How to unlock a carrier locked phone - General Questions and Answers

I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!

ronr34 said:
I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also,
When buying a no-contract phone, is it still locked?
Can I do the same to unlock this phone?

It depends on the phone and the carrier.

Planterz said:
It depends on the phone and the carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for a good new phone.
QuadCore and 5.0" and bigger.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
A specific model that this would work for?

ronr34 said:
I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi There,
Well Unlocking the Bootloader of your device Unlocks it to any Carrier.
If you want to know how to do that tell me which device you are using.
If Helped In Any Way Click THANKS.

DevRakeeß said:
Hi There,
Well Unlocking the Bootloader of your device Unlocks it to any Carrier.
If you want to know how to do that tell me which device you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are completely unrelated things.
ronr34 said:
I'm looking for a good new phone.
QuadCore and 5.0" and bigger.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
A specific model that this would work for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, it depends on the phone and the carrier. Verizon phones are internationally unlocked out of the box. Which means if you buy it and try to use it in the US without unlocking it, it won't let you, but if you take it outside the USA, it's GSM unlocked. AT&T and T-Mobile phones can be unlocked and used globally too, but both require that they've been used with their service for a time. 40 days with T-Mobile, and with AT&T it has to be coming from an active or a prior account.
With AT&T and T-Mobile, you can purchase (through eBay or websites) unlock codes, which run like $30-40 for a flagship phone. Alternatively, you can buy new unlocked phones off eBay that once locked to a network, but the reseller bought the phone new, opened the box, unlocked the phone, then sells it. Or you can buy a used phone that has already been unlocked.
Don't buy a Sprint phone, it won't work.
IMO your best bet is to buy a Verizon "world phone", or buy a factory unlocked "international" version.
LTE bands are another matter. If you want LTE where you'll be taking it (assuming it's available), you might be best off with a Nexus 4 or 5, or a recent Sony Xperia Z - class model, as these have numerous LTE band compatibility.

Planterz said:
Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are completely unrelated things.
Again, it depends on the phone and the carrier. Verizon phones are internationally unlocked out of the box. Which means if you buy it and try to use it in the US without unlocking it, it won't let you, but if you take it outside the USA, it's GSM unlocked. AT&T and T-Mobile phones can be unlocked and used globally too, but both require that they've been used with their service for a time. 40 days with T-Mobile, and with AT&T it has to be coming from an active or a prior account.
With AT&T and T-Mobile, you can purchase (through eBay or websites) unlock codes, which run like $30-40 for a flagship phone. Alternatively, you can buy new unlocked phones off eBay that once locked to a network, but the reseller bought the phone new, opened the box, unlocked the phone, then sells it. Or you can buy a used phone that has already been unlocked.
Don't buy a Sprint phone, it won't work.
IMO your best bet is to buy a Verizon "world phone", or buy a factory unlocked "international" version.
LTE bands are another matter. If you want LTE where you'll be taking it (assuming it's available), you might be best off with a Nexus 4 or 5, or a recent Sony Xperia Z - class model, as these have numerous LTE band compatibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, but my question was how to bypass the locks on the phone.
I know I can buy it unlocked but it's way more expensive.
I thought that the lock was software related and not hardware so that burning a new ROM would fix this.
Is that the case?

ronr34 said:
I thought that the lock was software related and not hardware so that burning a new ROM would fix this.
Is that the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not the case. Carrier lock/unlock is in a different part of the device's firmware.

Planterz said:
It is not the case. Carrier lock/unlock is in a different part of the device's firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean that a new ROM flash will not solve this?

ronr34 said:
So does that mean that a new ROM flash will not solve this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How many times do I have to say the same thing?
Flashing a different ROM, be it from another carrier, or a custom ROM, does not give you the ability to carrier unlock a device.

Related

Was the article that the S7 will lock to the first Sim inserted true?

