bypass AT&T support firewall to reach customer service
Suggest I go across the hall to the Verizon store
Verizon store super-smart-12-year-old-looking young woman
"Even though Verizon bought Straightalk/TracFone, I can't see your account or help with the prepaid programs"
"But hang on a minute, let me try something....."
Inserts SIM from my old S7 into my Note
Performs a Network Reset
Voila! Phone is making calls and getting 5G
I nearly burst into tears and give her a hug
Unfortunately, within a couple hours it was back to no service
I FINALLY get through to a person at AT&T support.
They are able to confirm my device IMEI is connected to an AT&T account
They further confirm that the area code is same as mine and that the phone number belongs to a business.
No further details; they give me their Fraud Dept phone numbers.
Fraud department cannot (WILL NOT) help me because I don't have an AT&T account and I didn't purchase my phone from AT&T.
Have a Nice Day, Buh-Byyah (grrrr)
Finally able to connect once again with support person from my carrier (StraightTalk/TracFone on Verizon)
NOTE: Something def DID happen with their networks early last week. No idea what, but I was once number 410 in the queue for support
Support tells me I need a new SIM
I explain that
We already tried that 4 days ago, and
My device IEMI is connected to another account, per their support rep, AT&T support rep, and AT&T unlock request app
Support tells me to ignore that, I only need a new SIM because:
She wouldn't be able to see my IMEI if it were already connected to another account.
She could see that my IMEI had been connected to my StraightTalk account
There must've been some kind of 'mistake", and a new SIM will fix it
They're mailing me a new SIM, but I don't understand how/why there is an At&T account with my IMEI and have little hope that this will work.
Sorry that was so long. Please respond if you have any helpful tips, insights, or info.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "s20 note"