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/02/25...-will-carrier-lock-to-the-first-inserted-sim/
I know some t-mobile customers already have devices in hand (or will be getting it within a few days). Has anyone checked if the above article is true? Would be awesome to know for all US who aren't on T-mo or any major carrier (I'm on Cricket, No preorders, and no edge listed so far.)
Would be awesome to preorder the ATT version from a place like target, get those preorder bonuses (target has $100 GC + standard 5% off for target card members, so its probably the cheapest place to get it), and then use it on Cricket.
Note: This is primarily meant for US carriers and devices. not other countries, which has different laws and networks.
Yes I'm also wondering how this will work. When I spoke to sales team at CPW they said it would be completely unlocked but knew nothing about the so called locking feature which may happen to us. Uk
Good question, I'm surprised no one has posted the answer yet considering how many people are getting them.
I'm on cricket as well, and planning to get the tmobile s7 due to the unlocked bootloader (at&t is bootloader locked)... It would be nice not to have to pay some company to remotely Sim unlock it
I would like to know too. Thank you!
I'd also like to know whether the phone will download carrier software specific everytime a different SIM is inserted
Im buying mine from samsung direct so id be annoyed if they have the sim region lock in place. im sure they are selling it unlocked and this sim lock is carrier requested.
sonhy said:
Im buying mine from samsung direct so id be annoyed if they have the sim region lock in place. im sure they are selling it unlocked and this sim lock is carrier requested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you in canada? If so there is a sim lock when you put in your sim, but you're given an unlock code with the phone if you get it from a samsung store.
no not canada, well thats good to hear about unlock code, as said im pretty sure the sim lock is only for carrier bought gs7 phones.
Work for a carrier: it will lock upon first sim. If you put in a sim after initial Set up it wipes and reboots. Unlock codes are available like any other phone
CPW never lock their android phones. This feature is for carriers to lock if they want and helps Sammy to sell phones to multiple suppliers using the same SKU code rather than different variants. Anyone buying sim free won't have to worry about this and I'm 99℅ sure shops like cpw won't use this. Buying from an operator however is a different story
Sent from my XT1580 using Tapatalk
Seems like this SIM lock applies to carrier phones only and not Global/International aka Unlocked.
My guess is they do this so Samsung can provide everyone with the same standard S7 model to save hassle on carrier specific phones that are locked from the factory so the carrier can pick up any S7 and provide the sim that then locks to that network.
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
bradbutter said:
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for reporting.
bradbutter said:
False.. i have 2 phones.. i just got my S7 and i have an iPhone as well ... just switched the sims and works fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont understand what you are saying...if you stuck a tmobile sim from your iphone and stuck it in your tmobile s7, its still possibly carrier locked to tmobile.
we want to know if you stick a cricket or at&t in your tmobile s7 first, will it lock to those carriers even though your on tmobile or will it require a remote unlock
I'd be curious to know that if id DOES lock, would a ODIN/reflash of stock reset it?
I would love it buying a AT&T version would work on Verizon or T-Mobile.
All this of course with the phone having access to all bands set on initial carrier SIM card boot up.
Is it possible to just flash a different version's os? Example, could i just flash the t-mo fw onto an att phone?
el7145 said:
I dont understand what you are saying...if you stuck a tmobile sim from your iphone and stuck it in your tmobile s7, its still possibly carrier locked to tmobile.
we want to know if you stick a cricket or at&t in your tmobile s7 first, will it lock to those carriers even though your on tmobile or will it require a remote unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well yeah in that case I'm not sure because I know my phone should be locked to T-Mobile from the start unless I pay it off in full. I highly doubt if I would have put a non T-Mobile Sim in it first that it would of even got service. You would have to ask someone with an unlocked device if another sim works because most devices from carriers are locked from the start.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
bradbutter said:
Oh well yeah in that case I'm not sure because I know my phone should be locked to T-Mobile from the start unless I pay it off in full. I highly doubt if I would have put a non T-Mobile Sim in it first that it would of even got service. You would have to ask someone with an unlocked device if another sim works because most devices from carriers are locked from the start.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best answer here. I'm not sure what the confusion is here. A phone from T Mobile IS locked to T Mobile unless one removes the carrier lock. Its always been this way (sans int. phones). The carrier unlock app is in the S7 as well and by law all US carriers must provide the unlock if requested by a customer.
So if the OP buys an S7 outright then they can request and will receive the unlock for the phone. Otherwise its business as usual.

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:

Could use some guidance picking the right model.

Hello!
So I've been going through a saga of getting the right phone and even through googling its hard to decipher exactly what i need given my experience.
I'll provide some details and where I'm at or at the bottom i'll give a TLDR.
I live in the US have AT&T and I want a rooted S7.
Got a S7 for xmas, after doing some research found out that model isn't rootable (SM-G930).
Returned it got one I found was rootable SM-G930W8, said unlocked, and I saw on a few resources it was compatible with AT&T.
Rooted the w8 beautifully, got my new sim card and no signal.
Put in #7465625*638*# and said "Carrier Locked"
Worked with an unlock service, they looked up my phone to tell me exactly what it was, have the code on deck.
Enter code, crickets but possible my sim card doesn't work or i need to try on the stock rom.
Got a new new sim card, no signal. Erased my root and went stock data wipe, no signal.
Tried my best to find stock firmware that lined up with the info the unlock company gave, no signal.
Now, given all that information, can anyone recommend me a model? Just want it to be rootable and work with AT&T.
I'd appreciate any comments on my experience too because clearly i messed up somewhere or the phones sim card reader was busted etc.
TL;DR : I'm USA & AT&T. I want an s7 that is rootable. Had an episode with my previous attempts and would love a guru's advice.
The sm-g930w8 is the same model sold by all carriers in Canada.
Does the phone have a clean imei? Sim card works in another phone?
audit13 said:
The sm-g930w8 is the same model sold by all carriers in Canada.
Does the phone have a clean imei? Sim card works in another phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The old s7 has been sent back so I can't really answer that question.
Nor can I answer the sim card works, because i dont have an extra phone that uses that type.
I did go to the AT&T store to ask if they could check my sim card with an extra phone they have.
Apparently they don't have extra phones ready for that type of nature??? (wtf???)
So I got a new sim card activated from them to see if the s7 would take it, it didn't.
Still just sounds carrier unlocked to me, what service were you using to try unlock it?
Otherwise the G930F is the international model and easiest to mod.
Only concern you'd have is the US uses a different network standard to the rest of the world, so your 3G/4G won't work as well on a non-US device.
EDIT: There also seems to be some root methods for the US models:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...-to-notes-root-install-xposed-unroot-t3411039
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s7/how-to
Beanvee7 said:
Still just sounds carrier unlocked to me, what service were you using to try unlock it?
Otherwise the G930F is the international model and easiest to mod.
Only concern you'd have is the US uses a different network standard to the rest of the world, so your 3G/4G won't work as well on a non-US device.
EDIT: There also seems to be some root methods for the US models:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...-to-notes-root-install-xposed-unroot-t3411039
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s7/how-to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So to give more details.
I installed the Superman Rom, put the # in to input the carrier code. At the top, in all caps, above the input for the code "CARRIER LOCKED".
Would the superman rom mess with that? or show bad info? not sure
What i do know is that i factory reset the phone, tried the # to get the prompt didn't work.
Tried a few alternatives, same one with the actual network code in it, the 1101, both didn't work.
The company is "Unlock Scope"
Is the imei of the w8 clean?
The w8 should work with at&t when unlocked.
audit13 said:
Is the imei of the w8 clean?
The w8 should work with at&t when unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm not 100% sure but..
When I was originally using the unlock service they needed the original carrier information, which I didn't know, so they asked for the IMEI so they could look it up.
They emailed a full list of details on it and I'd think that it would of been flagged in that process, assuming though.
So the w8 is now unlocked through the unlocking service?
Here's a link to the swappa imei checker: https://swappa.com/esn
audit13 said:
So the w8 is now unlocked through the unlocking service?
Here's a link to the swappa imei checker: https://swappa.com/esn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no the w8 never unlocked. code never worked.
Thanks for the link
Edit:
Checked and it came clear.
Was the phone sold as being unlocked? Is the seller able to give you any carrier information about he phone?
Are you able to change the csc by entering this into the dialler: *#272*Phone’s IMEI Here# ?
audit13 said:
Was the phone sold as being unlocked? Is the seller able to give you any carrier information about he phone?
Are you able to change the csc by entering this into the dialler: *#272*Phone’s IMEI Here# ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't physically have the phone anymore. Returned to seller
Okay. You looking to get another s7?
audit13 said:
Okay. You looking to get another s7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yessir! I liked what I saw. My price range is 300-350$ and I'm seeing those types of deals on Ebay so i'm gonna keep going until I get what i want.
I'm open to other suggestions too.
You'll have to decide first if you want a Qualcomm or exynos phone.
audit13 said:
You'll have to decide first if you want a Qualcomm or exynos phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I was looked this up before and I remember thinking exynos.
Did some light research rn and i came to the same conclusion.
Your opinion?
audit13 said:
You'll have to decide first if you want a Qualcomm or exynos phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I remember, when I researched before Exynos was the choice.
After some light research I came with the same conclusion.
You thoughts? I want to be able to root it and use it on AT&T network if those factor in.
I know the 930w8 is an exynos and should support att frequencies.
audit13 said:
I know the 930w8 is an exynos and should support att frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the exact model I just had problems with
That is weird because I got one for a friend, got a network unlock code,and it works perfectly on T-Mobile and all carriers in Canada.
Maybe there was something wrong with the phone you received? Where did your phone come from?
audit13 said:
That is weird because I got one for a friend, got a network unlock code,and it works perfectly on T-Mobile and all carriers in Canada.
Maybe there was something wrong with the phone you received? Where did your phone come from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it from ebay.

Question Can I trade in my Verizon variant for an unlocked variant?

I got this as a gift through Verizon website and they don't know a thing about root/unlocked bootloader and they just got me the Verizon version. I'm not even going to try to explain why I want the unlocked version.
Aaannnyyywaaayyy lol. Is there a way I can just swap this out for an unlocked version or a site that does swaps like this? Is there maybe a root option without unlocked bootloader?
Someone suggested to buy the unlocked version and then return it with the Verizon one in the box. Probably not legal or would they even care? Probably won't do it anyway.
If you really want an unlocked one just sell the Verizon one through Swappa or a local marketplace as BNIB. Don't do #3 as they record the IMEI and serial number of the device that they send you. I'd imagine they'd give you an issue with returning the device when those don't match. Plus the whole legality issue.
zetsumeikuro said:
If you really want an unlocked one just sell the Verizon one through Swappa or a local marketplace as BNIB. Don't do #3 as they record the IMEI and serial number of the device that they send you. I'd imagine they'd give you an issue with returning the device when those don't match. Plus the whole legality issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I would sell but I don't have a phone to use until then.
sensation4gking said:
Yeah I would sell but I don't have a phone to use until then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your finances allow it grab the unlocked one from the Google Store. BF sale is about to drop so $100 off right out the gate. If you open the Verizon one the value will drop.
If it's paid off already call Verizon to carrier unlock it for you maybe by unlocking it you'd be able to root cause I've got the pixel 6 from visible few months ago and i was allowed to rooted and visible has the same variant as Verizon only difference is that visible sells their phones carrier unlocked
J0nhy said:
If it's paid off already call Verizon to carrier unlock it for you maybe by unlocking it you'd be able to root cause I've got the pixel 6 from visible few months ago and i was allowed to rooted and visible has the same variant as Verizon only difference is that visible sells their phones carrier unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't think they would allow that but wouldn't hurt to try. You'd think more people would suggest this.
sensation4gking said:
Didn't think they would allow that but wouldn't hurt to try. You'd think more people would suggest this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are distinctly separate. Verizon variants are not bootloader unlockable.
J0nhy said:
If it's paid off already call Verizon to carrier unlock it for you maybe by unlocking it you'd be able to root cause I've got the pixel 6 from visible few months ago and i was allowed to rooted and visible has the same variant as Verizon only difference is that visible sells their phones carrier unlocked
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It's controlled by IMEI whitelists. If Visible didn't specify they want OEM Unlocking to be disabled like Verizon does, Google doesn't blacklist the lots they buy.
Unlocked is $150 off on Google Store.

Question App says unlocked, phone stays locked

Had a hell of a time speaking with T-Mobile representatives these last couple of days. Everyone has a different opinion on what I need to do to unlock my S22 Ultra. Just today a guy recommended I download the T-Mobile Device Unlock app off the Play store and it said the following:
"Your device is currently permantently unlocked and allowed to be used with any carrier. Restart your device to apply these changes if your device was previously locked." Yet I do that and it remains locked.
Anyone else had this experience? Not sure what I can do short of returning it.
DJRepresent said:
Had a hell of a time speaking with T-Mobile representatives these last couple of days. Everyone has a different opinion on what I need to do to unlock my S22 Ultra. Just today a guy recommended I download the T-Mobile Device Unlock app off the Play store and it said the following:
"Your device is currently permantently unlocked and allowed to be used with any carrier. Restart your device to apply these changes if your device was previously locked." Yet I do that and it remains locked.
Anyone else had this experience? Not sure what I can do short of returning it.
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Click to collapse
If you're talking about OEM Unlocking, that is completely separate from carrier lock, and there's little the carrier can do about it.
The device is networked locked to T-Mobile.
DJRepresent said:
The device is networked locked to T-Mobile.
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Are you the original owner?
Has the phone been paid off?
Are you currently running T-Mobile firmware?
KOLIOSIS said:
Are you the original owner?
Has the phone been paid off?
Are you currently running T-Mobile firmware?
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Click to collapse
No, I'm not. There was apparently someone before me. The phone is paid off and I do believe there isn't any custom firmware on it and I went through a series of updates since getting the phone.
If this indeed is a T-Mobile phone, you shouldn't need the T-Mobile unlock app. Just look around in Settings > Connections & look around for SIM unlock, network unlock or something along those lines (I'm running US unlocked firmware XAA, so, I don't have the unlock in my settings, otherwise, I'd be able to give you the exact terminology).
Anyway, once you've found it, you should be able to check for the SIM Unlock. If it says you're unlocked & you're still having issues, I'd call customer service.
KOLIOSIS said:
If this indeed is a T-Mobile phone, you shouldn't need the T-Mobile unlock app. Just look around in Settings > Connections & look around for SIM unlock, network unlock or something along those lines (I'm running US unlocked firmware XAA, so, I don't have the unlock in my settings, otherwise, I'd be able to give you the exact terminology).
Anyway, once you've found it, you should be able to check for the SIM Unlock. If it says you're unlocked & you're still having issues, I'd call customer service.
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I know that. I've been on the phone with them for over two hours already. I asked them to put in a request to unlock it given the previous owner's contract and filed a complaint with the FCC. The phone SHOULD be eligibile for unlocking but the carrier is just being stubborn.
The "T" in Mobile stands for "Trouble"
DJRepresent said:
No, I'm not. There was apparently someone before me. The phone is paid off and I do believe there isn't any custom firmware on it and I went through a series of updates since getting the phone.
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Click to collapse
I got my T-mobile unlocked from 3rd party vendor as it was bought of ebay. I am using that phone in Asia and it is working fine. But i have a problem that i do not get OTA updates
raju_a said:
I got my T-mobile unlocked from 3rd party vendor as it was bought of ebay. I am using that phone in Asia and it is working fine. But i have a problem that i do not get OTA updates
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Who's the vendor?

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